July Pika-kai

On Sunday, July 14, the Rocky Mountain JETAA community came together for our July Pika-kai, our monthly gatherings to connect with fellow JETAARM members. This month, we had a fantastic turnout with 10 members joining us for lunch at a local Asian bistro. The conversation flowed easily, filled with shared stories, laughter, and discussions about our favorite Japanese experiences.

After lunch, we continued the fun at a nearby movie theater to catch a screening of Princess Mononoke, a Studio Ghibli classic. The movie was part of AMC’s annual summer Ghibli film festival, a special event where they showcase different Ghibli films each week during the summer. Princess Mononoke was a perfect choice for the big screen this year with its breathtaking animation and iconic music.

This wasn’t our first time enjoying a Ghibli film together; last summer, we watched Howl’s Moving Castle during the same event. It’s becoming a bit of a tradition for us, one that brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth as we experience these classic films on the big screen. Overall, the July Pika-kai was a wonderful mix of good food, great company, and a shared love for Japanese culture, leaving everyone looking forward to our next gathering.