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NC State / Govt. / Organizations

NC State Office of Global Engagement

The NC Japan Center’s parent organization at NC State, the Office of Global Engagement, is responsible for all NC State internationalization efforts, including global education, research, and partnerships. The Office of Global Engagement is NC State’s window to the world, and brings the world to NC State.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad at NC State University, under the Office of Global Engagement, will point you in the right direction for studying abroad. They provide a wide range of opportunities for students who want to study abroad.

Southern Bridge International, Inc.

Southern Bridge International is a nonprofit organization offering tutoring, interpreting, translating, baby-sitting, “Cafe de Mama” and “Prego Club” support groups for Japanese mothers, and other services. It is located in the RTP area of North Carolina.

JTA, Inc.

JTA, Inc. is a staffing, translation, interpreting, and business consultation company with competencies in connecting educated, trained candidates and companies in North and South Carolina. Japanese ex-pat support and relocation services are also available.

HR Best Solution

HR Best Solution provides skilled permanent, temporary, and part-time candidates for Japanese companies, as well as support for job seekers in the United States, in various fields. Interpreting, translating, tutoring and other services are also available.

Japanese Language Proficiency Test

The Japanese Ministry of Education (“Monbusho”) annually conducts an examination of language proficiency in Japanese for non-native speakers. This test is often used as one criteria of eligibility for work and study opportunities in Japan. The Japan Foundation administers this examination in several locations in the United States. Information about the Japanese Language Proficiency Test is available at The Japan Foundation website. JETRO also offers a business Japanese Proficiency Test:

The Japan External Trade Organization

The Japan External Trade Organization (“JETRO”) is a nonprofit, Japanese government-supported organization dedicated to promoting mutually beneficial trade and economic relationships between Japan and other nations. The JETRO office in New York is a comprehensive information center on U.S.-Japan business and economic relations, and offers American business-people a variety of consulting services and other assistance, usually free of charge. The New York office’s principal mission is to help American businesses in North Carolina and other southern states develop export trade to Japan.

Japan-America Society of North Carolina (JASNC)

The Japan-America Society of North Carolina (JASNC) is a nonprofit organization for individuals and corporations with an interest in Japan and US-Japan relations. We differentiate ourselves as a membership organization which represents individuals, businesses and other groups to promote a greater understanding and networking between Americans and Japanese through cultural events, public affairs, and educational programs across North Carolina.  In fostering mutual understanding between the two nations, JASNC serves as a resource for exchanging knowledge and ideas.

Nippon Club of the Triangle

The Nippon Club of the Triangle, founded in 1990, is a nonprofit organization run by all volunteers, and is committed to providing intercultural programs and activities in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) of North Carolina. The Club’s major goal is to foster deeper cultural understandings between Japanese and Americans. To achieve this goal, the Club promotes US-Japan cultural exchange and conducts local service activities. The Club’s signature cultural event is the annual NC-Japan Summer Festival (“Natsu Matsuri”), held at the NC State Fairgrounds, with approximately 6,000 attendees each year. Other events include a Member’s Day Picnic, Children’s Day, participation in the annual Raleigh International Festival, and “Mochitsuki” (mochi pounding). Satellite clubs include the Triangle Taiko Club (Japanese drumming), Triangle Chanoyu Club (Japanese tea ceremony), Kendo-Doshi Club (martial arts), Triangle Choir Club, Bon Odori Club and Mochitsuki Club.

Ikenobo Ikebana Blue Ridge Chapter

The Blue Ridge chapter of the “Ikebono” style of “ikebana” (Japanese flower arranging) consists of individuals who are at all levels of study, from novice to professors of Ikenobo. The Blue Ridge chapter members all learn together about the beautiful art of Ikebana through studying with “senseis” (instructors), workshops with visiting professors, and through demonstrations of styles, as well as practicing these styles at their monthly meetings.

The main instructor and chapter advisor is Mrs. Emiko Suzuki, and she teaches ikebana workshops at the NC Japan Center on a regular basis.  Please contact us for more information!

Realty Triangle Inc.

A leading, Japanese-owned realty firm focusing on the Triangle Area in NC, providing support in finding both rental properties and homes for purchase. Utilities, bank account, and social security number support services are also available.

New Venture Resources, Inc.

Utilizing significant experience in supporting and developing international businesses including Japan, New Venture Resources offers competencies in project management for small to mid-size businesses in the areas of human resources, services and solutions.

Johnson Brothers Mutual Distributing

Johnson Brothers Mutual Distributing is the largest distributing company in the state of North Carolina, and one of 24 locations for Johnson Brothers in the country. They have the largest, most comprehensive portfolio of high quality sake in the state and one of the most diverse selections in the entire country.

Sara Guterbock: Director of Education, Sake Portfolio Manager for Johnson Brothers:
sguterbock@mutualnc.com

Bushiken Karate Saint-Cyr Dojo

Bushiken Karate Saint-Cyr Dojo offers traditional Japanese Karate classes for children (starting at age 3) and adults. The classes are challenging, fun, and whether you desire to get in shape or learn self-defense, Bushiken Karate has something for everyone. We offer a one week free (no obligation) trial, and there are no long term contracts. Call today to schedule your trial and see the Bushiken difference! “Osu!”

North Carolina Driver’s Handbook (日本語):

Here, you can find the Japanese translation of the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook!

Other Links of Interest

Department of Commerce of North Carolina
http://www.nccommerce.com/

Economic Development Partners of North Carolina
http://www.edpnc.com

Consulate General of Atlanta > Japanese Government and Japan-related Web Sites
https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

The Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS/JAPAN)
http://www.seus-japan.org/

Duke University > Libraries > East Asian Collection
http://library.duke.edu/ias/eac/

The Japan Times
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/

Sankaku-Yokocho (Triangle Area Japanese Newsletter)
http://sankakuyokochoncusa.web.fc2.com/

Carolina 情報 Web Magazine (by Southern Bridge International)
http://www.nc-japan.org/

JC Raulston Arboretum at NCSU > Japanese Garden
http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/horticulture/gardens/japanese_garden
/japanese_garden.html