Japanese community remembers 2008, toasts to 2009 at Japan America Society’s annual bonenkai

The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati (JASGC) knows how to throw a good party.On December 8, at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati’s Japanese and American business communities remembered the good of 2008, forgot the bad, and looked forward to 2009 at JASGC’s annual bonenkai.A bonenkai – literally “a party to forget the year’s troubles” in Japanese – is de rigueur for organizations in Japan.  JASGC first introduced this yearly cultural rite of passage to Cincinnati 20 years ago, and it’s still enjoyed today.Building on the successes of 2008, in 2009 JASGC hopes “to reach a broader group of people in the community,” says Carrie Bogner, JASGC (position).This year’s bonenkai hosted over 140 guests, featured entertainment by award-winning, local violinist Kaori Matsui, who has been on NPR’s podcast From the Top over 100 times; and the Sakura Ladies Chorus, who have performed at the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Asian Cultural Festival and the Cincinnati Fine Arts Fund’s Art Sampler Weekend.  JASGC’s 2008 bonenkai was sponsored by All Nippon Airways, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Cincinnati Symphony, Fifth Third Bank and Pioneer Automotive Technologies, among others.More information on JASGC and its exciting cross-cultural and business opportunities can be found here.Writer: Jonathan DeHartSource: The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati