JETAA DC Film Festival – Dec 3 and 5
Events, Film, JETAA Chapters, Uncategorized 
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Via Mack Maloney, President of JETAA DC:
JETAA DC will be holding a film festival at the Freer Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute the weekend of December 3-5.
1. Friday, December 3 @ 7pm is “Linda Linda Linda.”
The film follows four girls as they prepare their band for their final school festival. Accompanied by a great soundtrack, this film is funny, poignant, and will certainly have you longing for your school festival (and a karaoke box).
2. Sunday, December 5 @ 2pm is “The Harimaya Bridge,” written and directed by JET alum Aaron Woolfolk (Kochi-ken) who will be in attendance.
Filmed in Kochi Prefecture, “The Harimaya Bridge” is a drama about an American man who must travel to rural Japan to claim some important items belonging to his late son, from whom he was estranged. While there, he learns several secrets his son left behind. Mr. Woolfolk will be in attendance during the screening and will stay to answer questions about his craft and his experiences. Come see a film the Los Angeles Times calls “a unique, complex, consciousness-raising accomplishment,” and Derek Kester of the San Francisco Examiner labels one of the best films of the year.
WIT Life #136: Asian affairs
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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.
By now President Obama has returned from his longest overseas trip since taking office, where he made stops in India, Indonesia, Korea and Japan. In Japan he took part in the Asian-Pacific Economic Consortium (APEC) held in Yokohama, pictured here with Prime Minister Naoto Kan and his wife Nobuko this weekend.
However, for Japan the focus of the event was relations with China in light of renewed tensions between the two countries due to the leak of a video of a September collision between Japanese coast guard vessels and a Chinese fishing boat. The footage was taken near Read More
Job: Designer at Japan Typeset & Design (Palatine, IL)
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via Jet alum Cat Ro. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Job Position:
Designers – Japan Typeset & Design, Inc. seeks Designer for Palatine, IL.
Requirements:
Must speak, read and write Japanese.
Masters +2 years experience, or equivalent required.
Experience with the following is a must:
Contact:
Send your resume to: info@japantypset.com, Eiichi Nishino, 847-991-2669.
Job: Translator required for project at law firm (NY)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Translator required for project at law firm (NY)
Posting from Jet alum Ariel Shearman, via a mailing list for lawyers and paralegals who speak and read Japanese. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Job Position: Translator (Japanese to English)
Job Details:
Searching for Japanese/English language translators for a long term assignment with a major law firm in NY city, USA. The translation project is about a products liability litigation in the auto industry. The position will pay $60/our +OT, for 50-60 hours per week. It is expected to start ASAP and last until the end of this year, and possibly into the 1st or 2nd quarter of next year.
Job Responsibilities:
1. Prepare full written translations from Japanese to English.
2. Prepare summary written translations from Japanese to English.
3. QC translations from translation vendors.
4. Provide oral translations while sitting side-by-side with associates reviewing documents.
Contact:
If you are interested in the project and could fit for the job descriptions, please contact Mimi Yamazaki mimi@sutekiny.com.
Job: On-Site (JPN) Translators Needed *URGENT*
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via Honyaku listserve. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Job Position: On-Site Japanese to English Translator
Job Details:
We have a current project in Tokyo with a prominent international Law Firm where we are supplying on-site Japanese translators and Japanese Bilingual individuals to assist on a document review (Japanese). The work MUST be done on-site (Minato-ku). We are looking for 3 additional professional Japanese translators to work on this project. It is expected to last from now until at least the end of 2010 (potentially longer).
Requirements (Translators) Three independent contractors:
Contact:
Alejandro Gonzalez
TransPerfect Translations
www.legal.transperfect.com
Tel: +1 415.615.9191 x2588
If qualified and interested please send your CV in English to agonzalez@transperfect.com and include the phone number where you can best be reached at before 10:30AM (Tokyo time) this week.
Interview with Competitive Eater Takeru Kobayashi
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Justin with Kobayashi and Friend of JET Sarah Goebel.
By JQ magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
Takeru “The Tsunami” Kobayashi is a three-time Guinness World Record holder for competitive eating. He burst on the American scene in 2001 at Coney Island’s annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest by downing 50 dogs in 12 minutes, doubling the previous record. Kobayashi went on to win the contest six consecutive times while shattering other gastronomic records around the world.
After a shocking arrest and subsequent dismissal of charges in July at this year’s Nathan’s event, Kobayashi returned to the stage last night at the Japan Arts Matsuri in Brooklyn for another challenge: to become the world’s fastest 12-inch pizza eater. While he fell less than 20 seconds short of the 1:45 record (saying afterward that the pie was softer than he anticipated), there was no doubt among the crowd that the champ will give it another try in the near future. Hours before taking the stage, I spoke with Kobayashi through his interpreter Emiko Watanabe for this rare English language interview.
What kind of training does one have to do to be the world’s fastest pizza eater?
I had to practice how to use a knife and fork, because I have to use it for this challenge. That was the main thing.
That’s interesting. Most people don’t use a knife and fork to eat a pizza.
It would be much easier if I was allowed to use my hands instead. So it’s going to be a little harder.
What’s your favorite kind of pizza?
Pizza Margherita.
How are things after July 4th? Do you find that you’re more popular and recognized in New York from people on the street?
[laughs] I think so; I feel that I’m more recognized than before. I was famous before as a six-time champion [at the Nathan’s contest], but after Independence Day this year, people think I’m more interesting and have humor, so people notice me a lot more than before.
Where do you live in New York?
Manhattan.
Many celebrities in America are known for their talent, but personality is also important. Are you making more efforts to do things like learn English to become a bigger celebrity here?
I started going to an English school last month.
What kinds of things do your fans ask when they recognize you?
They don’t really ask anything, but they do ask to take a picture with me.
Any memorable encounters?
I met this fan who didn’t recognize me at first. She was an African American lady, and when she first spoke to me, she just thought I was a cool or cute Japanese guy. We talked, but then she recognized who I was, saying, “Oh my God! Oh my God!” It turns out that she was scrapbooking all of my articles from Independence Day, and the reason she did that is because she thought I was cute. When she realized that I was the same person, she went out of control screaming.
Click here to read the rest of the interview.
Via Dan Dooher (Akita-ken, 2006-10):
After reading your most recent JetWit Diary post, I wanted to share with you something Akita Prefecture has just recently started:
The Prefecture’s International Affairs Division is trying to reconnect Akita JET alumni and study abroad students with the prefecture via a bi-monthly newsletter called, “Akita Global Network.”
In the International Affairs Division’s own words:
“The project hopes to reach people who have left Akita to both maintain connections to Akita and elevate overseas awareness of our prefecture. We are planning to issue “Akita Global Network Newsletter” bi-monthly. Please enjoy it with your friends and family.”
If there are other former JET alums out there from Akita interested in receiving this pdf newsletter, please contact the International Affairs Division at: kokusaika@pref.akita.lg.jp
The newsletter welcomes submissions from alumni as well.
Dan also wondered if any other prefectures are doing something similar. If you are aware of any similar efforts, please email jetwit@jetwit.com. Yoroshiku!
Gunma-ken JET alum and Florida JETAA Newsletter Editor Bahia Simons-Lane has a good post on her blog–Bahia Portfolio: Posting about Japan, language and education–on the debate concerning benefits derived from the JET Programme.
A little more about Bahia and her background:
Bahia was an Assistant Language Teacher at a girls’ high school in Gunma Prefecture for 2 years, then she worked for the Gunma Prefecture Board of Education as the Assistant Language Teacher’s Advisor. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in International and Intercultural Education.
Kobayashi Headlines New York’s Annual Japan Arts Matsuri
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Eating champ Takeru Kobayashi competes at JAM 2010 Nov. 13. (Courtesy of Rei Miura/NPO American Dream Japanese Network)
By JQ magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
“Ultimate Food Fighter” Takeru Kobayashi returns to eat another day to break a new Guinness World Record as the special guest of the 8th Annual Amnet New York Japan Arts Matsuri this weekend at Java Street Hall in Brooklyn. While traditional Japanese matsuri, or festivals, occur in the summer, this year’s edition of JAM will sport some of today’s best, most energetic Japanese performing artists working in New York. With the entire event will be aired live worldwide via Ustream, JAM will beat the drum for Japan and Japanese culture through art and entertainment. New Yorkers know Kobayashi primarily as the six-time winner of the Nathan’s International July 4 Hot Dog Eating Contest, but on Saturday he will attempt to break the Guinness world record for the quickest time for downing a 12-inch pizza.
Sunday, Japanese singer-songwriter Senri Oe will perform piano with his own jazz trio, featuring Semar on bass and Joe Abams on drums. This year, JAM expects to draw a two-day total of over 800 ardent fans of Japanese arts. Over the two days, the popular “Talent Night” will feature nearly two dozen up-and-coming singers, dancers, musicians and other performers who successfully made the cut before JAM’s judges. Brooklyn-based Japanese drum group Taiko Masala is one of the performers poised to bring Japan a bit closer to the borough, and an audience participation dance demonstration by Yosakoi Dance Project 10tecomai (featuring JETAANY member/JetWit contributor Kirsten Phillips) is guaranteed to raise the roof.
For the complete story, click here.
Job: Interpreter (Tokyo)
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via Honyaku listserve. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Job Position: Interpreting job offer in Tokyo
Job Details:
McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, seeks an interpreter for its Tokyo office.
The successful candidate would
We welcome applications from university graduates with at least five years’ interpreting experience in a business environment.
To excel in this role, you must be flexible in responding to interpreting requests, strongly motivated to continue improving your performance, and work well under pressure. You must be confident of commanding respect from demanding colleagues, and feel comfortable managing your schedule while working with multiple project teams. Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity are required.
The initial contract will be full-time for six months, with potential renewal depending on performance and demand.
Contact:
To apply, please send your resume in English and Japanese to helen_iwata at mckinsey dot com by Wednesday, November 24, 2010.
Job: Assistant Director, Corporate Planning – Bilingual Japanese
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via Careerbuilder. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Job Position: Assistant Director, Corporate Planning
Job Details:
Job Requirements:
For more details, and for how to apply, click on the following link —>
Job listing at careerbuilder.com
Job: Business Development Coordinator (1 year temp)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Business Development Coordinator (1 year temp)
via Actus consuluting. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Job Position: Business Development Coordinator.
Job Details:
Japanese nonprofit organization seeks a Business Development Coordinator. This is a long-term temp assignment for a year. Main purpose of this position is to find and assist small-mid size US companies to start business in/with Japan. Will be mainly in charge of retails in environmental business. Frequent business trip included.
Job Requirements:
Salary: $17/hr
Location: New York, NY
Contact: Sayaka Takeda (212-575-7840, stakeda at actus-usa dot com)
Please forward your resume and cover letter in an MS Word format to apply.
We will review your application and will get back to qualified candidates to set up a preliminary interview with our recruiter in charge of this position. Please understand that we do not pass resumes to the hiring company without this process, and we take this process seriously. Look forward to your application.
Talking Bra (Yes, a Talking Bra) to Stimulate Japanese Tourism
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"Welcome to Japan": Electronic buttons running down the centre of the garment triggers audio greetings in English, Chinese and Korean. (AFP)
Courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald.
As Japan hosts a Asia-Pacific summit this week, a women’s underwear maker on Wednesday unveiled a bra that is meant to lift spirits as well as bust lines and support the country’s tourism sector.
Triumph Japan showcased its bustier-style “Welcome to Japan! Bra” that it said was inspired by a tour guide’s uniform, features a display for images of sightseeing spots and can greet visitors in three languages.
A row of three electronic push buttons running down the centre of the garment triggers audio greetings in English, Chinese and Korean.
“Furthermore, tour guide flags are inserted on each side of the bra,” the company said. “When not used to guide tourists, the flags act as side stays, providing good support and creating an attractive bust line.”
Read the complete story (with video!!) here.
Don’t believe the hype
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A recent post on InsideJapan News Network titled “Japan Plans US Teacher Training Scheme” cites a Daily Yomiuri article about a new proposed project to send Japanese teachers to the U.S. for two years of training. The Yomiuri article suggests that if this new project were to go forward, it would mean the end of the JET Programme.
However, after checking with several well-versed sources both in and out of the Japanese government, it sounds like the article’s analysis is inaccurate. Apparently, it would most likely be complementary program (if it even happens) and would not mean the end of the JET Programme.
To paraphrase one source, it wouldn’t make sense for President Obama to back a plan that would reduce the number of jobs for Americans.
Lars Martinson’s “Tonoharu: Part Two” reviewed by BoingBoing
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JET alum Lars Martinson recently released his follow-up graphic novel Tonoharu: Part 2. Here’s the review by Mark Frauenfelde of BoingBoing:
“Tonoharu Part Two: Excellent graphic novel about an English teacher in Japan”: http://www.boingboing.net/2010/11/10/tonoharu-part-two-ex.html
(Editor’s note: I have a copy of Tonoharu: Part 1, and every time I show it to a fellow JET alum and they start reading it, they end up reading the whole thing (which takes about 15 minutes). It’s really terrific and very unique.)
