Newly-wed JETs Give to JETAA USA Earthquake Fund
Cultural Outreach, Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, JETAA Chapters, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment 
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Originally posted on the JETAA USA website by Jessyca Wilcox:
Rachel and Josh, JET alums from the DC area were married this past summer. They met while on JET in Kumamoto-ken, falling in love with Japan and each other during their years in Japan. As they celebrated their marriage this summer, Rachel and Josh approached JETAA USA, expressing a desire to have their wedding guests give to the JETAA USA Earthquake Relief Fund in lieu of getting toaster ovens, china, towel sets and mixing bowls. We were deeply touched by their thoughtfulness, belief in the JET alum community and their continual and sincere dedication to Japan.
The generous contributions Rachel and Josh’s wedding guests made in their name will help the Japanese communities that most need it. ども ありがとう ございました！
About the bride
Rachel is from Alexandria, Minnesota. An English major at Gustavus Adolphus College, she flew on a JET plane to Japan to test out her teaching skills and try something new! Little did she know, a Texan would capture her heart!
About the groom
Josh is from Dallas, Texas. He did Computer Science at the University of Texas (Dallas) and went on to get his MBA before JET. Unsure about joining the corporate world and eager to experience Japan, Josh flew out of Texas. Little did he know, a blond Minnesotan was waiting for him!
How they met
Rachel and Josh met in Japan while on JET. Rachel was just starting her second year as an ALT in Kumamoto-ken, when Josh landed on the foreign soil. Taking care of the ‘newbies’ as a social chair, Rachel helped plan Orientation for the new JETs. They met the weekend before Orientation, at a lantern festival with friends. Josh asked Rachel if she thought they’d be friends had they met under normal circumstances in the United States. Rachel looked at the charming Texan and said, ‘Yes, we’d be friends.’ He agreed and the rest is history.
2011 JLPT Registration Deadline 9/30
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Via JETAA USA:
The JPLT will be offered this year in the following locations:
- Atlanta, Georgia (Georgia State University)
- Boston, Massachusetts (Northeastern University)
- Chicago, Illinois (De Paul University, Lincoln Park)
- Fayetteville, Arkansas (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville)
- Honolulu, Hawaii (University of Hawaii at Manoa)
- Los Angeles, California (University of Southern California)
- New York, New York (Lehman College, The City University of New York)
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Villanova University)
- San Francisco, California (San Francisco State University)
- Seattle, Washington (University of Washington)
- Washington, DC (Georgetown University)
“If you intend on taking the test, you must have your registration paperwork in by Sept. 30th!! This is not a postmark date, so send it quick! For more details, see The Japan Foundationwebsite.”
Justin’s Japan: Japan Society Remixes a Greek Masterpiece with ‘Medea’
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Micari stars in Satoshi Miyagi's production of 'Medea,' running Sept. 23-25 at New York's Japan Society.
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here for related stories.
Looking for an Eastern take on a Western classic? Japan Society kicks off its fall 2011/spring 2012 performing arts season with the Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC)’s production of Medea with a three-performance engagement from Sept. 23-25.
Directed by SPAC artistic director Satoshi Miyagi, the performance makes its North American premiere as a visual feast on the scale of a kabuki play. Set in 19th century Japan among the nation’s imperialist, gender-divided late Meiji era, this bold reinterpretation of Euripides’ evergreen features a company of 19 presented in Miyagi’s distinct bunraku puppet theater-inspired style accompanied on stage by live music.
Performed in Japanese with English subtitles, this stunning and internationally acclaimed production has traveled to 20 cities and 11 countries since its premiere in 1999. It also marks the return of SPAC to Japan Society, where the troupe mounted productions of Electra and Oedipus Rex during national tours for both.
For the complete story, click here.
JQ Magazine: Art Review – ‘Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers’ at Japan Society
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From left to right: 'Feel the Wind' (2010), by Fuminori Ono; 'Birth' (2011) by Hitomi Nagai; 'Su no hana' (Nest Flowers) (2011) by Takaaki Tanaka. (Vlad Baranenko)
By Vlad Baranenko (Saitama-ken, 2000-02) for JQ magazine. Vlad is an avid photographer.
Opening this week at New York’s Japan Society is the exhibit Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers, which showcases the works of Japanese textile masters and explores the ever evolving relationship between traditional fabric manufacturing and the uses of unconventional technology and materials to create awe-inspiring works of art. To commemorate the opening of the gallery and the designation of the Japan Society building as a city landmark, a special preview event was held on Sept. 14 with many of the artists in attendance along with an exhibition walkthrough from gallery director Joe Earle.
Originally conceived in 2007, the project received approval following this year’s devastation in Japan, and is jointly presented by Japan Society and the International Textile Network Japan in collaboration with Tama University. According to Japan Society, the collection of 35 works on display was thoroughly selected by a special committee to showcase the work of 30 contemporary masters of a movement originally envisioned in the 1950s to “reflect the fecundity of the Japanese artistic tradition and ingenuity.” Since many of the pieces had to make a long journey from Japan to New York, unique containers had to be meticulously designed for each piece to preserve the artist’s intended presentation and allow the viewer to fully appreciate each work.
To simply describe the collection as a stunning example of creativity and the profound Japanese insight into the coexistence of nature and man would not be enough to credit the artists on display. The exhibition explores such themes as the passage of time and seasons just to name a few. While many of the works are composed of traditional materials such as silk and washi paper, modern materials such as stainless steel, vacuum deposited aluminum, and complex chemical dyes are also added to create three-dimensional enchanting expressions.
Job: Nikkei Concerns – Health Information Manager (Seattle)
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Via jet alum pnwjetaa. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London and is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Health Information Manager at Nikkei Concerns (Seattle)
Job Details:
Nikkei Concerns, a non-profit elder-care organization primarily serving the Japanese-American and Asian-American Communities in the Greater Seattle area, is seeking qualified applicants for their Health Information Manager vacancy.
The position will be responsible for planning, directing and implementing a medical records system that follows established professional standards and meets all state and federal regulatory requirements. The person in this position will also serve as HIPAA Compliance Officer and lead the HIPAA compliance process. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to lead and manage, possess the ability to relate to residents and staff of diverse backgrounds and a passion for enhancing the lives of our residents and elderly community.
How to Apply:
Interested qualified individuals should email their resume and a cover letter to jlardizabal@nikkeiconcerns.org (Jeannette Lardizabal, Human Resources Specialist, 206-726-6525). Complete job descriptions are available upon request.
Please visit the Nikkei Concerns website at www.nikkeiconcerns.org for more information about our organization.
Position advertisement is open until filled. First considerations will be given to resumes and cover letters received by 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2011.
JET Prefecture Round-Up 09.16.11
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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
- Aomori AJET Welcome Party was September 10th at Shichinohe Campground.
- Iwate AJET will be climbing Mt. Iwate on October 8th on the Umagaeshi trail.
- MAJET Bandai Trip is September 17th-19th , a camping adventure at Mount Bandai in Northwest Fukushima.
- Connect 2011 is happening October 8th-10th at Kurosawa in Oguni, Yamagata.
- The Aizu Festival 2011 is September 22nd-24th in Aizu Wakamatsu City.
- Halloween SHINE is October 22nd in Aizu Wakamatsu City.
- The 2011 International Festival Aizu is October 29th!
- Fukushima ALTs are doing a Home Visit Program in Aizu on November 5th.
- Fukushima JETs attended Volunteer Day at a Children’s Home on September 3rd at Iris Gakuen in Fukushima City.
Kantou Region
- Chiba AJET Baseball Game trip goes to see the Chiba Marines on October 1st.
- Chiba JETs are prepping for the Tokyo Yamathon 2011.
- Gunma JETs join the football tourney in Nagano on October 1st.
Chubu Region
- Shizuoka JETs go to Costume Karaoke on October 1st!
- Shizuoka AJET makes an excursion to Fuji-Q Highland on October 15th.
- Cricket Game: Nagano vs. Hakuba, October 19th.
- October 16th, the Ina English Guide Club will present Zazen Meditation.
- Toyama AJET is holding a Cheesecake Bakeoff on Sunday, October 16th, in Nanto city.
Kansai Region
Over the weekend of September 2nd, Typhoon Talas crossed through Japan, dumping massive amounts of rain especially on the prefectures of Wakayama, Nara, and Mie. There are volunteer opportunities available to JETs in and around the Kansai area to help the victims of this typhoon.
- Kyoto AJET takes part in the Mikoshi Challenge, October 9th.
- The Nara AJET Halloween Party will be at the Wormwood Café on October 29th.
- Hyogo AJET leads a hike through the Fukuchiyama abandoned railroad on September 24th in the Takarazuka area.
- Hyogo JETs Rant and Rave at the Lock Up in Kobe, September 30th.
- There will be an art event (dance, music, theater, visual arts, performance art, sculpture, installation, etc.) in the Fukuchiyama abandoned train tunnel on October 1st.
- Hyogo JETs go rafting and canyoning in Shikoku, October 9th and 10th.
- Osaka Smile Kids Japan group makes its next visit on September 25th.
- Wakayama JETs are going camping on Friend Island, October 15th.
Chugoku Region
- Bound in Japan comes to Okayama! Workshops will be in Okayama City on September 17th and 18th, in Maniwa September 24th, and in Tsuyama September 25th.
- Beerfest Daisen 2011 will take place at Mt. Daisen in Tottori, September 23rd, featuring craft brews.
- Shikoku Field Day will be held in Shikoku Saburo no Sato, in Mima City, Tokushima on November 5th.
- October 1st-2nd is the Niihama Welcome Party, held on the beach in Niihama.
- October 15th Ehime JETs will climb Mt. Ishizuchi, tallest mountain on Shikoku.
- October 22nd is the Matsuyama Orphanage Visit.
- November 12th is the Ehime AJET Dinner in Matsuyama.
- Beer, Sake, Baseball, and BBQ will be September 17th at Hagi Park.
- Kochi JETs will make an excursion to Nahari Hotel Beer Garden on Friday 30th September.
- October 8th-10th is Surf Camp in Kuroshio-cho for Kochi JETs.
- Kochi-JETs are helping with Halloween Party in an abandoned school building on October 28th.
- The Annual Oita AJET Sumo Trip is coming up on Saturday, November 26th!
- The Amakusa Waterwheel event is September 23rd in Amakusa, Kumamoto!
- Kumamoto JETs are helping out with the 5th annual Nagasu Ferry Event on September 25th, Sunday!
- KumAJET and DiscSports Japan present Ichi Kyuu Bee on October 1st, featuring 4 ALT Teams (Saga, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kumamoto) and 9 Japanese Teams (Shakaijin and college students from all over Kyushu).
- Kumamoto JETs will be rafting down the Kuma River on Saturday, 15th October with LandEarth.
- JETs are invited to the O’hana Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Party on September 16th.
- On 23rd September, JETs will check out the wild boar races in Kawatana.
- On 1st October, Nagasaki JETs will take a walk through Hasami. The attractions include tiered rice fields, crazy scarecrows, pottery, and pretty temples.
JQ Magazine: Photos from the 2011 JETAANY Softball Tournament
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Team JETAANY, ready for some softball. (Photos courtesy of Monica Yuki)
By Monica Yuki (Saitama-ken, 2002-04) and Pam Kavalam (Shiga-ken, 2007-09), the JET Alumni Association of New York (JETAANY)’s President and Secretary, for JQ magazine.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, The JET Alumni Association of New York (JETAANY) hosted its Annual Softball Tournament in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Joining the JETs for some friendly competition were Amnet, Docomo, Kintetsu, Mitsubishi, TV Japan, Quick USA, and Yusen. Despite some ominous looking clouds, the 175+ players and spectators enjoyed beautiful, rain-free weather. The daylong tournament was filled with many spectacular plays and great hits, and the event finished with an award ceremony and BBQ at a local bar to celebrate this year’s champion, Yusen. A big thank you to all the teams for coming out and for the tournament’s organizer (and JETAANY President) Monica Yuki!
View the tournament’s Picasa album here.
Sisters of JET alum run half-marathon for Tohoku orphanages
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Jen Wang (Miyagi, 2008-09) created the alias “Hibari-sensei” for her Japanese pop culture blog, Gaijin Teacher Otaku, after her students called her by the name of a character she cosplayed. She also writes for J-music website Purple SKY.
The sisters of former JET Lucy Onodera (Miyagi, 2002-04), who is still living and working in Miyagi-ken, are running a half-marathon on September 25 in London for Living Dreams. 
The charity is raising money to help provide orphanages in Tohoku with basic necessities, school supplies, and counseling services. Onodera plans on visit the children in the future.
Alice and Claire Goodwin have raised £1,537 to date. To donate, please visit their Global Giving page.
JET alum returns to Minamisanriku with charity funds
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Jen Wang (Miyagi, 2008-09) created the alias “Hibari-sensei” for her Japanese pop culture blog, Gaijin Teacher Otaku, after her students called her by the name of a character she cosplayed. She also writes for J-music website Purple SKY.
Canon Purdy (Miyagi, 2008-10) made headlines when Today‘s Ann Curry found tracked her down after the earthquake and tsunami hit Minamisanriku, where she was visiting former students. She then started up Save Miyagi to help the students she had once taught. NBC Bay Area did a follow-up report on her trip back to Minamisanriku in late August, where she handed over the 300 thousand yen (roughly $3500) she raised to the board of education.
Photo from the Save Miyagi blog
Job: Admin Assistant for Japanese company – ASAP (New Jersey)
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Via Pasona. If you apply, please make sure to mention you learned of the listing via JETwit.
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Japanese Company in NJ is looking for an administrative assistant, ASAP!
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Location: Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Position: Administrative Assistant
Salary: Perm 35-40K
Job Description:
-Act as the front desk staff for receiving mail and parts delivery, answer incoming calls, open and distribute mail Read More
JET Endurance – new charity set up by UK JET alums
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JET Endurance….for the long run
JET Endurance is a new charity set up by UK-based JET alums to help continue to support earthquake/tsunami relief efforts in Tohoku.
No website yet, but here’s the link to the JET Endurance Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jetendurance?sk=wall
And a few words from the FB page:
“Six months on from the Great East Japan Earthquake – JET Endurance is set up as a charity by former JET participants in the UK. Whether you’re a JET (current or former), or just want to do what you can to help get Tohoku and Japan back on its feet, follow this page and spread the word to your friends! Watch this space for exciting news about fundraising, events, volunteering and stories…….”
Return to Tohoku: Round-up 09.13.11
Blogs, Earthquake Tsunami, Japan Local, JETs in the News, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Travel/Tourism, Volunteer, Writers Comments Off on Return to Tohoku: Round-up 09.13.11
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Here are updates from a few more of the 20 Tohoku region JET alumni selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to return to their town to both engage in volunteer efforts and also help document and share what’s going on there.
- Alan Mockridge (Iwate-ken, Ohtsuchi-shi), originally from the UK and now based in Santa Clara, CA, has started a blog in preparation for his upcoming trip to Tohoku. www.alanmockridge.com Alan reports that his town of Ohtsuchi “was completely destroyed by earthquake, tsunami & fire on 3/11. As you can imagine, after 17 years its been a bit of a challenge to reconnect with my old school but I’ve managed it & will depart on 19th Sep. until 27th.”
- James Foley will be blogging about his visit at jamesafoley.com.
- Brent Stirling (Fukushima-ken, Fukushima-shi, 2006-10) – “Still Alive, Just Really Busy” – Brent, based in Ottawa, writes about getting ready for his upcoming Tohoku visit and includes some of the recent media coverage about him.
You can also check the JETAA USA website post (“JET Alums Return to Tohoku”) for additional information.
CBC News Article on the MOFA/JET Alum “Return to Tohoku” Program
Earthquake Tsunami, Interview/Profile, Japan Local, JETs in the News, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Travel/Tourism, Volunteer, Writers Comments Off on CBC News Article on the MOFA/JET Alum “Return to Tohoku” Program
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Here’s a link to a nice article on Canada’s CBC News website titled, “Repairing Japan’s image, one teacher at a time: 20 former teachers return to view progress in Japan six months after the earthquake and tsunami.” (By Amber Hildebrandt)
“Japan is employing an unusual method in its attempt to rejuvenate its faltering international image after a massive earthquake and tsunami devastated the country exactly six months ago on March 11.
It comes in the form of a petite, brunette teacher from Canada: Tanya Gardecky, 25, of Aurora, Ont.
Or rather in the form of 20 foreigners from around the world who once taught English in the devastated regions and now have gone back, on Japan’s dime, to view the progress for themselves.
Each was once a teacher with the government-funded JET Programme and taught in the public school system.”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article
JETwit tech problems resolved!
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Thanks to invaluable help from AJET Webmaster Kevin Mitchell, JETwit is back up and should be running smoothly now.
Apologies for any confusion or inconvenience.
–Steven
Recent JETwit Technical Problems
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Apologies if you’ve had trouble accessing the site recently. My site hosting provider (SiteGround) has been having some technical issues that I’m trying to get resolved.
