Congratulations to JET alumnus Tim Harms, member of JETAASC, who won an Oscar for best Short Film (Live Action). “Skin,” directed by Guy Nattiv and produced by Andrew Carlberg, Tim Harms, and Jaime Ray Newman, is about how at a small supermarket in a blue-collar town, a black man smiling at a 10 year old white boy sends two gangs into a ruthless war. The trailer is available on YouTube. You can learn more about the film here. 

Photo from: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7332306/mediaviewer/rm3387127040

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.

Stay warm this winter with some hot local events, from live showcases that will transport you to another time and place, some new anime screenings, and a 2.5D musical performance you won’t want to miss.

This month’s highlights include:

Now through June 16

The Tale of Genji: A Japanese Classic Illuminated

Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue

$12-$25

This is the first major loan exhibition in North America to focus on the artistic tradition inspired by Japan’s most celebrated work of literature, The Tale of Genji. Written by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting in the early eleventh-century imperial court, and often referred to as the world’s first psychological novel, the tale recounts the amorous escapades of the “Shining Prince” Genji and introduces some of the most iconic female characters in the history of Japanese literature. Covering the period from the eleventh century to the present, the exhibition features more than 120 works, including paintings, calligraphy, silk robes, lacquer wedding set items, a palanquin for the shogun’s bride, and popular art such as ukiyo-e prints and modern manga. Highlights include two National Treasures and several works recognized as Important Cultural Properties. For the first time ever outside Japan, rare works are on view from Ishiyamadera Temple—where, according to legend, Shikibu started writing the tale.

March 22-23, 7:30 p.m.

Akiko Kitamura’s Cross Transit

Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street

$30, $25 members

How can Cambodia’s past be preserved through the human body? Akiko Kitamura, internationally acclaimed Japanese dancer and founder/former choreographer of Leni-Basso dance company, tackles this challenge together with Cambodian visual artist/photographer Kim Hak. Ambitious yet poetic, Cross Transit is a multimedia dance piece in which Hak’s video, photos, voice and personal experiences intertwine with Kitamura’s bold, progressive choreography. A MetLife Meet-the-Artists Reception follows the March 22 performance, with an artist Q&A following the March 23 performance.

 

March 29-30

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live

PlayStation Theater, 1515 Broadway

$30-$75

See Sailor Moon and her friends fight the forces of darkness—live on stage! Directed and choreographed by Takahiro (Madonna’s Sticky and Sweet Tour) with book by Akiko Kodama (Takarazuka Revue Company), and music by Hyadain (pop groups Momoiro Clover Z and AKB48), The Super Live is the first time that Sailor Moon (one of the most popular anime and manga heroines of all time, generating $5 billion in sales) comes to the New York stage in celebration of its 25th anniversary. These special performances (three in total) marks the first time a 2.5D Musical will be on an American stage. 2.5D Musicals, which began around 2000, are based on popular contemporary Japanese culture: manga comics, anime and video games. Presented in Japanese with English supertitles.

Read More

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

---

Job Title: Writing/Marketing Intern
Posted by: Vertical, Inc.
Location: New York City, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a paid part-time internship passed along to us:

Writing/Marketing (paid) Intern for JP manga publisher Position is from April to June/July.

Description:

• Write blog post copy, coordinate production of promotional items and arrange shipment to third parties, facilitate sweepstakes giveaway prize shipments.
• Write copy, compile and send assets, and coordinate with freelance designers to ensure the timely creation and submission of monthly print advertisements
• Contact third parties for marketing collaboration and PR, conduct market data research, and track marketing budget and reprint schedule
• Facilitate license, editorial, and marketing coordination by drafting and submitting editorial and marketing proposals, including proposals for special projects, such as box sets, bonus items, and marketing campaigns
• Coordinate publicity related mailings, including sending complimentary copies to review outlets and international company offices
• Write additional website blog posts and run online social media marketing campaigns as necessary

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

---

Job Title: Japanese-English Bilingual Staff Position
Posted by: Window Research Institute
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

Position at Window Research Institute

Guided by the belief that “windows represent civilization and culture,” the Window Research Institute seeks to collect and disseminate a wide range of knowledge and ideas related to windows and architecture, to aid research, and to support and organize cultural projects. Going forward, the Window Research Institute plans to create a global foundation in Tokyo specializing in windows on par with the top architectural foundations in the world.

Responsibilities:

• Start a grant program for overseas foundations
• Serve as the executive director of the Advisory Committee, chaired by Italian expert Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani, who will oversee the development of the foundation’s long-term roadmap
• Manage foundation’s overseas publicity, website, social media, print media, etc.
• Serve as project manager for overseas projects
• Conduct market research on existing overseas funded research foundations
• Manage PR for the Japan House projects (Sao Paulo, London, Hollywood)

Chapter Beats March

JETAA Chapter Beat is a periodic mosaic of events taking place in the JETAA sphere. Compiled by AJET‘s Director of Alumni Relations Megan Buhagiar (Ishikawa Prefecture, 2017- Present)

 

 

1. JETAA DC
   1. Career Workshop
      Yvonne Thurman-Dogruer
      March 5th, Time TBD
      1156 15th St. NW, Suite 1105
   2. Still looking for a job? Want to learn how to get to next stage in your career? Join us on March 5^th for a workshop featuring Yvonne Thurman-Dogruer, Director of Administration at Brookings Institutuion. Ms. Thurman-Dogruer, a former JET, has years of experience in mentoring and guiding applicants. The workshop (located at 1156 15^th Street, Suite 1105) will include tips on resume-writing, applying to jobs, networking, and information on careers availiable at Brookings. Follow our Facebook page for more information on the event and RSVP information.

 

 

2. JETAA NY
   1. Meishi Exchange and Networking Event
   2. DATE: Thursday, 7 March 2019
   3. TIME: 18:30 – 21:30 EST
   4. VENUE: Legends Bar

6 W 33^rd St, New York, New York 10001

1. TICKETS: cognitoforms.com
2. Details
   • Join us for our largest networking event of the year! We get 100+ attendees every year so make sure to get your spot!

     When: Thursday, March 7th, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

     Where: Legends Bar, 6 West 33rd Street @ 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001 (Private space downstairs)

     Cost: $15 prepay (Wednesday, March 6th at noon/ $20 (Thursday, March 7th Cash at the door)

     What you get: We’ll be serving “hearty hors d’oeuvres” included in the entry price. There will be a ***special extended happy hour*** for attendees! And of course, you’ll get the opportunity to connect and meet INCREDIBLE people!

     Questions: Contact Ryan (membership@jetaany.org)

3. JETAA SG
   1. AGM 2019
   2. DATE: Saturday, 19^th March
   3. TIME: 13:00 – 17:00
   4. VENUE: CLAIR Singapore

6 Battery Road #26-01/02 Singapore

1. Details
   • 2018 was exciting, and we’re looking forward to what else 2019 can bring for us! Come join us as we create our personalised art pieces, decide on our favourite haiku writer, take a trip down memory lane, and choose our next board representatives!

     (And yes, if you would like to be JETAA SG’s favourite Haiku writer, submit your Haiku by 28th Feb! Stand to win a pair of Kiriko glasses and a voucher!)
     ~~~~~~~

     Resin Origami Art
     Haiku Writing Contest
     Recap past activities
     Election of new board
     Refreshments

2. JETAA UK
   1. Kobe International Club London Branch Opening Party
   2. DATE: Friday, 15^th March
   3. TIME: 19:00 UTC
   4. VENUE: City Miyama Restaurant

17 Godliman Street, EC4V 5BD London, UK

1. Details
   • 日本語は下に続きます。)
     We are pleased to announce that the London Branch of the Kobe International Club will soon be established! The Club acts as the international network of the Kobe City Government, where people with links to Kobe can come together and engage in a wide range of activities, such as promoting the many things that make Kobe a wonderful city, and providing useful information for Kobe’s development.
     Come and celebrate at the inauguration party: join us and meet people based in London and further afield who have a special relationship with Kobe City, in a casual environment.
     About the Kobe International Club:
     http://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/foreign/english/media/kobeinternationalclub/index.html

     Fee for food and drink: £50 (service charge included)
     * Due to restrictions on room capacity, the number of spaces available is limited.
     * Please register by Friday 22nd February by clicking “Going” on this Facebook event.

     この度神戸のファンクラブのようなものとして、英国における神戸市の海外ネットワーク拠点コウベインターナショナルクラブロンドン支部設立の運びとなりました。
     （コウベインターナショナルクラブについては下記ご参照下さい）
     http://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/culture/international/oshirase/Kobe-International-Club.html

     つきましては、同クラブ支部発足イベントを開催致したく、ご案内を申し上げます。

     飲食代：£50（サービスチャージ込）
     ※英国に留学中の大学生も参加予定で、多めに払ってもいいよという社会人の方がいらっしゃいましたら£60お支払いいただけますと幸いです。
     定員50名
     ※会場の都合により定員を設けさせていただくことをご了承ください。Facebook以外にも周知しているため、合計で50名に達した場合には、参加を締め切りとさせていただきます。
     ※人数を把握させていただきたいため2月28日（木）までに参加可否のご登録にご協力ください。

2. JETAA ABC
   1. Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
   2. DATE: March 9^th
   3. TIME: All Day
   4. DETAILS: TBA
3. JETAA Southern Alberta
   1. JETAA Cooking Lesson #3: Temaki Zushi and Onigirazu
      • DATE: Saturday, 9^th March
      • TIME: 13:00 – 15:00 UTC-07
      • VENUE: Kerby Centre

1133 7 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, Alberta T2P 1B2

• Details
  1. Exciting news! We have our third cooking lesson coming up! In this lesson you will learn how to make temaki-zushi and onigirazu! Everyone is welcome, JET Alumni, or not. Cost is only $10. Parking is available. Register quickly because seating is limited! Please email sajetaa@gmail.com to reserve your place!

7. JETAA NZ3 South Island
   1. Sake Tasting with JETAA South Island
   2. DATE: Friday, March 15^th
   3. TIME: 19:00 – 22:00 UTC+13
   4. VENUE: Tomi Japanese Restaurant

Edgeware Mall

76 Edgeware Rd

Christchurch, New Zealand

1. Details
   • Join JETAA for an evening of fine Japanese food and drink.

     Enjoy a multi-course Japanese meal accompanied by samplings of five premium sake varieties.

     This event is limited to 20 participants, so please RSVP either by selecting “Going” on this event page or emailing info@jetaasi.org.

     This event is priced at $30 per person; payment may be made on the night or paid via bank deposit into account number 11-7892-0469438-00. For those paying via bank deposit, please put your name in the payment reference.

     NB: Those who drive are to follow their own alcohol standards and drive safely at your own risk.

2. JETAA Auckland
   1. AGM 2019
   2. DATE: Sunday, March 10^th
   3. TIME: 15:00 – 17:00 UTC+13
   4. VENUE: Q1/240 Broadway

Newmarket (Station Square, Newmarket)

1. Details
   • It’s time to get together to plan out the year ahead for JETAA Auckland…

     …So come along and join us in Newmarket for our AGM ^_^

     We’ve already started brainstorming lots of fun activities Japan, JET, and social-related for you all for the coming year, but we’d love further input from everyone who is a member of JETAA.

     You’re all welcome to come along, even if you’ve recently “returned” to NZ, are looking to reconnect with JETAA, or simply want to reminisce about your time in Japan ^_^

     Also, our treasurer committee position is up for election, so if that sounds like something right up you alley, put your hand up for it!

     Snacks and drinks are provided by JETAA :)

2. JETAA Chicago
   1. Soup and Rice
   2. DATE: March 8^th
   3. TIME: 18:00 – 20:00 CST
   4. VENUE: JASC – Japanese American Service Committee

4427 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois 60640

1. Details
   • Based on the idea of Soup & bread community meals, we wanted to host our own community meal and gathering during the cold winter months.
     How does it work?
     Volunteer soup makers bring a crock pot of their favorite soup to share, we provide rice, bowls and spoons. Soup eaters make a donation which will be donated to the Lakeview Food Pantry.
     Call or e-mail to with any questions or to sign up to bring soup:
     Joan Ambo – (773) 275-0097 x228| jambo@jasc-chicago.org
2. JETAA PNW
   1. 2019 PNW Shinnenkai
      • DATE: Saturday, March 16^th
      • TIME: 16:00 – 19:00
      • VENUE: Japanese Cultural and Community Center of WA

1414 S Weller St, Seattle, Washington 98144

• Details
  1. 明けましておめでとうございます！
     今年もよろしくお願いします！

     Save the date! Join the Pacific Northwest JET Alumni Association on snow-free March 16 (Saturday) as we celebrate another year! Meet new friends and reconnect with old ones as we reflect on 2018 and look ahead to 2019, the year of the boar.

     — REGISTRATION & FOOD INFORMATION —
     The event will be potluck-style and free -so there will be no tickets or fees! Please register using the Google Form listed below, and specify what kind of food item you are able and willing to bring.

     Drink (alcoholic beverage) tickets will be available day-of for $5.00 (2 drinks).

     [[ Register Here – https://goo.gl/forms/vvhdiZFaySNgcFbm1 ]]

     — ALLERGIES/DITARY RESTRICTION CONSIDERATIONS —
     Please consider allergies to and common dietary restrictions towards ingredients such as nuts, gluten, meat/fish, dairy, mushrooms, etc. If you will be bringing an item with any of the aforementioned ingredients, we will ask you to indicate so on a large index card at the event (PNWJETAA will provide index cards).

     — QUESTIONS/CONCERNS —
     Contact: officers@pnwjetaa.org

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

---

Job Title: Program Coordinator, Student Services (PCSS)
Posted by: Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alum, Darren Biggs (Okayama-ken) for the following job opening:

Position: Program Coordinator, Student Services (PCSS)
Organization: Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
Department / Division: CIEE Tokyo (CIEE KK)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Reports to: Manager of Student Services

About CIEE:

A nonprofit, non-governmental organization, CIEE is the oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization in the United States. Since 1947, CIEE has helped thousands of people gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most comprehensive, relevant, and valuable exchange programs available. CIEE programs and services span study abroad, teach abroad, international faculty training, and various specialty and custom programs for secondary, post-secondary, and international students.

We strive to lead a robust community of international program providers and sponsors through innovation, quality, safety, exemplary service, and exceptional efficiency. Our success depends on having the very best professionals. CIEE is committed to recruiting and retaining the best people in the industry, particularly those who are passionate about international education, are self-starters with high levels of energy and autonomy, and are dedicated to exceeding expectations in every challenge.

About CIEE Tokyo:

Located on the campus of Sophia University, CIEE Tokyo offers a variety of study abroad and intercultural exchange programs. Our current program lineup includes college semester; college summer; faculty-led and custom programs for colleges / universities; high school semester; high school summer; gap year abroad; and internships.

Summary of Position:

The Program Coordinator, Student Services (PCSS), supports the Manager of Student Services (MSS) in ensuring the wellbeing of students in college and internship programs in accordance with CIEE health safety and security policies. The PCSS will actively engage with students in the above-mentioned programs to ensure the quality of their study abroad experience, assisting them on a wide range of matters related to their daily lives, health and safety, and overall enjoyment of the program. The PCSS will also support CIEE Tokyo colleagues as needed for students in other program lines. Additionally, the PCSS will coordinate and implement CIEE Tokyo internship programs, including Tokyo Global Internship (GLINT) programs.

The selected candidate will be hired on a one-year contract with the possibility of converting to full-time permanent at the end of the first year, conditional on satisfactory performance and the needs of the company.

Read More

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

---

Job Title: Account Representative and Customer Service Representative
Posted by: DSA International
Location: Los Angeles/Orange County, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here are a couple of jobs passed along to us:

Account Representative

A global material and Automotive Manufacturing firm is seeking a qualified Account Representative for their Ohio branch. This person will be responsible for growth with new and existing customers in the automotive industry. Minimum 1 yr experience desired, training will be provided by management.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)
• 1-2 years of sales / account management experience (preferred but not required)
• Automotive supplier experience (highly preferred)
• General understanding of manufacturing concepts for electronics (a plus)
• Bilingual Japanese/English language abilities
• Good communication skills with the ability to give presentations

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

---

Job Title: Education Coordinator
Posted by: Youth for Understanding USA
Location: Naperville, IL, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a JET-relevant summer opportunity passed along to us:

Youth for Understanding USA runs a yearly Japan Pre-Departure Orientation (JPDO) for American teenagers going abroad to Japan for the summer. We are currently looking for an individual to serve as the on-site 2019 JPDO Education Coordinator.

This individual would effectively review the orientation’s Japanese culture and language curriculum and train a small team of teachers on the curriculum through remote training calls and on-site staff training. Ideally, the Education Coordinator would have the following qualifications and availability:

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

---

Job Title: Travel Trade Business Development Rep
Posted by: InsideAsia Tours Ltd
Location: Remote Work – US Northern East Coast
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

InsideAsia Tours Ltd is recruiting for a dynamic and motivated individual to sell and build awareness of our brands and services among the Travel Trade with a concentration in the US Northern East Coast.

This is a remote-based posting with exciting potential to play an integral part in the travel industry and make an impact in travel to Japan and other countries in Asia.

You will have the chance to show your passion for this area of the world through networking, training, product promotion, and excellent service delivery.

If you enjoy meeting new people, the challenge of smashing sales targets, and are looking for a position that affords you the opportunity to travel around the US, then this position could be a great fit for you!

Join our team of like-minded people with a love for travel and a sincere desire to make our travelers’ trips the best they absolutely can be, sharing their experiences and expertise every single day.

For full details of the Business Development Rep position, please click here

If this role is of interest, please apply now by sending an up-to-date resume and a comprehensive cover letter, showing how your skills and experience match the job description to: jobs@insideasiatours.com

For this role, the following dates apply:

Closing date:    Friday March 15th 2019
Initial interviews:     From Monday March 18th 2019
Second interviews:   From Monday April 1st 2019
Start date:        First week of June 2019

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

---

Job Title: JET Program Coordinator & Educational Affairs Assistan
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in Miami
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Florida JETAA for the following job opening:

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

---

Job Title: Director, Corporate Partnerships
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Japan Society for passing along the following opening with their organization:

The Director of Corporate Partnerships will lead the corporate fundraising team in recruiting new corporate members, maintaining existing accounts, and developing corporate sponsorships for Japan Society’s programs. The Director will design and implement effective strategies to increase funding support by American and Japanese corporations. The Director, Corporate Partnerships will be an integral part of the Development team, working hands-on with program areas and Special Events on cultivation events, Business & Policy programs, and the annual dinner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop the strategy and execute a plan to increase overall corporate support for Japan Society;
• Research and identify corporate member prospects; create and implement cultivation strategies to increase overall corporate membership revenues through upgrades, new memberships and cross- selling opportunities such as rentals, Webcast services, and program sponsorships;
• In coordination with program areas, research, identify and negotiate corporate sponsors for gallery exhibitions, film, performing arts, education, public policy and other program areas as appropriate;
• Work with the Media & Marketing Department on corporate membership-related collateral materials, including membership-related aspects of Japan Society’s website and online presence;
• Conduct cultivation visits with existing and potential corporate members, and cultivate members at Japan Society programs on a regular basis throughout the year;
• Collaborate with program areas and Special Events Department on cultivation events, fundraising campaigns, and the annual dinner;
• Lead Department of Corporate Partnerships and supervise staff providing frontline services for corporate members including monthly renewals, upgrade and solicitation materials, fulfilling membership and sponsorship benefits, invitations to programs and gallery openings, complimentary catalogs, telephone and email inquiries, and providing customer service;
• Manage annual revenue budgets and forecasts;
• Oversee data entry in Raiser’s Edge related to corporate members and sponsors and corporate prospects;
• Draft funding and sponsorship proposals, correspondence, marketing materials, acknowledgement letters, and reports;
• Oversee credit lines of corporate sponsors in coordination with Director, Foundation & Government Relations;
• Monitor airline contracts and ticket usage, and report to Finance Department as needed.

Read More

Want to test your luck and see if you can save big on this trip? We’ve added 2 Raffle Ticket options for rooms! Here are the details:

1) Private King Room Raffle Ticket – $800 value, sleeps 2. $8 Ticket

2) Sofa Bed Raffle Ticket – $300 value, sleeps 1. $3 Ticket

Each ticket bought counts as one entrance to the raffle, so you ABSOLUTELY CAN buy multiple tickets to increase your odds of winning! The drawing will be on Saturday 3/9.

The raffle tickets are on our Eventbrite page in the link below. Best of luck!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jetaa-all-chapter-ski-trip-tickets-52974617507?fbclid=IwAR0IbucWLJt8_jwiYpvP1574p_pCnBqwT5A8qp3Z7rg1STnGZmiR9ZMoTD4

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

---

Job Title: Japan ICU Foundation
Posted by: Embassy of Japan
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JETAANY Treasurer, Fernando Rojas (Fukui-ken) for the following internship opportunity:

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Japan ICU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to supporting International Christian University’s (ICU) global and ecumenical programs. ICU is a bi-lingual (English/Japanese) liberal arts university situated on a verdant 150-acre campus in the western suburbs of Tokyo, Japan. Through the JICUF Endowment, we provide ICU students and faculty with grants and scholarships. We run programs for ICU students and faculty and assist ICU in the construction and renovation of campus buildings. We also work with ICU’s staff to recruit international students, raise funds and support the activities of ICU alumni in North America.

In close collaboration with the entire JICUF staff, the Summer Intern will help plan and implement the Japan ICU Foundation’s Global Link program. The Summer Intern will also be involved in other aspects of the JICUF’s work, on an as-needed basis. This will include working with JICUF staff on planning activities around our 70th anniversary.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Launched in 2014, Global Link is a selective, one-month summer program managed by the Japan ICU Foundation for students of ICU. The program aims to educate students about globally oriented careers. Throughout the month of July, we organize a series of office visits, sector-specific professional roundtables, networking events, professional-skills workshops, discussion sessions, and volunteer activities in New York City and Washington, D.C. Our goal is to inspire students to reflect not only on their professional potential, but also on their personal attitudes and identities in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Summer Intern will be responsible for helping to plan, implement and assess the Global Link summer program. Duties will include the following:

Read More

On Saturday, February 23rd, JETAANY hosted its first Mothra storytelling event (inspired by The Moth Storytelling Hour) at Hostelling International of New York City. The theme for the inaugural event was “Leaps of Faith.” Hosted by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-1994) and Kirsten Henning (Hyogo-ken, 1999-2002), they along with eight other JET alums gave a brief five-minute story of a time when they took a “Leap of Faith” in Japan.

Ann Chow (Hyogo-ken, 2007-2009) kicked off the storytelling by taking a Leap of Faith and going on a school trip. Even though she knew it was going to be expensive because most of the money she spent would be on seafood, which she couldn’t eat, she decided to attend. Someone noticed Ann wasn’t eating and the chef made a special meal for Ann with all kinds of chicken, beef, and pork. Michael Christian Younker (Ishikawa-ken, 2006-2008) reminded all of us of the glorious onsen experience. However, none of us probably had to experience onsen on the first day with their supervisor like Michael did. Next up was Catherine Khadabux (Ehime-ken, 2011-2015), who described one of her New Year’s resolutions to use 100 different toilets. This was a challenging goal for her because her routine had become limited to work and home life during a personally difficult year in Japan. However, Catherine’s new explorations led to an uplifting change in mindset. Steven (Aichi-ken, 1992-1994) followed Catherine and talked about a dojo, which he frequently passed by. He ended up taking a Leap of Faith and joined. Steven learned a bunch of different forms and techniques. Their dojo even won a tournament! To end the first half of the event, Alex Varney (Saga-ken, 2011-2013) told us an emotional story of Charles Keller who married Tomami Ayukawa, a Japanese national. However, Charles didn’t know anything about his wife’s family and took a Leap of Faith to reach out to various cities and prefectures in Japan in hopes of finding his wife’s relatives after her passing. Luckily, Alex was able to connect Charles with his wife’s sister, and the 85-year-old widower came to Japan to meet the family.

To start the second half of the Mothra Event, MariTi Blaise Lovell, (Hokkaido-ken, 2015-2018) spoke about her students. There were six girls and ten boys in her “best/worst” class. She likened the experience with her own neighborhood and learned she needed to earn the students’ respect. After MartTi, Giuseppe “Joe” di Martino (Yamagata-ken, 2013-2018) described his Leap of Faith while traveling and having his final “hurrah” tour of Japan. He became very intrigued by a cat and the moral of his adventure was to “feed the cat!” Kirsten Henning (Hyogo-ken, 1999-2002) was a Kobe JET when it hosted England for the World Cup in 2002. She studied a plethora of David Beckham interviews, so she was able to understand everything he said. Following Kirsten was Zachary Piper (Kochi-ken, 2001-2004), who lived in a small village. He learned that many people were friendly and had lots of amazing parties, but learned to always knock before entering a house because some people liked to use “ropes and candles in their private time.” Last, but not least was Rick Ambrosio (Ibaraki-ken, 2006-2008), who, like many of us, was adopted by a Japanese family. One day, Ai asked Rick if he wanted to go to the club on a Thursday night. Rick was excited about going to a club and took a Leap of Faith when he went with Ai and her mom. After driving around for hours and going deep into the rice fields, they approach a tacky building. Rick was perplexed that the club would be hidden in the building, but was still excited about going. However, Ai’s mom found out the place was closed, so they decided to drive to the next club. At this point Rick was astonished that there was more than one club this far into the inaka. Some time later, they made it to another establishment, which was open and adorned with a massive neon crab sign. Rick was shocked to find out they had taken him to a “kani” or crab restaurant, not a club (many Japanese people have a hard time distinguishing their “r’s” and “l’s,” so when Ai said clabu, Rick thought it was club and not crab).

Again, special thanks to our sponsors Hostelling International of New York City for providing the space, Ito En for providing the tea, and Lagunitas Brewing Company for donating the beer.

Written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03), WIT Life is 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 shares some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

The sports portion of today’s Japanese news showcased the celebration of Kazu Miura’s 52nd birthday.  Looking as dapper as ever in a fashionable white suit in front of a huge cake, he shared that every birthday he wore a different color suit (past years have included bright red, yellow and blue), but that he had run out of colors so had to return to white.  Perhaps it is this enthusiasm and youthful spirit that enables him to keep pace on the soccer field with professional players decades his junior.  Miura (a.k.a. “King Kazu”) began his career in 1986, and he is considered to be Japan’s first soccer superstar.

He was the subject of a NYT profile last year, in which he was described as the epitome of Read More