FEW Kansai: A Networking Group for Foreign Women

Monthly Meeting - 9/30/10

At Home in Japan: A Foreign Woman's Journey of Discovery

Date:        Thursday, September 30, 2010

Time:       6:00 p.m. Mingling, 7:00 p.m. Dinner, 8:00 p.m. Presentation

Where:     10th Floor Hilton Osaka

Speaker:   Rebecca Otowa, Author

Cost:         4000 yen - Members

 6000 yen - Non-Members (Women Only)

RSVP:        Esther Kodama at few_adm@hotmail.com by September 23

 In September’s monthly meeting, long time Japan resident and author Rebecca Otowa will speak about her most recently published book, At Home in Japan: a Foreign Woman's Journey of Discovery. The book is a collection of essays from her everyday life, exploring relationships with her home, natural surroundings, and Japanese neighbors, to deeper considerations about assimilating into a foreign culture and the psychological tolls and benefits of this. Rebecca will share what she has learned, and what she didn’t want to learn, from her unique situation in Japan which includes maintaining a 350-year-old farmhouse, marrying the chonan (eldest son), living with her mother-in-law for many years, and assimilating into the local culture.

Rebecca Otowa came to Japan in 1978 after a childhood in California USA and a student life in Brisbane, Australia. Almost immediately she met her husband, the 19th generation heir of a country farmhouse, and found her destiny. She has participated in neighborhood and town activities, raised two sons, taught primary school and University English classes, and kept a vegetable and rose garden for 25 years. She has found comfort and encouragement in her first great love, writing and drawing, as well as music, reading, handwork, and a lifelong inner search that has led her into many different avenues of creativity.

*** Menu ***

 

<Fish>

Marinated seasonal mushrooms and frise leaves salad, lemon vinaigrette

Salmon cake, Choron sauce

Chocolate crème brulee and pear compote with vanilla ice cream

 Coffee

 

<Meat>

Marinated seasonal mushrooms and frise leaves salad, lemon vinaigrette

Bacon rolled meat loaf with boiled egg, demi glace sauce

Chocolate crème brulee and pear compote with vanilla ice cream

Coffee

 

<Vegetarian & Vegan Meal >

Marinated seasonal mushrooms and frise leaves salad, lemon vinaigrette

Spaghetti all’arrabbiata with bok choy and vegetable frit

Chocolate crème brulee and pear compote with vanilla ice cream

  

&

  Vegan Meal

Pear and pomegranate compote with lemon grass granite

Coffee

Monthly Meeting - 6/24/10

Internet Security: Protecting Your Privacy Online 

Date:     Thursday, June 24, 2010

Time:     6:00 pm Mingling, 7:00 pm Dinner 

8:00 pm Presentation

Place:     10th Floor Hilton Osaka

Speaker:   Todd Welbes, Teachnology Specialist 

Canadian Academy

Cost: ￥4000 - Members 

￥6000 - Non-Members (Women Only)

RSVP:     Esther Kodama at few_adm@hotmail.com by June 17th, 2010

Every day, more and more information about ourselves is stored online. From bank accounts to social networks to Amazon wish lists, we expose more information to strangers than our parents ever told their next-door neighbors. With this exposure comes risk: the news loves stories of identity theft and kidnapping, especially when they start online. While some of these concerns are genuine, we also know that our presence online has many benefits, from reconnecting with old friends, to finding career opportunities, all the way down to the simple convenience of paying the light bill through a website!

So, how do we balance the genuine privacy concerns with the benefits of sharing our information on the web? In this session we will look at the dangers of putting information online, as well as ways to help protect yourself. We will also take time to share questions and concerns about personal, family and professional information on the web. 

Todd Welbes is a long-time computer geek and technology teacher at Canadian Academy. From the first time a guy in Spain used his credit card to purchase DVD's and computer games, Todd has been interested in finding ways to protect himself, his family, and his students online.           

Menu

 

All meals accompanied by coffee or tea. Fish and meat and vegetarian  menus come with a dessert of bitter almond blanc mange with basil flavoured lemon cheese ice cream and sweet tomato compote. See vegan meal for vegan dessert details.

 

***Fish***

Chilled fedelini with fresh tomato and white peach, mint flavor

 

Pan roasted sea bass with steamed vegetables

Celeriac puree vinaigrette and noisette butter

 

***Meat***

Chilled fedelini with fresh tomato and white peach, mint flavor

Beef Stroganoff with butter rice

 

<Vegetarian & Vegan Meal >

 Chilled fedelini with fresh tomato and white peach, mint flavor

Grilled Mediterranean vegetable with asparagus on filo tart

Steamed couscous with olives and red and yellow bell pepper coulis

  Vegan Dessert・

    Sweet tomato and strawberry compote with lemon sherbet                            

Monthly Meeting - 5/27/10

YOGA: The Power to Change YOU

 

 

Date:     Thursday, May 27, 2010

Time:     6:00 pm Drinks, 7:00 pm Dinner, 8:00 pm Presentation

Where:     10th Floor Hilton Osaka

Speaker:     Purvi Jhaveri, Hatha & Sri Sri Yoga Instructor

Cost:     4000 yen - Members

6000 yen - Non-members (Women Only)

RSVP:     few_adm@hotmail.com (Esther Kodama) by May 20, 2010

 

 

It’s no secret; positive thoughts create positive vibrations. Have you ever wondered how to reach that state of mind? Well, the secret is YOGA. The power lies within you. Through body and breath you can change your state of mind. In our May meeting, we will discuss the benefits of Yoga and how Yoga can help us physically, mentally and spiritually.

Purvi Jhaveri is originally from India, but she has lived in Kobe her whole life. Purvi completed her Yoga Education in India and Mauritius and is certified through the Art of Living Foundation. She currently teaches yoga at Gold’s Gym, Canadian Academy and private workshops.

 

 

 

May 27, 2010
*** Menu ***
 
 
 
Dessert： ＊Banana chip in vanilla rum parfait, Roasted tea sauce and cranberry sauce＊
 
<Fish>
Green asparagus, avocado and Tofu salad
Mesclun and raspberry- walnut oil vinaigrette
 
Sautéed escalope of salmon, wilted spinach and boiled potato, oseille sauce
 
 
<Meat>
Green asparagus, avocado and Tofu salad
Mesclun and raspberry- walnut oil vinaigrette
 
Poached chicken breast, sherry-white port flavored supreme sauce
Braised wax gourd and butter leaves
 
 
 
<Vegetarian & Vegan Meal >
 Green asparagus, avocado and Tofu salad
Mesclun and raspberry- walnut oil vinaigrette
 
 Millet, bamboo shoot stuffed roll cabbage in mushroom and tomato bouillon

 
&
  Vegan Meal　Dessert
Mango carpaccio with lemon sherbet and kiwi sauce

 

Monthly Meeting - 3/25/10

“Appreciating” Conversational Skills

Date:        Thursday, March 25, 2010


Time:        6:00 pm Mingling, 7 pm Dinner, 8pm Presentation

Where:     10th Floor Hilton Osaka

Speaker:  Susanne Eskildsen

Organisational Consultant & FEW Member

Cost:        4000 yen - Members

6000 yen - Non-Members (Women Only)

RSVP:      few_adm@hotmail.com by March 18 

 “Appreciative Inquiry” is a tool for enhancing conversation skills. Focusing on individual and group strengths, the “AI” philosophy helps one to explore possibilities, values, cultures and experiences. Primarily a professional tool, “AI” can also be used in private lives. In March Susanne Eskildsen will share ideas on how you can improve your conversation skills through the use of “Appreciative Inquiry.”

Originally from Denmark, Susanne has a Masters in Psychology and six years of experience in the field of organisation consultancy. She has extensively used “Appreciative Inquiry” in her own interactions with clients in addition to directly teaching clients the tool. Susanne’s consultancy expertise also includes solving conflicts in the workplace, improving communication in the workplace and exploring organizational cultures and values. 

*** Menus ***

 

** All menus come with a dessert of "sour cherry and mascarpone parfait, cherry blossom pistachio sauce and red bean salad, and coffee or tea **

 

 

                                                                                                           

<Fish>

Medley of spring vegetables and young butterbur “Tempura”

In celeriac puree vinaigrette

 

Roasted sea bream with king clam and spring cabbage, clam jus

 

 

 

<Meat>

Medley of spring vegetables and young butterbur “Tempura”

In celeriac puree vinaigrette

 

Beef tenderloin Chaliapin, jus de roti with garlic and onion and boulangere potato

 

 

 

<Vegetarian & Vegan Meal >

Medley of spring vegetables and young butterbur “Tempura”

In celeriac puree vinaigrette

 

Strawberry risotto with spicy crispy wanton and balsamic essence

 

 

&

 

  <Special Vegan Meal Dessert>

Tropical fruits salad with mango sherbet

 

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Monthly Meeting - 2/25/10

Planning Your Own Adventures

  

Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010

Time:        6:00 pm Mingling, 7 pm Dinner, 8pm Presentation 

Where:      10th Floor Hilton Osaka 

Speaker:     Jacquelyn Elliott

   Art Teacher, Avid Bicyclist & Amateur Explorer

Cost:          4000 yen - Members

   6000 yen - Non-members (Women Only)

RSVP:         Vanessa Asell at few_adm@hotmail.com by February 18  

Originally from Michigan, USA, Jacquelyn came to Japan in 1984 and by coincidence found a place to live in Nara. It was a perfect location to begin exploring some of Japan’s out of the way places, by bus or train, hiking and finally bicycle. 25 years later, she still spends most weekends on her bicycle, discovering new local “gems” and revisiting old favorites.

In February’s meeting, Jacquelyn will share some of her experiences and favorite places, give hints for challenging one’s self and hopefully inspire some to take on new experiences.

When not on her bicycle, Jacquelyn works full time at Canadian Academy as their elementary art teacher.

*** Menu ***

 

All menus come with a dessert of Caramelized pineapple and kumquat compote, caramel ice cream in fromage blanc sauce.

 

 

<Fish-Regular>

Campari and orange marinated yellowtail with spinach leaves salad

Pan roasted Itoyori on lily bulb puree, Brussels sprout and parsley jus

 

 

 

<Meat>

Salad of raw ham, pear and crouton with soft boiled egg

Roasted duck breast with sauteed apple and cranberry sauce

 

 

 

<Vegetarian & Vegan Meal >

Salad of bamboo shoot and mountain vegetable “Warabi”, fresh tomato sauce

Spaghetti Aglio olio e Peperoncino with ripe blossom and pickled plum

 

 

  <Vegan Meal Special Dessert>

Orange and kumquat compote with lemon sherbet

 

 

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Monthly Meeting - 2/25/10

Planning Your Own Adventures

  

Date:  Thursday, February 25, 2010

Time:  6:00 pm Mingling, 7 pm Dinner, 8pm Presentation 

Where: 10th Floor Hilton Osaka 

Speaker:     Jacquelyn Elliott

Art Teacher, Avid Bicyclist & Amateur Explorer

Cost: 4000 yen - Members

6000 yen - Non-members (Women Only)

RSVP:          Vanessa Asell at few_adm@hotmail.com by February 18  

Originally from Michigan, USA, Jacquelyn came to Japan in 1984 and by coincidence found a place to live in Nara. It was a perfect location to begin exploring some of Japan’s out of the way places, by bus or train, hiking and finally bicycle. 25 years later, she still spends most weekends on her bicycle, discovering new local “gems” and revisiting old favorites.

In February’s meeting, Jacquelyn will share some of her experiences and favorite places, give hints for challenging one’s self and hopefully inspire some to take on new experiences.

When not on her bicycle, Jacquelyn works full time at Canadian Academy as their elementary art teacher.

Monthly Meeting - 1/28/10

Planning For Your Financial Future 

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2010
Time:        6:00 pm Mingling, 7 pm Dinner, 8pm Presentation
Where:     10th Floor Hilton Osaka
Cost: 4000 yen - Members
6000 yen - Non-Members (Women Only)
RSVP:       few_adm@hotmail.com by January 21

Speaker:  Jason Hurst, Director of Operations, International Solution Group 

In January Jason Hurst will introduce a wealth-building model that is mostly forgotten during times of crisis such as the 2008 Subprime market crash. He will illustrate simple and effective strategies that, implemented correctly, will provide peace of mind in all market conditions. Interaction with these strategies will help audience members to better understand how to protect their assets, family and future. 

Jason will also discuss specific concepts such as Monthly Savings, Lump Sum Investments, Home Loans, Property Investments, Insurance, Alternative Investments, and Tax Saving methods that are available to protect one’s financial future. He will discuss how all these different strategies can be used to diversify one’s portfolio. In many cases different strategies working together can complement each other by providing a sound layer of protection in even the worst market conditions. 

 Finally, Jason will discuss how to ensure that risk is reduced by using stable institutions that have stood the test of time and survived world market turmoil. Plenty of questions from and interaction with the audience will be encouraged.

 Jason began offering accounting consulting services in 1998 and since 2001 he has been providing offshore financial services throughout greater Tokyo. He is an International Financial Advisor Certified by the Chartered Insurance Institute. He is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Japan and the International Computer Association. As a recent homeowner in Tokyo, Jason brings a real, firsthand understanding to financial services from the client's perspective--a must have when navigating the world of international investment. Jason enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and exploring the back roads of Japan.

Food Menu: <Fish> Winter vegetable minestrone, white Miso flavor Gratinated sole, vermouth sauce and boiled potato <Meat> Winter vegetable minestrone, white Miso flavor Braised beef cheek with buttered noodle <Vegetarian & Vegan Meal > Winter vegetable minestrone, white Miso flavor Ebiimo gnocchi, basil and cherry tomato sauce ** All menus come with a dessert of : White chocolate parfait, sliced pistachio cream and cassis gelato in spiced vanilla sauce and coffee or tea. Vegan Meal special dessert Strawberry compote cocktail with Yuzu sherbet - end -

Monthly Meeting - 11/19/09

A LIFE IN TWO HEMISPHERES

 

Date:        Thursday, November 19, 2009

Time:        6:00 pm Mingling, 7 pm Dinner, 8pm Presentation

Where:     10th Floor Hilton Osaka

Cost:        4000 yen - Members

                6000 yen - Non-Members (Women Only)

RSVP:      few_adm@hotmail.com by November 16

Speaker:  Tracy Slater, Ph.D. (Writer, Founder of the Award Winning Four Stories Literary Series and a FEW Member)

 How can you cultivate your own anchors and build your own roots amidst the challenges of living as an expatriate?

 

Never expecting to end up in Japan, married to a man from Osaka, or even moving for a relationship, Tracy Slater will present on how to build a life in a world that is not your native one.  Now splitting her time between Boston and Osaka, Tracy will share her story on how Four Stories and building a bi-continental life, even when everyone told her it couldn’t be done, helped her cope with ending up where she least expected to be.

 

Learn more about Tracy’s award winning literary project at www.fourstories.org and http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourstories/  .

 

*** Menu ***

 

** All menus come with a dessert of Hazelnut semi-freddo with caramelized apple, dry fruits and passion fruit-mango sauce and coffee or tea.**

 

 

<Fish>

Yuzu scented marinated turnip on grilled eggplant carpaccio

Sprout salad and turnip leaves fritter

 

Sole soufflé with wilted spinach and Pernod beurre blanc

 

 

 

<Meat>

Yuzu scented marinated turnip on grilled eggplant carpaccio

Sprout salad and turnip leaves fritter

 

Herbal piccata of veal fillet with roasted Brussels sprout and paprika cream sauce

 

 

 

<Vegetarian & Vegan >

Yuzu scented marinated turnip on grilled eggplant carpaccio

Sprout salad and turnip leaves fritter

 

Sweet potato risotto with rucola and vanilla flavored soy bean milk foam

 

<Special dessert for Vegan)

 Pear compote and cassis sherbet in soup of apple

 

 

- end -

 

Monthly Meeting - 10/29/09

Speak On Your Feet

 

Speaker:  Mary Anne Jorgenson, Corporate Trainer & FEW Member

Date:     Thursday, October 29, 2009

Time:     6:00 pm Mingling, 7:00 pm Dinner, 8:00 pm Presentation

Where:   10th Floor Hilton Osaka

Cost:      ￥4000 - Members

              ￥6000 - Non-members (Women Only)

RSVP:    few_adm@hotmail.com by October 25

Does the idea of speaking in front of a group give you butterflies in your stomach?  Do you wonder where to start when planning a presentation?  It can be hard enough to think on your feet, but to speak?! Clearly presenting yourself and your ideas is a skill that transfers to all areas of your life, whether making a proposal to your boss, sharing ideas at a meeting or introducing yourself at FEW.

 

Our October meeting will be a great opportunity to enhance your skills and confidence in public speaking. Mary Anne will offer pointers to polish your delivery and maximize your impact, and everyone will have a chance to put the skills into practice. Join us for this interactive session and be ready the next time you need to "speak on your feet!"

 

Mary Anne Jorgensen (FEW member) has worked as a corporate trainer and coach for ten years, delivering programs on presentation skills, teambuilding, and performance management to international professionals.

 

*** Menu ***

 

All menus come with a dessert of:  Pain d’epices flavored pumpkin chocolate chiboust with purple potato gelato and coffee or tea.

 

<Fish>

Pumpkin mille-feuille and marinated leek, herb salad and lemon vinaigrette

Pan-roasted Itoyori snapper with potato crust, mushroom flan and vermouth sauce

 

 

 

<Meat>

Pumpkin mille-feuille and marinated leek, herb salad and lemon vinaigrette

Roasted duck breast, soft polenta and berry sauce

 

 

 

<Vegetarian & Vegan Meal >

Pumpkin mille-feuille and marinated leek, herb salad and lemon vinaigrette

Baked chestnut and seasonal mushrooms in filo pastry and tomato coulis

 

&

 

  Vegan Meal

 Persimmon compote and cassis sherbet in soup of pear “La France”

 

 

- end -

 

Monthly Meeting - 9/24/09

What Individuals Can Do To Drive Their Careers

 

Speaker:    Mari Nogami

       P&G General Manager, Brand Operations & Marketing

When:         Thursday, September 24, 2009

Where:        6:00 pm Drinks, 7 pm Dinner, 8pm Presentation

Where:        10th Floor Hilton Osaka

Cost:            4000 yen - Members

       6,000 yen - Guests (Women Only)

RSVP:          few_adm@hotmail.com by September 21

                           

Born in Osaka and educated in Japan and the United States, Mari Nogami joined Proctor and Gamble in 1997. Starting as Assistant Brand Manager for Hair Care, Mari’s P & G career track continued as Brand Manager for Fabric Care, Brand Manager for Feminine Care, Brand Manager for SK – II, Market Director for Skin Care, and President of Max Factor. Presently she is General Manager of Brand Operations and Marketing. In September’s monthly meeting Mari will share how she progressed in her career, and she will address the questions ‘Why brand yourself?’ and ‘How can you build your personal brand?’

MENU SELECTIONS

All menus come with a dessert of "Mix nut caramel tart with rum raisin ice cream." and coffee or tea.

 

<Fish>

Poached salmon, sea scallop and apple remoulade with mimosa salad of mache

Roasted sea bream with sautéed mushroom and vierge sauce

 

 

<Meat>

Jellied terrine of beef shank and root vegetables, Gribiche sauce

Sauteed pork medallions glassed with spinach and Gruyere, sauteed endive and poultry jus

 

 

<Vegetarian & Vegan Meal >

Warm salad of grilled autumn vegetables

 Mesclun and raspberry vinegar-walnut oil vinaigrette

Braised mushrooms, chestnut and millet wrapped in cabbage, ratatouille coulis

 

&

< Special dessert for Vegan Meal >

Pear compote with red wine grape sherbet

 

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