Post by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94)

JET alum Paige Cognetti, who has served as the Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania since 2019, recently announced her campaign to run for Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district in 2026.
Her announcement follows JET alum Taylor Wettach’s recent announcement to run for Congress in Iowa.
For more information about her, check out these links:
- Times Leader, “Scranton Mayor Cognetti announces campaign for Congress to ‘clean up corruption’”
- Politico: “Scranton mayor launches House campaign, goes after Rob Bresnahan’s stock trades“
- Wikipedia: “Paige Cognetti“
- Campaign page: “Paige for Scranton“
***************************
A few more JET alums in politics!
- JET alum Vanessa Grossl, who was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives (District 88) in 2025 and attended the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) which was recently hosted in Lexington, KY.
- JETAA Northern California’s Ellen Kamei, who is the current mayor of Mountain View, CA;
- JETAA Hawaii’s Nadine Nishioka who ran for State Representative in 2004;
- Brooklyn’s own Anthony Bianchi (Aichi-ken, 1987-89) who has served as a City Councilman in Aichi-ken, Inuyama-shi for many years and made headlines as the first North American to hold elected office in Japan.
- Virginia Second District Representative (and JET alum) Jen Kiggans, who recently spoke about her formative time on JET during a Virginia reception held at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence.
- Nashville District 17 Council Member Terry Vo, who has generously volunteered for a JETAADC career panel in the past in addition to previously serving as an officer for Music City JETAA.
- JET alum Kyle Schlachter (Kyoto) is the mayor of Littleton, Colorado (incidentally, where US JETAA Executive Director Jessyca Livingston also lives!)
Ganbatte Paige-san!

If I missed any other JET alums in politics of note, feel free to email me at stevenwaseda [at] jetwit dot com!
Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Inside Sales
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: Southlake, TX, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to Carlos Medina (Oita, 2019-2022) for passing along the following job opening.
A Japanese Manufacturing Company is currently looking for a full time, Salesperson to join their Southlake, TX location.
The company is seeking a motivated Sales professional with a strong understanding of radio-controlled products, including cars, buggies, trucks, and boats. The ideal candidate will have sales experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
Your essential duties would be as follows:
Essential Duties
• Maintain a deep understanding of our product lines
• Participate in training sessions, meetings, and provide product feedback
• Keep up-to-date with industry trends and developments
• Build strong communication with customers and team members
• Work independently with a results-driven and positive attitude
Please consider the following qualifications:
• Minimum 1 year of sales experience or related role
• Knowledge of radio-controlled cars, buggies, trucks, and boats
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Strong work ethic and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Application Process: To apply, please send your resume to carlos[at]919usa[dot]com
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.
As the summer winds fade into fall colors, the weeks ahead are shaping up with these exciting events, ready to be enjoyed after Labor Day.
This month’s highlights include:

Opens Friday, September 5
IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue
$15, $18
LINDA LINDA LINDA is an effervescent, tenderhearted snapshot of youth about the unparalleled joy of jamming out with your friends. The soundtrack fuses bangers from iconic Japanese bands The Blue Hearts and Base Ball Bear with original music composed by James Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins. The beloved classic from Nobuhiro Yamashita (Ghost Cat Anzu) has been called one of the greatest Japanese films of the 21st century (Indiewire). In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the utterly charming and timeless classic returns with an all-new 4K restoration! For Kei, Kyoko, and Nozomi, their dream of playing the final high school concert together is dashed when their lead vocalist quits the band. Desperate, they recruit the very first person they see: Korean exchange student Son, played by Doona Bae (The Host, Broker), whose comprehension of Japanese is limited at best. It’s a race against time as the group struggles to learn three songs in three days for the festival’s rock concert. Also starring Aki Maeda (Battle Royale), Yu Kashii (Death Note), and Shiori Sekine (of the hit band Base Ball Bear).

September 6-7
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street
$150 general admission, $200 VIP admission
The biggest sushi expo in the U.S. returns! Indulge in unlimited tastings of the freshest seafood, meats, sushi, and more, including the world’s finest-grade bluefin tuna, yellowtail, sea bream, salmon, sea urchin, wagyu beef, and much more! Globally renowned exhibitors from True World Foods, a pioneer in the seafood industry for over 40 years, will showcase the finest seafood purveyors from around the world. This year’s enhanced event will feature top-tier restaurants from New York and New Jersey. Watch an iconic tuna cutting demonstration and experience the incredible process as executive chefs expertly slice a giant 400-pound bluefin tuna, presenting the freshest premium tuna right in front of you!

Opens Thursday, September 11
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Various theaters
Various prices
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, the first feature film in the three-part cinematic trilogy, will come to theatres including Imax and premium large formats. This latest theatrical feature film in the epic saga is set in the same universe as the 2020 global phenomenon Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which earned $507 million worldwide and remains the highest-grossing movie of all time. As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engaged in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the forthcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji. The destination of where Tanjiro and Demon Slayer Corps have fallen is the demons’ stronghold – the Infinity Castle. And so, the battleground is set as the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons ignites!
Read MoreBy Chang-Hyun Choi for JQ magazine. Photos courtesy of COVER Corp.

Last week hololive production returned to New York City, featuring showcases of their world-renowned virtual talents or “vtubers,” who combine VR/AR technologies with a wide range of online and in-person experiences, such as streaming, music, fan meetings, concerts, and much more.
In NYC, these vtubers captivated thousands of fans with their hololive English 3rd Concert -All for One- at the historic Radio City Music Hall on August 23 and 24, along with the hololive STAGE World Tour ’25 -Synchronize!- at the Javits Center as part of Anime NYC, the East Coast’s largest anime convention, on August 22. In addition, various interactive experiences were held as part of hololive Meet throughout that weekend, combining unique fan meetings and karaoke with virtual visits from hololive vtubers from across the world. The fans arrived in the city equipped with merch promoting their favorite talents, ready to show off their passion by cheering loudly and waving their penlights at these events.
In this exclusive interview, JQ had a special opportunity to chat with Takanashi Kiara, an idol phoenix vtuber of hololive English and one of the pioneers of the English vtubing world. She shared with us her thoughts and impressions about performing at the hololive English 3rd Concert -All for One-, along with her experiences in NYC with other hololive members.
We really appreciate this opportunity to speak with you. First could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, I’m Takanashi Kiara, from hololive English -Myth-, which is the first generation. Together with four of my colleagues at the time, we basically created the branch, hololive English. I’m from Austria actually, in Europe–not Australia, very important to note that. I was born and raised in Austria, so I speak German, but there’s no German branch so I’m in the English branch. I also speak fluent Japanese because I lived in Japan for a while, so people know me as, like, the multilingual, talkative, dancing entertainer that I am. And I really like to also do a lot of fun streams and bangin’ music. So, check it out!

This weekend was the hololive English 3rd concert All for One. For you, this wasn’t your first time performing at such a concert. In fact, you’ve performed at all three of them. What was your impression of All for One as a veteran of these hololive English concerts?
Well first of all, it was really awesome to come back to New York because I really enjoyed my time here last time. And then last time we already had a great venue but this time the venue was even bigger, even more legendary and well-known. Personally, being from Austria, I don’t really know many venues here but even I have heard of and have seen the Radio City Music Hall. So, it’s actually quite the honor to be there and something I will probably forever be able to show to my friends and my family and be like, “Look where I was standing in front of this ocean of fans that have so much love and passion for us!” It’s just amazing seeing the passion every time and they’re all such a great crowd, so supportive, and this time I could share the stage with Justice, our new generation. It was their first time and it was so cute and lovely to see them, see their excitement. They were really nervous and it was also super cute to see, but then they did their best and gave it their all and I feel like a very proud parent. It’s kinda tacky or cheesy to say that, but a lot of things have happened over the past five years, so with all the change that’s been going on and I’m not going to lie, certainly things that make me feel a little bit lonely or sad, seeing some of my gen mates not being on stage with us anymore, compared to last year. Last year Myth was still standing there with five people and now we were only standing there with three people. But I definitely got cheered up and motivated thanks to the energy of not just Justice, but my kohai in general, so I’m really grateful for that. It’s giving me new life basically, new energy.

On the note of seeing Justice perform for the first time, you’ve also seen the other generations of hololive English debut on the big stage. Can you comment on any differences in seeing Justice here compared to those previous experiences?
I have to say Justice is so unique, they have such great charms, they’re so funny, they’re such great entertainers. The things they bring to the table are just endless, like seeing Elizabeth belt out notes that are like…her voice, her voice is the voice of a century I would say. It’s mind-blowing to me that such a talent is on stage with me together and I feel honored to be with her there, too. And also all the other members too, like Cecilia suddenly bringing out her violin and stuff. That was magical and beautiful, and fascinating. And then Gigi with her incredible energy that never ends and her charm, her wit. She’s just such a great comedian and she acknowledges that, too. And Raora’s the cutest cat ever. I’ve been spending a lot of time with her backstage and bonding so much with her. I feel like we get along so well because we’re both culturally from the same area and I can really feel that connection. I hope that people can feel that charm and that unique personality from her as much as I do.
So, it’s incredible and I’ve been saying this these past days, but I am so glad that hololive or also vtubing in general can give such talents that maybe might be overlooked otherwise, a stage to shine on and a place to be in. And I feel the same way for me, like I’m really glad that I got such a great opportunity. I was really lucky to join hololive in a time where the world was scrambling and it changed my whole life. And this seems to have also changed the lives of my kohai and I’m really, really happy to see them succeed like that.
Read MorePosted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Senior Director, Alumni Relations
Posted by: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Location: Bronx, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine for passing along the following job opening.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Einstein Donor Outreach, Communications, & Alumni Relations (AVP), the Senior Director of Alumni Relations (Senior Director) plays a key role in expanding existing alumni programs and leading the implementation of innovative initiatives that further foster engagement and affinity among the 11,000 Einstein alumni of all programs including MD, MSTP, PhD, and MS. The incumbent also will manage communications with alumni from each of the described programs above.
The Senior Director collaborates strategically with internal partners across the development team including special events, annual giving, external relations, data services/operations, frontline fundraising staff and other campus partners to advance alumni engagement and fundraising goals. Moreover, this role is critical in supporting the College of Medicine’s overall alumni fundraising efforts, and the Senior Director must be comfortable and conversant with standard practices in annual, planned, and major giving.
The incumbent will also work closely with the Alumni Association Board of Governors and its subcommittees to help foster strategic engagement opportunities. The Director will supervise 1.5 alumni relations professionals.
Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4289705315/
Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Assistant Director of Study Abroad
Posted by: SUNY Cortland
Location: Cortland, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to Mike Foki (Ibaraki-ken Koga-shi, 2009-2014) for passing along the following job opening.
The State University of New York at Cortland (SUNY Cortland) invites applications for the position of Assistant Director of Study Abroad within the International Programs Office. This role offers the opportunity to join a dedicated and collaborative team of professionals committed to advancing international educational exchange and supporting student success.
SUNY Cortland’s study abroad staff manage a robust portfolio of over 40 programs in 21 countries, serving approximately 300 students annually. The Assistant Director will play a key role in coordinating part of these programs, advising students, and fostering global engagement across the campus community. The position also involves maintaining strong working relationships with SUNY Cortland’s international partners abroad to support the continued success and development of high-quality study abroad experiences.
Any questions about this position please reach out to me directly <michael[dot]foki[at]cortland[dot]edu> ! Best of luck!
Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/10526
Job: Japan Bowl Assistant – Japan-America Society of Washington D.C. (Washington, D.C., USA; Hybrid)


Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Japan Bowl Assistant
Posted by: Japan-America Society of Washington D.C.
Location: Washington, D.C., USA; Hybrid
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to Sami Marks (Ishikawa Prefecture, Komatsu City, 2018-2023) for passing along the following job opening.
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASWDC) is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to support the National Japan Bowl, America’s premier Japanese-language competition! As the Japan Bowl Assistant, you’ll help manage a dynamic two-day event celebrating talented high school students and their passion for Japanese language and culture.
Roles and Responsibilities: Work at the direction of the Japan Bowl Team to ensure all aspects of the two-day event are managed. Be familiar with all areas of the event and provide support to the Japan Bowl team and volunteers as
needed.
Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Job: Multiple Positions – Japan Village (Brooklyn, NY, USA)


Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Multiple Positions
Posted by: Japan Village
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to Sierra Block Gorman (Gunma Prefecture, 2021-2024) for passing along the following job openings.
Located in Industry City, Japan Village strives to bring Japanese hospitality and culture to New York. Please also feel free to reach out about volunteer opportunities, including at the Summer Festival on August 23rd.
Descriptions:
- Barista – Prepare and serve coffee, tea, and specialty drinks (with a focus on matcha), provide excellent customer service, and maintain a clean, organized work area.
- Restaurant Manager – Oversee daily restaurant operations, manage staff schedules, ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and deliver an exceptional dining experience for guests.
- Bartender – Craft and serve cocktails and beverages, maintain bar inventory, engage with guests in a friendly and professional manner, and ensure the bar area is clean and organized.
- Cashier – Handle transactions accurately using the POS system, provide excellent customer service, and assist in keeping the checkout area neat and efficient.
Application Process: Email a cover letter and resume to hr@japanvillage.com.
Job: Sales/Supply Chain Assistant – Nose Kozai Inc. (Osaka, Japan)


Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Sales/Supply Chain Assistant
Posted by: Nose Kozai Inc.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to Ryan Pledger (Niimi-shi, Okayama, 2015-2019) for passing along the following job opening.
●Description
This role centers on global communication, supply chain coordination, interpretation/translation, and international business development.
• Communicate with overseas clients (mainly Europe and North America) via email and online meetings.
• Create and translate business documents (estimates, contracts, shipping documents)
• Provide interpretation during meetings and support English-language training programs.
• Representing our company at international trade shows
●Industry
Manufacturing (Aerospace, Defense, Industrial Machinery, Automotive, etc.)
Job: Various Roles – Senbird (New York, NY, USA)


Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Various Roles
Posted by: Senbird
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to Celia Yu for passing along the following job openings.
Job Positions: Customer Experience Associate/Tea Studio Associate, Fulfillment Lead, Fulfillment Associate, Production Lead, Production Associate, Content Marketing Associate
Organization: Senbird
Salary/Hourly Rate: These are all contract roles designed as a launchpad for the right candidate(s) to grow into a long-term, full-time position. We review performance at 6 months to determine fit. The pay ranges from $18-25/hr depending on experience.
Location: In-person in New York City
Application Process: All open roles and job descriptions can be found here: https://senbirdtea.com/a/careers
JET alum Taylor Wettach is running for Congress in Iowa!


Post by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94)

It’s not every day that a JET alum runs for Congress. The last time it happened (at least that I’m aware of) was when JET alum Rob Cornilles ran for Congress in Oregon in 2012. And before that when David Boling ran for Congress in Arkansas in 2010.
So it’s exciting to share that JET alum Taylor Wettach, a 2013-14 JET originally from Muscatine, Iowa, has launched his campaign for Congress in Iowa.
Here’s a link to his campaign website: https://taylorwettachforcongress.com/
Here’s an article from LawFuel.com about Taylor leaving his law firm to run for office: https://www.lawfuel.com/simpson-thacher-alumni-taylo-wettach/
And below is a cute video he posted that shares his “elevator pitch.”
Other notable JET forays into politics include JET alum Vanessa Grossl who was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives (District 88) in 2025 and attended the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) which was recently hosted in Lexington, KY. Also, JETAA Northern California’s Ellen Kamei, who is the current mayor of Mountain View, CA; Paige Cognetti who is the current mayor of Scranton, PA and recently announced her campaign for US Congress; JETAA Hawaii’s Nadine Nishioka who ran for State Representative in 2004; and of course Brooklyn’s own Anthony Bianchi who has served as a City Councilman in Aichi-ken, Inuyama-shi for many years and made headlines as the first North American to hold elected office in Japan.
Update: 08.13.25: A few more JET alums in politics!
JETAA USA Country Rep Vivian Chen mentioned that she saw Virginia Second District Representative (and JET alum) Jen Kiggans speak about her formative time on JET during a Virginia reception held at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence. And that JET alum and Nashville District 17 Council Member Terry Vo has generously volunteered for a JETAADC career panel in the past in addition to previously serving as an officer for Music City JETAA.
USJETAA Executive Director Jessyca Livingston shared, “My own mayor in Littleton, Colorado, is JET alum Kyle Schlachter! He was in Kyoto along with his wife.”
Ganbatte Taylor-san!
If I missed any other JET alums in politics of note, feel free to email me at stevenwaseda [at] jetwit dot com!
Job: University Scholarship Coordinator – Temple University (Tokyo, Japan)


Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: University Scholarship Coordinator
Posted by: Temple University, Japan Campus
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to Temple University, Japan Campus for passing along the following job opening.
Overview of Position
Starting Fall 2025, TUJ Tokyo will expand the Office of Student Services and Engagement team to include the University Scholarship Coordinator. This person will manage the administration of university scholarship programs for both new and continuing students and will be the point person for students to consult on both internal and external scholarships. The University Scholarship Coordinator will work with the director and senior management to develop a centralized system to manage scholarships across the university and to streamline the application and selection processes. The University Scholarship Coordinator will be responsible for researching external scholarship opportunities that match the varying backgrounds of students at TUJ and marketing those opportunities to the students.
About the Office of Students Services and Engagement (OSSE), our office provides high-quality services to TUJ’s diverse student population to support their success and well-being as they become members of the university community. OSSE assists incoming students with student visa applications, financial aid, housing, and organizes orientations to help students adapt to the academic and social life at TUJ. OSSE also oversees student activities and events both on and off campus and works with various student groups to encourage social interaction among students. As a member of the Office of Student Services and Engagement, you will have the opportunity to support off-campus student activities and excursions.
sparrosd@gmail.comJob: Japanese Language Immersion K-3 Teacher – John Stanford International Elementary School (Seattle, WA, USA)


Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Japanese Language Immersion K-3 Teacher
Posted by:John Stanford International Elementary School
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to Seattle Public Schools – John Stanford International Elementary School for passing along the following job opening.
Overview of Position
A classroom teacher fosters and enhances an effective learning environment; facilitates the development or revision of curriculum and instructional materials; establishes learning objectives and standards based upon general District guidelines; provides instruction; counsels, disciplines, and supervises to meet the individual needs of assigned students, and evaluates student performance and progress.
This position is in a Japanese dual language immersion program. Students receive instruction in English and Japanese. Teachers must have an Elementary Education endorsement and be able to read, write, speak, and listen in Japanese.
Essential Functions
Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned students; plans an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs and whole groups which may include at risk or special needs youth; prepares lesson plans.
Job: Researcher – Quick USA (New York, NY, USA)


Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Researcher
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to Quick USA, ACTUS, PASONA for passing along the following job opening.
A Japanese Organization is currently looking for a full time Researcher to join their New York, NY location.
This position is looking for candidates with great research skills who are proactive and have previous experience, knowledge and/or interest in Japanese companies as well as great communication skills and an affinity for Japanese culture.
JET Alumni would be a great fit for this position. Although proficiency in Japanese is not required, it would definitely be a plus. DOE and skills, this position could pay between 50k-53k with great benefits.
Essential Duties:
1. Arranging appointments
・ In the case of a request from a Japanese local government, the researcher will work together with a Japanese staff member under the direction and supervision of the deputy director in charge. (If there is no request form in English, the Japanese staff member will explain the purpose of the request to the researcher and confirm and coordinate with the Japanese local government as necessary).
・ Although the agency or organization with which the appointment is to be made is often identified in advance, it is necessary to coordinate with the client, taking into consideration their circumstances, as to the specific interviewee and the time of the meeting.
WIT Life #387: MIGA and other post-election stirrings


Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as art, film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she offers some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) coalition lost its longtime majority in the upper house of the Diet to a variety of opposition parties in last weekend’s election. The LDP had also lost its lower house majority in an election last fall, making this election the first time since the party’s 1955 founding that its coalition lost majorities in both legislative houses. Following the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the conservative LDP has shifted more toward the center and other right-wing parties have swooped in to fill the gap.

Most notable is the relatively new Sanseito (参政党 or Participate in Politics party), an ultra-conservative, right-wing populist party that campaigned on a “Japanese First” agenda and railed against the deluge of foreign tourists and foreign buying of Japanese homes. In its appeal to younger voters, in addition to its anti-immigrant stance Sanseito also seeks to raise wages and break the grip that older voters have held on politics (it also espouses the retrogressive idea that women should be less career-focused and have more children). Sanseito is led by Secretary-General Sohei Kamiya, a 47-year old former teacher who has cited Trump as his inspiration. He founded the party in early 2020 along with two others who have since left. At the time they gained prominence via a YouTube channel that spread conspiracy theories about vaccines.
Read More