This job posting comes from the National Association of Japan-America Society employment connection page.
Sakura Educational Exchange USA, a nonprofit international student exchange organization in Rockville, Maryland is seeking an English instructor and a cultural assistant for its short-term English-language summer program for Japanese high school exchange students. The program starts at the beginning of May.
ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR:
- Teach conversational English to groups of 14-16 Japanese high school students who are participating in a short-term (2 week) study abroad program
- Follow set experiential, theme-based curriculum provided by SEE-USA
- Enthusiastic, hands-on teaching style required!
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Education, ESL or related field
- Interest in working with high school age international students
- Flexibility; Openness and sensitivity to cultural differences
- Prior ESL teaching experience required
CULTURAL ASSISTANT:
- Help to set up SEE-USA temporary office at program site and prepare all rooms
- Participate in orientation/training sessions before students arrive
- Manage his/her assigned group of 10-15 Japanese High School students
- Participate with the students in all study abroad activities including outings, school visits, sports, special events, volunteer projects, English/communication games, meals, etc.
- Initiate conversations, songs and games in English with the students
- Study and follow the schedule and assigned activities to your fullest ability
- Contribute with an energetic spirit and outgoing attitude with a focused direction
HOW TO APPLY: Click here to read more detailed online descriptions, salary and start/end date information for the instructor and assistant positions. Send your resume and cover letter to
Stephanie Libonati,
| slibonati@seeusa-ryugaku.com |
Program Manager
Sakura Educational Exchange USA
Amazon is looking for a Digital Music Operations Coordinator and a Investigation Specialist with Japanese language skills at their headquarters in Seattle, Wash.
Digital Music Operations Coordinator
ROLES:
- managing and conducting the receipt, handling, transformation, and ingestion of Japan-based content (with Japanese characters)
- ensuring Japan-based content providers receive excellent service
- engaging with Japan-based content providers to ensure their content goes into saleable distribution in a timely and high quality manner
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be fluent in written and spoken Japanese
- Must be willing to work a staggered schedule (noon or early afternoon start time – exact time can be negotiated)
- Familiarity with managing product flow in a manufacturing operation – maximizing efficiency, reducing cycle time, maintaining quality, etc.
- Experienced working in a production environment and proven success in achieving efficiency and throughput goals.
- Strong technical aptitude and expertise with MS Office tools including MS-Excel & MS-Access. Experience with SQL a plus.
- Familiarity with common digital formats and digital transmission methods such as FTP and SFTP
- Experience working with major record label operations a plus
- 2 years of strong analytical skills and project management experience
- 4 year degree required
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online here.
Investigations Specialist
ROLES:
- Candidates will be responsible for a wide range of duties related to the investigation and elimination of online eCommerce risk. Ideal applicants will have experience in the eCommerce payments space, risk and fraud investigations, previous trust and safety experience, and experience succeeding in a customer-driven workplace.
- Knowledge of Japanese bank systems will be a plus.
- All candidates will be analytical and capable of succeeding in a fast-paced team environment with minimal supervision.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills, including the ability to recognize non-obvious patterns.
- Prior knowledge of the fraud or risk investigations
- Excellent team player capable of learning and sharing knowledge in global team environment.
- Ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality and data security standards
- 24/7/365 availability, including willingness to work on weekends, and outside of the “standard” work day.
- Experience in payments & banking domain is strongly preferred.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online here.
Grinnell College, a small liberal arts college in Iowa, is hiring a part-time lecturer in Japanese language, culture and literature for two courses during the summer.
HOW TO APPLY:
In letters of application, candidates should discuss their interest in teaching in an undergraduate liberal-arts environment that emphasizes close student-faculty interaction and values diversity.
Review will start immediately until position is filled.
Send cover letter, CV, and names of three references to Professor Jin Feng, Japanese Search, Department of Chinese and Japanese, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA 50112-169 [e-mail:ChineseJapaneseSearch@grinnell.edu; (641) 269-4803; Fax (641) 269-4953].
This job listing came from the Association of Teachers of Japanese.
The Department of German, Russian, & Asian Languages & Literatures at Tufts University, a medium-sized private college in Boston, is looking for a part-time lecturer in the Japanese language for Fall 2010.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- native or near native fluency in Japanese
- good command of English
- demonstrated excellence in teaching Japanese, preferably at the college level in the U.S.
- commitment to language teaching and curriculum innovation
- college degree required, MA desirable
ROLES:
- Japanese language instruction at the 1st-year level
- curriculum-related activities
HOW TO APPLY:
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
To facilitate the application process, applications can be submitted by e-mail to kiyomi.kagawa@tufts.edu.
Letter of Application, CV, and two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to:
Kiyomi Kagawa, Language Coordinator, Program in Japanese
Department of German, Russian and Asian Languages and Literatures
Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Tufts University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
This job opening came from The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles website and the Association of Teachers of Japanese website.
The World Bank is looking for a communications associate for its East Asia/Pacific region of its Web site at its headquarters in Washington D.C. The Online Communications Producer will support the day-to-day operation of the region’s sites to better serve audiences and increase web content.
DUTIES:
• Helping maintain the region’s web editorial calendar.
• Preparing, packaging and adapting content for the web.
• Ensuring that web content is optimized for search engines.
• Creating and publishing graphics, multimedia, video, and audio content.
• Coordinating and contributing to blogs and other social media.
• Ensuring that content complies with the Bank’s web standards.
• Publishing content to the region’s sites, using the Bank’s content management system.
• Compiling and publishing reports on metrics.
• Composing newsletters and managing distribution of e-mail alerts
• Helping implement adoption and maintenance of online tools (contacts management, others)
• Liaising with technical web teams: Running performance tests on websites, reporting on bugs, following up on fixes
• Archiving content.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in interactive communications, journalism, marketing or other related field; two years’ experience working on the web.
• Excellent written and spoken command of English.
• Experience working with content management systems, html, and Photoshop.
• Strong writing skills; able to produce clear, concise, and web-friendly content.
• Familiarity with search engine optimization and web marketing and metrics.
• Experience creating multimedia and interactive content (such as slideshows, videos, and timelines).
• Demonstrated understanding of social media communications principles and other web 2.0 technologies.
• Good time-management skills and eye for detail.
• High level of initiative, judgment, and decisiveness in accomplishing tasks. Proven ability to work independently.
• Ability to work capably under stress and to juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines.
• Experience working on cross-functional teams.
• Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and teamwork skills; sensitivity to working in a multicultural environment.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online here. Must be resident in a member state country.
The Global MBA at Doshisha Business School, Kyoto, is a young, growing, high-quality and globally orientated program that builds upon the existing and highly regarded Japanese language MBAs. We welcome applications from highly motivated individuals seeking to develop internationally orientated careers in the global economy. As a former JET myself I consider the GMBA an excellent option for those looking to gain an MBA and to develop careers in international business and management. The Global MBA will equip you will the knowledge, skills, network and intellectual framework expected and required of twenty-first century global businesspeople. Our first JET alumnus will be joining us as a GMBA student in September and we look forward to further applications from JETs.
Find out more
If you are interested in finding out more about our program I strongly recommend that you visit our webpage, http://gmba.doshisha.ac.jp/ , where you can find more details about course content and structure, video interviews with faculty and students, online business seminars and much more.
Provisional applications
We welcome provisional applications from potential candidates as an initial step towards the formal application process. Simply submit your CV/resume and a personal statement outlining your motivation for applying to the Global MBA by email at your earliest convenience. These documents will be reviewed by faculty members who will pass on their comments within a week. This is an opportunity for potential candidates to confirm their eligibility and suitability for the program. There is no cost for this provisional application.
Funding opportunities
I should also like to draw your attention to the generous funding opportunities that we are offering for 2010 entry including two full MEXT scholarships (full fee waiver, monthly stipend and return flights) and a range of monthly stipends. Full details can be found on our webpage but please be aware that only applications received by the March 31st deadline can be considered for this funding.
Visit us
If you are in or near Kyoto, why not call in and see us? We are delighted to meet with applicants and to show them around our facilities. During normal teaching periods we are also more than happy to introduce you to current students and faculty. Please contact the office directly should you wish to arrange a visit.
Any questions?
Feel free to contact us at anytime should you have any questions or queries related to the course and the applications process.
Finally
As a JET alumnus I can fully appreciate what it means to be contemplating the end of your time on the program and what your next step will be. The Global MBA offers an excellent bridge to your future career and will equip you will the knowledge, skills, network and intellectual framework expected and required of twenty-first century global businesspeople. I look forward to receiving your application.
With best wishes,
Dr. A. Staples
Global MBA
Doshisha Business School
astaples@mail.doshisha.ac.jp
No real JET connection. Just heard about this Godzilla Haiku page and thought it was worth sharing:
http://godzillahaiku.tumblr.com
Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91) is a staff writer for The Daily Yomiuri. A big part of his beat is the Pop Culture page, which covers manga, anime and video games. You can follow Tom’s blog at tokyotombaker.wordpress.com.
He also writes about movies. Here is his review of “The Hurt Locker,” which just opened in Japan and has been nominated for several Academy Awards (the results of which will be revealed very soon):
“If I’m gonna die, I want to die comfortable,” U.S. Army Sgt. William James says as he shucks off his hot and bulky bomb-disposal suit. Then he bends over the open trunk of a car in an alley beside a freshly evacuated U.N. office building in Baghdad and begins to run his eyes and fingers over a tangle of wires connected to a large collection of bombs.
Why is he doing it?
In The Hurt Locker, a movie that has been nominated for nine Academy Awards, including best picture, “why” is just one of the implicit yet ever-present questions…
Read the rest of the review here.
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.
The group I was interpreting for this time returned to Japan yesterday, and I have been enjoying the last destination on our program: Hawaii! After a week of surf and sun I can’t say that I am particularly looking forward to leaving, but I suppose all good things must come to an end. One stop I knew I had to make while here was Kansai Yamato, a mochi maker located in the Ala Moana mall. It’s fun to watch them make and pack the mochi before your eyes at their small stall. Like the stores profiled in my recent writeup about wagashi in LA’s Little Tokyo, this establishment also has some pretty funky mochi flavors. When I went today, I counted 12 atypical varieties in addition to the standard ohagi, sakura mochi, kinako mochi, etc.
Some of the more un
usual types were mango, honeydew and Hawaii gentei Kona coffee daifuku, but I wasn’t brave enough to try any of those. Instead I stuck with Read More
Via the Miyakaki-ken Yahoo listserv:
If you’re looking for a job in Miyazaki city and you like teaching both Junior High School and High School, then this is the job for you. Miyazaki Gakuen is a private High School located in the heart of Miyazaki City. The job starts in September and no teaching license is required.
Requirements:
-Bachelor’s Degree
-Be a native English speaker
-Conversational Japanese skills
-Prior teaching experience is a plus
Salary is around $3,000 a month. Paid vacation includes 10 days of nenkyu and one week of spring vacation, a month long summer break, and a week of winter break. This job requires you to work two Saturdays a month (first and third Saturday from 8:20 to 12:15). Weekend hours will be awarded with nenkyu.
Interested parties should contact Ernesto Salinas at ernestosalinas@hotmail.com
*************
JET alum Beth Hillman reports that last month’s Joshikai author event gathered 40 people. This month they’re doing a happy hour! See below:
女子会3月会! Next Joshikai – Thursday, March 18
For the next Joshikai gathering, we’ll be meeting for an evening of networking and girl talk at Postrio, a unique and stylish downtown bar. Mingle, chat and share stories with other women in English and/or Japanese. Any skill level of Japanese is welcome, and this will be a great opportunity to practice your Japanese and connect with women who have similar interests. They’ve extended the happy hour for us until 7 pm; specials include cocktails, beers and wine, as well as yakitori, pork belly and other bar appetizers — all starting at $4! We’ve reserved the mezzanine lounge area, so we’ll have a comfortable place to relax. Feel free to join us whenever is convenient, and bring friends!
女子会の皆さん、
2月11日のイベントは沢山の方に参加していただきました。ありがとうございました。3月の会合は18日にダウンタンのおとなバーPostrioで行います。日本人女性のJunさんがマネージャーを勤められているPrescott Hotel内にある落ち着いた雰囲気のバーです。Postrioに頼んでバーのMEZZANINEのラウンジを確保してありますのでゆっくり皆さん座って話せると思います。ＨＡＰＰＹＨＯＵＲは7時まで延長です！
今回は特にゲストスピーカーの方はいません。みんなでリラックスしながらおしゃべり、情報交換、ネットワークに花を咲かせましょう！皆様お誘いあわせの上どしどしお越し下さい。（やっぱり今回も男子禁制です。）
Date: 3/18, Thursday
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm (With happy hour prices until 7 pm!) - Please come and leave at whatever time works best for you!
Location: Postrio, 545 Post Street (on Post between Mason and Taylor, just 5 blocks from Powell BART), (415) 776-7825,
http://www.postrio.com
http://www.mychoyce.com/postrio/search
There’s no need to RSVP, but feel free to send us any questions or comments.
We’re also on Twitter (http://twitter.com/joshikaisf)!
Author Suzanne Kamata (Tokushima-ken, 1988-90) who also serves as the Publicity Assistant for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, shared the following:
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators presents
Friday, April 2, 2010
Details, Details: The Snap, Crackle, and Pop of Good Writing with author Jane Kurtz
Time: Friday, April 2, 2010, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Place: Tokyo Women’s Plaza, Conference Room 1 (5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo;
by the Children’s Castle and United Nations University. For a map see www.scbwi.jp/map.htm
Fee: 1,000 yen SCBWI members; 1,500 yen nonmembers
Reservations: Contact info@scbwi.jp by Thursday, April 1, 2010
This event will be in English.
American novelist John Gardner called details the lifeblood of fiction. Many an editor has said the absolute key to a piece of writing she fell in love with was its voice…but what creates the “voice” of a piece other than its distinct details? Award-winning author Jane Kurtz will give ten keys for coaxing vivid, shimmering, gripping details into our drafts and will show why certain mistakes around details are the kiss of death for any piece of writing. Q&A will follow the talk.
Jane Kurtz spent most of her childhood in Ethiopia—and now travels the world talking about writing, reading, and the magic of books. Her recent speaking has taken her to all but eleven of the U.S. states, Europe, the Persian Gulf, Indonesia, Cambodia, India, Romania, and East and West Africa. School Library Journal called Jane Kurtz a “superb storyteller.” Her books have gathered accolades, starred reviews, and awards. Since 1994, she has published twenty-nine books: nonfiction books, professional books for teachers, picture books, and novels for young readers that draw on her own childhood memories of growing up in Ethiopia as well as surviving the Red River flood of 1997. Jane has taught writing at the elementary, secondary, and university levels and is currently on the faculty of the MFA in children’s and young adult literature out of Vermont College. Her passion for books and reading and her love of Ethiopia came together in Ethiopia Reads, an organization that is establishing the free libraries for children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with Yohannes Gebregeorgis, one of CNN’s Top Ten Heroes (www.ethiopiareads.org). For more on Jane Kurtz visit www.janekurtz.com.
JETAA NY’s annual Meishi Exchange is this Thursday, March 11. See the slick flyer designed by the wonderful and talented JETAA NY Secretary Amber Liang:
Casting Call for Japanese Mini-Series: In March, Japanese TV producers will hold auditions in Seattle for a couple of minor roles in a mini-series to be broadcast in Japan. Shooting is scheduled for May 16 in Seattle. The drama follows a Japanese American family from their immigration to the United States, through hardships during World War II, to their lives today.
Audition Dates: March 8 (Mon.) and March 9 (Tues.)
Union Status: This is a non-union job.
Shoot Date: May 16 (Sun.) in Seattle, subject to change
Role: Japanese American Boy
Age: 15-17
Skill: English speaking, conversational Japanese a plus
Role: Japanese American Girl
Age: 12-15
Skill: English speaking, conversational Japanese a plus
Please send your resume and headshots and indicate which date you are available to audition.
Email photos and information to jaminitv@gmail.com
Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, will be speaking at Kinokuniya in NYC as part of “Ponyo Day.” The event is this Saturday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and Roland will be speaking at 4:00 pm. (This appearance hot on the heels of his Atlanta book signing on March 4!)
JET alum Chris Kennedy recently helped his company, translation and localization specialist Keywords International, set up a Tokyo branch.
Here’s the press release: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/55566/Keywords_International_Limited_Launches_Branch_Office_inTokyo.php
Chris added that, “Translation and localization are definitely fields that former JETs can get involved with, so if there is anything I could do to provide some information about the field, or anything similar, just let me know.”
A local English school for children in Yokohama who learned about JetWit from a JET friend shared the following job listing:
NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER
- Fun, local English school for children aged 2-15 looking for a friendly part-time native English teacher to join our team.
- 3-4 hours/day, 2-3 days/week, 2000yen or more/per lesson (40-, 50- and 60-minute lessons).
- Teaching location: Yokohama city, Hakuraku station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
- Proper visa, BA/BS required. Experience teaching English to kids and/or adults, and TESL/TEFL/TESOL certification preferred.
- APPLICANT MUST CURRENTLY RESIDE IN JAPAN.
- Transportation allowance (to 1000yen/day).
- Six-month renewable contract.
- Application deadline; End of March, 2010.
- Position available from Mid of March, 2010.
- Please apply by e-mail with CV/resume, letter of introduction, photo, availability and visa status.
- Contact: Shige Satsuma, Proud Academy Corporation. 34-28, Kandaiji 4-chome, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-0801.
- mail to: info@esbkids.com
- http://www.esbkids.com
All the JETAA Southeast alums will have a chance to meet and hear Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, speak at Keenesaw State University in Atlanta, GA on Thursday, March 4 from 6:30-8:00 pm. If you happen to go and say hi, let him know you heard about the event on JetWit. Also, email JetWit (jetwit [at] jetwit.com) to let us know how the event was so we can share it with the rest of the JET alum community.
Here’s the flyer with all the relevant info for the event:
***********
I received a wonderful request from author Solmaz Sharif, Managing Director of The Asian American Writers’ Workshop, regarding an event that she thought might be of interest to the JET alumni community:
Matchmaker:
Speed dating hosted by Kavita Ramdya and Jen Kwok
Saturday, March 6, 7-9 PM
- Location: The Asian American Writers’ Workshop16 W 32nd Street, Suite 10A btwn 5th Avenue and Broadway
- Cost: $20 for members / $30 for non-members
- Purchase your tickets here before March 5, 2010 and give us an idea who we should set you up with. For more information you can also visit aaww.org or call 212.494.0061.
Tired of making eyes at readings and not approaching the hottie next to you? Wondering how you can meet people that’ll compliment your bookcase? Interested in hearing more about love in Asian America? Keep it in the family and let the Workshop help you find the one at our first ever speed dating event. The Asian American Writers’ Workshop presents MATCHMAKER, a special event about how we meet, mingle, and marry in Asian America.
Kavita Ramdya, author of Bollywood Weddings: Dating, Engagement, and Marriage in Hindu America, discusses how second-generation Indian Americans get hitched, a tricky negotiation involving arranged meeting, Mom and Dad, and, of course, lots of dancing.
The event will be hosted by stand-up comedian Jen Kwok, the hilarious mastermind behind Date an Asian, her self-described comic ode to “the awesomeness of dating an asian guy.”
You will receive the following premiums:
- A month’s worth of dates squeezed into one night as you move table to table closer to the one
- Finger foods to keep the attention where it counts
- A signature Workshop cocktail
- A horoscope reading to predict your compatibility
The Japan Society is looking for a development associate for their headquarters in New York City to coordinate their giving and donors program.
DUTIES:
- Manage daily membership operations, including the timely processing of Individual and Corporate renewals, upgrades, gift acknowledgements and solicitation materials, with follow-up by phone when necessary.
- Field inquiries via Individual and Corporate membership phone lines, email inboxes, providing member service/troubleshooting as necessary, while referring more complex inquiries to appropriate Japan Society staff.
- Fulfill Individual and Corporate member benefit obligations and requests, including complimentary catalogues, gallery passes and Executive Courtesy Cards.
- Track cultivation and stewardship of Individual and Corporate prospects in Raiser’s Edge; update Individual and Corporate member records on Raiser’s Edge as needed.
- Help research and identify new membership and donor prospects in consultation with Managers of Individual and Corporate Giving.
- Perform daily website uploads and Convio updates.
- Follow up on returned mail and file all copies of correspondence as needed.
- Support Special Events and Annual Dinner as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years related development administration experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must be a flexible and detail-oriented team player with ability to multitask.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and strong written, oral and intercultural communication skills are essential.
- Experience with database processing (preferably Raiser’s Edge—including the building of queries and custom reports, and prospect tracking utilities) required.
- Knowledge of Japanese culture a plus.
Bankruptcy Man and Bankruptcy Bill are cartoons created by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) and Gideon Kendall. For more cartoons, original bankruptcy haiku and even a bankruptcy country song, go to bankruptcybill.us.
Do you work in bankruptcy or restructuring? Now you can join the JET Alumni Restructuring & Bankruptcy Group on LinkedIn.
Additionally, if anyone would like to take a stab at translating the cartoon into Japanese for JetWit’s Japanese fans out there, feel free to post in the comments section of this post. Some cultural explanation might be helpful as well, given that Japanese bankruptcy laws are very different than the U.S.
Are you living in Japan and looking to get into the translation and editing industry? The Society of Writers, Editors & Translators (SWET), a thirty-year old community of English wordsmiths in Japan, is hosting an event on art translation in March. If you’d like more information about SWET, please click here.
WHEN: Sunday, March, 7 2010 – 3:00~5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Kobe Centre Plaza Nishi-kan, 6F, Room 11 / http://www.kscp.co.jp/map/map.html
FEE: SWET & JAT members 1,000 yen/non-members 1,500 yen
RESERVE: kansai@swet.jp
ABOUT:
Translating literature related to Japanese art presents unique challenges. Not only are there issues of origin, as in the case of Buddhist deities, but
the presentation of traditional Japanese art has been targeted at a specific audience up to now, namely one that is educated and Japanese. Since the
language used to describe art can be difficult to read—as can the exhibition title itself at times—an English translation may be helpful not only to English readers but also to some native Japanese. Seen in this light, English translation in the art field can be invaluable tool to reach
new audiences, both domestic and international. This presentation will focus on technical issues related to translation, as well as the wider social
implications surrounding them.
Eric Luong is a full-time instructor at the Kyoto University of Art and Design, teaching English, art, and comparative culture. Originally from
Toronto, Canada, he works as a translator for the Hosomi Museum in Kyoto and as a freelancer specializing in Japanese art history.
This posting comes from Idealist, a job listing site for those interested in non-profit, educational or activism work around the world.
The Polaris Project, an international non-profit organization aimed at stopping human trafficking, is looking for a bilingual fellow to work at their office in Washington, D.C. for 4-6 months. The fellow will facilitate communication between the D.C. and Japan offices and play a large role in global initiatives.
ROLES:
* Assisting the executive management team and PPJ staff in developing and implementing:
+ Programmatic activities, both PPJ-centered, and joint office initiatives
+ Operations/Financial policy and mechanisms
* Fundraising initiatives, including identifying funding sources in both the US and Japan
* Translating financial, press, and other materials for internal use and public distribution
* Working with the PPJ office and individual departments on other activities as assigned
* Assistance in Performance Measurement management for PPJ
* Assistance with annual Questionnaire from the Office to Combat and Monitor Trafficking in Persons.
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Strong commitment to human trafficking and human rights generally.
* Business-level English and Japanese language skills – both writing and speaking. (Non-native Japanese speakers: JLPT level 1 or 2 certification preferred)
* Interested in working with a dynamic team and resiliently positive attitude
* Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
* Strong writing and analytical skills
* Ability to multi-task and effectively operate in a fast-paced environment
* Ability to work in a diverse office environment with people of different backgrounds
* Legal, Operations, Development, Financial background a plus
* Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred; Current enrollment in a baccalaureate program also considered.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply directly online here.
This listing came from Journalism Jobs.
Bloomberg News, one of the world’s leading financial news wire services and media organizations, is looking for interns at their Tokyo bureau for the summer. Interns work for 10 weeks and are paid.
ROLES:
- Reporting and writing
- Contributing to coverage of financial markets, companies and economies.
- Producing breaking news stories under deadline pressure.
- Responsibilities may also include monitoring other media and writing spot features.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies/Mass Comms or any equivalent experience is required
- Interest in financial markets, companies and economies
- Prior reporting experience is essential
- Prior experience working in a real-time news environment is desirable
- Ability to work within a team under deadline pressure
- Fluency in English and Japanese is preferred
- Applicants must be available to work for 10 weeks program in Jul/Aug 2010
HOW TO APPLY: Apply directly on their website here.
Other openings include a bilingual receptionist at the Tokyo bureau, customer service representatives and technical service representatives.
This job listing came from Media Bistro, a career blog and listing site for media jobs.
The luxury brand COACH is looking for a bilingual web producer to manage and maintain their online presence, especially the Japanese language copy on their site, at their offices in New York City.
ROLES
- Work closely with the Interactive Creative Director, NY Creative and Production Teams, and Coach Japan business partners to identify, develop and define creative business solutions.
- Act as primary liaison between Creative Services & the Coach Japan business team.
- Implement and improve the maintenance, traffic, communications, translation, and approvals system for Japan and International.
- Manage the day to day/monthly maintenance and updates of the Coach Japan website and assist with US projects.
- Project manage and drive strategic initiatives (US, Japan and select International).
- Communicate project status and schedules to all key stakeholders.
- Update Project Lists with key dates, progress & team leaders weekly.
- Request and distribute creative brief for all site enhancements and emails from Coach.com business team.
- Analyze project requirements, develop iteration plan, and assess opportunities for future growth and maintenance.
- Partner with merchants on monthly page updates and with vendors for implementation on the website.
- Manage the creative production of emails.
- Work closely with art director to provide all creative information.
- Distribute priority list and confirm feasibility of schedules with art director.
- Ensure projects and project milestones are delivered to agreed timelines, budgets and quality levels.
- Order all art and catalog PDFs through production and confirm that art director has all recent/accurate art.
- Partner with copywriter to obtain and review copy.
- Prepare all website/email copy for translator.
- Partner with merchants on monthly page updates and with vendors for implementation on the website.
- Route layouts through Creative Services and Coach.com business team for final approval and ensure deadlines are met. Schedule approval meetings as necessary.
- Attend strategy/brainstorm meetings and contribute ideas for site enhancements.
- Manage budget where appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
HOW TO APPLY? Apply directly online at Media Bistro.
Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91) is a staff writer for The Daily Yomiuri. A big part of his beat is the Pop Culture page, which covers manga, anime and video games. You can follow Tom’s blog at tokyotombaker.wordpress.com.
He also writes about food. Here is a recent article about a food science exhibition currently running at Tokyo’s Miraikan museum. The latter half of the story focuses in on the scientific-culinary concept of umami, often called the“fifth taste”:
How many calories are there in a 500-milliliter bottle of a zero-calorie soft drink? If you guessed zero, you might be right. But the correct answer could be as high as 24. This is one of the many fun facts visitors can learn at “It’s a Tasty World–Food Science Now,” an exhibition running through March 22 at the Miraikan science museum in Odaiba, Tokyo. Under Japanese law, according to a display debunking food myths at the show, a drink is “zero calorie” as long as it has less than five calories per 100 milliliters. (A note on vocabulary: A “calorie” and a “kilocalorie” are the same thing.)
Other displays include sniffable containers of food scents, which you can mix to create new aromas; videos of food processing factories, where plump onions comically pirouette on industrial peelers; and a glowing green tank of euglena, a photosynthetic microorganism seen as a promising future food source. Too bad its Japanese name, midori mushi–green bug–isn’t exactly appetizing….
Read the rest of the article here.
Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91) is a staff writer for The Daily Yomiuri. A big part of his beat is the Pop Culture page, which covers manga, anime and video games. You can follow Tom’s blog at tokyotombaker.wordpress.com.
He also writes about movies. Here is his interview with stop-motion animator Henry Selick, whose film “Coraline” is a nominee for best animated feature in the Academy Awards to be presented on March 7:
When the nominees for best animated feature film are read out at the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood next month, there will be one computer-graphic animated film (Up), two traditional 2-D animated films (The Princess and the Frog and The Secret of Kells) and two stop-motion films (Fantastic Mr. Fox and Coraline).
“I feel very lucky to have lived long enough to still be making films in this era,” Coraline director Henry Selick told The Daily Yomiuri in Tokyo last week. His two previous features, Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and James and the Giant Peach (1996) came out before the Oscars introduced an animated feature category in 2001.
Coraline has already won several other prizes, including an Annie animation award for Japanese production designer Tadahiro Uesugi.
Coraline, based on a novel by Neil Gaiman, is the story of a young girl who discovers a secret passage to an alternate universe where all the things that annoy her in the real world have been changed. But like a gingerbread house in a fairy tale, this seemingly delightful place turns out to be a trap from which she must escape.
Read the rest of the article here.
Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91) is a staff writer for The Daily Yomiuri. A big part of his beat is the Pop Culture page, which covers manga, anime and video games. You can follow Tom’s blog at tokyotombaker.wordpress.com.
Here is his latest video game review, of “Uncharted” and “Uncharted 2” which Sony recently released as a box set in Japan:
My pal Nate is such a great guy that he keeps hanging out with me despite the fact that I’ve gotten him killed hundreds of times, usually by explosions, gunfire or plunges from cliffs. It’s a good thing he’s made out of pixels, or this relationship would be a lot harder on both of us.
Digital though he may be, Nathan Drake, the lead character in the Sony PlayStation 3 video games Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007) and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009), is so lifelike and likeable that it is not unusual for players to think of him as someone who really exists.
The two games, re-released Feb. 18 as a 7,980 yen box set, are swashbuckling adventures from the Indiana Jones school in which our hero and a few friends hunt for treasure in exotic locales while fighting off gangsters and pirates who are also after the loot. And also as in Jones’ world, events take a paranormal turn once the treasure is uncovered…
Read the rest of the review here.
Many JETs and JET alumni find themselves at a crossroads regarding their careers and career options. Nicole D. Mignone (Akita-ken, 1991-1993), a certified life coach, will be periodically posting articles for the benefit of the JET Community. You can read more of her life-related articles at her blog thealchemyofbalance.blogspot.com. She also offers individual life and business coaching. For more information, email Nicole at drmuse@jetwit.com.
Dear Dr. Muse:
I don’t have time for all these creative exercises you post and I can’t afford to leave my current job, what can I do? B.B., Texas
Dear B.B.:
A common lament even from people who love their current jobs is that they want more time but cannot give up their current income level . Your question may involve several underlying issues. First, ensure you have accurate information regarding your current financial situation. Do you have a budget and understand exactly how much money you need to live responsibly now and in the future? Understanding your money now empowers you so that life does not force you to understand it later [with harsher consequences, usually]. The internet offers many resources for self education on this topic.
This information allows you to strategically plan for a job search or transition and aim higher for salary and job satisfaction. Also, pay attention and be responsible for the words you choose to characterize your life. If you find yourself stating you cannot afford something, an internal alarm should sound. We can afford the things in life we truly need and want; we allocate our resources—time and money—toward what we value. Finally, evaluate whether this statement hinders you from having what you want and challenge its veracity.
A second issue concerns the scarce resource of time. If you operate from a premise that you can make more money but not time, you may assess your life differently. What would you like time for? How do you currently spend your time in a day? Can you adjust something and make time to plan a change in your life? Again, we spend our money and time on what we value, so what we really want we find a way. If you really do want time to plan and do these things, you will find time. If not, then investigate other ways to shift your thinking around your current job.
Finally, this type of question often arises when people are stressed and in “survival” mode. During times like this, it may be helpful to first assess your lifestyle and health before embarking on big changes. Get enough sleep, exercise, and choose to take care of your health so you have a clear mind and energy to do the things you want. I hope this was helpful.
If you want to expand on any of these areas, email me with questions.
Like hiring a personal trainer to reach your fitness goals, a personal life coach can assist you to attain your personal goals. You may write the Muse with any coaching questions, or inquiries into life coaching options on a one-time or ongoing basis at drmuse@jetwit.com.
Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91) is a staff writer for The Daily Yomiuri. A big part of his beat is the Pop Culture page, which covers manga, anime and video games. You can follow Tom’s blog at tokyotombaker.wordpress.com.
Here is his latest manga review, of Ooku by Fumi Yoshinaga:
With its shrinking population, chronically depressed birthrate and rising average age, Japan is fated for major social changes in the fairly near future. How that will play out remains to be seen, but Fumi Yoshinaga’s manga series Ooku: The Inner Chamber is an example of how popular art can tap
into real-world social anxieties.
Ooku is set in an alternate-history Japan that also faces a demographic crisis, but of a different type. In the 1630s, a mysterious epidemic called Redface Pox kills 75 percent of Japan’s men, while leaving women physically unharmed.
The disease lingers, the gender imbalance never rights itself, and Japanese society comes to resemble a colony of bees or ants, in which the large female majority does every kind of work while the male minority are seen as delicate creatures valued only for their “seed.”
With women forced to share the limited supply of men, the institution of marriage largely disappears, as only a rich woman can keep a husband all to herself. The wealthiest and most powerful woman of all is the shogun, who keeps a crowded male harem in the innermost chambers–the Ooku–of Edo Castle…
Read the rest of the review here.
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 thought-provoking article in Salon regarding Japanese reactions at home to President Akio Toyoda’s Congressional testimony and apology to dealers. It describes how the populace was moved by him getting choked up when addressing the latter, but also that the Japanese can be fickle in their acclaim for someone. I found it interesting as I am currently traveling as an interpreter for a seven-person group of political aides, and they are overwhelming in their opinion that Japan is getting the short end of the stick regarding this situation.
At one dinner they expressed difficulty in understanding Read More
If you’ve been following Toyota’s problems of late, then you may have also noticed JET alum Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, popping up a lot as a commentator.
He recently appeared on ABC’s World News Tonight. And even more recently he was commissioned to write an op-ed for the Christian Science Monitor to clarify some of the vast cultural misreadings evident in the Congressional Toyota/Toyoda hearings.
- Toyota and trust: Was the Akio Toyoda apology lost in translation? Stung by Toyota recalls, Toyoda had to convey sincerity – and bridge the gulf in communication styles between Japan and America. http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2010/0225/Toyota-and-trust-Was-the-Akio-Toyoda-apology-lost-in-translation
- Roland is also quoted in this AP article on Toyota: “Toyota President Battles Crisis in Family Company“ http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/02/19/toyota_president_battles_crisis_in_family_company/?page=full
And addressed the topic of Toyota in an interesting way in his recent Daily Yomiuri column on The Super Bowl, Toyota, Anime and Hollywood:
- SOFT POWER, HARD TRUTHS / Anime must eventually transcend Japan ‘national’ brand http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/arts/20100219TDY11003.htm
And if you’re looking for commentary on non-Toyota topics, then you can listen to Roland’s recent appearance on NPR discussing a wild relic of Japanese popular culture, a viral video of Japanese ‘Jazz Opera,’ produced in 1986 by Tamori, the great comedian:
Via JETAA DC President Michelle Spezzacatena:
Mansfield Fellowship in Japan
Federal employees with a strong career interest in issues of importance to the U.S.-Japan relationship now have the opportunity to apply for a Mike Mansfield Fellowship.
During the two-year program, Fellows spend a year working full-time in Japanese government offices, preceded by a year of full-time rigorous language and area studies training in the United States. After completing the program, Fellows return to their U.S. agencies with proficiency in Japanese and practical, firsthand experience with Japan and its government that enables them to contribute to their agencies’ Japan-related work.
For more information about the Fellowships, information sessions in Washington, D.C., and application guidelines, please visit www.mansfieldfdn.org or contact Ms. Sara Seavey, Program Assistant, Mansfield Fellowship Program at 202-347-1994 or sseavey@mansfieldfdn.org.
Application deadline: April 1, 2010.
The Mansfield Fellowship Program is administered by The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, as grantor.
New England JETAA Career Workshop: “Marketing Yourself in a Tough Economy”
Make sure to RSVP to president [at] nejetaa.com!
When: Tuesday, March 02, 3:00PM – 6:00PM (This coming week!)
Where: Downtown Crossing, Borders Bookstore, Robert M. Morgan Conference Room
Map: Borders Boston Map (near Downtown Crossing T station): http://bit.ly/%20BordersDTX
Cost: Free! (There will also be some free food)
Highlights:
We will get a pep talk from Professor Ian Condry of MIT about how to use your JET experience to further your career.
We will have a discussion with people in several different industries in which you may have interest:
*Translation
*Academia
*Teaching
*Entrepreneurial/ Non-profit
*Biotechnology
There will be a resume workshop. Bring some copies of your resume to trade with others and help each other out! The more eyes you have looking at your resume, the more ways you’ll be able to improve it. We will also have a discussion on resume dos and don’ts.
We will adjourn to a nearby bar/restaurant afterward for informal networking and relaxing. This is a great way to meet new people and
discuss your career.
Finally, for those who cannot attend the event but have some career-related wisdom/advice they would like to pass on, please send an email to webmaster [at] nejetaa.com. We’ll make sure to share your comments with our attendees at the end of the workshop.
Here’s your chance to get some JET-specific advice in your quest to career-up!
Thanks for your attention, and we look forward to seeing you there!
The JETAA Toronto photo exhibit, entitled ‘shin‘ for the Japanese symbol for “new,” is our way of marking the start of a decade.
What symbolizes shin?
Perhaps it’s a picture that sums up the way everything felt new to you in Japan when you first arrived. A festival, a ritual, a small cultural difference. Or perhaps it’s a Japan-inspired photo taken back home in Canada that shows the old in a new light.
Selected works will be exhibited March 6 at the Gladstone Art Bar, where we will also have a deejay spinning tracks throughout the night.
Come join us as we celebrate the memories of our time in Japan and enjoy the good music. Drinks will be available on site.
Date: Saturday March 6, 2010
Event: Shin Photo Exhibit: Japan-inspired works by former JET’s
Location: Gladstone Art Bar, 1214 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, Canada See map
Website: Toronto JETAA Homepage http://toronto.jetaa.ca/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26
Time: 7 p.m. until the bar’s closing time Cost: $5 entrance fee
Via Iwateminions Yahoo group:
Speak Up conversation school is looking for an English teacher to start in late May. Working hours are Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 8.30/9 pm. Pay is 250,000 yen /month. Paid holidays include Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year, plus 7 additional days/year. If the teacher wanted to work four days a week, or some time off in the summer, that could be arranged also.
Students range from 4 to 80 years old. Classes have a size limit of 6 students. The instructor will be required to teach a small company class off-site about 2 times a week. A driver’s license is recommended. Teaching materials are available but teachers are encouraged to develop their own resources as well. There is considerable freedom regarding what and how you teach.
An apartment is not provided but taking over the departing instructor’s apartment may be an option. Sponsorship for a working visa is available. Applicants will be considered immediately as Speak Up is looking to fill this position as soon as possible to facilitate visa sponsorship.
Interested applicants should contact Phil Williams ASAP at phil_speakup (at) yahoo (dot) com.
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.
- Hinamatsuri Workshop – Saturday, February 27th, 1:00 at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. Anne Cox, a scholar of Hinamatsuri for 30 years, will be heading a workshop on the Japanese Girls’ Day festival. Come and learn about traditional dolls and have the chance to make a pair of your own Hinamatsuri dolls.
- Nihongo Dake Brunch – Sunday, February 28th, 11:30 at Cafe Atlantico. Practice your Japanese and meet new people at this relaxed Sunday get together.
- Family Okonomiyaki BBQ – Sunday, February 28th, 11:30 at Synergy Parkland in Kings Park. Free BBQ and soft drinks in the park, as well as dessert and watermelon provided by the Consulate General. Spend the day outdoors and catch up with old friends.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, February 27th, 6:00 in San Gabriel. Dust off those rusty Japanese skills and come out for a night of food, friends and Japanese conversation.
- Networking Event with Lighthouse San Diego Magazine – Tuesday, March 2nd, 6:30 at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant in San Diego. Check out this chance to meet with local Japanese business leaders.
- Income Tax Seminar – Saturday, February 27th, 3:30 to 5:00 at the Japan Information Center. Bring a pen, paper and your questions on tax issues as the guys at JETAANC are offering to help out JET alumni with questions about filling their taxes after returning from Japan.
- SF Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, March 4th, 6:00 at Gordon Biersch. This event is being cohosted by GEOS, so come on out and share in the good times.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, March 3rd, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Happy Hour – Thursday, February 25th, 6:00 at the Rustic Kitchen. Come in from the cold and share a drink with friends old and new.
- Nihongo Dake Lunch – Sunday, February 28th, 1:00 at Fuji in Quincy. Enjoy sushi and brush up on that Japanese with the gang at JETAANE.
- Career Workshop – Tuesday, March 2nd, 3:00 to 6:00 NEJETAA will be holding it’s career workshop for JET alumni. This year’s theme is, “Marketing Yourself in a Tough Economy,” so come on out and get a leg up on that new career. Location to be announced.
- JETAA Winter Ball – Saturday, February 27th, 7:00 at the Grange Holborn Hotel. Champagne, a three course meal and a disco with a live DJ make this event one not to be missed. Check it out.
- Orlando Yakiniku and Karaoke – Friday, February 26th, 8:00 at the Shin Jung Korean Restaurant in Orlando. Join the gang in Orlando for a night out and start the weekend off right.
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.
The Nihongo Dake Dinner is one of the few regular Japanese events in New York City designed to bring both Japanese and non-native Japanese speakers together. Currently run by Jon Hills for JETAANY (http://jetaany.org/), he’s also the founder of Hills Learning (http://www.hillslearning.com), a language school based in Grand Central, New York City.
The event usually numbers around 20 people, and is designed to be half Japanese, half non-native Japanese speakers. The Japanese participants come from all industries and backgrounds, from JETRO and JLGC to Mitsui and Nomura. There are also Japanese who are artists, recruiters, volunteers and students.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner – 02/23/10
The past event held at the Congee Restaurant in Chinatown was a mix of languages, intimacy and fun. As mentioned before, the typical attendance for the Nihongo Dake Dinners is about 20, quite a number for a Japanese language speaking event in New York. This past event only housed 7 people, pushing all participants to try their Japanese skills and get to know each other a little better. Also thanks to our Chinese American participant Ann, we had Chinese translation when ordering and handling the bill.
If you’re involved in the JET organization please be open to signing up for future Nihongo Dake Dinners. If you know someone from JET and would like to go as a friend of JET, it’s also possible to attend. Japanese people who would like to meet English native speakers who have an interest in Japanese are also encouraged to attend. As one of the best Japanese Events in New York City, it’s an event that can’t be missed!
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A request from WITLife writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03):
My friend Ryoko is looking to get some information for a college classmate who is hoping to spend a short time in Tokyo studying Japanese. Can anyone help out with the following questions? If so, please contact her at sr960002 [at] gmail.com. Thank you and yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
1) Do you have any suggestions for safe, short-term apartment leases/rentals in Tokyo? Or any idea of how to search for one?
2) Also, do you have any suggestions for good Japanese language immersion programs in Tokyo? (The kind where you stay in the country/program for 1-3 months.)
via the Hokkaido JETS Yahoo group:
The YWCA in Hakodate is looking to fill an English teaching position by the end of the month.
Working time: Tuesday to Friday, 4 days a week, 10am start, 21 lessons a week (about 21 hours), about 70 students. All levels and ages.
Salary: 200,000 yen a month after income tax deductions.
Housing: The YWCA will help you get an apartment within walking distance of the working place in Central Hakodate near Goryokaku.
Read More
Many JETs and JET alumni find themselves at a crossroads regarding their careers and career options. Nicole D. Mignone (Akita-ken, 1991-1993), a certified life coach, will be periodically posting articles for the benefit of the JET Community. You can read more of her life-related articles at her blog thealchemyofbalance.blogspot.com. She also offers individual life and business coaching. For more information, email Nicole at drmuse@jetwit.com.
Over the past couple of weeks, a few different readers have emailed with questions related to finding the “creative spark” or inspiration for finding their passion in life through work. Here is another creative task that may help, inspired by the highly recommended book “The Artist’s Way,” by Julia Cameron.
Task 1: Collect magazines of different types that you can cut up. One afternoon or evening, listening to music or watching a movie, skim through the magazines and without judgment, purely on attraction only, cut out any words or images that appeal to you for any reason. Do not analyze the selection, but instead enjoy the sensory aspects of the images or words that appeal to you. Take all your cutouts and place them into a shoe box, folder, or envelope for another task later.
Task 2 [different day]: Reread your paragraph and list from the exercise of February 15, 2010. [If you did not do that exercise, you can still proceed with this activity] Then, gather the following materials: a poster board of any size; some glue; scissors; and your shoebox or envelope of magazine words/images from Task 1. Lay everything out on a table or work space, and while listening to some good music or during some quiet time, make a collage of all these words and images.
Task 3 [different day]: Take some time to really look at your collage and reflect on what it tells you about what inspires you, what you like, and the type of work/profession you would enjoy right now. What story does the collage tell about how you want to show up/be perceived in your profession? Take time to journal all the thoughts and feelings that arise in a stream-of-consciousness way while looking at your collage. You may wish to do this over a period of time as new ideas and expression bubble to the surface of your mind. May you be pleasantly be surprised at what is revealed to you about your dreams and desires.
Like hiring a personal trainer to reach your fitness goals, a personal life coach can assist you to attain your personal goals. You may write the Muse with any coaching questions, or inquiries into life coaching options on a one-time or ongoing basis at drmuse@jetwit.com.
Current Hiroshima-ken JET Gail Meadows, Editor of Hiroshima JET webzine the Wide Island View, shines a light on some of the upcoming events of Japan America Societies…
Hina Matsuri Festival — Long ago in Japan it was believed that wizards drive away evil on the first day of the snake in March. The wizards transferred the evil to paper dolls and then placed the dolls in the river to float the evil away to the sea. Eventually the day became known as Hina Matsuri and dolls to represent the Emperor and Empress were displayed. Today, Hina Matsuri is known as the Doll Festival and is also referred to as Girls’ Day in Japan. Come see JASSA’s valuable set of dolls on display during this event.
- Date: Saturday, March 6
- Time: 9 a.m. to noon
- Place: Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center, 811 N. Coker Loop, San Antonio
- For more information, click here.
- Yamamoto Kyogen — Designated “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO, Kyogen, much like Noh, is a world-renowned form of traditional Japanese theater with a more than 600-year history. The Yamamoto Kyogen Company, on their debut U.S. tour, will feature two plays that are unique to the Okura School of Kyogen. This event is sponsored by the Japan Society.
- Date: Wednesday, March 24
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Place: Hall of Flags, University of Pennsylvania, 3451 Walnut St., Philadelphia
- For more information, click here.
Bourbon Distillery Tour and Fusaichi Pegasus — Did you know that 90 percent of the world’s bourbon is distilled in Kentucky? Did you know that Kentucky Derby winner, Japanese-owned Fusaichi Pegasus, lives near Lexington at Ashford Stud Horse Farm?
JASGC has partnered with the Japan-America Society of Kentucky to create a family event including tours of two bourbon distilleries (Four Roses and Woodford Reserve) and Ashford Stud in one day. Sounds like a true “Bluegrass Kentucky” experience.
- Date: Saturday, March 27
- Time: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Place: In the Greater Cincinnati area, meet at 7300 Turfway Rd., Florence, Kentucky (Exit Turfway, I-75) no later than 7:45 a.m. In the Lexington area, the bus will pick people up at the Candlewood Suites at 603 Adcolor Dr., Lexington, Kentucky. Participants are asked to arrive no later than 9:15 a.m.
- For more information, click here.
- Tea Program — Melinda Varner, a doctoral student in Japanese history at the University of Kansas, will discuss her personal and professional involvement in the study of chanoyu, the Japanese way of tea. She will offer personal insights on the tradition drawn from 15 years of study in the Urasenke school and place these in historical perspective based upon her current research in early modern tea texts.
- Date: Tuesday, March 23
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Place: Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, Missouri
- 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 Meadows the info.
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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 just started an assignment as an interpreter for a delegation of young political leaders from Japan, divided about evenly between members of the LDP and the DPJ as well as one journalist. Over our first dinner tonight it was interesting to hear their respective viewpoints regarding various issues, especially ones that are personal to them. For example, one DPJ rep and one LDP rep were having a friendly debate regarding day care. Both of these men have wives who work and 3-year old daughters, and as they live in the Tokyo area child care options are limited. There are not enough facilities to meet current needs, and those that exist are deluged by requests leading to long waiting lists.
As part of the Manifesto, the DPJ has proposed the implementation of a 子供手当て (kodomo teate) of 26,000 yen per month to provide financial aid to those who have a child. The LDP, on the other hand, does not advocate this and thinks this money should instead be put toward Read More
Call for Japan-related actors,
Tea Leaf Theatre (www.tealeaftheatre.com) will be hosting some workshops to explore Japanese theatre.
We are looking for actors who has some sort of connection to Japan or has an interest in the culture.
The aim of these workshops is to explore how Japanese theatre skills can be transformed into British theatre context. These workshops will stretch your skills and enable you to look at acting from a different perspective.
Tea Leaf Theatre is a London-based theatre company. Our aim is to bring together the East and West through modern theatrical media such as physicality, projected images, and live music (think Theatre de Complicite).
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer you any payment at this stage. However, you will not only gain some Japanese traditional theatre techniques but also learn how to use them for your day to day acting requirements. (i.e., Auditions)
There’s no long term commitment required, you simply need to attend one or two day workshop over a period of time. Each session will focus on one element of Japanese theatre for you to explore.
There will be several sessions over this year. So if you are interested to be involved in this project, please send your CV, headshot, and a short description about your relation to Japan; to tealeaftheatre@gmail.com. We will send you further information on when they are going to happen.
Thanks for your help.
Tanroh Ishida
Artistic Director of Tea Leaf Theatre
tealeaftheatre@gmail.com / 077 9154 1749
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.
An interesting article this week in Slate analyzed the intricacies of the Japanese bow and its various gradations. It was in reference to the apology by Toyota President Akio Toyoda at a press conference last week regarding the company’s massive vehicle recall. His chosen bow was a keirei, or 30-degree tilt to show respect, though some say he should have opted for a saikeirei, or full 45- to 90-degree bow intended to show the greatest veneration or humility.
With the amount of damage control that Toyota needs at this point, perhaps it is true that Toyoda should have overshot with a deeper bow. However, critics were likely placated by yesterday’s news that Toyoda will testify before Congress regarding the recalls, something he had previously said he had no intention of doing. The threat of being subpoenaed by investigators seemed to have persuaded him to accept the formal invitation issued by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that followed an informal one. It remains to be seen how reassuring his testimony will be to the American public.
The Tsukuba International School in Ibaraki, Japan is looking for a full-time elementary school teacher. The candidate must be a native English speaker with a degree in education (or related field) and teacher qualifications. The school is not a conversation school, but rather a full-time elementary school where children learn all of their subjects in the English language.
QUALIFICATIONS: Note – these are non-negotiable requirements.
- Native English proficiency.
- University degree in education (preferably with elementary specialization, i.e. ages 6 to 12) from a country with an English language-based curriculum. (A degree in “Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language” is not sufficient.)
- Qualifications to teach in a jurisdiction with primarily English-based education. (This means that the candidate must be a qualified teacher in a country such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.)
OTHER PREFERENCES:
- Experience teaching in an elementary school.
- Experience teaching at an international school, or in a multicultural environment.
- Experience teaching non-native speakers of English.
- Experience teaching the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate.
- Familiarity with inquiry-based learning.
- Experience living in Japan, or living abroad.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Teach all core subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies
- Share responsibilities in other subjects: Art, Physical Education, Music, and Media Studies
- Able to manage a dynamic classroom setting.
- Possess the flexiblity to deal with new students and new teaching paradigms gracefully.
- Have a clear understanding of the importance of professional development, through workshops/seminars and independent learning.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a resume outlining your education and employment history (including your current position), and give three references who can be contacted. Attach a one-page cover letter stating why you are interested in this position and what you could contribute to our school. Applicants chosen for interviews will be required to submit copies of relevant degrees and certificates. Applications can be sent by postal mail or email. Interviews may take place in person or by web conference. If you have a web camera and a Skype account, please mention that in your cover letter.
POSTAL ADDRESS
Tsukuba International School
Attn: Mr. Masayasu Kano
Kamigo 7846-1
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JAPAN
300-2645
Please write: “Teacher Application” on the envelope.
EMAIL ADDRESS
Please submit your documents as PDF files or in plain text. Use the subject “Elementary Teacher: September 2010″.
Applications are due by March 15, 2010, but we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. We hope to fill the position by March 31, 2010.
via the JETAAJOB Yahoo group:
Tsukuba International School (TIS) offers an international education for children in grades 1 to 8. They are currently seeking a qualified elementary school teacher to start in September 2010. The successful candidate will teach all core subjects (including Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) and will share responsibility for additional subjects (including Art, Physical Education, Music, and Media Studies). As TIS is currently a candidate school for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate, experienced PYP teachers will be given preference, although qualified teachers
with a strong interest in the PYP will also be considered.
Applications are due by March 15, 2010
Please see the TIS website for more details about the position:
http://tis.ac.jp/2010/02/seeking-full-time-elementary-school-teacher
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.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner- Tuesday, February 23rd, 7:00 at Congee Village Restaurant and Bar. Come out for the first Nihongo Dake dinner of 2010 and sharpen up those Japanese skills.
- Snowboarding Trip – February 26th – 28th in Killington, Vermont. Alumni, family and friends are welcome to join in on this weekend of skiing and snowboarding up in Vermont.
- JBook Meeting – Monday, February 22nd at 6:30. This month’s selection will be “The Makioka Sisters” by Junichiro Tanizaki.
- Hinamatsuri Workshop – Saturday, February 27th, 1:00 at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. Anne Cox, a scholar of Hinamatsuri for 30 years, will be heading a workshop on the Japanese Girls’ Day festival. Come and learn about traditional dolls and have the chance to make a pair of your own Hinamatsuri dolls.
- Nihongo Dake Brunch – Sunday, February 28th, 11:30 at Cafe Atlantico. Practice your Japanese and meet new people at this relaxed Sunday get together.
- AGM Reception – Saturday, February 20th, 8:00 at Cosmo in Cardiff Bay. JETAA Wales is hosting the UK AGM for JETAA UK chapter representatives and members.
- JETAA Winter Ball – Saturday, February 27th, 7:00 at the Grange Holborn Hotel. Champagne, a three course meal and a disco with a live DJ make this event one not to be missed. Check it out.
- Orlando Yakiniku and Karaoke – Friday, February 26th, 8:00 at the Shin Jung Korean Restaurant in Orlando. Join the gang in Orlando for a night out and start the weekend off right.
- Shinnenkai – Friday, February 19th, 6:30 at Nissei Vets Hall. Join PNWJETAA in welcoming 2010 with bentos, drinks and karaoke afterward.
- Kimono Wearing Seminar – Sunday, February 21st, 1:300 at the JACL Office. The Chicago Kimono Club is holding a seminar on how to wear a traditional Japanese Kimono. Bring your own clothes or just come and learn how it’s done.
- Devil’s Head Ski Trip – February 20-21st JETAA Chicago is planning a ski weekend at Devil’s Head. Get out and play in the snow.
- Happy Hour – Thursday, February 25th, 6:00 at the Rustic Kitchen. Come in from the cold and share a drink with friends old and new.
- Nihongo Dake Lunch – Sunday, February 28th, 1:00 at Fuji in Quincy. Enjoy sushi and brush up on that Japanese with the gang at JETAANE.
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.
The Chinese Doctor is a recurring feature written by Friend Of JET, Jon Hills, who maintains the blog for Hills Learning (www.hillslearning.com).
Hills Learning is a NY-based language learning services company offering customized and personal Chinese, Japanese and Korean language learning options. Their main service is private one on one language lessons in the NYC area.
The buzz language in New York City these days is Chinese. Whenever you speak with someone about new business opportunities China will usually enter into the conversation. But is Learning Chinese really worth it? In a bilingual world where Chinese people are moving to New York City, you would think just a trusted in house translator would suffice for companies doing business in China. This article will argue that at least learning the basics of Chinese can jump start your business and give you the edge when winning contracts in the competitive Chinese market.
Quick Impressions Are Everything So you’re going to sit down with a Chinese business and attempt to negotiate a contract with them. Of course the thing they care about most is their bottom line, and how much it will cost to do business with you. But let’s say your prices are relatively similiar to your competitors…
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Chinese language and culture articles
The United States-Japan Foundation, a non-profit grantmaking organization, is seeking to employ a full-time Administrative Assistant for their New York City offices.
The position provides administrative and clerical support to the Asst. Secretary & Treasurer and administrative area.
DUTIES:
. Processing of payments and disbursements, and accounts receivables;
. Record-keeping and maintenance of accounting, investment, and administrative files;
. Reception, and processing/distribution of mail and correspondence;
. Word-processing, writing, editing of correspondence and worksheets;
. Special projects.
QUALIFICATIONS:
. Excellent writing, communication, and computer skills (Lotus, Excel, Word, Quickbooks)
. Understanding of basic accounting helpful
. Financial or investment background a plus
. Japanese language is a definite plus.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested parties should email, fax or mail resume to (no calls please):
Asst. Secretary/Treasurer
United States-Japan Foundation
145 East 32nd St., 12th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Fax: (212) 481-8762
Email: mcmanapat@us-jf.org
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