May 14

Hyogo Times and Wide Island View

JET Prefecture Round-up, Uncategorized Comments Off on Hyogo Times and Wide Island View

Hot off the press!  Hyogo Times May 2011 issue is available for download at the website (left-hand side).

Wide Island View, the JET publication of Hiroshima-ken has also been recently updated.

May 13

JET Prefecture Round-Up 05.13.11

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Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

Events by Region

Tohoku Region

Akita

• volunteerAKITA has been very active, starting with a one-day trip on April 24th, then spending Golden Week with the Fruit Tree Project, and continuing volunteer work May 14th – 15th in Kesennuma.
• The 7th annual Akita International Sumo Basho will take place on June 5th at the Akita Budokan in Akita City; funds will support Tohoku.

Iwate

• Two free yoga classes were held on April 28th and 29th, donations taken to benefit Tohoku.

Kansai Region

Hyogo

• Transitions Art Show opens May 22nd in Kobe, and features the work of some of your local JETs.
• The 4th annual Himeji Pub Quiz on May 28th will be attended by 13 teams!
• 2011 Himeji Prom-stravaganza will be June 4th.
• Taj Ultimate, the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, will be held July 9th and 10th, 2011 (start practicing)!
• Himeji Riiide to Taiyo gathered 45,000 yen for PEPY, and 36,060 for Tohoku, and a good time was had by all.

Shikoku Region

Ehime

• Ehime JET Ian is making an appearance in Matsuyama’s free performance of traditional Japanese theater songs, dances, and instruments in Dogo on May 15th.
• Ehime JETs cycle the Shiminami Kaido to raise funds for tsunami and earthquake victims on May 21st!
• CIR Chang Hemi (from Korea) has put together an introductory course in Taekwondo on May 21st in Matsuyama.
• JETs enjoyed the Caribbean SOCA Bashment party on Saturday April 23, 2011 at Rondo’s in Matsuyama.

Kochi

• JETs Sam and Douglas are now teaching weekly self-defense classes in Kochi.
• CIR Steven will be leading the English interpretation of “The Road to Modern Western-style Painting in Japan” gallery guided tour on May 15th.
• JET Kavita will host a Bad Movie Night on May 21st, supporting Can Up for Japan.
• Kochi JETs are forming a group to attend the Beer Festival on June 3rd at the Nahari Hotel.
• Kochi’s JET farewell party will be held on June 17th.
• The Tosa-ben Genki Musical was performed by Kochi ALTs in the local dialect on April 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th in different places around the prefecture.
• Kochi JET Mia held an art show, What is a reason you get up in the morning?, from April 22nd to May 8th in Kochi City.
• 明日があるさ (Ashita ga aru sa)   Party with a Purpose! was held on April 23rd, featuring live music, painting, and auctions, all to benefit Tohoku.

Tokushima

• The sixth annual Tokushima Touch Rugby Tournament approaches, May 28th – 29th!

Kyushu Region

Kumamoto

• Kumamoto JETs have been invited to attend a traditional Japanese wedding at Kikuchi Shrine on May 14th.

Kagoshima

• Bodacious Beach BBQ will be presented by Kagoshima AJET on May 28th in Hioki.

Multi-Regional

• ALT Soccer Tournament – West Japan Tournament to be held in Awaji, May 22-23rd. East Japan Tournament to be held June 4th-5th.

May 12

Job: Bi-lingual “Project Coordinator” Position – Boston MA (Aerospace/Defense)

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*Please make sure to indicate you learned about this position via JETwit if you apply.  Yoroshiku!

Bi-lingual “Project Coordinator” Position – Boston MA (Aerospace/Defense)

A leading global Japanese trading company is seeking to fill a full-time, permanent position in the greater Boston , MA area.

Their business is focused in the aerospace/defense industry and they are looking for an Assistant Manager (or “Project Coordinator”) who will be able to support the company’s sales activities; assist in contract implementation and program management; provide logistical support and also be involved in pursuing future business development activities. In short they are looking for someone who can act as an “interface” to support their Senior Management and be a liaison to several large international companies they work with in the aerospace and defense industries (as well as to some government entities in Japan).

The main requirement for the position is the person needs to be fully bi-lingual in English and Japanese (speaking, reading and writing). Furthermore, due to the technical nature of the work, some demonstrated experience working in a technically oriented environment is preferred in the area of sales, marketing, business development, proposals, contracts, reporting or similar capacity.

The position will offer someone tremendous growth, stability and opportunity in addition to a competitive compensation and benefits package. Please note that U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for this position.

Individuals who are qualified and interested in this opportunity should forward a current resume to Steven T. Bear at steveb@wdsearch.com for immediate consideration.

May 12

The Atlantic: Japan Two Months Later

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42 photos with captions.

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/05/japan-earthquake-two-months-later/100062/

May 12

Job: Research Analyst, MIPRO of Japan (D.C.)

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Via JETAA DC yahoogroup:

Company Name: MIPRO of Japan

Job Title: Research Analyst

Job Type: Full Time

Wage/Salary: Depends on Experience

Job Location: Washington, DC Read More

May 12

“Arigatou, America” ad runs in Washington Times

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Posted by Justin Manger to the JETAA DC yahoogroup:

Yesterday, in the May 10th edition of the Washington Times, there was a full page ad on the back of the first section. Below a sketched image of a firm handshake one simple word is written: Arigato.

This is one way the Japanese community, through the WA Project<http://www.facebook .com/WA.project>, is saying thank you to America and Americans for their support and help as Japan recovers from the tsunami that devastated the northeastern part of the country on March 11th. This of course includes a thank you for JETAADC’s help.

Take a look at the powerful image and message from a powerful grassroots project.

For background on the WA Project, read the Japanese press release<http://www.cepex. org/wp-content/ uploads/2011/ 05/WA-Project- Press-Release- Final-CEPEX- header-Japanese. pdf> and the English press release<http://www.cepex. org/wp-content/ uploads/2011/ 05/WA-Project- Press-Release- Final-CEPEX- header-English. pdf>

The project was also picked up by NHK (video):  http://www3. nhk.or.jp/ news/html/ 20110511/ t10015809311000. html
東日本大震災を受けてアメリカの人たちから寄せられたさまざまな支援に対する感謝の気持ちを伝えようと、アメリカに住む日本人の有志らが、現地の新聞の紙面に大きな文字で「ＡＲＩＧＡＴＯ（ありがとう）」などと書いたメッセージを載せました。

May 11

Jobs: LinkedIn Japan – Product Manager, Design, Engineering and more

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Thanks to former JETwit job poster Machiko Yasuda for sharing this interesting listing of jobs which she saw posted on Joi Ito’s blog:

LinkedIn Japan

As many of you know, I’ve been working closely with Reid Hoffman for years now and one of the things that I’ve been working with Reid on from the beginning was thinking about LinkedIn, especially in the context of Japan.

As LinkedIn begins its global expansion, Japan is an important priority and recently I’ve been advising LinkedIn on a more formal basis.

Japan REALLY needs LinkedIn right now. LinkedIn is NOT a social network; it is a professional network. It is a network that allows people to build their professional identity, share business expertise and information, and advance your professional knowledge about subjects important to you. As privacy issues exceedingly become a concern, it’s very important to keep your casual, gaming and social networks separated from your professional network. I think LinkedIn will be an essential tool for professionals in Japan as it is in the rest of the world.

So, this is my last “real job” before I transition over completely to the Media Lab role: helping to launch LinkedIn in Japan. And we’re looking for the best talent out there. We need an awesome, dedicated team to run LinkedIn in Japan. This team will be responsible for the strategy, product roadmap, and growth in Japan – this the chance to be highly entrepreneurial while having the strength of a global brand behind your team.

We’re Hiring!

We’re looking for a variety of roles, and they are listed below. We are particularly looking for product and management leaders who want to take on this chance to manage user growth. LinkedIn is serious about Japan and this team would be working directly with a high-quality senior team in the US. I think it’s a great career opportunity.

If you think you are a fit for for any of the roles we list below (or know someone who is), please apply for the role through the link below or email CPorter@linkedin.com. Please include your resume and/or a link to your LinkedIn profile.

These roles are currently posted regarding our growth in Japan:

1. Product Lead, Japan
2. Design Lead, Japan
3. Engineering, Japan

We are also interested in general management and product marketing candidates.

I’ll be blogging more about LinkedIn in Japan as we get closer to launching the Japanese product, but I wanted to get the word out that LinkedIn is planning to come to Japan in 2011, and we’re hiring. Help me put together the dream team.

May 11

WIT Life #168: Sake Guy John Gauntner

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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.

Last night I had the chance to brush up on my sake skills at the sold out sake tasting event Back to Basics held at Japan Society.  It was led by former JET John Gauntner, known as the world’s leading non-Japanese sake expert.   He currently lives in Kamakura, and is well known among sake brewers and others within the industry as the window to making sake popular outside of Japan.  His presentation gave a comprehensive overview of sake in less than an hour, presenting the audience with the essentials in easy to remember sound bites.  His enthusiastic employment of the phrase “Absolutely!” in punctuating the rhetorical questions that he posed to himself had a particularly great impact.

We learned that translating sake as “rice wine” is a misnomer, as it is brewed in a way more similar to beer.  Gauntner discussed how sake is one of the few products in the world that is Read More

May 11

Job: Cosmo PR (Tokyo)

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Originally posted to the JET Programme and Alumni LinkedIn group:

Opportunity with Cosmo PR in Tokyo

Cosmo PR is looking to hire foreign employees, and it seems that they have had success in hiring former JETs in the past.  Cosmo PR is a PR company specializing in healthcare and food/food science. It is a little different to most Japanese companies in that everyone is bilingual and the CEO is a woman. It is an interesting place to work and to progress one’s career.  They are looking for someone who may be slightly junior, but who has a familiarity with the Japanese language and Japanese working culture. The most important things are that they are amiable and outgoing and have excellent written English.

Please send your resume or inquiries to

Maruan El Mahgiub
COSMO PR
Azabukaisei Bldg., 1-8-10 Azabudai,
Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0041
T: +81-3-5561-2915 | F: +81-3-5561-2912 | E:
mahgiubm@cosmopr.co.jp W:www.cosmopr.co.jp

May 11

Job: English conversation (Tokyo)

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Via JETAA Northern California Jobs group:

Please reply as instructed below.

==========

ALPHA LEADERS – Part-Time Teaching Opportunities

• * Company: Alpha & Company Inc Japan
• * Industry: Education
• * Status: Part time
• * Lesson style: Private/Small Group Speaking Lesson (in class/SKYPE)
• * Hours: Evening and Weekend
• * Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo or SKYPE
• * Qualifications: More than two years teaching experience
• * Student occupation: College students and Business people
• * Description:

ALPHA LEADERS would introduce English speaking programs in Tokyo for those who work globally or plan to apply to the world-top universities and business schools. We are looking for outstanding English instructors to help our students improve their listening and speaking skills and help them prepare for TOEFL and classes in English. The program would be provided on a 1-1 basis, in a small group (2 people), or SKYPE. Those sessions would take place during evening and weekend hours.

For more details about our program, please go to the website:  http://p.tl/Sfer If you are interested in teaching in our program, please send your resume to admin@alpha-leaders.jp

Contact Information: admin@alpha-leaders.jp ALPHA LEADERS:  http://alpha-leaders.jp/ Read More

May 11

JQ Magazine: Brooklyn’s Cherry Blossom Festival Turns 30!

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The view from Sakura Matsuri, held April 30-May 1 at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (Sam Frank)

By Sam Frank, an ALT who taught English in Hiraizumi-Cho, Iwate Prefecture, from 2002-04 and worked in Shirahama-cho, Wakayama Prefecture as a JET from 2004-06. He currently manages the New York  Division of UnRated Magazine and works as a Project Manager/Web Producer at Arrow Root Media.

For three decades the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has been home to the Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival, a two-day festival comprised of both traditional and contemporary Japanese arts and culture, including dance, martial arts, manga, costume play (“cosplay”), workshops, demonstrations, and guided tours of the Garden’s Japanese plant collections.

While Brooklynites view this tradition as an authentic Japanese experience, there are many differences between this festival and ones in Japan. When you think of cherry blossoms in Japan, there is one word that comes to mind: Hanami. Hanami usually consists of friends and familes having picnics under the trees, and often involves consuming large amounts of sake (Japanese rice wine). This happens because Japanese law doesn’t crack down on public consumption of alcohol, unlike our friendly officers in Brooklyn. Also, people in Brooklyn are only permitted to eat in certain restricted areas, whereas folks in Japan are not only able to eat wherever they want (or find a spot), but are allowed to bring outside food into the cherry blossom areas.

Although Brooklyn’s version of Sakura has a few more restrictions then its Japanese counterpart, the cultural shows, guest appearances, and unique events that take place at the Botanic Garden in early May add a special flavor to the experience.

Read the rest of the article and more photos, click here.

May 11

Justin’s Japan: New York’s Japan Society Ready to Rock with Hikashu, Tomoe Shinohara

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May 11

Surviving in Japan: How to Find (Good) Deodorant in Japan

Advice, Blogs, Japan Local, Writers Add Comment (2)

Posted by Ashley Thompson (Shizuoka-ken, 2008-2010) of Surviving in Japan: without much Japanese and Lifelines columnist for The Japan Times.

If you’re coming to Japan, you will probably hear someone lamenting about the inability to find any “real” deodorant here. When I heard this before coming, I promptly bought a 4-pack of my favorite kind (which I hadn’t even used up after two years). Yet, for those trying to save luggage space, unless you are REALLY attached to your deodorant, let me reassure you, it IS possible to get deodorant in Japan. And no, I’m not even talking about typical Japanese stuff – I haven’t tried any of it (as everyone often says it doesn’t work as well). Though, many of the Japanese brands do use aluminum as a main ingredient, which is the active ingredient you’d find in anti-perspirants anywhere.

So, before I lay out your options, you’ll need to know the Japanese word for deodorant when searching: デオドラント. This may also be shortened to: デオ. You may even see something with アンダーアーム (underarm).

A few other words to know:

stick: スティック
mist: ミスト
cream: クリーム
spray: スプレー
bar: バー
gel: ジェル

how to find deodorant in Japan: — CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.

May 11

JETAA Chicago raises over $7.7K for JETAA USA Fund for Earthquake Relief

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Thanks to JETAA Chicago Treasurer Thomas Osugi for sharing this recent post by JETAA Chicago President Robert Corder:

“On Saturday, April 9, JETAA Chicago held a fundraiser at the Floating World Gallery to benefit the earthquake relief effort. More than 120 people attended and we were able to raise $7,779.47. In addition to the drinks and appetizer, there were three live bands plus a silent auction and raffle.”

“Additionally, a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General of Public Diplomacy was sent to JETAA Chicago in regards to the work the JETAA Chicago community has performed by raising relief funds and awareness after the tragedy last month in Japan. Please read the full letter here.”

CLICK HERE to read the full post and more details on the JETAA Chicago website.

May 11

JET alum John Gauntner enlightens, entertains Japan Society audience

Celebrity, Cultural Outreach, Events, Food & Drink, Japan Society Round-up, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Writers Comments Off on JET alum John Gauntner enlightens, entertains Japan Society audience

*******************

Last night was Japan Society of New York’s Anual Sake Tasting:  Back to Basics event with a lecture by JET alum John Gauntner (Kanagawa-ken) (aka “The Sake Guy”), now the leading sake educator in the world, followed by a sake tasting (and mingling) with about 20 sake exporters from all over Japan.  I attended with professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) (who writes the WIT Life posts on JETwit) and we had a terrific time, learning the basics of sake, running into Tomoko Okuno of Japan Society as well as Alma Jennings (Fukushima-ken, 2008-10) who was volunteering at the event, and of course finally getting to meet John in person.

John will be lecturing at similar events over the next few days in Boston, Toronto and several other cities in North America.  So keep your eyes out and, if you attend, make sure to say hi and let him know you’re a JET alum as well.

Thanks to Japan Society for putting on a great event!

Stacy Smith (CIR Kumamoto, 2000-03) and John Gauntner (Kanagawa)

**************

Sake tasting: JET alums Stacy Smith, Alma Jennings and Steven Horowitz sample sake with Kensuke Shichida, President of Saga Prefecture-based Tenzan Sake Brewery