Professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as 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.

Although the days are still balmy here in NY, we’ve had some chilly nights and mornings as we get deeper into fall. In LA however, the warm weather sticks around longer, allowing for fun outdoor activities as we move closer to winter. I’d like to share one that I wish I was able to attend in person!

LA eats Japan has been an annual food festival since 1999, and it will be held outdoors for the first time this year at Little Tokyo. This free event will be held on Sunday, November 14 from 11 am-8 pm, and is presented by the Japanese Restaurant Association of America with support from the Consulate General of Japan in LA.

There will be 17 vendors from local restaurants selling curry rice, yakitori, okonomiyaki, ramen, yakisoba and sushi, as well as sweets such as kakigori and castella. In addition to all this amazing food, there will be a cosplay costume competition with a prize of $1,000. Live performances will feature contemporary techno music, as well as traditional martial arts and music like karate and taiko. A mikoshi portable shrine will even be paraded through the streets!

For those who want to experience Japanese food, culture and sightseeing spots but aren’t able to travel at this time, I would like to recommend the Kyushu Virtual Fest to be held Thursday night. It is the second half of a two-part event, and I attended the first last night. Having lived in Kumamoto on JET, I was thrilled that they spotlighted Aso and other amazing places in the prefecture, as well as a waterfall I had never visited but hope to on my next trip. They also highlighted sites and products from Fukuoka and Kagoshima, and there were many giveaways and discounts for viewers. This event is free as well so definitely check it out!

October 28 at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
Japan time: October 29 at 9 AM JT
Register free to get the access link:
https://usjetaa.wildapricot.org/event-4528144

In the lead up to next year’s 35th anniversary of the JET Program, join USJETAA for a creative program celebrating JET through the success of the alumni. Highlighting the contributions of JETs to the U.S.-Japan community, this variety show brings together the diverse community of JET alumni with snapshots into their experiences with arts, culture, research, and more!

DOUBLE TROUBLE (aka whoops I forgot to post last week…)

Last week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast…

The Krewe (shonen) jumps into the world of manga! Nigel, Jennifer, & Doug provide an intro to manga for those unfamiliar with it, notable characteristics, and why you should consider picking up a volume and read. Afterwards, they sit down with Danica Davidson, author of 17 books & frequent manga journalist for Otaku USA & other major publications, to discuss her career path, the manga industry, & things you may not have known regarding the manga scene!

This week…

Strap in for a wild ride as the Krewe talks Japanese theme parks! Nigel, Jennifer, & Doug all share their own experiences and favorite parks around the country. Then, Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer joins us to talk all things theme parks! Tokyo Disney vs. Universal Studios Japan… who wins? Chris shares his top tips & tricks, along with some great insider knowledge for planning any theme park-based trip in Japan!

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

JETAA‎‎‎‏‏‎​ Podcast Beat is a weekly round-up of current JET and JET alumni podcasts and podcast appearances compiled by Emmalee Manes (Toyama-ken, 2016-19)

Do you have a podcast or did you recently appear in a podcast? Help us share it with the community by filling out this form.

Welcome to the JETAA Podcast Beat! Every week we’re sharing the newest podcast episodes from JET alumni and current JETs. If you have the chance, please enjoy listening to one of these recent episodes this week!

🎉 THANK YOU FOR 1 YEAR「1周年記念 パーティー」with Aaron!

Let’s celebrate 1 year of よっぱれ英会話! Emmalee and Aaron drink and talk about their memories from the first year of the podcast. They listen to messages from various guests including Anthony, Laine, Kazuki, Caralynn, and more!

🍻 Grab a drink and listen with us! Thank you for your support in this 1 year!!! 🍻

インスタ: @yoppareikaiwa
メール: yoppareikaiwa@gmail.com

是非、インスタでメッセージをください〜

聞いてくれてありがとうございます！

Data Mapping as a Service

I spoke with Dean Gonsowski, the chief revenue officer and chief marketing officer at ActiveNav, a data privacy and governance software provider. We discussed the challenges that ActiveNav is helping organizations overcome, its Data Mapping as a Service initiative, Zero Dark Data, and the relationship between information governance and privacy.

The Multilingual Lawyer: Jonathan Golub

The USLawEssentials Law & Language podcast celebrates its 20th episode with a fun (fund!) discussion with Jonathan Golub, partner in the Corporate Department at Wiggin & Dana, where he is also the Chair of the Fund Formation and Investment Management Practice Group.

Stephen Horowtiz talks to Jonathan about his experiences living in Japan and how Jonathan developed expertise in a fascinating, and highly sophisticated practice. Among other things, Jonathan shares frank advice about what it takes to excel as a lawyer, 

Oh, and of course there is a ‘Dad’ joke!

This episode includes important legal English vocabulary so stand by for our next course.

Meanwhile, we invite you to try the Jones v. Mississippi podcast course where you can see just some of the ways that the USLawEssentials Law & Language podcast will help you develop your legal English.

Manga: Literature & An Art Form ft. Danica Davidson

In this episode of the Krewe of Japan Podcast, Doug, Jennifer and Nigel dive into the world of manga. The Krewe provides an intro to manga for those unfamiliar with it, notable characteristics, and why you should consider reading it. In the second half of the episode, the Krewe sits down with Danica Davidson, author of 17 books and frequent manga writer for major publications, to discuss her career path, the manga industry, and things you might not have known about what goes into making manga!

This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Design Adjacent: The strategy of design and beauty of storytelling

Abby Allen is the Founder of Neon Butterfly and as long as Abby can remember she has been fascinated with people and why they do what they do. In that vein she was drawn to the world of communications and has worked in advertising and marketing for over 15 years at some of the largest agencies across the country on brands like Twitter, Olay and Garnier. And just recently, she launched a new reimagine tomorrow project with Disney, reimaginetomorrow.disney.com, a platform amplifying underrepresented voices. In this episode of AIGA Design Adjacent, host Bennie Johnson talks with Abby about the strategy of design, the beauty of storytelling, and what it means to be authentic.

About Abby Allen

Through her company, Neon Butterfly—the only creative agency of its kind run by a woman of color—Abby offers brands, organizations, and individuals a unique understanding of cultural trends, human behavior, and consumer insights. The latest example is Reimagine Tomorrow, a visionary creative campaign and digital platform developed for Disney that launched in early September. The initiative amplifies underrepresented voices and champions the importance of accurate representation in media, helping Disney bring their commitment to DE&I to life in a meaningful way. Abby’s unique ability to understand people and why they do what they do is born from her experience as a biracial woman in America fused with 20 years working for and leading global brands like Olay, Twitter, and Garnier, at ad agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA Chiat Day, and Publicis as well as thousands of hours of study in Tibetan Buddhism and yoga. Her mission is to revolutionize the impact of media on society and change the limiting beliefs we have about ourselves and others, helping organizations infuse their efforts with messaging and practices that promote a better world for us all. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the smart thing to do. You can find her on IG @abbymallen and @_neonbutterfly

About AIGA Design Adjacent

AIGA Design Adjacent is a monthly podcast series with AIGA’s Executive Director, Bennie F. Johnson, in conversation with industry leaders who are innovating and designing the future. These conversations expand beyond the design community, encompassing industries and areas that intersect with design and shift the ways in which we think about and interact with each other and the world around us.

About Bennie F. Johnson

Bennie F. Johnson is the Executive Director of AIGA, the professional association for design. Bennie thrives on the connections between marketing, technology, education, and innovation. With experience in strategic and consumer marketing, brand management, and innovation management, he is drawn to opportunities that allow him to lead and create new modes for business engagement. He has broad experience growing brands, businesses, and organizations with a special focus on venture launch and brand relaunch business environments.

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Community Relations Specialist
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles:

The Japan Information and Culture Center at the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles seeks to fill a community relations specialist position to advance our community relations objectives and to handle such duties as promotion of people-to-people exchanges through sister city relationships, as well as communicating with Japanese-affiliated community organizations.

The ideal candidate should have a firm understanding of Japanese culture and society, as well as Japan’s foreign policies. The candidate should have strong communication skills, an event organizing background and outreach capabilities including serving in an external facing role. The candidate must be able to function as a team player in a Japanese bureaucracy and understand the role of the Japanese Consulate. This position will be based in-person at our office in downtown Los Angeles.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here.

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Multiple Positions
Posted by: Cultural Vistas
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alumnus, Paul Champaloux (Wakayama-ken, 2009-2012) for passing along various job openings at his current employer, Cultural Vistas:

Cultural Vistas is currently hiring! We are always looking for people who are passionate about intercultural exchange, so please help us spread the word. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3mtliIc.

• Program Specialist, Train USA
• Assistant Program Officer, Muskie Fellowship
• Communications Coordinator, Muskie Fellowship
• Program Officer, Professional Fellows Program

************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Have you visited to museums in Shimane?

Let me introduce an essay from Japan-Insights archives.

The twenty-second one is on Portraits of Museums by Sophie Richard.

https://topics.japan-insights.jp/Public/pdf/japan-insights_jp/topics/JIN_Museums.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan #japaneseculture #museum

JETAA‎‎‎‏‏‎​ Podcast Beat is a weekly round-up of current JET and JET alumni podcasts and podcast appearances compiled by Emmalee Manes (Toyama-ken, 2016-19)

Do you have a podcast or did you recently appear in a podcast? Help us share it with the community by filling out this form.

Welcome to the JETAA Podcast Beat! After a short break, we’re back with the newest podcast episodes from JET alumni and current JETs. If you have the chance, please enjoy listening to one of these recent episodes this week! There are quite a few, including some new editions to the weekly round-up.

Breakups「別れること」with Caralynn!

Emmalee and Caralynn talk about Caralynn’s recent breakup, how people in America heal after a breakup, and the Japanese show “あいのり”.

インスタ: @yoppareikaiwa

是非、インスタでメッセージをください〜

聞いてくれてありがとうございます！

Decreasing Clean-Up Procrastination in the Kitchen + One Fun, Unexpected Item for Parties

Learn one way to minimize procrastinating that after-meal clean-up in the kitchen and find out what fun gizmo is an unexpected smile-maker at parties in today’s episode of House of Lee NYC!

Listen on to hear why half-sheet baking pans are the best thing EVER! Lee will also share the next best French pastry shop on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and the one item she recently bought that will enhance any gathering and bring smiles to faces and photos!

How the Pandemic Has Changed the Way Companies Perceive and Manage Risk

I spoke with Ishan Girdhar, the founder and CEO of Privaa, a software company that focuses on third-party risk management. We discussed how the pandemic has changed the way companies perceive and manage risk, pitfalls that risk management teams should avoid, ways that law firms are responding to the rise in data breaches and cybersecurity concerns, and where third-party risk management is headed.

Preparing for a New Class Behind the Scenes: Part II

The USLawEssentials Law & Language podcast presents Part II of a conversation between Stephen Horowitz and Daniel Edelson concerning preparation for an Introduction to US Law course for LLM students. Daniel taught this class for several years and now it’s Stephen’s turn. He will be teaching an intensive week of classes to international students beginning their legal education in the United States.

Stephen and Daniel discuss the Supremacy Clause, federalism, and preemption. In addition, they talk about ways to introduce students not just to the fundamentals of US law but also to how law students study law in the United States.

Plus Stephen and Daniel try to come up with cool nicknames for themselves and don’t do so well.

If you’ve ever wanted to hear some of the ways instructors get ready to teach US law and legal English you’ll enjoy this episode.

Applying for the JET Program ft. Tye Ebel

It’s that time of year again… and no, we aren’t talking about Christmas music already playing in stores. It’s JET Program Application SZN! Nigel, Jenn, & Doug chat with Tye Ebel, the JET Coordinator for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, to discuss all things JET Application Process. Tye shares some great points on what to consider when considering applying for the JET Program, whether it’s for this year or preparing your resume for the future. Don’t forget.. application deadline is November 12, 2021!

Autumn Equinox

In this exuberant episode, Alexis and Kit are joined by Annie Patterson and Peter Blood of “Rise Up & Sing” in discussing songs and music of the harvest season. Our co-hosts explore the community-driven traditions around the harvest and thanks-giving, and celebrations of the equinox around the world. In Hiro’s Corner, we gain perspective on rice paddies drying up.

Musical Interlude – The Haunted House Song

Scot takes a quick break from format for a few announcements and to introduce a new Halloween song: The Haunted House Song.  I also learned how to do video editing by making a music video for it! It’s silly and dumb and I’m also very proud of it.

Check the video here on the youtube channel

Megan Marini and Priyanka Jain of 3×3 on Community-Centered Urban Design

This is the audio version of a livestreamed conversation between Lee-Sean Huang and Megan Marini and Priyanka Jain, co-founders and principals of 3×3 Design.

3×3 Design: https://3×3.co/

Toolkit and workshops: https://3×3.co/toolkit/overview/

Watch the recording of the original livestream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkZVU3Htn5Q

Recommended listening: How to Citizen with Baratunde Thurston: https://www.baratunde.com/howtocitizen

This week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast…

It’s that time of year again… and no, we aren’t talking about Christmas music already playing in stores. It’s JET Program Application SZN! Nigel, Jenn, & Doug chat with Tye Ebel, the JET Coordinator for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, to discuss all things JET Application Process. Tye shares some great points on what to consider when considering applying for the JET Program, whether it’s for this year or preparing your resume for the future. Don’t forget.. application deadline is November 12, 2021!

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

Date and time
Thurs, October 28, 2021
8:00 PM EDT
Online

About this event 

Cosplay, a portmanteau of “costume” and “play,” is the practice of dressing up as a fictional character, usually from an anime, film or video game. The practice has grown in popularity around the world and has even evolved into a profession in some cases. Nowadays, cosplay represents a significant facet of popular culture, and has grown to a level where the practice has even produced conventions and competitions globally. Cosplay continues to maintain and expand on its massive social media presence and other forms of media, attracting new fans daily.  

What are the appeals of replacing one’s identity with a fictional personality? What powers do the costumes give us? Why do communities around the world embrace this activity so much?  

Come join our panel discussion with four cosplay experts who study cosplay and have worked in the field both in the U.S. and in Japan: Edmund Hoff, Frenchy Lunning, Akiko Sugawa-Shimada and Diana Tolin. They will delve into the history of cosplay and how it spread globally, exploring the core essence and the power of cosplay through examining topics such as gender, identity and race.  

★ We will discuss based on your comments ★  

If you are a cosplayer, please give us your comments about what your biggest motivation for cosplaying is on the Eventbrite page when you register! We will structure our discussion based on your comments.  

Q&A:  

The discussion will be followed by a live Q&A. Now is your chance to ask the experts your questions about cosplay! Please ask your question when you register. Live commentary will also be enabled on the YouTube stream, so you can participate in the Q&A session live as well.  

This is a FREE event. Registrants will receive the link to the stream via email.  

We look forward to seeing you there! 

JET Alum Thomas Ash (Tochigi 2000-2003) has made a documentary film about the issue of the long term detention of refugees and asylum seekers in Japan.

The film is called “Ushiku” and it will be featured in the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival on October 9th. This year, the festival will be entirely ONLINE, and tickets can be purchased to view the film and Q&A session from anywhere in Japan.

“Ushiku” is currently on the international film festival circuit and has recently been screened in Holland, Belgium, Austria and the US and it has been awarded grand prizes in festivals in Korea and Germany.

Screening Details:

ONLINE Festival: Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival (YIDFF)
Program: Perspectives Japan
Film: Ushiku
Date and Time: Oct 09 [Sat] at 14:00 (film is 87 minutes + followed by Q&A)
Festival Information: https://online.yidff.jp/en/film/ushiku/

Tickets on sale from October 1 at 19:00 JST: https://yidff.jp/2021/info/21info-e.html#tickets

Synopsis from YIDFF Catalogue:
Based on interviews with foreign nationals detained for long periods of time at the immigration center in Ushiku city, Ibaraki prefecture, this film reveals the violation of human rights by the authorities. This is work of watchdog journalism that sounds the alarm about state power run amok.

Film Website and Trailer: https://www.ushikufilm.com/en/
—
More about Thomas’ films at https://www.documentingian.com

Posted by Tom Baker

JET alum Todd Jay Leonard will lead a poetry workshop at the Oct. 15-17 Japan Writers Conference, a free event that is happening online. The official description of his talk appears below.

Todd Jay Leonard
So you want to publish a book? 10 Basic Points to Keep in Mind!
Short Lecture with Q&A

Professor Leonard has published extensively over the past 30 years and is willing to share his experiences of both Japanese traditional publishing houses and POD formats to assist budding authors in their quests to get published.
This lecture will cover ten primary points that “potential” authors need to keep in mind when submitting a proposal to a publishing company or when self-publishing a book. He will outline the basic process from the book’s initial concept to getting the book into print to marketing it. His extensive experience in publishing as an author in Japan will serve to assist budding authors with the basics in the overall process that need to be considered when pursuing a publishing contract or when self-publishing. This is a short lecture with a Q & A format.
Todd Jay Leonard lives, writes, and teaches on the southern island of Kyushu, where he is a university professor at the University of Teacher Education Fukuoka. He has published extensively in academic journals, magazines, and newspapers on cross-cultural, historical, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) themes. He is the author of 25 books.

Posted by Tom Baker
JET alum Joy Jarman-Walsh will give a presentation on how to conduct an interview at the Japan Writers Conference, a free event that is happening online this year. The official description of her talk appears below.

Joy Jarman-Walsh
Live + Engaging Networking via Interviews with Japan Insiders
Short Lecture with Q&A

Moving beyond words on a page by live broadcasting interviews to a worldwide audience in real time – it seems daunting but is transparent and engaging, reaching new audiences tired of traditional media. If you are researching an article, you are actually prepared to livestream- let me explain how to do it, and why it’ll make your content better.
I’ve been on a crazy and unexpected journey researching and hosting daily interviews with various experts and insiders in Japan, or abroad who are focused on Japan, to dive into what it means to seek sustainability. A big part of seeking sustainability is transparency, which I think is also critical for good writing, which can be achieved by engaging with your audience as you create the content. I believe that one of the best ways to do this is by livestreaming content to engage with a wider audience. As of the end of May, I’ve done over 250 live interviews and the comments and questions of live viewers has been an important aspect of the finished product. I think this concept can inform and improve almost any type of writing project. There are key strategies to prepping for interviews as well as running live talkshows which engage with a live audience. There is also post-production work that needs to be done, including getting the interview onto a podcast platform. I will lay out not only the why’s but also the how-to’s of the process.
Joy Jarman-Walsh (jjwalsh) runs a daily livestream talkshow called #SeekingSustainabilityLive which had it’s 250th episode in May 2021. Joy co-founded GetHiroshima in 1999, worked as an Assistant Professor teaching Tourism and Business for more than 21 years, then started her own sustainability-focused travel consulting business, InboundAmbassador, in 2019. Joy has written for academic journals as well as travel copy and destination articles. Joy has an MA in Sustainable Tourism from ASU (USA).

JETwit’s JET Alum Movers & Shakers is produced by Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-2017), Margie Banin (Kochi-ken, 2005-2007), and Jim Walsh (Fukushima-ken, 2018-2020). Want to be featured next? Submit your information here.

Accomplishment: Publication of a novel based upon the Shimabara Rebellion

More Information: After returning to the U.S. with a wife and child, Michael spent fourteen years teaching Japanese at a high school in northwest New Jersey. In 2009, he was awarded the Japanese Teacher of the Year award by Seton Hall University. His recently published novel, Masaru, is based on events during the Shimabara Rebellion. Michael was inspired by this period of history during his years as an ALT in Kumamoto, particularly during a visit to nearby Amakusa where the actual events took place in the 17th century.

Public Information:
Email: bondjapan@yahoo.com
Website: https://masaru87.wordpress.com/
Book info: http://www.arxpub.com/literary/Masaru.html
Purchase the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Masaru-Michael-T-Cibenko/dp/1935228234/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=masaru+cibenko&qid=1633376653&sr=8-3

This week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast…

TADAIMA! The Krewe is BACK! Season 2 kicks off October 1st at 12p CST, and Nigel, Jenn, & Doug are coming in hot with this super-sized special first episode! The Krewe goes down the rabbit hole that is Studio Ghibli, talking about some history behind the famous animation studio and their favorite films. Then, Steve Alpert, former Senior Vice President at Studio Ghibli and author of Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man: 15 Years at Studio Ghibli, joins the Krewe for a deep dive into what it was like to work with Miyazaki & how he played a pivotal role in in bringing Ghibli favorites to international markets. You don’t want to miss this one!

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!