JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Masahiro Kozuma of the Japanese Children’s Society
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Mr. Masahiro Kozuma of the Japanese Children’s Society, right, with Mr. Fusaki Fujita of Marsh USA.
By Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) for JQ magazine. Stacy is a professional writer/interpreter/translator. She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observation in the periodic series WITLife.
At a gathering of the Battenkai, or Kyushu-ite group here in New York City, I had the pleasure of sharing a mirthful moment with Mr. Masahiro Kozuma. We were taking part in “laughter yoga” with the guest teacher at the event, who paired us up as partners with the task of performing a laughing exercise together. As we had just met this could have been a somewhat awkward activity to have to engage in, but thanks to Mr. Kozuma’s willingness I was able to ease into simulated laughter until it became real and I enjoyed the moment.
Later in the evening we continued our non-verbal communication with an actual conversation, where I learned that Mr. Kozuma serves as Director of the Japanese Children’s Society or New York Ikuei Gakuen (育英学園). This NPO established in 1979 provides Japanese education to youngsters with the motto of “Carefree Learning, Nurturing of Self-Training Children.” I had the chance to talk further with Mr. Kozuma about his background and that of his school.
What brought you to Battenkai?
I decided to join as I am from an area of Fukuoka Prefecture called Chikuhou. Fukuoka is blessed with beautiful nature like the mountains and the sea, and the Chikuhou region is known for coal mining. My childhood memories are of playing all the time on the huge heaps of coal waste that could be found around where I lived.
What was your path to the States?
While in Japan I got my master’s in Special Education, and I decided to come to here for further study in this field. In Japan the extent of my work experience was a part-time job at a fish store during university, but my first job here in the States was being an elementary school teacher at Japanese (supplemental study) school. I was also a counselor at their summer camp.
And now you work as director of Ikuei Gakuen, which has several schools throughout the New York area. Can you tell us a little about your system of education?
As director, I am in charge of all the schools which include the main Manhattan one, one in Port Washington, Long Island and the New Jersey campus where my office is located. Our curriculum is based on the standards set by the Ministry of Education in Japan, but it is bilingual learning as we have daily English classes. The subjects we cover are Japanese, English, math, science, social studies, music, arts and crafts, calligraphy and physical education. We also have special seasonal events like Field Day and school festivals. On the East Coast, we are the only full-time, integrated Japanese school for children ages 3 to 12.
In terms of supplemental study, we have Saturday and Sunday school as well for students who might attend regular school during the week, but still want to keep up with their Japanese education. We also do homeschooling for those who are unable to make the weekend classes.
Do you have to be Japanese to attend Ikuei Gakuen, or is it open to anyone? What is the procedure for getting in?
It is not limited to Japanese people, but the fact that classes are conducted in Japanese means that your language skills must be up to a certain level. We do have some students who are not from Japan, but who have one parent who is Japanese, etc. For all applicants we carry out screenings and a test, and provided they can pass and have developmental skills appropriate for their age they will be accepted. In circumstances where special individual treatment is necessary such as with learning disorders, we consider those on a case by case basis. Our school’s purpose is not preparing students for college entrance exams, as some might think.
WIT Life #171: Radiation fallout (both literal and emotional)
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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.
As more information comes out regarding the lack of disclosure as well as intentional cover-up that took place regarding Japan’s nuclear crisis, people are becoming more and more empowered. This article from Sunday’s New York Times details how citizens have begun protesting, a relatively rare action in Japan. This longer article from this morning’s NYT discusses how little PM Kan knew about what was actually happening.
Media reporting on this issue tends to be either sensational or opaque, so I really value the “on the ground” reports I periodically receive from friends in Tokyo. Here’s an excerpt from a recent mail (long but worth reading) from a close friend describing the continually changing information being provided to them, as well as her thoughts regarding the situation going forward. It provides a backdrop that illuminates why the normally docile Japanese have been taking to the streets:
“Here life is slowly returning to “normal,” but still lots of worries about the radiation affecting Tokyo and outlying areas. There are new setbacks to the nuclear plant situation each day and we wonder Read More
Essay: JET alum volunteers for Tsunami Relief in Northeastern Japan
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Posted by JET alum Mark Flanigan to the JETwit Facebook wall:
Hello from Tokyo! I wrote this article (see pages 14-15) for the Japan Commerce Association of Washington, DC. I focused on my recent volunteer experiences as a former JET (Nagasaki 2000-04) working on Tsunami Relief in Northeastern Japan. Please consider sharing this article with your JET friends and colleagues!
http://jcaw.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/NewsLetter_0611_secured_revised.pdf
JETAA NY joint event with Kyushu association
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Last night JETAA New York joined with New York Battenkai, a New York-based association for Japanese ex-pats from Kyushu, for a unique happy hour at Nightengales (2nd Ave & 13th St) and another example of JETAA chapters supporting prefecture and local government efforts. (Translation Note: “Batten,” it was explained, is connecting phrase unique to Kyushu dialect.)
As New York is home to many other similar prefecture associations, perhaps this could end up serving as a model for future JETAA Chapter-Prefectural Association events.
Job: College Board – Director, International Initiatives & Implementation (NYC)
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Via Idealist.org. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields. She is also the former vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.
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Job Position:
Director, International Initiatives & Implementation
Posted by: The College Board
Location: New York, New York, United States
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/SsfnmwDssM3p/
Via JET alum Jessica Cork of the Japanese Consulate in Atlanta. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields. She is also the former vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Seeking volunteers for JapanFest (Georgia)
Job Details:
The Japan-America Society of Georgia, The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, and the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta are seeking volunteers for JapanFest Weekend, an Atlanta-based festival celebrating Japanese culture. JapanFest Weekend will be held on September 17 and 18, 2011, at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, GA from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday.
JapanFest will feature taiko drum concerts and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural workshops including tea ceremony, kimono, and calligraphy, children’s games, Japanese food & beer garden, bonsai trees, and contemporary and traditional music.
More than 18,000 visitors attend JapanFest annually. Approximately 300 volunteers help in several areas including ticketing, arranging children’s activities, and safety. Volunteers receive a JapanFest T-shirt and free access to the festival.
How to Apply:
To sign up, visit www.japanfest.org or contact Jessica Cork at cork@cgjapanatlanta.org or 404-926-3020. You must be over 18 years of age to volunteer.
Job: Ayusa Study Abroad On-Site Coordinator (OSC): 2011 Japan Summer Exploration Program
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Via JETAANC. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields. She is also the former vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Ayusa Study Abroad On-Site Coordinator (OSC), 2011 Japan Summer Exploration Program
Job Details:
To co-coordinate a study abroad program for up to 25 U.S. & Canadian high school students in Tokyo with excursions to Kamakura, Kyoto and areas around Tokyo. The On-Site Coordinator must be conversational in Japanese and English. The OSC will work closely with our in-country Japanese staff in program execution.
He/She will assist with the planning, implementation and execution of the AYUSA Study Abroad summer program including, but not limited to, student support and pastoral care, the coordination of extra curricular activities on a regular basis for the duration of the program, providing emergency support and crisis management, representing Ayusa to the students as well as the local on-site staff.
New LinkedIn group: JET Alum IT/Tech/Science
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There’s now a new LinkedIn group called JET Alum IT/Tech/Science for JET alums, current JETs and Friends of JET who are working in, interested in or have some sort of connection to IT, tech, science, engineering, medical fields, etc.
Here’s the link: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=3949084&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
And a reminder to go to JET Alum Groups on the JETwit site for a list of all professional/career oriented LinkedIn and other groups for JETs.
Embassy of Japan in the UK (June 2011)
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Embassy of Japan in the UK Webmagazine round-up via Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields. She is also the former vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Featured Article:
Ambassador Hayashi honoured by Diplomat magazine
Other articles this month:
Episodes from a Life in Theatre: An audience with Simon McBurney
Japanese Enamels: The Seven Treasures, Cloisonne from the V&A
Restored: A Quiet Corner of Japan in Liverpool
Saburo Teshigawara / KARAS Mirror and Music UK PREMIERE
Works relating to the Tohoku region on display at the British Museum
Spotlight On… Minister Hiroshi Noda
28th Annual Meeting of the UK-Japan 21st Century Group
Japanese Red Cross Society – Operations Update: 3 – 23 May 2011
Subscribe:
To subscribe to the Embassy of Japan in the UK webmagazine, please email webmagazine@ld.mofa.go.jp with the subject ‘subscribe’.
Job: 2 Job Postings from Idealist.org
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Via idealist.org. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields. She is also the former vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.
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Job Positions: A couple of positions that might be of interest to JET alums
Student Affairs Program Coordinator
Posted by: Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University
Location: New York, New York, United States
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/Tbt54fxNtX74/
Assistant Director of Admissions, International Recruitment and Outreach
Posted by: The New School
Location: New York, New York, United States
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/fkFFd7TjhZ5P/
Job: Embassy of Japan, Political Researcher (DC)
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Via via JETAA DC. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields. She is also the former vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Embassy of Japan, Political Researcher (DC)
Job Details:
The Embassy of Japan is seeking an individual for the position of Political Researcher. The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, paid vacation and sick leave. Salary is commensurate with experience month.
Job: Research Assistant at Japanese Govt Export Credit Agency (NYC)
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Via Actus Consulting. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields. She is also the former vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Research Assistant at Japanese Govt Export Credit Agency (NYC)
Job Details:
Japanese governmental export credit agency is seeking a Research Assistant. This is a TEMP position (max. 1 year) starting early July.
Job: Job opportunity for Japanese teacher (NC)
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Via JET alum Jessica Cork who works at the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields. She is also the former vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Job opportunity for Japanese teacher (NC)
Job Details:
Hawbridge School is hiring a part-time Japanese language instructor for the upcoming school year (2011-2012). The instructor will need to be able to teach High School level Japanese II and III.
Read More
Surviving in Japan: How To Find Ibuprofen in Japan
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Posted by Ashley Thompson (Shizuoka-ken, 2008-2010) of Surviving in Japan: without much Japanese and Lifelines columnist for The Japan Times.
This is for all those die-hard Advil fans out there, like myself. Though I try to use any kind of drug sparingly, at least once a month I find myself growling for drugs (I’m sure you can guess which “once” I’m referring to, ladies). And then I take two. Sometimes three. No matter how tough I am the rest of the month, I run to the drug cupboard with my proverbial tail between my legs.
Yes, I admit, I did bring a large bottle of Advil with me when I first came to Japan, and last time my mom sent me a care package I asked for some Advil. It’s almost like a comfort drug – you know, comfort food. The very sound of it just puts you at ease. Advil. No pain. Ahhh…
Anyway! What if you have no Advil, because you’ve completely emptied your bottle, and in extreme I-NEED-DRUGS pain? Fear not, you (or someone in your place if you’re unable to move due to said pain) can find ibuprofen in Japan. Probably most, if not all, drug stores and pharmacies will carry it. The amount of ibuprofen in each pill is typically the same as regular Advil. Although, be forewarned, they often put caffeine in the pills too. Why, I don’t know. Perhaps they think a boost of energy will somehow kick the pain out of you. In any case, it’s not less effective, but keep in mind gel caps are harder to come by, if that’s your thing.
The word to look (or ask) for is — CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.
Hibari-sensei: Seikima II Press Conference
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Jen Wang (Miyagi, 2008-09) is a lab tech in Dallas and a staff writer for the Japanese music website Purple SKY. Her love of cosplay and her junior high school students inspired the name for her own Japanese pop culture blog, Hibari-sensei’s Classroom.
A-kon , Dallas, Texas’ longest-running anime convention, always bring interesting musical acts from Japan. This weekend, rock bands Blood Stain Child and D will be performing. At last year’s convention, I had the opportunity to attend a press conference with Seikima II. To celebrate their 25th anniversary, the heavy metal band reunited and embarked on the world tour, with Dallas as their first stop. The day after their high energy concert, or “black mass” as it is called among Seikima II fans, they sat down with reporters to answer questions about their music, goals, and efforts to spread both Japanese and akuma culture.
Your site says that you have returned with a new mission. What is your new mission?
Demon Kakka: To propagate ourselves throughout the world. We decided to have a reunion to see how the seeds of world domination have grown.
What made you decide to reunite and spread music to the U.S.?
Demon: There have been many offers, including collaboration with anime. We decided to use the popularity of anime to check out the scene in America.
Even though you claim to be devils, you seem like saints to me.
Demon: [in English] Devils, angels, saints, and Buddhas…I wonder what the difference really is between them. It all depends on what you think which is which.
Why did you choose to propagate Japanese culture?
Demon: The Japanese have a fascinating culture, but the people are not able to go out to spread it. If more Japanese could go out to spread their culture, there would be better communication.
Your songs have very vivid images and ideas. When you are writing lyrics, do you begin with an image, feeling, or story in mind?
Luke Takamura: A keyword is important. From there, the story comes. Sometimes, the melody comes first.
Jail O’Hashi: [in English] Recently I have been writing with Demon as a team. We think about what are things that can be expressed as Seikima II… pinpoint social and economic problems. Those things are important to be expressed in rock music.
Demon: Sometimes the melody is made and the lyrics come. Other times, I start with a story or notes. The ideas can from anywhere even people on the bus or train. When I’m riding the train, I’m in my human disguise so I can write lyrics without anyone knowing.
To read the rest of the interview, click here.
