This year, the Association of Foreign Wives of Japanese celebrates its 35th anniversary. Founder Joan Burk says she has a special bond with the unique organization. "I think of AFWJ as my baby," she wrote from her present home in Canada. "I will always be interested in everything about AFWJ and its members. I returned to Japan many times during the eighties and of course for special celebrations." Now she is coming again to Japan for AFWJ's 35th birthday and its special anniversary lunch, which will be held on Oct. 16.
Joan, originally from New York, is well remembered here under her former name of Joan Itoh. She authored "Rice Paddy Gourmet," which ran as a regular Japan Times column and became a book. Living then in the snow country of northern Japan, she described her life in the countryside whilst giving the background to Japanese foods, and recipes for both Japanese and Western dishes.
Her connection with Japan began in 1964 when she met a kabuki actor at the University of Hawaii.
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