Posted by Tom Baker (Chiba, 1989-91), a writer and editor in Tokyo and a regular Japan Writers Conference participant.

The Japan Writers Conference is a free annual event for English-language writers in a variety of fields. It always includes a fair number of JETs and JET alumni. In 2017, it will be held in Tokyo at Nihon University College of Art, October 8 and 9.

The organizers are looking for writers, translators, editors, agents and publishers to give presentations. If you are in any of those categories, they would love to hear from you. Below is the official call for presentation proposals.

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All published writers, translators, editors, agents and publishers who would like to lead a session are welcome to submit proposals. We especially encourage proposals from new submitters. One of the strengths of the Conference has been variety, and the best way to foster variety is to have new presenters each year.

Those who have presented at past conferences are (of course) welcome to submit new proposals. But please, in the words of Ezra Pound, “Make it new.”

Please forward this to any friend or colleague who might be interested. If you know someone the conference organizers might approach–either living in Japan or planning to visit Japan next autumn–send us your suggestion. If you have contact information, that would be a great help.

Detailed information follows, but briefly, a proposal needs to include a brief bio, including some publication credits, the type of presentation you wish to make, a title, a summary of 50 words, a longer abstract (150 words) and any special requests you might have. Standard sessions are fifty minutes long, but if you have something special in mind, please let us know and we will accommodate if possible.

Presentations on all genres and all aspects of writing and publishing are welcome. The deadline for presentation proposals is Thursday, June 1, 2017.

As in the past, the Conference will be free and open to all who wish to attend. This is possible because all the presenters and organizing staff volunteer their time and talent, and the use of the site is donated by the host. As a result, the Conference cannot offer any payment, reimbursement, lodging, or help in securing visas or travel permits. So please don’t ask.

Proposal Guidelines

When planning your JWC proposal, keep your audience in mind. Your listeners will be writers and others (translators, editors, publishers, and agents) concerned with creating publishable writing. While teaching, literary studies and private self-expression are certainly worthy activities, they are not the focus of this Conference. Ask yourself as a writer or other word professional these questions:

What information do I have which could be useful to others?
What writing, rewriting, editing, or marketing techniques have worked for me or others I know?
What topic would make for a lively and enlightening discussion?
What publishing or other professional opportunities do I know about?
What will an attendee take away from my fifty-minute session that he or she will find worthwhile?

You may submit more than one proposal.

The only qualification one needs to be a presenter is to have published. This does not mean that you need to have published a lot or in some high-profile journal. Your book (if you have a book) does not have to be on a best seller list. You do not have to have won any awards or to have appeared on TV. You simply need to have written, edited, translated, or otherwise worked on a piece of writing which has made it to the public eye. That is, published.

Proposal Deadline and Format

Using the following format, please send your ideas for a presentation by June 1, 2017. Send your proposal in the body of an email (no attachments) to both these addresses:

gribblej@gol.com
bernmulvey_1@yahoo.co.jp

In your subject line give your name, “JWC,” and the date.

In the body of the email, give:

1. Your name (or names)
2. Contact information (email, telephone. These remain confidential.)
3. Your publications (Need not be complete, but give names of journals and genre for short pieces; title, publisher and date for books; venues and dates for plays, and so on)
4. Title of presentation. (20 words or less)
5. Type of presentation (short lecture with Q&A, craft workshop, panel discussion, reading with Q&A, etc.)
6. Short summary of the presentation (50 words or less)
7. Abstract of the presentation (150 words or less)
8. Personal and professional biography (50 words or less. Make mention of your publications, as this will be part of the Conference program)
9. Anything else, such as special equipment needs or questions.

Your proposal doesn’t have to be a “finished” document to submit. There will be time to shape and polish your ideas for a presentation. But there is a set number of session slots available and if you are interested in having one of them, please let us know soon. Again, the deadline is June 1, 2017.

John Gribble
Bern Mulvey
Co Co-ordinators,
2017 Japan Writers Conference

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

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Position: Chemistry Teacher
Posted by: Keio Academy of New York
Location: New York City, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the school:

POSITION: FULL-TIME SCIENCE TEACHER (CHEMISTRY)

To teach two honors sections of 10th grade general chemistry and one section of 12th grade advanced chemistry.

QUALIFICATIONS: Certified high school chemistry teacher strongly desired. Uncertified candidates with a Master’s Degree may also be considered. Experience in teaching ESL students is preferred, but not required. Strong teamwork skills and flexibility are strongly desired.

STARTING DATE: September 2017

COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with education and experience. Benefits Package (including health insurance and 403B pension plan)

DEADLINE: Applications will be considered in order of arrival, until the position is filled. Potential applicants should email their resumes and cover letters to somu@keio.edu.

職種:専任教員(化学)

 

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

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Position: Freelance Creative Writers
Posted by: San Francisco, CA, USA
Location: Voltage Entertainment USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alumna Alyssa Hoey (Aomori-ken) for the following job opening:

Job description

Voltage Entertainment USA is looking for freelance creative writers that are interested in creating interactive romantic fiction. Writer will primarily be responsible for writing script content for the AmeMix series of Romantic Visual Novels based on plot outlines provided by the internal production team.

Essential Duties

• The writer will write script content based on plot outlines and character information provided by the production team
• The writer will revise and edit content based on feedback from production team

Required Skills

• Strong creative writing ability
• Experience writing romantic content
• Ability to write at least 30,000 words of story content per month
• Thorough understanding of English grammar
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills

Samples

• Please submit a resume and a writing sample demonstrating strong dialogue and characterization to scripts@voltage-ent.com

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

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Position: Chief Development Officer
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York City, New York
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the firm:

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Established in 1907, New York’s Japan Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization with the goal of cultivating a constructive, resonant, and dynamic relationship between the people of the U.S. and Japan. Japan Society deepens the mutual understanding between the two nations through innovative programs in arts and culture, public policy, business, language, and education.

Japan Society has evolved into a world-class, multidisciplinary hub for global leaders, artists, scholars, educators, and English and Japanese-speaking audiences. At the Society, more than 100 events each year feature sophisticated, topically relevant presentations of Japanese art and culture, and open, critical dialogue on issues of vital importance to the U.S., Japan, and East Asia.

Activities at Japan Society are set against a stunning backdrop of indoor gardens, a reflecting pool, and a waterfall. Facilities include a 262-seat theater, art gallery, language center, library, and conference rooms. Japan Society’s landmark building, located near the United Nations, was designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura and opened in 1971 as the first building in New York City by a leading Japanese architect.

Since 2009, Japan Society has been under the leadership of Motoatsu Sakurai, who previously served as Ambassador and Consul General of Japan in New York after a successful 40 year business career.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Chief Development Officer will lead, manage, and build Japan Society’s development efforts for corporate, foundation, individual, and member giving. He/she is responsible for the overall vision and strategy for fundraising including shaping and implementing the organization’s short- and long-term fundraising goals to secure revenue of $7 million annually. He/she will maintain and steward the current corporate giving base while also identifying and cultivating major individual giving donors for a more holistic fundraising portfolio.

The Chief Development Officer will work closely with the President of Japan Society, the Vice President of Finance and Administration, the Board of Directors, and the Program Directors on fundraising initiatives to skillfully guide the organization into its next era of growth.

The Chief Development Officer will report to the President, serve as a member of the senior team, and oversee a Development staff of 12. Read More

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

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Position: Administrative and Research Assistant
Posted by: Sojitz Corporation of America
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

Wage/Salary: Depends on Experience

Start: ASAP

Description: Sojitz Corporation of America (SCA) is a U.S. subsidiary of Sojitz Corporation, an integrated Japanese trade and investment company with over 100 offices throughout the world. Sojitz conducts trade and investments in a wide array of products and services. The Washington office is a small research arm that supports the company by providing analysis for business and overseas departments. http://sojitzamericas.com/

Read More

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

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Position: Resident Faculty (Dormitory Supervisor)
Posted by: Keio Academy of New York
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the school:

POSITION:

Full-Time Resident Faculty (Dormitory Supervisor) for Boy’s Residence Hall/Girl’s Residence Hall

QUALIFICATION:Must have bachelor’s degree. Must reside on campus. Several years of experience at educational institutions preferred. Education background is a plus.

Must have bachelor’s degree. Must reside on campus. Several years of experience at educational institutions preferred. Education background is a plus.

Possibility to teach 4 (four) classes of Independent Living Skill per week as a part of job responsibilities of the position. For teaching ILS, licensed Home Economics teacher or certified Manual Training/PE& Health Science/Business major person is preferred.

STARTING DATE: August 23, 2017

COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with education and experience. Health Insurance and 403B Pension Plan benefits will be provided after three month probation period.

DEADLINE: Applications will be considered in order of arrival, until the position is filled.

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to: somu@keio.edu Read More

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

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Position: Administrative Staff
Posted by: Keio Academy of New York
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the school:

POSITTION: Administrative Staff (Full-time)

STARTING DATE: from August 1st, 2017

WORKING HOURS: 9:00AM to 5:00PM (One hour lunch break). It is subject to change including early morning, overtime, or weekends, depend on the situation and business needs

DUTIES: Public Relations/Event Coordination and general administrative duties (Duties may vary based on the school’s business needs.)

1) Press release and communication, media relations, production, event coordination, website maintenance and other public relation projects

2) Office front desk services, telephone correspondences, mail/package sorting, proof readings of English documents, data input/processing, and other general administrative tasks

QUALIFICATION: Must have bachelor’s degree and or above

English and Japanese Bilingual (English native speaker is preferable)

English proof reading skill

Microsoft Office(Word, Excel, Power point, Access)

Desk Top Production (including editing) project experienced

Administration work experienced

Interested in website maintenance, public relation and communications and outreach activities.

COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with education and experience. Health Insurance, 403B Pension Plan benefits

Read More

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

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Position: Assistant Correspondent
Posted by: The Hokkaido Shimbun Press London Bureau
Location: London, UK
Contract: Part-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the newspaper:

Salary: £14,400 (annually), transportation expenses

Start date: July /August 2017

The Hokkaido Shimbun Press is looking for an Assistant Correspondent for their London Bureau, which is located on Fleet Street, central London. The successful applicant will assist the Bureau Chief with the preparation of articles to be published in Japan, and handle Bureau administration. The Bureau covers political, economic, and cultural news from the UK and other European countries.

Although you will work mainly during office hours for 3-4 days a week, you will occasionally be required to work overtime due to the nature of the job. You should also be willing to travel within the UK to cover stories.

Candidates should note that this is NOT a writing position. In addition, although the ability to work in Japanese is a requirement, it should not be your principal reason for applying for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Keep abreast of breaking news and current affairs;
• Conduct research on a wide range of topics, with attention to accuracy and detail;
• Attend and summarise press conferences, meetings, lectures and briefings;
• Conduct (occasionally transcribe/interpret) interviews over the phone and/or in person;
• Assist with the planning of and participate in business trips around Europe;
• Assist Japanese correspondent with any language difficulties they may have and help them to handle the administration of moving to a new country;
• Answer phone calls and manage office administration.

Read More

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

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Position: Staff Reporter (Foreign Affairs)
Posted by: The Asahi Shimbun
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

Salary: $34,800 to $37,200

The Asahi Shimbun is Japan’s leading national daily newspaper. Based in Tokyo, it has a circulation of nearly seven million. Its North American bureaus are located in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred). Background in foreign affairs and American politics is highly desirable.  Interest in East Asia preferred.  Japanese language is highly preferred.

Description

Duties include assisting our Washington-based correspondents with articles by conducting thorough background research, attending press briefings at the White House and other government agencies, gathering news and views, arranging interviews, and closely following developments in the area of foreign affairs and politics. Some administrative support, such as transcribing interviews and other assignments, is also required.

Some domestic travel may be required. This is a reporting position with no article-writing or byline opportunities. Competitive benefit package includes overtime pay, excellent medical/dental benefits, commuting expenses, and 401(k).  Position will be available immediately.

Requirement

Cover letter, resume, 2 recommendation letters.

Application Procedure

Please email the required documents to the email address below.

No clips or phone calls, please.

 

Contact Information

 

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

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Position: Program Manager for Japan Bowl and the Japanese Language Public Relations
Posted by: The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alumni Marc Hitzig (Niigata-ken) for the following job opening:

The Japan-America Society of Washington DC is seeking a Program Manager for Japan Bowl and the Japanese Language Public Relations.  The position will be under the direction of the Japan Bowl Director, and the responsibilities are to assist the director in the planning and managing of Japan Bowl.  The successful candidate will be expected to have a strong understanding of English and Japanese and writing skills of both languages (JLPT level N2 or higher), demonstrate leadership, initiative, and organizational skills.

The Japan-America Society has a special responsibility to the next generation of Americans, to help them learn about Japan as a country of its language, its history and culture, and its relationship with the United States.  For 25 years, Japan America Society Washington DC has been sponsoring National Japan Bowl.  It is an academic competition that tests the achievements of high school students who are studying the Japanese language and about Japan.  Every year over 250 students and teachers from around the United States participate in Japan Bowl.

Please visit the link below to find the job description.

http://www.jaswdc.org/open-position-program-manager-of-japan-bowl-japanese-language-public-relations/

If you are interested, please send a cover letter & resume to Marc Hitzig, Executive Director at mhitzig@jaswdc.org

 

By Lyle Sylvander (Yokohama–shi, 2001-02) for JQ magazine. Lyle has completed a master’s program at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University and has been writing for the JET Alumni Association of New York since 2004. He is also the goalkeeper for FC Japan, a New York City–based soccer team.

On April 28, the Japan Society of New York hosted a delightfully unusual concert of Godzilla music. Yes, you read that correctly. The Japanese pop techno band Hikashu took the stage in a 90-minute intermission-less night of monster music from such iconic classics of the Godzilla canon as Gojira (a.k.a. Godzilla, King of the Monsters!) (1954), Rodan (1956), Mothra (1961), King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), Ghidora, the Three–Headed Monster (1964), Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993) and Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995). While the colossal black-green (his color fluctuates from movie to movie) lizard never made an onstage appearance, he made his presence aurally known through Hikashu’s superb performances, with narration by founding member Makoto Inoue (who also played keyboards) and special appearances by the female pop duo Charan-Po-Rantan. Adding to the fun were aural appearances by the Big G’s nemeses, Rodan, King Ghidora, King Kong and Mothra, a gigantic butterfly-like insect who was the only monster to ultimately defeat Godzilla in battle.

Inoue’s narration did more than entertain; it also provided informative commentary on the evolution of the films. As Inoue explained, Godzilla was born out of the collective Japanese fear of both large natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons and tsunamis) and of the atomic bomb. Produced just nine years after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and one year after the U.S. testing of a hydrogen bomb contaminated a Japanese fishing vessel, the original Japanese film is a dark and somber affair. For years, the only available version in North America was a re-edited film that mixed a new English-language narrative with the Japanese monster footage—that film starred Raymond Burr and downplayed the ominous sadness.

Read More

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

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Position: Japanese Actor/Actress
Posted by: Tai Burkholder and Elizabeth Martins
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s an opportunity to be an extra for a short film if you are ethnically Japanese. It was sent to us directly from the producer:

Seeking 7 Japanese Extras for short film to be shot in Northern VA 

Saturday June 17th and Sunday, June 18th, 2017

SAG Short Film title: Othello-san

PAID (Accepting UNION & NON-UNION submissions)

SAG Short Film seeking 7 Japanese background actors, 20-25yrs

$7.25 per hour 10 hours guaranteed 

2 days, Sat. & Sun. June 17th & 18th, 2017, Northern Virginia

Read More

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

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Position: Study Abroad Coordinator
Posted by: Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job posted on the AJET Job Listings Facebook group:

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is hiring a Study Abroad Coordinator in the Office of Student Services. The Office of Students Services (OSS) provides high-quality services to TUJ’s diverse student population to support their success and wellbeing as they become members of the university community.

Job Description:

TUJ has created a new full-time study abroad coordinator position. The coordinator will work with offices at TUJ and on Main Campus in Philadelphia to expand existing services, localize the application process, promote study abroad and campus exchange initiatives, and support students throughout the application and pre-departure process. The coordinator is responsible for working with related departments at TUJ and at Main Campus in Philadelphia to support students interested in studying abroad; working with existing Main Campus study abroad exchange partners to develop relationships with TUJ and promote programs between universities; developing materials for study abroad applications, promotion, departure orientation, and study abroad information sessions; develop content for promoting study abroad on TUJ’s website, and update website as needed.

As a member of Office of Student Services the applicant will also be asked to support new student orientations, student activities and events, and other office initiatives.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.tuj.ac.jp/joblistings/s-oss-ft-sa-coordinator-20170414.html. Questions should also be referred to the contact email in the TUJ posting.

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

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Position: Business Account Executive
Posted by: NIPPON SHOKKEN U.S.A. Inc.
Location: San Francisco, CA; Torrance, CA; Schaumburg, IL, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

NIPPON SHOKKEN U.S.A. Inc.  Corporate Profile

Industry	Food Manufacturing, distribution
Industry Category	Food
Description of Business	Manufacturing and Sales of Blended Sauce, Seasonings and food materials
Head Office Location	West Sacramento, California
Plant Location (Newly built and started operation in 2013)	West Sacramento, California
Date of Establishment	September 5, 2006
Annual Sales	20 Million Dollars
Number of Employees	100
Group Headquarters (Parent Company) Nihon Shokken Holdings Co., Ltd.	Ehime, Japan Group-wide Sales: 100 billion Yen (Fiscal Year of 2016年)
Web Site	http://www.nihonshokken.co.jp http://www.nihonshokken.com

Read More

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

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Position: Manager
Posted by: NIPPON SHOKKEN U.S.A. Inc.
Location: West Sacramento, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

NIPPON SHOKKEN U.S.A. Inc.  Corporate Profile

Read More