The Japan Fundraising Group invites you to join them for the Great Tohoku Earthquake Symposium on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, from 2:00-3:00pm in the Kaneko Commons Auditorium. The symposium line-up includes: basic information about the earthquake/tsunami in 2011; present conditions in the Tohoku region; updates on the Fukushima nuclear power plant; Fukushima Voice website information; and a report by a current ASP student who volunteered in the area. There will be a Q&A period, as well as refreshments provided. There will be support bracelets for sale.  The event is free.

The Kaneko Commons Auditorium is located at 1300 Mill Street SE, Salem. There will be signs leading to the auditorium.

The Japan Fundraising Group is a group of American Studies Program students who are interested in helping with earthquake and disaster relief in the Tohoku area.

The ASP students who will be participating in the TaB (Take-A-Break) alternative summer break program held a free car wash to raise funds for the three different trips this July.  For many students, this typical American fundraiser was a new experience for them.  The car wash was held in the front parking at TIUA, 1300 Mill Street SE, Salem. Donations were happily accepted and will be used to help cover expense for the students as they have a chance to experience some opportunities not available during the school year.

The mission of the TaB program is to expose students to complex social and cultural issues through direct service, experiential learning, group discussion, and individual reflection.  The program's emphasis is on working in conjunction with local and regional volunteer and community agencies that focus on a variety of issues.  Students are encouraged to examine their own perspectives and world views in relation to their experiences on their TaB project.  This year we have three TaB programs scheduled:  1) Building Homes in the Community;  2) Homelessness and Hunger; and 3) Sustainability.

For more information please contact Sarah Shinn, Assistant Director, Student Life, at 503 373-3322 or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you have children who are fascinated with anime, manga, or other Japanese culture, consider sending them to  Kaneko Day Camp. This year's camp takes place August 5-8, 2013. Day Camp is a four-day cultural experience run by the students and staff at TIUA.  It  is an educational and fun way for children to get a taste of Japanese culture.  Some of the daily topics are:  origami, calligraphy, basic language instruction, songs, games, and dance.  It is one of the highlights for many of the American Studies Program (ASP) students who are here in Salem. 

Campers are divided into groups of around 10 children and they each attend a variety of sessions during the week.  There are two age groups:  elementary school and middle school.  

For a photo gallery from last year's Day Camp, click here. 

For more information and application forms, click here.