\title{Japan Chapter}
\author{Toru Mori}
\maketitle

\section{Key Accomplishments}
\begin{itemize}
\item  Held the 3rd annual conference in November in \href{http://www.osgeo.jp/foss4g2008-in-tokyo/}{Tokyo} and \href{http://www.osgeo.jp/foss4g2008-in-osaka/}{Osaka}, attended 150 active people. Invited Jeff McKenna to give them a speech and promoted OSGeo and its community. Christopher Schmidt and Claude Philipona gave speech.
\item  Enhanced \href{http://www.osgeo.jp/}{local website} (in Japanese language).
\item  5 local sponsors, Osaka-city Univercity, Autodesk Japan, Ouyougijyutsu, Mapconcielge and Orkney.
\item  Organized "Osaka mini event", invited Helena Mitasova of North Carolina State University, Hiroshi Miura of OpenStreetMap Japan and local geospatial reserchers at Osaka-city University, Osaka in May 2008.
\item  Promoted OSGeo activities at GeoMedia Sumitt in Tokyo (December 2008).
\item  Organized local board committee consists of 11 most active members.
\end{itemize}

\section{Areas for Improvement}
\begin{itemize}
\item  Launched local sponsorship, which enabled us to keep regular activities and visible.
\end{itemize}

\section{Opportunities to Help}
\begin{itemize}
\item  Join and express your opinions to our local mailing lists.
\item  Contribute us translated materials of OSGeo.org pages.
\item  Become sponsor of the Japan Chapter and support local activities in financial.
\end{itemize}

\section{Outlook for 2009}
\begin{itemize}
\item  Enrich the local OSGeo web site.
\item  4th annual conference (currently scheduled in November).
\item  Organize off line activities such as face to face meetings and beer parties!
\end{itemize}