Return to Tohoku: JET alum Tanya Gradecky arrives in Japan
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Tanya Gardecky (Miyagi-ken, Shiogama-shi) is one 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.
Here’s a quick excerpt from the first post on her travel blog:
“I’m about to head off to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a meeting and then I will be on my way to Sendai and Shiogama City in Miyagi Prefecture!!”
JETwit will continue to post updates from Tanya and other participating alums. You can also follow Tanya’s blog at http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/ShiogamaJET/.
If you are returning to Tohoku and would like to share your updates, please feel free to e-mail jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
Video: JETAA Ottawa Prez promotes “JETAA dogs” and Japan Festival on morning tv show
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JETAA Ottawa President Lisa Mallin (Chiba-ken, 2006-08) does a great job on Ottawa’s Channel A morning show of promoting “JETAA dogs” (Japan-inspired hotdogs) along with the entire Ottawa Japanese Summer Festival. Make sure to watch to the end where Lisa also helpfully informs the host that Sendai-based band Monkey Majik was started by JET alum Maynard Plant (Aomori-ken, 1997-2000) and his brother.
JET Counselor: Roy Huggins (Hokkaido, Sapporo, 2007-10) is a counselor and therapist in both Portland, OR USA (Portland Counseling & Therapy) and Japan (All Japan Counseling) via the magic of Internet chat. He specializes in helping JETs in Japan, international folks and intercultural couples.
How do you keep upbeat when your boss doesn’t speak English, your significant other is sixteen time zones away, the sweet little kids you work with keep diving at your backside and it takes an hour of driving to find the nearest person who understands all this? It’s a tough puzzle, and one that many JETs struggle with even now. Based on my conversations with JET alumni at the USA national conference last month, JET alumni both urban and rural can empathize even years after returning home.
Culture shock is a constant for nearly every JET. Beyond that, there’s discrimination (or the appearance of it), isolation, and other vicissitudes of international living. Most of us seem to have a good time anyways, though, or at least remember it all as a good experience.
At the USA national conference I got the chance to talk with the sempai about what worked for them. Going with the assumption that people who were motivated to volunteer for their local JET alumni chapter probably found ways to succeed on JET and value their Japan experiences, I asked everyone I could to tell me what they did to deal with culture shock, discrimination and anything else that came up during their time.
I expected a lot of what I think of as “good luck stories” — stories about Read More
Happy time in a happi coat. (Rashaad Jorden)
By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata-ken, 2008-2010) for JQ magazine. Rashaad worked at four elementary schools and three junior high schools on JET, and taught a weekly conversion class in Haguro (his village) to adults. He completed the Tokyo Marathon in 2010, and was also a member of a taiko group in Haguro.
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.
Those two sentences are a lot more than the beginning of A Tale of Two Cities. The former could best describe my time in the JET Program (with a couple of exceptions), while the latter is an accurate description of my post-JET time.
I was disappointed and sad to leave Yamagata Prefecture last year, but the old saying “when one door closes, another one opens” came to my mind. As much as I enjoyed Japan, I was eager to launch my new life in the U.S.
Since I had talked myself out of grad school for the time being, I figured I ought to put something worthwhile on my resume before commencing the serious job hunt. As my resume included mostly teaching English abroad (France and Japan), I figured I might as well do something related to what I eventually want to do: something editorial related.
Currently, I am seeking an editorial assistant/copy editor/proofreading position. But I would also open to working for cultural exchange programs and in positions that utilize French ability (I am fluent in the language due to having and worked in France).
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James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06), author of the acclaimed young adult novel The Order of Odd-Fish, will be curating the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival with the New York Public Library around November 5 and with the Harold Washington Library in Chicago around November 16. And he has a special request for JET alumni who are into film making:
There are some Newberry award winners that are about Japan and the Japanese, and nobody has done a 90-Second Newbery film of them yet!
Off the top of my head, I can think of:
(1) Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus, which is about John Manjiro (2011 Honor Winner)
(2) Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata, which is about WWII Japanese-American experience (2005 Medal Winner).
(3) Commodore Perry In the Land of the Shogun by Rhoda Blumberg. (1986 Honor Winner)
So, as for JET alumni:
(1) I’d love to put the call out to the JET alumni community, which surely must include filmmakers, to make 90-second films based on those books for the film festival. (It would be even better if they were totally in Japanese, with subtitles!)
(2) The film festival at the NYPL on November 5 will be not only films, but also live acts between the films — a kind of cabaret atmosphere — live 90-second Newbery reenactments, or songs, etc. So this is also a call out to any arts groups / comedy teams / bands / etc. who would be interested in doing something as a between-film live segment for the 90-Second Newbery film festival?
Here’s a little more info from James about the 90-Second Newbery Festival: Read More
Uncanny Terrain: US and Japanese filmmaker team up for documentary about organic farming amidst Japan’s nuclear crisis
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Thanks to James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06), author of the acclaimed young adult novel The Order of Odd-Fish, for sharing this info:
There’s a really terrific and unique film project called UNCANNY TERRAIN, a documentary about organic farmers facing Japan’s nuclear crisis, by Junko Kajino and Ed Koziarski.
Junko and Ed are in Japan right now shooting it, and here’s their blog: http://uncannyterrain.com/blog/
JET alum James Kennedy reviews “Super Mario” for WSJ Book Review
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James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06), author of the acclaimed young adult novel The Order of Odd-Fish, just did a Wall Street Journal book review of SUPER MARIO, Jeff Ryan’s history of Nintendo.
In the article, James apparently also had the chance to correct some bad Japanese in his book. (Who says the JET program doesn’t teach marketable skills?)
“Errors crop up. Speculating on the name of Mario’s evil twin, Wario, Mr. Ryan claims that “in Japanese, wariu means bad.” Actually, the Japanese is warui.”
The book review was in Friday’s print WSJ, and here it is online: http://on.wsj.com/paNu5f
Follow-up: JETAA USA National Conference info and docs
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Via Jessyca Wilcox, one of JETAA USA’s three Country Representatives, sent to JETAA USA chapter delegates:
Hello Everyone!
I wanted to let you all know that between JETAA DC President Maurice “Mac” Maloney (mostly Mac!) and myself, we’ve managed to collect and post all the presentations and handouts that are available from the conference on the jetaausa.com website. If we could get our hands on it, it’s posted up there!
We’ve basically posted the schedule/ agenda from the conference and then linked uploaded files to each agenda topic appropriately. We hope this will aid delegates’ abilities to share the content of the US Conference with their members and will also help chapter officers that were not able to attend see what was discussed, covered and presented on. You’ll find it under 2011 National Conference > Presentations & Handouts
I also encourage you all to subscribe to the JETAA USA website. You can do this by subscribing with your email address (meaning you will get updates in your email inbox) or via RSS feed if you use an RSS reader of some sort. This will keep you apprised of all national efforts AND it will keep you all up to date on progress and deadlines in regards to the 2012 Regional Conference in CO.
Once again- a HUGE thank you and otsukaresama to the JETAA DC crew for putting on an excellent conference!
(Read the rest of this post for the conference agenda with links to relevant info and docs.)
JETS with J.D.s >> Calling All Aspiring JETs w/ J.D.s!
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Posted by Andrew McCarthy (Akita-ken, 2005-08). He currently runs the blog JETs with J.D.s, an information source for current JET alumni law students and prospective law students for career paths and approaches within the current legal market.
Two years ago, in search for what to do after law school, I was fortunate to come into contact with Jetwit.com founder Steven Horowitz (himself a “JET with a J.D.”), and that conversation spurred me to create this blog. In that time, this blog has attempted to compartmentalize answers to the questions I had as a JET alum in law school, and tried to offer reasonable guidance about finding a direction for life after law school.
After many years of searching, networking, and reaching out to JET alums turned “Legal Eagles,” I can happily say my ship has come in. Soon, I am setting off to begin a newer, brighter chapter to my life. But, before I go, I have a little something to ask.
If you are a JET in law school (or a JET just about to begin law school; or hell, if you’re at the LSAT stage), and you’d like one more thing to add to your plate: JETs with J.D.s could use your help.
Read my request in full here.
New JETs join AJET in record numbers
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Via AJET:
This year, the JET Programme welcomed over 1700 new participants to its July-August Orientations at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. AJET’s presence at these orientations resulted in an unprecedented amount of new JET memberships. We spoke with Matthew Cook, (2011-2012 Chair) about his views on the services that AJET provides.
AJET Chair Matt Cook (Osaka, 2007-12) speaks at JET Orientation in Tokyo
What do you think contributed to the overwhelming amount of sign-ups at this year’s orientation?
Matt: Well, I think the re-brand had a great deal to do with it. When we were able to show that AJET is a tangible resource, an effective voice, and a community that JETs are actually a part of, it gave them a great incentive to sign up with us. Not to mention, all of the services we offer are FREE, and who doesn’t like free stuff?
CLAIR also gave me the opportunity to speak to the JET’s in the opening ceremonies, and I really wanted to take full advantage of that. I tried to make them understand that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. That they’re not alone. That we’re in this thing together, and we support each other…. and that’s what’s special about us compared to the other English teachers that are hired in Japan. I think that struck a chord with everyone, and hopefully, we’re going to see AJET and the support system we provide grow exponentially after this great start at TO Orientation.
How do you see AJET’s role changing this year?
Matt: From this year on, AJET is going to be much more accessible to JETs. The new website is easy to navigate, and we’ve got a new magazine and eBulletin that are focused and let JET’s know what’s new and happening every month. Social networking is at an all time high in the world. To match that, our Twitter and Facebook accounts are reaching out, connecting, and keeping JET’s in touch in ways through outlets they’ve never had access to before. For example, each block now has a Facebook group that connects local chapters not just to us, but to each other all across Japan. I’ve really been quite shocked at how much the average JET has been engaged and helped each other with these groups. It is fantastic to see how everyone is getting involved now that they have a platform through which to do it!
I think these groups are also going to allow us to get more participation in our bi-annual surveys, which in turn, will give MEXT and CLAIR a better idea of what JET’s need, and allow us to represent everyone more evenly across the board.
I also forsee this council forging a much stronger bond with JETAA in order to make the transition to “life after JET” easier for people who are on the program now. This close relationship will help us to stay connected and maintain a close fraternity with each other. Because we’ve all shared a common experience like none other, and what better way to revisit that than to get together with like-minded individuals to share those experiences, and find new ways to start ones?
Any upcoming projects to watch out for?
Matt: Overall, I think this year will be a springboard to the future! I’m so proud of our council and their hard work. I think they’ve set a standard for all the AJET councils of the future and we have nothing but the best to look forward to! I personally cannot wait to see what AJET accomplishes this year, and in the years to come!
We are so excited to publish our first issue of AJET Connect Magazine, coming this September. Also be on the look out for our iPhone app, due out later this year!
Another Canadian JET to visit Tohoku via the MOFA program
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Turns out the Ottowa Citizen article was not entirely correct about Brent Stirling (Fukushima-ken, Fukushima-shi, 2006-10) being the only Canadian among the 20 ex-JETs selected for the MOFA program to go back to their town/city in Tohoku, help with volunteering and write about and share their experience.
But the post on JETwit about the article did help generate a response from Toronto-based JET alum Tanya Gardecky (Miyagi-ken, Shiogama-shi) who will also be participating and whose travel blog you can follow here: http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/ShiogamaJET/
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Here are a few JET-related articles and radio piece written and produced in the past month by JET Alum Bluegrass Subchapter member Graham Shelby (Fukushima-ken). (Thanks to Graham for sharing the info.)
- Graham went to Nashville at the end of July to interview some of the new JETs about to depart from the consulate there. Here’s a radio piece he produced that aired this past week on the public radio station here in Louisville. (It’s short.)
http://www.wfpl.org/2011/08/15/audio-new-teachers-prepare-for-life-in-japan/
- Graham also put together a quick piece focusing on one of new JETs who happens to be headed to Fukushima. It aired a few times on NPR’s national newscasts during Morning Edition on August 1. They don’t archive the newscasts online, the newscaster’s intro sounded something like this:
“While many people are struggling to find jobs, hundreds of Americans, many of them recent college graduates, have found an employer eager to hire them – in Japan. From member station WFPL, Graham Shelby has more.”
- Lastly, Graham did another short piece that was Kentucky-specific that was picked up by a few stations here.http://www.wfpl.org/2011/07/30/kentuckians-prepare-for-japanese-teaching-assignments/
As Graham’s work demonstrates, there are clearly opportunities to find and tell compelling stories from the world of JETs and former JETs. If you have any ideas, angles, upcoming events or possible outlets in mind, please feel free to contact Graham gshelby3 [at] gmail.com.
JET alum’s film “The Harimaya Bridge” now via Video On Demand
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JET alum and film director Aaron Woolfolk’s (Kochi-ken, 1991-93) acclaimed film The Harimaya Bridge is now available via video on demand. Read below to see how the JET alum community can help.
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Acclaimed feature film The Harimaya Bridge is now available to watch via video on demand (VOD) on most cable and satellite systems. The film can now be seen in more than 100 million households in the U.S. and Canada. If you didn’t see it in theaters, it’s just a click away in the comfort of your homes.
The Harimaya Bridge, written and directed by Aaron Woolfolk, stars Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, and Danny Glover (who also executive produced it). It is a drama about an American man who must go to rural Japan after the sudden death of his estranged son there, and the secrets he discovers his son left behind.
The film had a nationwide release in theaters in Japan and a limited release in the U.S. The San Francisco Examiner called The Harimaya Bridge “one of the best films of the year,” while The Los Angeles Times called it “powerful” and “a unique, complex, consciousness-raising accomplishment”.
The cable and satellite operators will be watching to see how the film initially performs, which will determine how long they make it available. So please help in spreading the word.
The movie is now available for viewing on Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, AT&T, Verizon, Cogeco (Canada), MTS (Canada), Amazon VOD, Best Buy/Cinemanow VOD, Microsoft Xbox, Sony Playstation, and many, many more. People can find it on their cable or satellite systems, or learn more here:
http://www.gravitasventures.com/the-harimaya-bridge/
In addition to that, the DVD and Blu-ray of the film will be available beginning October 18th. Special features will include a behind-the-scenes documentary, cast and staff interviews, and the director’s commentary. You can see a brand new minute-long trailer for the DVD/Blue-ray release here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKZ8GfVeNWU
As always, people can learn more about The Harimaya Bridge at its official website and at its Facebook page:
Please watch, and please help spread the word. Thank you very much!
Thanks to JET alum Scott Dixon, a reporter at Kyodo News, for passing this along. Incidentally, Scott mentioned that he actually found his current job thanks to JETwit.
Note: If you found your job via JETwit, send an email to jetwit [at] jetwit.com to let me know. This kind of info can be really helpful, and I have no other way of tracking whether JETwit is helping except for when people reach out and tell me. Yoroshiku!
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Kyodo News America, Inc. is currently seeking an assistant sports correspondent for its New York bureau. Applicant should have knowledge about sports, sports rules, sports regulations, sports history and a basic familiarity with players’ backgrounds. Knowledge of Japanese players, especially baseball, is highly desired. Read More
JETAA Tokyo supports Tokyo de Volunteer event
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Via JET alum Emily Duncan’s Japan Earthquake Disaster Relief Idea Exchange Facebook group:
JETAA Tokyo is pleased to support Tokyo de Volunteer in their “Beauty de Volunteer” volunteer activities. As these trips have received corporate sponsorship, free bus transportation will be provided. Please contact tokyo.de.volunteer@gmail.com.
For more info from Tokyo de Volunteer’s website go to: http://tkdv.blogspot.com/
FYI, Tokyo de Volunteer is an offshoot of New York de Volunteer, the New York based non-profit founded by wonderwoman Noriko Hino. Tokyo de Volunteer was started by former New York members who had returned to Tokyo and wanted to continue their volunteer spirit.
All of which is to say, collaboration seems to be a natural fit between JETAA Tokyo and Tokyo de Volunteer as well as between JETAA New York which has engaged in many activities with New York de Volunteer.
