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.

Spring has sprung in the Big Apple, and that means one thing: a new season of sounds, colors, and spectacular performing arts to match the blossoming sakura trees throughout the city.

This month’s highlights include:

March 25-29

My Neighbor Totoro 35th Anniversary

Various locations

$15-$20

The inaugural selection of Ghibli Fest 2023, this classic tale from Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki serves up magic and adventure for the whole family. When Satsuki and her sister Mei move with their father to a new home in the countryside, they find country life is not as simple as it seems. They soon discover that the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, who can only be seen by children. Totoro and his friends introduce the girls to a series of adventures, including a ride aboard the extraordinary Cat Bus, in this all-ages animated masterpiece featuring the voices of Tim Daly, Lea Salonga, and real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning, in early roles. Presented in both English-language and Japanese subtitled versions (March 28 only).

Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.

Masayo Ishigure, Koto, Bass Koto, and Shamisen

Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Avenue

$40-$50

Masayo Ishigure Koto and Shamisen Recital commemorates the 30th anniversary of the veteran koto and shamisen performer’s professional career in the U.S.! Program selections include: “Sakura/The Moon over the Deserted Castle” A masterpiece representing Japan composed by Tadao Sawai. “Ginga (Galaxy)” by Tadao Sawai, using Okinawan melody, is performed on koto and shamisen. “(untitled) ” composed by Zac Zinger for koto, piano, and shakuhachi, each instrument partially improvises like often heard in Jazz music. “Gin-yu-ka (Minstrel Song)”, a powerful ensemble of six koto players composed by Hikaru Sawai “Chizuru/ Whereabouts of the Wind” by Hideaki Matsumoto, a relatively new Koto and piano piece. “Flying like a Bird”, composed by Tadao Sawai, will be the last piece of the recital. The piece, using all the techniques the composer could think of at that time, is one of the milestone of 20th century Koto music, and definitely worth listening to. The history of Japanese music can be seen in this program, which can be enjoyed by a wide range of audiences.

April 6-8, 8:00 p.m. 

Joan Laage/Kogut Butoh: Rivers Running Red

Triskelion Arts, 106 Calyer Street (Brooklyn)

$20 

Rivers Running Red is a homage to the female body and menstruation. The piece is inspired by an article exposing the practice in certain traditional societies of sending women off to the mountains to remain in huts and, all too often not surviving the harsh conditions. This practice is fueled by the belief that women are unclean while menstruating. It is also a reflection on this monthly cycle being celebrated as a sacred passage in other cultures. Vangeline Theater will open the show with an excerpt of The Slowest Wave. The Slowest Wave investigates through the use of scalp EEG how brain waves during Butoh dancing compare to those emitted during other conscious or unconscious motor behaviors, such as speaking or meditating. Moreover, the study will elucidate the functional neural networks of the dancers and the neural synchrony within and between them. This project is meant to foster connections and understanding between dancers, artists, scientists, engineers, and audiences from around the world.

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: Program & Administrative Assistant (Full-time, Non-exempt)
Posted by: Japan Center for International Exchange
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alumnus, Stephen McHugh (Tokyo-to, 2015-2017) for passing along the following opening with his organization:

Supervisor: Executive Director

Professional level: 2–3 years of experience preferred

Days in Office and Remote Work: JCIE/USA employees work at the office on two predetermined days of the week and remotely on other days.

The Program and Administrative Assistant works as part of a dynamic and productive team in New York, led by the Executive Director based in the Washington DC area. They will also work in close collaboration with JCIE/Japan staff in Tokyo, Japan, with whom we organize many joint programs.

Roughly 50% of the position’s time will be spent supporting the program officers in planning and executing our activities in programs on global health and human security, women’s leadership, democratic governance, and congressional staff exchange.

The remaining 50% will be spent assisting the Executive Director in managing office operations including finance and accounting, HR, IT, office-wide events, communications, and administrative functions.

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: Media Researcher
Posted by: Nikkei America Inc.
Location: Washington, D.C. USA
Contract: Full-Time

Below is a job received directly from the company. They offer H1B or I Visas for qualified candidates, but are looking for U.S.-based applicants since the job is in Washington, D.C.

Application Process: Interested candidates can send their resumes to Yuka Olujobi at <yuka.olujobi@nex.nikkei.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: Assistant Director, Digital Future Initiative
Posted by: Columbia Business School
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job shared by Ryan Hata’s colleague at Columbia Business School:

Position Summary

The Digital Future Initiative (DFI) is a new initiative launched at Columbia Business School to help organizations, governments, and communities better understand, leverage, and prosper from future waves of digital disruption. The initiative will bring together faculty members from Columbia Business School and Columbia University with corporate leaders from across industries to help organizations, governments, and communities optimize and accelerate the technological advances of the future.

Reporting to the Administrative Director for the Digital Future Initiative, the Assistant Director is responsible for the administration and management of the Initiative’s events, communications, and operations, and will work strategically to engage internal and external stakeholders with the activities of DFI. The Assistant Director will be responsible for working independently and collaboratively to manage the various activities of the Digital Future Initiative.

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $61,500 – $75,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Application Process: For more infomation and to apply, please click here – https://main.hercjobs.org/jobs/18282270/assistant-director-digital-future-initiative?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic

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 Food Education Instructor, Wa-Shokuiku Project
Posted by: TABLE FOR TWO USA
Location: San Diego, Boston and Washington, DC areas, USA
Contract: Hourly

Here’s a job shared by USJETAA:

The Wa-Shokuiku Project is an initiative from TABLE FOR TWO USA (*). Wa-Shokuiku combines the Japanese words “Washoku” which refers to Japanese food and “Shokuiku” food education. It is a series of classes on Japanese food and food culture for American elementary and middle school-age students.  Our goal for the Wa-Shokuiku program is that students will be equipped with practical knowledge and skills regarding healthy eating, Japanese foodways, and best practices.  The objectives are (1) to expand students’ palates by teaching how to prepare tasty and healthy dishes using washoku preparation techniques, (2) include discussion about nutrition, manners, respect toward food and simple relevant Japanese words, and (3) introduce food related concerns, such as obesity and waste while discussing do-able daily actions inspired by shokuiku. Our instructors and volunteers will implement and teach the Wa-Shokuiku curricula in designated schools. The instructors will help to introduce children to a cuisine and culture, which many are learning about for the first time. TABLE FOR TWO USA is seeking Wa-Shokuiku instructors in the San Diego, Boston and Washington, DC areas.

Please view these 2 videos of recent programs in New York City and Washington, D.C. to give you an idea of how the program is run. 

• https://www.wa-shokuiku.org/photos/2017/12/6/wa-shokuiku-learn-cook-eat-japanese-introduction
• https://www.wa-shokuiku.org/photos/2017/12/6/wa-shokuiku-learn-cook-eat-japanese-introduction-nyc

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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: Media Digitization Specialist
Posted by: University of Colorado Boulder
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alum and JETAA USA Country Rep, Adam Lisbon (Hyogo-ken, 2004-2007) for passing along the following opening where he currently works:

CU Boulder Libraries encourages applications for a Media Digitization Specialist!

Under the direction of the Lead of Digital Asset Management and Preservation Services (DAMPS), the Media Digitization Specialist assists the DAMPS Digital Media Services (DMS) team with the operation, maintenance, and development of a broad spectrum of audio, video, and film digitization and production technologies.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Application Process: For mor einfomration and to apply, please click this link – https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=46450.

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

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Position: Multiple Openings
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Kyoko Shibata from Quick USA (a Japanese recruiting company) for passing along the following information.

■West Coast
①A Japanese high-end restaurant / Head or Sous Chef / Beverly Hills, CA / 75-80k②A game company / Bilingual Japanese Interpreter / Irvine, CA / 50~60K③Food processing machine manufacturer / Sales Representative / 45~65K+bonus / Torrance, CA④A Trading company / Sales & Administrative Assistant (Bilingual) / Federal Way, WA/ $58~65K⑤Accountin consulting company / Secretary/ Torrance,CA /40～70K

■East Coast
①Anime&game related company / Sales Assistant (Licensing Coordinator)  / 50K-70K / Manhattan NY②Logistic company / Sales Representative / Fort Lee NJ / 60K-85K③Ad agency / Bilingual Account Executive / New York, NY / $70K-85K④Japanese Sake company / Eastern Regional Account Manager / Remote in NY/NJ / 65-75K⑤IT consulting company / IT Infrastructure Engineer / New York, NY / 100K

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: Seasonal Program Director
Posted by: VIA
Location: San Francisco/Bay Area, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alumna and current President of JETAANC, Melissa Golden (Hokkaido-ken, 2007-2012) for sharing the following job opening at VIA where she’s currently the Director of Operations:

VIA seeks a seasonal Program Director to manage the August 2023 Exploring Health Care (EHC) Program in Silicon Valley. The Program Director reports to and works directly with the Executive Director to manage the preparation and implementation of the EHC program from May through August 2023.

This will be a part-time, non-exempt position during May and June, and a full-time, exempt position in July and August. The ideal candidate has a background in international education, experience with international exchange programs, and demonstrated experience working with international university students. Japan experience and language ability a big plus!

Priority deadline: March 19, 2023

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – viaprograms.org/job/seasonal-program-director-ehc. Anyone interested is welcome to contact me to learn more at melissa@viaprograms.org.

Time & Location

March 16, 6pm-7pm
Hunter College (New York, NY)

About

Together with Hunter College’s Japanese Program, we invite you to a talk event Bashō: Where Now? to mark the publication by the University of California Press of Bashō: The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Bashō. The author, Andrew Fitzsimons, will be in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Paul Muldoon, about the work and legacy of one of the greatest figures in the history of Japanese literature, the master of haiku, Matsuo Bashō.

Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) remains the greatest poet of Japan and one of the major figures of World Literature. His work has inspired haiku to become the most popular poetic form in the world.

RSVP HERE

PLEASE NOTE– All non-Hunter College attendees will be required to show a valid photo ID (governmental, state, passport, etc.) to obtain a pass from the Visitor’s Center to gain access to Hunter College’s campus.

Speakers

Paul Muldoon is an Irish poet and professor of poetry, as well as an editor, critic, playwright, lyricist, and translator. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, he has received the T. S. Eliot Award, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature, the Irish Times Irish Literature Prize, the Griffin International Prize for Excellence in Poetry, and the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry

Andrew Fitzsimons is also an Irish poet and is a Professor of English Language and Cultures at Gakushuin University, Tokyo, and author of The Sea of Disappointment: Thomas Kinsella’s Pursuit of the Real, as well as three books of poetry.

This event is co-organized by the Japan Foundation, New York, and Hunter College’s Japanese Program.

The event will be recorded and later uploaded to JFNY’s YouTube channel.

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: Secretary at Consulate General
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in Miami
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Below’s a job sent to us directly from the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami. Please note that you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. Green card holder.

The Consulate General of Japan is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented candidate for the position of Secretary at Consulate General of Japan in Miami.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English language with good communication skills, Spanish Language proficiency is preferred.
• U.S. citizen or U.S. Green card holder.
• Responsibility, Teamwork skills, Ability to multi-task.
• Proficiency in computer skills including Microsoft office.

Read More

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. e. 

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

This month’s highlights include:

March 3-19, Various Times

New York International Children’s Film Festival

Various Locations

Get $2.00 off tickets with the code JQ2023 at nyicff.org/tickets

New York International Children’s Film Festival is back—and back in theaters—with an all-new slate of the best films from around the world for kids and families.  Check out the highly anticipated new release Suzume, and many Japanese short films featured in the lineup–like the delightfully animated Konigiri-Kun Parasol in Shorts for Tots (ages 3-6). Japanese selections include:

Suzume (for ages 12+)

•           March 5, 5 PM @ SVA

North American premiere! From the director of the acclaimed Your Name. (NYICFF 2017). On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety…As the skies turn red and the earth trembles, Japan stands on the brink of disaster. But one determined teenager, Suzume, sets out on a mission to save her country. Able to see the supernatural forces that others can’t, it’s up to her to close the mysterious doors spreading chaos across the land. A perilous journey awaits as the fate of the country rests on her shoulders.

March 10-11, 8:00 p.m.

The Music of Toshiko Akiyoshi

Rose Theater – Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway & West 60th Street

$40.50-$170.50

For The Music of Toshiko Akiyoshi with The JLCO with Wynton Marsalis and special guest Lew Tabackin, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis play the monumental compositions of the iconic pianist-composer Toshiko Akiyoshi, as they are joined by her on stage for part of the performance. Akiyoshi has been a force on the international scene since 1952, and has impressed critics and audiences alike for the comprehensive mastery and fierce distillation of the language of bebop master Bud Powell that she was able to assimilate early on, and for her evocative corpus of sui generis works since 1973 for the Akiyoshi-Tabackin Orchestra with Lew Tabackin (who will play tenor saxophone and flute on this evening), combining swing, bebop, classical, and elements drawn from her Japanese heritage. There will be a free pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. for each performance.

Monday, March 13, 7:30 p.m.

I’m Trying to Understand You, But…

Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street

$15, $12 members

The 17th installment of Japan Society’s annual Play Reading Series introduces topical plays from up-and-coming playwrights in Japan to artists and audiences in the U.S.NYC-based director NJ Agwuna, winner of the 2022 Barbara Whitman Award, tackles Yuri Yamada’s timely play I’m Trying to Understand You, But… In this piece, Yamada portrays a dicey conversation between a young couple that starts as an unintended pregnancy reveal and ends in a gender-swapped discussion about how the incident came about. Two maids named Libby and Prudie give running commentary throughout the couple’s heart-to-heart. Two-time Kishida Kunio Drama Award-nominee Yamada joins in a post-show Q&A with the audience and director.

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: Japan Information & Cultural Center Staff
Posted by: Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco has an opening for a full-time staff member in the Japan Information and Cultural Center (JICC). This position is in charge of managing and editing the Consulate’s website; editing or translating documents; and managing the JICC’s promotional materials, cultural artifacts, and supplies. They will also work as part of a team planning and coordinating events and projects and creating and editing social media content.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –
https://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/23_0222a.html

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 for Economic Affairs: Economy, Science, and Technology
Posted by: Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Below are a couple of jobs sent to us directly from the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available. 

The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco has an opening for a full-time assistant in its Economic Section, with an expected start date in April 2023. The responsibilities of this section are broad, but include facilitating government, trade, and business relations between Japan and the United States.

The economic affairs assistant is responsible for providing administrative support to three Consuls, collectively in charge of economy, science, and technology affairs.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/23_0222.html

Posted by Tom Baker (Chiba, 1989-91)

The Japan Writers Conference, a free annual event for English-language writers of all types, is looking for published writers to give presentations on the art and/or business of writing. Many JWC presenters in past years have been JETS. You can read about some of them in the JETwit archives.

If you have insights, wisdom or techniques to share, send them a proposal by June 1. Here’s the official announcement:

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: Sales/Corporate Sales
Posted by: DISCO International
Location: New York, NY, USA (midtown)
Contract: Full-Time; Hybrid

Thanks to JET alumna, Stefanie Bravo (Tokyo-to, 2017-2022) for passing along the job opening with her company:

Japanese Ability: At the very least N3, but N2+ is highly preferred Job

Description Overview: 

• Finding prospective companies seeking recruiting services
• Maintaining and improving client relationship
• Introducing DISCO International’s services
• Research and marketing for sales
• Planning new services
• Participating in the operation of the Career Forums and Agent Services

Application Process: For more infromation please click here: https://careerforum.net/en/event/cfn/companylist/3652/22750. If you have questions, please email Stefanie at: s.bravo@discointer.com