May 8 Meeting Doreen Simmons - Religion in Japan

Dear members and frieds of the Fellowship,

We had a lot of participants turn out for our April meeting.
Jim Dorsey, a Dartmouth professor on sabbatical in Japan, made an excellent presentation about the Japanese folk song movement of the 1960's which was thought-provoking about issues related to society at that time (and now) and such themes as the anti-war movement.

His presentation with photos and videos/sound was made possible by our member Chuck Olson's investment in a projector/speakers, which he will loan to us in the future too. Thank you Chuck from all of us.

Next meeting comes early in the month --- Sunday May 8th 3:00 p.m. Internationa House. (Intl House reception for any quieries is tel 3570-4611)

Our speaker will be long-time Tokyoite and early member of our fellowship from the time that founder Ken Woodruff was our leader -- Doreen Simmons. You probably know Doreen, who has been active under many hats and enriched the lives of so many of us English speakers in Japan. She has been the commentator/expert on Sumo. Formidible actress. Singer including in the British Embassy Choir and a stallwart member of St. Alban's Anglican Church. Contributor to many groups and causes (for which she modestly refuses recognition).

She will speak about her experiences of religion in Japan.

Peggy Kanada, moderator

Folk songs of the 60's in Japan - April 10th topic

Dear members and friends of Unitarian Fellowship of Tokyo,

Fellowship Meeting

Sunday April 10th

3 o clock (with dinner afterwards)

International House, please call them at 03-3470-4611 (24 hr front desk) if you have any concerns about possible cancellation

While the Fukushima radiation leakage problems are still far from resolved, many of us in the Fellowship who are long term residents of the Kanto area--whether expats or Japanese--are trying to return to our usual habits of work and spirituality, and to move forward with our lives.

It seems to me important this month that we make extra effort to join together at our monthly meeting in order to support each other, share our experiences and concerns, and confirm our friendships in these difficult times.

Thanks to Chuck we have an interesting and what looks to be enjoyable talk by James Dorsey on the folk songs that developed in the 1960*s-- looking at the politics and causes, history,censorship and technological changes of the era that gave birth to some great songs, many of which we know so well.

This should be a welcome change of pace. For a taste see: http://www.youtube.com/user/bandanaRamaMan

Our meeting in February with Doi Kanae, lawyer and graduate of Todai and NYU, was on the weightier topic of human rights and how her organization with a newly opened office in Tokyo seeks to combat rights abuses, looking at problems such as asylum seekers, refugees, and human trafficking in Japan. Her organization--Humanrights Watch annual fundraising dinner has been postponed until July 5th. Please contact me if you are interested.

We may be able to have someone from Polarisproject --who were our planned speakers for the cancelled March meeting --come speak later this year

Peggy Kanada, moderator

ps i urge those of you who are searching for ways to help those affected by the Quake and Tsunami to support Second Harvest. You will remember the inspirational talk that Charles McJilton (still running Second Harvest) gave to the fellowship a couple of years ago.Their site is www.2hj.org