Return of the Samurai
Article/Journalism 
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Thanks to JET alum Margie Banin (who works as an “Ex-pat Coach”) for sharing a nice NY Times article titled “Return of the Samurai” which comments on the 150th anniversary of the first Samurai delegation to visit the U.S. in 1860.
Among other interesting tidbits, there was apparently almost a scandal when several of members of the Japanese delegation were found naked together in their hotel bathtub.
JetWit Diary is a new feature by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94), founder and publisher of JetWit. Steven is available on a consulting basis to assist organizations with any membership building, social media consulting, creative communications and writing needs.
Early November for JETAA chapters usually means welcome back receptions and career forums. It also means a great opportunity to gather JET-relevant info.
Here in New York, one thing that was clear in Ambassador Nishimiya’s speech at the JETAANY Welcome Back reception is that JETAA has played a significant role in helping to communicate the value of JET to the Japanese public and that JETAA’s efforts have been noticed and appreciated. Those efforts have helped at the central government level to push back against some of the negative and often not-so-well-informed commentary that was getting out there.
That said, I also learned from a recently returned Aichi JET that Aichi will no longer take on prefectural JETs as of the coming year. That news is a bit concerning. Because if budget cuts at the local level take a toll on the JET Programme, and in turn the future number of JET alums, then that means a shift in our priorities.
Going forward, perhaps we need to focus our energy on local governments in Japan and finding ways to help them get a better return on their JET-vestment. It’s worth noting that many JETs are already giving back to their local governments in lots of ways. JETs have set up businesses, have brought tourists, have nurtured sister city relationships and done other things that have provided value. You may not have heard about most of them, but they’re happening. Which means on that level, the challenge is to identify them, gather them and make sure people know about them (e.g., by writing about them on JetWit, on chapter websites, in the media, etc.)
But it also means that the JET alumni community may need to be more innovative and creative (just like that time you were asked to teach a class with 2 minutes’ advance notice and no lesson plan). It would be extremely helpful to our cause if we can figure out more ways to tap the energy of the JET alum community and channel it towards the benefit of local governments in Japan.
The JET-Sister City List Project is one attempt in that direction. But the next step is to figure out what else we can do with it.
Another simple but effective way to lay the groundwork to make things happen is to build up affinity groups such as the JET Alumni Travel & Tourism group, the JETAA Education Professionals group, the JET Alumni Non-Profits group, the JET Alumni Writers group and the JET Alumni Policy & Government group. And if you can think of another group that would be good to have, then go ahead and set it up and we can post it on JetWit.
Whatever we do as a community, it’s clear that now is the time to step up. And keep in mind that every problem is also an opportunity.
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JetWit Bits
- One recent returnee at the Welcome Back Reception mentioned she found her job in NYC via JetWit and pointed out something I hadn’t really considered: That it’s hard to find jobs back home while you’re in Japan, and JetWit seems to do a good job of filtering through JET-relevant jobs in ways that Monster.com and CareerBuilder don’t. That said, I also realize that JetWit is fairly America-centric. Not by design, but just because that’s where I live and that’s where most job listings come from. If anyone in the UK, Australia, New Zealand or elsewhere wants to start posting JET-relevant jobs on the site, by all means please get in touch.
- “What do people do after JET?” Another recent returnee told me that’s the question that was on her mind as she finished her contract. And she appreciates that JetWit answers it. Her comment reminded me that that’s the same question that drove me back in 2002 when I became the JETAANY Newsletter editor. I had no idea where people went after JET and what they did. As a result, a lot of the articles were driven by my curiosity to figure out the answer to these questions, one JET at a time. We still probably don’t the answer for maybe half the alums out there. (Contrary to popular belief, there is no central or government JET alum list anywhere that tracks where people are and what they’re doing.) But now, at least, we know a great deal more than we used to. And that’s helped strengthen the community and also created a positive feedback loop where the strength of the network draws in more JET alums who were previously off the radar screen.
- Thanks to everyone for spreading the word about the JET-Sister City List Project. I’m enjoying all the responses that come in. And I noticed that JETAA Hawaii and JETAA Pacific Northwest posted the request to their membership which has led to more submissions. Speaking of which, I’ll be in Seattle this weekend to visit some JET alumni friends and am fortunate that my trip happens to coincide with the JETAA PNW Happy Hour at Wann Izakaya! (Also, if anyone in Seattle has an extra pack ‘n play lying around, let me know. :-)
Gambarimashou.
Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)
Brooklyn, NY
Bo-Peep’s US tour
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For more info, visit www.examiner.com/japanese-culture-in-new-york/tokyo-s-bo-peep-rocks-the-northeast.
Job: Uniqlo International Store Management Trainee Program
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via Jet alum Pam Kavalam. 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: Store Management Trainee Program
Job Details:
UNIQLO is looking for enthusiastic individuals who will train in Japan for six months where you will learn to develop work schedules, assess effective visual merchandise layouts, manage inventory levels, motivate and develop a team and successfully deliver UNIQLO’s fundamental principles of customer service with the ultimate goal of becoming a part of the store management team in New York.
Job Requirements:
How to Apply:
For more details go to www.uniqlo.com/us/employment
JET Alumni Translators and Interpreters Group on LinkedIn
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I just set up a long overdue JET Alumni Translators & Interpreters Group on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=3676490
A great way to connect with other JET alum translators and interpreters and share and collaborate on work opportunities as well.
(FYI, I’ve maxed out the number of groups I can create on LinkedIn. So if you have another idea for a JET alum affinity group, go ahead and set it up and I’ll publicize it. Because I can’t create any more of these.)
FoxHound87: My New Favorite Place in Japan
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Joshua Small is a First Year JET currently living in Ikaruga-cho, Nara-ken and has been chronicling his experience on his blog Snorlax87.
My new favorite place in Japan is Spa World. Spa World is a gigantic onsen in the middle of Osaka. I went with another Nara JET, Prof. X.
As we entered, we dropped off our shoes in a locker in the lobby. After much discussion, we decided our hunger must be sated. We zipped up to the 6th floor where there is a small cafe by the pool. Did I say pool? I meant LAZY RIVER surrounded by 4 big water slides!!! I ate some gyudon (beef, rice, onion) and Prof. X ate udon (noodles…basically).
The water slides actually cost money in addition to the ticket price of getting into Spa World. We went around the lazy river a few times before heading outside (on the roof) to our first spa. Hanging out in a spa surrounded by the Autumn cold is amazing. It feels fantastic. After the Pool floor, we went down to the 4th Floor, also known as the Asia Floor. The actual spa floors are exclusive to men or women (no coed). Because of this policy, they switch which floors are available every day. There is also a Greece-themed floor and others.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.
http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/
Job: Kaplan International Part Time TOEFL and ESLTeacher (East Village, NYC)
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via Bindu Varghese, Kaplan International. Kaplan International have hired two former participants of the JET program and are looking for more! 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 Title: English as a Second Language Instructor (part-time for immediate hire)
Part Time TOEFL and English as a Second Language Instructor. Kaplan International, a leader in English language training, is seeking qualified and dynamic individuals to join our team.
Job Description:
The ESL instructor helps international students achieve their personal and academic goals through English language instruction and/or preparation for the TOEFL exam.
Job Responsibilities:
Position Requirements:
Contact:
If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to Bindu Varghese at bindu dot varghese at kaplan dot com
JETAA Chapter Beat 11.8.10
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Nihongo Dake Pot Luck Dinner – Saturday, November 13th at 6:30 in Cerritos, CA. Prepare your favorite dish and brush up on your Japanese for this fun get together.
- Sierra Madre Hike – Friday, November 26th, 8:30 at the trail head of Mt. Wilson Trail. Work off that turkey with a short hike along the Sierra Madre, followed by a causal brunch in town.
- Happy Hour – Friday, November 12th, 6:30 at Wann Izakaya. Relax after a long week with the group at PNWJETAA with a drink and some lively conversation.
- Book Club Meeting – Wednesday, November 10th, 7:00 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. This month’s selection is “Silence” by Shusaku Endo. Come and contribute to the discussion.
- Ocha-seki Experience – Sunday, November 14th, 12:00 at Cha-An on 9th Street. Learn about the Usasenke style tea ceremony, including making the tea, the history of tea ceremony and handmade wagashi.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner – Tuesday, November 16th, 7:00 at Udon West. Warm up over a hot bowl of Udon and show off those Japanese skills at this month’s Nihongo Dake event.
- Hanami – Sunday, November 14th, 11:00 at Hogben Park in Rockdale. Enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms with friends and family this weekend.
- Yukata Workshop/Christmas Party – Saturday, November 27th, 6:00 at the Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay. Get ready for the holidays and warm weather with JETAA Sydney at this fun event, including a charity raffle and prizes.
- JET Returnees Reception – Friday, November 19th, 6:00 at the Official Residence of the Consul General Matsuda. Welcome back the recently returned and get together with fellow alumni over food and sake.
- King Spa Trip – Thursday, November 11th, 1:00 at King Spa. Relive the days of the onsen and get some warmth to prepare for winter with a day at a Korean spa and sauna.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner – Sunday, November 21st, 6:30 in Chicago. Stumble or glide your way through some conversational Japanese with the gang at JETAA Chicago.
- Joshikai – Thursday, November 11th, 6:00 at O! Izakaya in Japantown. This month’s Joshikai, a get together for women with an interest in Japan, will be a fun networking and girl talk event, with a chance to practice some Japanese as well, followed by a screening of a short film at Viz Cinema.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
Looking for a job in Tokyo (or Japan)? JETAA Tokyo can help
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If you’re looking for work in Tokyo (or even in Japan in general), a good place to start is the JETAA Tokyo website where you can sign up for their monthly digest, including job listings and career support activities.
Here’s the link: www.jetaa-tokyo.org
Have a job listing you want to get out to the JETAA Tokyo community, or a career-related inquiry? Email career@jetaa-tokyo.org.
JET Alumni Travel and Tourism group on LinkedIn
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Do you work in the travel industry? Run a tour business? Write about travel? Own a business that caters to tourists in Japan or your home country?
Now you can join the “JET Alumni Travel & Tourism“ group on LinkedIn to connect with other JET alumni in the field. Additionally, this group will be a place where opportunities for business can be shared and disseminated.
Here’s the link to join: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=3675074
JET Alumni Writers Group on LinkedIn
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There is now a “JET Alumni Writers Group“ on LinkedIn for anyone interested in linking up with fellow JET alum writers, authors, journalists, bloggers and anyone else with an interest in writing.
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=3671175
Job: Senior Editor opening, UCLA Amerasia Journal
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via former JetWit job poster Machiko Yasuda . 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: Senior Editor for Amerasia Journal, UCLA Asian-American Studies Center
This position is suitable for someone with strong writing, editing and organizational skills.
Job Summary
Requisition Number: 15231
Job Title: EDITOR, SENIOR, SUPERVISOR
Working Title: Senior Editor
Salary: $3463 – $6230 monthly
Job Type: Career
Department Name: 2060-ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES CENTER
Department Website URL: www.aasc.ucla.edu
For more details, and for how to apply, click “Read More”.
Job: Program Staff Member in Arts & Culture, Japan Foundation NY/CGP
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Direct from Japan Foundation in NYC. 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: Program Staff Member in Arts & Culture (Deadline: Nov. 30)
Job Details:
The Japan Foundation New York has an opening for an Associate Program Officer for the Arts & Culture Program. This program promotes the introduction of Japanese culture as well as exchanges between the United States and Japan through various fields of arts and culture.
The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, November 30.
http://www.jfny.org/userfiles/file/A%20and%20C%20-%20Job%20Announcement.pdf
Longest Japan Series game in history ends in 15-inning tie
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Were any JET alums at this game?
Here’s the article from the Daily Yomiuri: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20101107dy01.htm
Editor’s Note: Dragons ganbare!
SCBWI-Tokyo Event – Leonard Marcus on Advice from a Legendary Editor
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Posted by Suzanne Kamata (Tokushima, ’88-’90):
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators presents
Children’s Literature Scholar Leonard Marcus:
Advice from a Legendary Editor: How Ursula Nordstrom Made Children’s Books That Last
Time: Sunday, November 28, 2010, 10-11:30 a.m.
Place: Tokyo Women’s Plaza, Conference Room 1
5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
by the Children’s Castle and United Nations University
For a map see www.scbwi.jp/map.htm
Fee: 1,000 yen SCBWI members; 1,500 yen nonmembers
Reservations are recommended: E-mail info@scbwi.jp by Friday November 26, 2010
This event will be in English.
This illustrated presentation will give an inside look at the path-finding work of Ursula Nordstrom, Harper’s visionary editor of children’s books. The focus is on the hands-on creation of such well-loved classics as Goodnight Moon, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Charlotte’s Web, Where the Wild Things Are, and Harriet the Spy; on Nordstrom’s thoughts about children and their books; and on the valuable lessons that writers and illustrators of today can learn from her inspired approach to publishing. Q&A will follow the talk, and participants are welcome to bring copies of books for signing.
Leonard Marcus is a distinguished children’s literature scholar who is also an award-winning writer for kids. His books include Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom; Golden Legacy; Minders of Make-Believe; and, most recently, Funny Business: Conversations with Writers of Comedy. Leonard is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and other publications and writes a regular column on picture books for The Horn Book. He has served as a judge of the Ragazzi Prize, the National Book Award, and on numerous other prize committees. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit his website: www.leonardmarcus.com and read an interview with Leonard Marcus: www.scbwibologna.org/presenters/interviews/leonard-marcus.php
www.scbwi.jp info@scbwi.jp
