Job posting via wlid-jobs Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Position Title: Senior Performance Management Advisor
Position Grade: G-13
Reports To: Senior Director, International Operations
Location: Washington, D.C.
About World Learning
The International Development & Exchange Programs of World Learning has an immediate opening for a Senior Performance Management Advisor. World Learning is a 78-year-old global non-profit with operations in 77 countries. Through its award-winning international education programs – The Experiment in International Living, the SIT Graduate Institute and SIT Study Abroad – World Learning fosters global citizenship by connecting over 3,000 young ambassadors annually across cultural differences and social barriers. Through its International Development & Exchange Programs, World Learning practices what it teaches, undertaking community-driven international development, training and exchange projects in sixteen countries. For more information visit www.worldlearning.org
Click ‘Read More’ for job details and requirements
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
A wacky article from the WSJ about overnight trips between otaku and their virtual lovers to the seaside area of Atami, not far from Tokyo. Local business such as yakiniku (pictured right) and dessert shops are catering to this new clientele with special menus and promotional products, adding a bit of economic stimulus to this past its heyday region. Hotels will often charge for two (for up to $500!) despite the fact that half of the couple is virtual, and the men gladly pay. An Only in Japan story that I hope will be taken in context!
Job posting via Quick USA, Inc. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Company: Japanese logistic company
Job Title: Customer Service
Employment type: Long-term temp position
Job Description: We are currently looking for a person to fulfill customer service position at export division of logistic company near JFK. The main responsibility of this position will be telephone calls, arrangement of pick-ups, and booking for airline etc. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO COMMUTE BY YOUR OWN CAR.
Salary: ~$15/hr
Requirements:
Location: Near JFK, NY
Contact: If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your resume to Shion Hoshino (Quick USA, Inc.) hoshino at 919usa dot com
In a rather brilliantly creative move, James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06), author of the acclaimed young adult novel The Order of Odd-Fish, has developed a classroom guide for the novel which is intended to be used by school teachers in class with their students.
In James’ own words:
Some schools have put The Order of Odd-Fish on their reading lists. That’s great!
So I’ve put together a classroom guide for Odd-Fish. It’s 44 pages of discussion questions, lesson plans, and projects. It also features Odd-Fish fan art by enthusiastic readers—art that was featured in our Odd-Fish gallery show in Chicago in April 2010.
This curriculum does the strangeness of the book justice, I think. Aside from the chapter-by-chapter worksheets, there are also activities such as inventing your own Odd-Fish specialty, writing your own articles for the Eldritch Snitch, researching Japanese rituals that inspired the Odd-Fish festivals, baking avant-garde pies, creating urk-ack music, and inventing one’s own Eldritch City mythologies.
It’s also gateway to other fields of study. The knights of the Odd-Fish are, after all, scholars as well as warriors. This curriculum touches on topics as disparate as cockroach anatomy, Shinto and Hindu mythology, the KGB, Wikipedia, foppery, real-life historical eccentrics, and more.
Download the guide for free here. And of course, I always enjoy visiting schools, either in person or by Skype.
Go pester your teachers now! I’m doing this for you, people!
And in JetWit’s opinion, while the novel is in the young adult category, it’s also one of the funniest books you’ll ever read as an adult. To read more JetWit posts about James, click here. And watch the below video to see James doing an extremely dramatic reading from the book at last year’s JET Alumni Author Showcase in New York:
Gail Cetnar Meadows (Hiroshima-shi ALT 2007-10), co-founder of Hiroshima JET webzine WideIslandView.com, shines a light on some of the upcoming events of Japan America Societies…
Tea Ceremony Workshop — Learn how to make a perfect bowl of tea at this hands-on workshop. During this tea ceremony event, participants can learn about the history, cultural contents and basic principles of the tea ceremony in English.
- Date: Friday, Sept. 17
- Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Place: The Japan Society of Northern California (Conference Room),
- For more information, click here.
- Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival — Enjoy traditional Asian music, dance and food, as well as arts and crafts at the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival. JASP will have a booth there demonstrating traditional Japanese wrapping cloth techniques (furoshiki). Learn how to wrap and carry a water bottle, make a waist pouch and more.
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 18
- Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Place: South Side Riverfront Park, Pittsburgh
- For more information, click here.
Nihon-to: The Swords of Japan — Come and learn all about Japanese swords from Frank Tomicek, a member of the Austin Kendo Doshikai and Japanese Sword Society of the United States, as well as a long time collector of Japanese swords.
- Date: Monday, Sept. 13
- Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Place: 1701 Toomey Road, Casa de Luz Auditorium (1F), Austin
- For more information, click here.
Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Cetnar Meadows the info.
Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003). Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Job Summary:
Performs general administrative functions to support the efficient and professional operation of the organization. Primary areas of responsibility include: maintaining membership records; providing administrative support for programs and events; updating the society’s website; fielding public inquiries; performing basic accounting functions; providing meeting support; and performing general office work.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Maintains the Society’s membership records, ensuring that records are accurate and current, including: sending renewal notices, processing payments, maintaining database, updating online directory
• Provides administrative support for programs and events, including: creating online registration pages, tracking advance registration, making travel arrangements, preparing mailings, producing printed pieces
Arisa Takahashi (CIR, 1991-94), the Treasurer for JETAA Northern California, has started a much-needed new LinkedIn group for JETs and JET alumni for those working in or interested in non-profit organizations and related fields.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the JET Alumni Non-Profit Group on LinkedIn. (Or just do a search for it on LinkedIn.)
Domo arigatou Arisa-sama!
**********
Matt Leichter (matt [dot] leichter [at] gmail [dot] com) (Saitama-ken 2003-05) is a renegade attorney who plays by his own rules. He operates his own blog, The Law School Tuition Bubble, where he archives, chronicles, and analyzes the rising cost and declining value of legal education in the United States. He also maintains the “Bankruptcy Legal Topics,” and, “Bankruptcy Billables,” sections for Steven Horowitz’s Bankruptcy Bill. For further reading regarding JETs and the law, he recommends JETs with J.D.s.
Anyone see Kore-eda Hirokazu’s 「誰も知らない」(Dare-mo Shiranai), the movie about the mother who abandons her four children in a Tokyo apartment? I thought of that movie when I learned that 4/10 law graduates over the last forty years are neither practicing lawyers nor judges. What happened to them? Did they land on their feet? If you’re going to law school will you end up like them? Found out more here.
Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003). Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Via the JETAA Student Services Google Group
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at Brandeis University is looking for a Department Coordinator. This person provides office support for the staff of the ISSO and serves as the front line contact and information resource for all clients of the ISSO, including students, faculty, scholars, staff, family members, visitors, and others who seek the services of the ISSO either in person, by phone, or via email.
Examples of Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for greeting all visitors to the ISSO and answering the ISSO main phone line. Also responsible for reading/maintenance of the ISSO office email account. Maintains office calendar for professional staff in scheduling student/scholar appointments and coordinating schedule of office meetings.
- Assists with planning and implementation of all office activities, including the arrangement of facilities and services for office functions and programs, oversees appropriate program advertising, making travel/conference arrangements for staff as needed. Participates in weekly ISSO staff meetings. Coordinates publication of ISSOnews, the office electronic newsletter.
- Coordinates the ISSO Host Programs: the International Undergraduate Student Open Doors Host Family Program and the International Graduate Student Peer Host Program; including advertising/selection of host families/host students, matching of new students to hosts, and coordination of programming for both Host Programs (including welcome dinners and events during the academic year).
For more information on the ISSO, please visit our website at http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/
Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003). Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Via the Golf Channel
Title: Freelance English>Japanese Translator (work from home)
Reports to: Director of International Operations Japan
Overview: Freelance translator will create a typed Japanese translation script of Golf Channel’s English language programming. Translation scripts must be broadcast quality in a ready-to-read format for Japanese voice talent.
Job Responsibilities:
- Translate all programming material from English to Japanese
- Type Japanese translations with time code in Microsoft Word
- Proofread and e-mail voice over-ready Japanese translation scripts
Minimum Requirements:
- Native Japanese ability (Tokyo Standard, reading, writing, speaking)
- Near-native English (reading, writing, speaking)
- English to Japanese translation experience; broadcast translation experience preferred
- Excellent knowledge of the game of golf and its vernacular
- Experience with Japanese OS and word processing (Microsoft)
- Ability to work with tight deadlines
- Weekly commitment preferred
Qualified candidates should apply directly to Debra Conrad at dconrad@golfchannel.com
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
Yesterday’s NYT had an article about the rise of Japan’s very own Tea Party. It profiles the rise of the Zaitokukai, or the Citizens Group That Will Not Forgive Special Privileges for Koreans in Japan. In comparison to old-line rightist groups this movement is known as the Net right, as they are organized via the Internet and come together for demonstrations. The article focused on their protest last December at an elementary school for ethnic Koreans. This year they also picketed theaters showing the documentary The Cove, which they perceive to be anti-Japanese. The group is led by a 38-year old man who insists that foreigners have caused Japan to go in the wrong direction (members even harassed some Westerners for wearing Halloween costumes!). The far right writes them off as amateur attention seekers, but nevertheless this is a disturbing trend.
In WSJ coverage this morning, there is discussion of how a majority of Read More
Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003). Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Joto Sake LLC is one of the leading artisanal Japanese sake importers in the U.S. Founded in January, 2005, the company has built an excellent reputation for its highly selective portfolio and its strong marketing and sales support. The company is now hiring a sales manager for Los Angeles. The job can be divided into two areas of responsibility—1) field sales, hand-selling and account management, and 2) distributor and territory management.
Field sales responsibilities include:
• Creating and constantly updating a target list of accounts: constantly re-prioritizing this list
• Identifying the buyer for each account, making contact and booking sales calls, conducting sales calls and closing the sale by making new placements, reprinting menus and booking staff trainings
• Growing our business in our accounts: increasing number of placements, adding by-the-glass pours, running waitstaff incentives, doing staff trainings and developing other promotions that drive volume
• Actively managing pricing to ensure competitive positioning of our products
Read More
Qualifications:
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Minimum of a college degree in a related area;
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Strong analytical skills; the ability through questioning and informal research to understand the feasibility and implications of submitted proposals;
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Desire to think creatively, explore new ideas, and develop new networks to foster innovative program ideas and funding initiatives;
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Strong oral and written communication skills in English;
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Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
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Understanding of contemporary Japan; experience living in Japan and proficiency in the Japanese language, including translating ability, preferred.
There’s a nice review of JET alum Lars Martinson’s graphic novel Tonoharu: Part 1 on the BoingBoing site written by Mark Frauenfelder titled “Tonoharu: Excellent graphic novel about an English teacher in Japan.” And according to Lars’ blog,
“Thanks to Mark Frauenfelder’s writeup about Tonoharu: Part One on Boing Boing, the book has made it into Amazon.com’s Top Ten Bestselling Graphic Novels today!”
Here’s the link to the review: http://www.boingboing.net/2010/08/27/tonoharu-excellent-g.html
Here’s a quote from the review:
“Published in 2008, and a winner of the prestigious Xeric Award, Tonoharu is a story of isolation, frustration, and mystery, with just the right amount of black humor to keep it from being depressing.”
For fans awaiting the next installment, Tonoharu: Part 2 is due out in December.
JET alum Rob Cornilles
JET alum Robert Cornilles won the Republican primary for Congress in Oregon’s 1st District and will be running against incumbent Democrat David Wu this November 2010.
Rob is also the founder and CEO of Game Face, a successful sports marketing company with a client list that includes the Chicago Bulls, Miami Dolphins, Boston Celtics, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.
For more information about Rob and his campaign, you can visit his website at www.cornillesforcongress.com.
JetWit is seeking a volunteer to help post jobs on the JetWit site. If interested, please contact Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
The role primarily involves taking jobs that have been sent to the JetWit Jobs Google Group and making sure they also get posted to the JetWit site in a timely manner. You’re also welcome to find additional job listings that might be of interest to JET alums and post them on the site as well.
Knowledge of WordPress is helpful. (If you don’t know how to use it, then I’ll explain it to you–a good chance to learn a new skill.)
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
A new LinkedIn group called “JET Alumni Policy & Government” has been set up by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) for JETs and JET alumni who work in any field related to policy or government, aspire to work in related fields or have an interest in the topic.
CLICK HERE to see the group and join.
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
My current travels bring me to Los Angeles, so a trip to Little Tokyo (aka 小東京 or sho Tokyo) was in order. My first stop was Mikawaya, a (cash-only) sweets shop located in the Japanese village. As you can see in the picture on the right, they have a colorful selection of mochi. The top row features fruity and exotic flavors ranging from strawberry, orange, pineapple, melon and blueberry to coconut and chocolate. They offer bite-sized samples (and let you try as many as you want!), and I enjoyed the coconut and the strawberry.
However, 
when it came to buying some mochi to take home I decided Read More
Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Bowling in Aiea – Saturday, August 28th, 4:45 to 7:00 at Aiea Bowl. Set em up and knock em down with JETAA Hawaii this month.
- London Pub Night – Thursday, September 2nd, 6:30 at the Crane and Tortoise. Practice your Japanese, see old friends and have some authentic Japanese cuisine at this month’s Pub Night in London.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, September 1st, 6:00 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Nara Candle Festival Volunteers Needed – As planning for the annual Nara Candle Festival continues, the search for volunteers is on for people to help before and after the festival, as well as people to work the gyoza stand. This year’s festival is happening on the 18th of September, so keep your calendars open.
- KaiWA – Thursday September 9th and 23rd, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
- Reel Anime – Sunday, September 19th Luna Leederville is playing host to this year’s edition of Reel Anime, a mini-festival celebrating Japanese Anime. This year’s feature is entitled Summer Wars. More details to come, so stay tuned.
- Returnee’s Party – Saturday, September 25th, 6:30 at Fuji Restaurant in Vic Park. Join the official welcome of the returning JETs to JETAAWA as a longtime member or a fresh off the boat returner.
- Mokuyokai Hike to Joffre Lakes – Saturday, August 28th, 8:15 A.M to 8:00 P.M. at Joffre Lake. Mokuyokai is heading into the woods for a challenging hike to the emerald green alpine Joffre Lakes. Transportation is included and the trail is a sometimes steep and rocky 11km, so come prepared for a workout.
- Bonsai Class – Saturday, September 25th, 10:00 to 3:30(with a half hour break for lunch) at the National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Center. Learn how to develop, transform and care for your bonsai at this informative class.
- Anime Costume Contest – Saturday, August 28th, 6:00 to 11:00 at the Chinatown-ID Night Market. Dress in your Cartoon finest or just come out for some delicious night market treats.
- Aki Matsuri Volunteers Needed! – PNWJETAA is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s Aki Matsuri on September 11th and 12th. Do your part in helping to preserve the JET Program by helping to inform people about JET and your own experiences working and living in Japan.
- General Meeting – Wednesday, September 1st, 6:30 to 8:00 PNWJETAA is holding its September General Meeting. Topics such as event planning, volunteer opportunities and much more will be discussed, so come out and lend your voice to the future of your chapter.
- Happy Hour – Friday, September 3rd, 6:00 at Kushibar. Old alums and new are invited to share a laugh or two over a drink at this month’s Happy Hour event.
- Samurai Sword Fighting Class – Saturday, September 11th, 2:00 to 4:00 at 440 Studios 4A. Samurai performer Yoshi Amao will be leading a special class on Samurai Sword Fighting, going over a variety of basic techniques with the class. Don’t miss this one of a kind experience.
- 2010 Annual JETAANY Softball Tournament – Saturday, September 18th, 9:00 at Red Hook Brooklyn. Sign up for the team or just come out as a spectator to this year’s slow pitch softball tournament.
- Book Club Meeting – Thursday, September 9th, 7:00 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. This month’s selection is Natuso Kirino’s “Out.” Start reading now so you can contribute to the discussion.
- Clash of the Baseball Titans – Ichiro vs. Matsui – Friday, September 10th, at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. Come out for a day at the ballpark to see the Angels take on the Seattle Mariners, followed by fireworks after the game.
- JETAA Golf Classic – Saturday, September 11th, 1:00 at Monterey Park Golf Course. Dust off the clubs and show your skills on the links for a friendly JETAA golf get together.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
Via the PNWJETAA Listserv:
Position in Seattle:
- Sales/Purchase
- Industry: Trading
- Salary 35K-50K, full benefits
Duties:
- Purchases agricultural products from suppliers in the US and sells to vendors in Japan, China and Taiwan
- Develop new markets and customers
Qualifications: Read More
Via the JETAA Job Listserv:
H&R Consultants K.K. and Relo Japan K.K. are currently looking to fill two positions: Relocation Consultant (Nagoya Office) and Car Lease Coordinator (Tokyo Office), and welcome applications from ex-Jets. If you are interested in applying for either of these positions, please follow the instructions on their webpage: http://www.morethanrelo.com/relocation-consultant.asp
These two companies were founded to provide comprehensive support in Japan for international assignees, their families, and their employers. Applications for the Car Lease Coordinator (Tokyo Office) are due to close on September 6th, and for the Relocation Consultant (Nagoya Office) on September 15th.
Via the JETAA Portland LinkedIn group:
Central High School in Independence, Oregon is looking for a Japanese teacher. The position is currently listed on the district website. Independence is 20 minutes West of Salem. If you have any questions please e-mail the principal Sylvia Warren as soon as possible at swarren@central.k12.or.us.
Via the JETAA Portland LinkedIn group:
Are you looking for an opportunity to help build an English program from the ground up for elementary school age children?
A new, private school located in Hokkaido will open in September 2011. The school is dedicated to providing a place for young children to experience an international atmosphere. The goal for the English program is to have a well-structured, yet flexible curriculum that isn’t based on conventional textbook teaching. Students will have the opportunity to learn while playing and experiencing activities held in the English-speaking environment.
We are seeking an experienced, creative and dynamic teacher to lead the English program for elementary school age children. Previous teaching experience and a desire to work with young children is a must. Experience in Japan is helpful, but not required. The position will commence in September 2010 or March 2011.
Please send brief history and reason for interest in the position to Courtneyadodson@ gmail.com, by *August 31*.
**** Position has been filled ****
Via the Hokkaido JETs listserv:
An ALT position has become available in Horokanai-cho and Wassamu-cho. Their ALT has fallen ill and has returned to Australia for treatment, so they are looking to fill this ALT position ASAP. It can be either a full-time or part-time position.
Here are the details:
Starting date: They would like the ALT to start September 6th and stay until the end of the term in December.
Location: Horokanai-cho and Wassamu-cho, both about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Takikawa. Monday and Tuesday will be in Wassamu, and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be in Horokanai.
Working hours: Full-time is 8:30-4:00, Monday through Friday
Part-time is 4 hours a day, usually Monday through Friday but depends on school’s schedule. They would ideally like the ALT to work full-time and participate in club activities.
Pay: Full-time is 210,000 yen per month, after taxes. Part-time is 2000 yen per hour. A car is necessary for this position. Transportation fees will be covered. Native English speakers are preferred.
Housing: An apartment is available in Horokanai for 20,000 yen a month.
The company hiring is JES Network. Interested applicants can contact them directly via their webpage:
https://shcgi.ftw.jp/master/100611/10061100258/f7245.html
Kyodo News has published a more extensive article on the JETAA USA National Conference (“US JET alums rally to save group’s funding from chopping block”) held in New York City August 12-15. Quotes from JETAA NY President Megan Miller (Hyogo-ken, 2000-02) feature prominently and help make the case for the value of JETAA to Japan while building on existing momentum. Such as:
“We now have a unified goal and position, which enables us to send a strong and consistent message to the Japanese government and to our local communities that JET and JETAA are not only worthwhile but essential to U.S.-Japan relations.”
Here’s the link to the full article in The Mainichi Daily: http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/news/20100826p2g00m0fe075000c.html
And here’s a scan of the first page of the original Kyodo article which includes a photo of Megan. (The Kyodo version is only available via subscription.)
Click here for more JetWit posts about this topic and related media coverage.
Japanese Heritage Night at Citi Field, Friday, Aug. 27.
By JQ Magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
Move over, Matsui.
The New York Mets will hold its first-ever Japanese Heritage Night at Citi Field on Friday, Aug. 27 against the Houston Astros, with discounted ticket rates available for all family and friends of the Japanese community.
Pre-game entertainment includes taiko drumming by acclaimed troupe Soh Daiko; a traditional Obon dance led by the Japanese Folk Institute of New York featuring dance participants from the Japanese heritage community and friends; the Spirit Award ceremony honoring those in baseball, the military and community service; and the national anthem sung by Japanese Hispanic American Kurt Sanchez Kanazawa.
Donna Tsufura, cofounder of Japanese Americans and Japanese in America (JAJA) and one of the organizers of Friday’s event, has contacted groups like the JET Alumni Association of New York to recruit volunteers to help publicize, assist with and participate in this special night, including the ancestor-honoring Tanko Bushi dance itself in center field. Tsufura said that this helps to fulfill JETAA NY’s mission to increase the understanding and appreciation of Japan and its people in the U.S.
Read the complete story here.
Tim Harms (1994-95) is film producer for the indie film The Vicious Kind among other films. Tim was also the line producer for The Harimya Bridge, a film written and directed by fellow JET alum Aaron Woolfolk.
Members of Monkey Majik with Deputy Minister Len Edwards
Maynard Plant (Aomori-ken, 1997-2000) is the founder of the well-known Japan-based band Monkey Majik (www.monkeymajik.com), which consists of two Canadian members (Maynard and his brother Blaise) and two Japanese members-tax and DICK.
For more information you can check out their:
- Website: www.monkeymajik.com
- Wikipedia entry (where you’ll learn about the origins of the band as well as how Maynard is fluent in Aomori-ben): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_Majik
- Embassy of Japan in Canada press release: “Goodwill Ambassadors, Monkey Majik, arrive in Ottawa to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Japan-Canada Diplomatic Relations”
Here is their song Change with the Yoshida Brothers (a video all JET alums will appreciate):
Do you know of any notable JET alums? Let us know at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
From Mauric Maloney, President of JETAA DC:
We’d like to thank those members who responded to our earlier call for volunteers for the JET Ambassadors Program. This is a second call for volunteers before we begin our orientation and school visits in the fall.
The JET Ambassadors program wishes to establish a network of volunteers who can visit local schools and discuss their experiences in Japan through photos, videos, games, and other props.
The main focus of these presentations will be life at a Japanese school, but they will vary from person to person.
The goal is to begin presentations in the Fall of 2010 and include all interested schools in the JETAADC area, including the Baltimore Region, Annapolis and the Eastern Shore, Richmond and other points South, and even West Virginia. So regardless of your distance from D.C., please respond if you are interested.
Each presenter will receive be reimbursed for his or her time and travel.
If you are interested, please respond to this e-mail with the following information.
Name:
Current Location:
Preferred E-mail address:
Phone:
Years on JET:
Prefecture:
Grade Levels Taught in Japan:
Current Profession:
Access to Metro/Public Transport:
Access to Car:
There will be an orientation on September 14 at the Embassy of Japan. More details will follow. Please respond by Friday August 27 if you are interested. If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Maurice Maloney
President, JETAADC
president.dc@jetalumni.org
PS – If you know of or work at a school that might be interested in receiving visitors, please let us know with the name of the school, its location, and the best person to contact.
Thanks to JET alum Sacha Battrick (currently working at CLAIR-Tokyo) for sharing this:
Barefoot Ted (aka Ted McDonald), a JET from 93-96, has established himself as one of the leading proponents of barefoot running. He’s also has a company that makes sandals based on models originally developed by indigenous peoples. He gave a Google talk about barefoot running back in March for the Authors@Google series.
More info about Ted at his blog: www.barefootted.com
Do you know of any notable JET alums? Let us know at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
It’s been a few years since I lived in Japan, but during my various periods in the country purikura played a big part in my life. Purikura stands for “print club” and refers to the sticker pictures often taken with friends that blanket Japan and many malls in the States as well. I must admit I sometimes didn’t fully understand all the purikura functions available and usually let my Japanese friends take charge, but they seem to have advanced even further these days. A special on the news this morning took a look at what current purikura machines have to offer.
Three functions were highlighted as being the most sought after by young women, who are the prime target of purikura. They are big eyes (デカ目 or dekame), skin beautifier (美肌機能 or bihada kinou) and linking to your keitai (携帯との連動性）. The first option of dekame works Read More
Update 8/25/10: Kyodo has put out an English version of the article. Here are links:
- http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100817a8.html
- http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/us-alumni-call-for-continuation-of-jet-program
Kyodo News Service ran an article in Japanese on the JETAA USA National Conference dated August 16 that was carried by a number of Japanese local newspapers. The article resulted from the JETAA press release issued at the end of the Conference. Below is the list of the papers. Thanks to Noriko Furuhata of the Consulate General of Japan in New York for sharing the information. (BTW, if anyone wants to write up an English summary of the article in the comments section of this post, that would be greatly appreciated.):
- 徳島新聞 Tokushima Shimbun http://www.topics.or.jp/worldNews/worldTopics/2010/08/2010081601000165.html
- 京都新聞 Kyoto Shimbun http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/politics/article/20100816000030
- 千葉トピ Chiba Nippo http://www.chibanippo.co.jp/news/world/entertaiment_kiji.php?i=nesp1281924322
- 山形新聞 Yamagata Shimbun http://yamagata-np.jp/news_core/index_pr.php?kate=Lifestyle_Human_Interest&no=2010081601000165&keyword=%A5%B8%A5%A7%A5%A4%A5%BD%A5%F3
- 新潟日報 Niigata Nippo https://www.niigata-nippo.co.jp/world/lifestyle/2010081601000165.html
- 大分合同新聞 Oita Godo Shimbun http://www.oita-press.co.jp/worldTopics/2010/08/2010081601000165.html
- 山陽新聞 Sanyo Shimbun http://www.sanyo.oni.co.jp/news_k/news/d/2010081601000165/
- 河北新報 Kahoku Shimpo http://www.kahoku.co.jp/news/2010/08/2010081601000165.htm
- 西日本新聞 Nishi Nippon Shimbun http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nnp/item/191143
- 山陰中央新報 Sanin Chuo Shinpo http://www.sanin-chuo.co.jp/newspack/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1059682016
- 北國・富山新聞 Hokkoku Toyama Shimbun http://www.hokkoku.co.jp/newspack/09kurasi2010081601000165.html
- 高知新聞 Kochi Shimbun http://203.139.202.230/?&nwSrl=224803&nwVt=npd
- 中日新聞 Chunichi Shimbun http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
- 神戸新聞 Kobe Shimbun http://www.kobe-np.co.jp/knews/0003323442.shtml
- 下野新聞 Shimotsuke Shimbun http://www.shimotsuke.co.jp/news/domestic/life/news/20100816/367829
- 岩手日報 Iwate Nippo http://www.iwate-np.co.jp/newspack/cgi-bin/newspack_s.cgi?s_lifestyle_l+CN2010081601000165_1
- 静岡新聞 Shizuoka Shimbun http://www.shizushin.com/news/culture/topix/2010081601000165
- 大阪日々新聞 Osaka Nichinichi Shimbun https://www.nnn.co.jp/dainichi/knews/100816/20100816024.html
- 中国新聞 Chugoku Shimbun http://www.chugoku-np.co.jp/News/Sp201008160110.html
- 佐賀新聞 Saga Shimbun http://www.saga-s.co.jp/news/global/corenews.0.1706307.article.html
- 熊本日報 Kumamoto Nippo http://kumanichi.com/news/kyodo/life/201008/20100816004.shtml
A few more links to the article that ran in major Japanese publications online:
- http://sankei.jp.msn.com/world/america/100816/amr1008161052004-n1.htm
- http://www.47news.jp/CN/201008/CN2010081601000165.html
- http://www.nikkei.com/news/latest/article/g=96958A9C9381959FE3E4E2E3E38DE3E4
- http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/country/article/20100816000030
- http://www.nagasaki-np.co.jp/f24/CN20100816/li2010081601000165.shtml
- http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
- http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
Also, below is a scan of an article in the Tokyo Shimbun that was written by one of their reporters who actually attended the Conference and has quotes from some of the JETAA chapter representatives with whom he spoke:
The organizers of the First Annual Japanese Heritage Night are looking for JETAANY volunteers.
Email Donna Tsufura at thedayako@gmail.com for more details (use “JETAANY” as the subject line).
Volunteers are needed for:
1) Information Tables: setting up and manning two tables with info on Japanese and Japanese Americans
2) Pre-Game performance: coordiinating taiko and bon dance participants
3) Mets Spirit Awards: coodinating Award participants
4) Transportation: JET members w/cars driving Award participants &others to & from Citi Field
5) Partnership outreach: generating ticket donations/ funding / services from companies & individuals
6) Program: assisting with writing & production for printed program
7) Outreach: reaching communities who are not yet aware of Japanese Heritage Night
8) Press/media: assisting with media needs, individual interviews
9) Documenting:video, photo & reporting coverage of the event
A general timetable of events:
SCHEDULE FOR JAPANESE HERITAGE NIGHT
Friday, August 27, 2010
(draft as of 8/23, 2:30pm)- subject to change
4:15 Material for Information tables can be dropped off at Mets office
4:40 Information tables set up
5:40 Performers enter Bullpen Plaza Gate, escorted by Mets staff
6:30 Pre-game entertainment begins (20 min)
Taiko drumming by Soh Daiko “Hachidan Uchi” (10 min piece)
Obon dance “Tanko Bushi” led by Japanese Folk Institute of New York (3 min piece)
dance participants include people from the Japanese heritage community and friends
6:50 Spirit Award Ceremony (5 min)
Awards given to the following communities and received by members of those communities.
Baseball – received by Satoru Tsufura (Nisei ballplayer) and Shuji Kato (JAA baseball league)
Military Service – Kaz Yamagushi (WWII vet) and Lt. Janelle Kuroda (Navy, active duty in Iraq)
Community Service – Suki Terada Ports and Sam Kiyomi Turner (activists, HIV AIDS, Ninth Ward)
In attendance: Ambassador Nishimiya
6:58 National Anthem sung by Kurt Sanchez Kanazawa
7:10 Game starts
5th inning Information Tables broken down
Also, for our pre-game event, JET alumni are invited to dance the Tanko Bushi on the Mets centerfield! It is a simple and fun bon dance honoring one’s ancestors. Here are the online instructions for the dance and an an mp3 of the song for you to practice.
TICKETS: All JET alumni volunteering and/or dancing at Citi Field must have a ticket to the game. The Mets have made available discounted tickets in specific areas of the stadium. I believe your website has a draft of the flyer with outdated information saying that the ticket purchase cutoff was August 5. Please inform your members that discount tickets are now available until Thurs, August 26. Regular tickets can be bought on the day of the game.
Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- 11th English Discussion Forum – Saturday, August 21st, 3:00 at Inner Sunset area of San Francisco. The topic of this month’s forum is the “Atomic Bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
- Noh Theatre Nite – Tuesday, August 24th, 6:00 at the San Francisco Public Library, Paley Conference Room. Learn about Japanese Noh Theatre with the JETAANC Kabuki Club. An informative documentary about Noh will be shown, followed by a short Noh Performance on video entitled, “The Wooden Water Well.”
- New People’s J-Pop Summit Festival Volunteers Needed – The New People J-Pop Center is hosting the J-Pop Summer Festival in Japantown in San Francisco and they are looking for volunteers to help with the many planned events. Get back into the spirit of the summer matsuri and help out.
- Go-Cart Mayhem and Networking Night – Saturday, August 21st, 7:00 to 9:00 at the Houston Grand Prix. Join Texoma JETAA for a night of go-carts, video games, pinball and more. See old friends and meet new ones over pizza and soda.
- Camping in Michigan – Saturday, September 18th thru Sunday September 19th in Van Buren State Park on Lake Michigan. JETAA Chicago is packing the car, setting up the tents and spending the weekend at the lake. Spend Saturday on the beach, followed by a cookout complete with ghost stories and marsh mellows.
- Happy Hour – Friday, August 27th, 6:00 at McCormick and Schmicks. Join the guys at JETAANE for a night of relaxation and fun at this month’s Happy Hour event.
- Aki Matsuri Volunteers Needed! – PNWJETAA is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s Aki Matsuri on September 11th and 12th. Do your part in helping to preserve the JET Program by helping to inform people about JET and your own experiences working and living in Japan.
- Tsukimi no Kai – Saturday, August 21st, 7:00 to 10:00 at the Seattle Japanese Garden. Gaze up at the harvest moon this month for a moonviewing event that includes haiku readings, music, tea ceremony and more.
- Historic Walking Tour: Jewish & Japanese Strathcona – Friday, August 27th, 1:30 to 3:30. The Jewish Museum & Archives of BC are presenting a tour of the histories of both early Jewish and Japanese communities in Vancouver, including the Jewish and Japanese Strathcona landmarks, Oppenheimer Park and more.
- Mokuyokai Hike to Joffre Lakes – Saturday, August 28th, 8:15 A.M to 8:00 P.M. at Joffre Lake. Mokuyokai is heading into the woods for a challenging hike to the emerald green alpine Joffre Lakes. Transportation is included and the trail is a sometimes steep and rocky 11km, so come prepared for a workout.
- Bonsai Class – Saturday, September 25th, 10:00 to 3:30(with a half hour break for lunch) at the National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Center. Learn how to develop, transform and care for your bonsai at this informative class.
- Annual JETAA Wales Picnic – Sunday, August 22nd, 1:00 at Bute Park in Cardiff. Get out the picnic basket and get outside with JETAA UK for their annual picnic in Bute Park. Friends and family of JETs are invited, so don’t miss it.
- JETAA Masters Golf 2010 – Sunday, August 22nd, 10:30 at McMenamins Edgefield’s Pub Course in Troutdale. Compete for the Sugoi “Green Jacket” at this years JETAA Portland Masters Tournament. Golfers of all levels are welcome to join and share in this exciting and fun day.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
As of late there has been much discussion regarding to what extent English should be incorporated into different aspects of Japanese society. A recent post here talked about the possibility of mandating English in Japanese high schools in 2013, and a Wall Street Journal article from earlier this month entitled “English Gets the Last Word in Japan” highlighted Japanese firms that are conducting their internal business in English. This is an interesting phenomenon that is especially timely in light of the possibility of the JET program being cut.
The high school teacher who wrote the former article says, “Although many of our school’s students acquire the reading and writing skills needed to pass university entrance exams, I have failed to teach them the skills necessary for simple conversation. In the future, these elite students from high-ranking universities will Read More
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
Two interesting Japan articles in today’s Wall Street Journal. The first on the cover page talks about the sumo club at Tokyo University, and how those previously not associated with the sport, such as smaller size wrestlers and foreigners, are now making a splash. The second in the opinion section discusses the recent news that China has replaced Japan as the world’s second largest economy (and is set to surpass America in the near future). Happy reading!
According to a letter published in the Japan Times by a Nara-based Japanese teacher of English, high schools will be required to teach English class in English. And she doesn’t think the schools will be ready.
Here’s an excerpt:
Beginning in 2013, high school English classes are to be taught in English. New guidelines from the education ministry also state that English grammar should no longer be taught as a whole subject but instead incorporated with expressions and vocabulary of the new textbook “English Communication I-III.”
Here’s the link to the full letter: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/rc20100812a6.html
JETAA issued a press release following the JETAA USA National Conference in New York this past weekend, and the Japan Times has responded with a Kyodo News article titled “JETs Press to Keep Program Intact.”
Here’s the link: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100817a8.html
*Thanks to JETAA Hawaii’s Krystle Hara for sharing the article with JetWit.
The JETAA USA National Conference (which brings together officers from the 19 U.S. JET Alumni Association chapters) was held this past weekend in New York City (Aug 12-15). Much of the conference discussion surrounded the potential cuts and/or changes to JET and JETAA. One of JETAA’s primary challenges has been not only communicating all the positive and beneficial activities and efforts of JET alumni on behalf of Japan, but getting it communicated in Japanese to the Japanese media so that more Japanese citizens are aware of all the value JET alums bring to Japan, it’s foreign relations and its economy.
As a result, it’s encouraging to see an article in Japanese today from Kyodo News today about the JETAA USA National Conference that has been picked up by several Japanese publications:
- http://www.nikkei.com/news/category/article/g=96958A9C9381959FE3E4E2E3E38DE3E4E2EAE0E2E3E29C9CE2E2E2E2;at=ALL
- http://www.47news.jp/CN/201008/CN2010081601000165.html
- http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
- http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
*Thanks to Noriko Furuhata, JET Liaison at the Consulate General of Japan in New York, for sharing the links with JetWit.
Reader extra credit: Post an English summary of the article in the comments section below!
Life After the B.O.E. is a comic series about the JET experience by David Namisato (Aomori-ken, 2002-2004), a professional illustrator currently living in Toronto.
Visit David’s website at www.namisato.org.
JETAA NY Webmaster and tech/social media guru Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06) got the ball rolling with a video series called “Because of JET…..“ in which he uploaded short video clips of JET alumni sharing some good things that they experienced and witnessed as a result of participating in JET. The first few videos were taken at the JETAA National Conference this past weekend in New York.
Here’s the link to see all the videos so far: http://becauseofjet.tumblr.com/
- Send your own video testimonial to webmaster@jetaany.org to have it included and let people know about some of the positive effects of JET that they might not otherwise be aware of.
- If you can say your piece in Japanese that would be particularly helpful, according to Matt Gillam of CLAIR NY.
- Additionally, you can post your own “Because of JET…” testimony in written form by posting in the comments section here or in this other post on JetWit: http://jetwit.com/wordpress/2010/07/04/jet-roi-because-of-jet/
- Written testimony in Japanese is also potentially very helpful.
Here’s one of the videos:
This past weekend at the JETAA USA Conference hosted by the JETAA New York chapter, there were several references in speeches (including by Ambassador Fujisaki) to the possibility of a JET alum someday becoming President of the United States. Fortunately, this issue was already addressed in the Spring 2004 issue of the JETAA NY Quarterly Newsletter so we’ll all know exactly what to expect:
Spring 2004 – THE “POLITICS” ISSUE TOP 14!
It could happen. One of these days one of our very own from the JET Alumni community could become President of the United States. What would that be like, ka na…?
THE TOP 14 THINGS THAT WOULD BE DIFFERENT IF A JET ALUM WERE PRESIDENT
14. Fifty-minute self-introduction on first day in office.
13. Press conference with Japanese media to promote internationalization and clear up confusion over ability to use chopsticks.
12. Presidential toilet seat warmer.
11. Future school history books include section on famous “I Have a Pen!” speech.
10. Vending machines with hot corn soup installed throughout White House
9. Pre-Departure Orientation in the Rose Garden
8. Curry rice included in public school lunch menus across the U.S.
7. All Foreign Service language training outsourced to AEON.
6. Inauguration Karaoke!
5. All JETAA Chapter Reps appointed to ambassadorships.
4. President works half days, then goes on vacation. (Wait a second…)
3. Spin control involves slapping Vice President on the back of the head to evoke laughter from audience and divert controversy.
2. All policies explained very clearly, slowly and loudly.
1. Oval Office Happy Hour!
*(Click here for more Top Ten lists from past Newsletter issues.)
Aaron Woolfolk (Kochi-ken, 1991-93)
Aaron Woolfolk (Kochi-ken, 1991-93), director and writer of the Kochi-based film, “The Harimaya Bridge,” recently won a director’s award at the 2010 Pan African Film Festival.
Click the link below to read the article and learn more about Aaron and his acclaimed film.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/08/12/18655970.php
The Japan-America Society of the State of Washington is currently accepting applications from qualified individuals to fill the position of Administrative & Program Assistant.
The Application Deadline: August 31, 2010
Job Description
This position is responsible for the smooth operation of all office systems in a small, intimate office setting in downtown Seattle. Duties include general office work, membership communication & support, Board of Directors and committee communication & support, website maintenance (with the assistance of the Society’s website provider), program assistance including staffing programs (some evenings), management of one or more office interns, data entry and database management, and other work as directed by the Executive Director. Please click here for a more detailed list of responsibilities. Read More
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Matt Leichter (matt [dot] leichter [at] gmail [dot] com) (Saitama-ken 2003-05) is a renegade attorney who plays by his own rules. He operates his own blog, The Law School Tuition Bubble, where he archives, chronicles, and analyzes the rising cost and declining value of legal education in the United States. He also maintains the “Bankruptcy Legal Topics,” and, “Bankruptcy Billables,” sections for Steven Horowitz’s Bankruptcy Bill. For further reading regarding JETs and the law, he recommends JETs with J.D.s.
You studied political science before JET didn’t you? Do not lie! For those of you with a healthy interest in politics, specifically international relations, please read, “How Law Schools Behave Like States in International Relations Theory,” and tell me who’s the realist.
Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Salsa on the Beach – Saturday, August 14th, 6:00 to 10:00 at Alki Beach. Find your groove and do a little salsa on the beach this weekend. Feel free to just enjoy the show or join in if the mood strikes.
- Aki Matsuri Volunteers Needed! – PNWJETAA is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s Aki Matsuri on September 11th and 12th. Do your part in helping to preserve the JET Program by helping to inform people about JET and your own experiences working and living in Japan.
- Tsukimi no Kai – Saturday, August 21st, 7:00 to 10:00 at the Seattle Japanese Garden. Gaze up at the harvest moon this month for a moonviewing event that includes haiku readings, music, tea ceremony and more.
- Day at the National Zoo – Saturday, August 14th, 10:00 to 12:00 noon at the National Zoo. Enjoy a day outside exploring the animal kingdom at the zoo with JETAADC.
- Bowling in Aiea – Saturday, August 28th, 4:45 to 7:00 at Aiea Bowl. Set em up and knock em down with JETAA Hawaii this month.
- Annual JETAA Wales Picnic – Sunday, August 22nd, 1:00 at Bute Park in Cardiff. Get out the picnic basket and get outside with JETAA UK for their annual picnic in Bute Park. Friends and family of JETs are invited, so don’t miss it.
- Noh Theatre Nite – Tuesday, August 24th, 6:00 at the San Francisco Public Library, Paley Conference Room. Learn about Japanese Noh Theatre with the JETAANC Kabuki Club. An informative documentary about Noh will be shown, followed by a short Noh Performance on video entitled, “The Wooden Water Well.”
- JETAA Masters Golf 2010 – Sunday, August 22nd, 10:30 at McMenamins Edgefield’s Pub Course in Troutdale. Compete for the Sugoi “Green Jacket” at this years JETAA Portland Masters Tournament. Golfers of all levels are welcome to join and share in this exciting and fun day.
- Summer BBQ – Saturday, August 14th, 11:30 to 4:30 at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver. Enjoy a day of cooking out and fun games with JETAABC.
- Sake with the Haiku Geisha Play Reading – Friday, August 13th, 8:30 at the Tinker Auditorium. JETAANY is presenting a one night only reading of the critically acclaimed play “Sake with the Haiku Geisha,” written by JET alumnus and playwright Randall David Cook.
- Japanese Folk Dance, Bon Odori Class – Saturday, August 14th, 2:00 to 3:30 at DANY Studios. Momo Suzuki, founder and director of the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY will be teaching a Bon Odori class, so come try your hand at some Japanese dance.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
I am back in Honolulu, so of course I had to visit my favorite mochi stand, Kansai Yamato. Every time I go I end up discovering something new, and this time it was the two plump manju pictured on the right. The purple one was sweet potato flavored with this paste in the middle. The white manju was of the standard kind, filled with red bean. Both were quite substantial snacks, big and filling so the two-pack is likely meant for sharing. As manju, I found them Read More
By JQ Magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
Those who missed the original Off Broadway run of the critically acclaimed play Sake with the Haiku Geisha are in for a treat. As part of its annual national conference, the JET Alumni Association’s New York chapter, with support from the Consulate-General of Japan in New York, will revive the play for a one night only performance on Friday, Aug. 13 at Manhattan’s Tinker Auditorium.
Penned by playwright Randall David Cook and featuring a cast that includes Jun Kim of Kurotama Kikaku Company, the work was debuted by the Gotham Stage Company in 2006 as an outgrowth of Sushi and Scones, an earlier one-act play written by Cook for the UK’s Dawlish Arts Festival and later produced by BBC Radio.
“Ninety percent of the play is based on true stories, and many of the lines were taken verbatim from their subjects,” explained Cook. ”The most outrageous things I dared not dream up; they happened.”
Read the full story here.
Better late than never.
For some reason Japan Times just ran the AP article about JET…..nearly 2 weeks after it initially appeared in the Washington Post, LA Times, etc. And it’s the first article in the online edition for the moment: http://www.japantimes.co.jp (Here’s a more permanent link to the article: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100811f1.html)
While the additional attention from the article is welcome, it actually does not do a great job of giving readers a way to determine which side of the debate to support. For a better sense of why the JET Program and JETAA are no-brainers in terms of the return on investment for Japanese taxpayers, read here: http://jetwit.com/wordpress/2010/07/29/jet-roi-washington-post-and-atlanta-journal-constitution-run-ap-article-on-jet/
Also read some of the comments to Jim Gannon’s “Chopping Block” article: http://jetwit.com/wordpress/2010/07/03/jet-roi-jet-program-on-the-chopping-block-by-james-gannon/
And of course read any and all of the JET ROI (Return on Investment) posts: http://jetwit.com/wordpress/category/jet-roi/
By JQ Magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
Singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada is going from exodus to hiatus.
According to a message on her homepage from Aug. 9, Hikki (as she as known to her army of fans worldwide) has wrote that following the release of this fall’s Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2 album, she will take time off from her musical career effective next year.
The message finds the musician in a reflective mood, recalling the music video from her single “Automatic,” released 12 years ago when the singer was just 15 years old. She commented that since then, “part of my growth has stopped…as a person.” Hikki now intends to focus on “human activity” over “artistic activity” in the next year for an indeterminate period.
Read the full story here.
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