Bounenkai: JASWI Year End Celebration

About this event

Join us for JASWI’s year end celebration event at Octopi taproom!

Attendees can enjoy buffet style dishes, hear a fireside chat and short Q&A with author Bob Kumaki, and connect with friends and colleagues. Drinks will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Registration required (links at the bottom of page). This event is free for JASWI members and $10 for non-members. Become a member today!

Bob Kumaki is a Chicago-based author, marketing professor, and business leader with a strong interest in Japanese-American food culture and community history. His book, Eat-a-Ducky-Mouse: A Gastro-Memoir and Love Letter to Japanese American Food Culture was published in 2025 and proudly underwritten by Kikkoman. This fireside chat will discuss the natural bridge between food, evolving traditions, and the broader Japanese American experience. His playfully titled book, Eat-A-Ducky-Mouse, takes its name from a sound-alike of itadakimasu, the Japanese expression of gratitude before a meal.

Signed copies of the book will be on sale at the event – grab one for your own reading or as a holiday gift!

Event schedule

• 5:30: Doors open, drinks available for purchase

• 5:45: Food is served

• 6:15: Chat with Bob Kumaki

• 6:45: Raffle & Networking

• 7:30: Event close

JASWI Member Registration