WIT Life #162: Japan Tobacco
Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life, Writers 
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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.
My interpreting travels currently take me to Raleigh, NC, once home to a thriving tobacco industry. However, in addition to formerly being a center for textiles and furniture, those days are gone and different sectors have risen to take their place. As the group I am working with is studying economic revital
ization, yesterday we visited the American Tobacco Historic District, once home to America’s largest tobacco plant. It has been converted into a multi-functional area which maintains the character of the historic buildings, while at the same time incorporating modern aspects to create a vibrant community of businesses and restaurants (We got to visit the headquarters of Burt’s Bees which is housed there!).
In an interesting incidence of convergence, before heading to the district I read an article in the WSJ about how Japan’s disaster has affected its tobacco industry. It highlights how Read More
Job: Webmaster/Office Manager at JICC (Washington DC)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Webmaster/Office Manager at JICC (Washington DC)
via Susan Laszewski (Saitama, 2005-08) who now works at the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan. 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.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Webmaster/Office Manager at JICC (Washington DC)
Job Details:
The *Webmaster/Office Manager* position at the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan has recently opened up for someone with Japan-related experience and strong computer skills.
Read More
Job: JETAA UK – Job Vacancies
Jobs Comments Off on Job: JETAA UK – Job Vacancies
via JETAA UK. 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.
*Note: If you apply for any of these positions, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Several new Job listings from JETAA UK. You must be signed up to view the posts.
(a) Operations/Maintenance Engineer (b) Electrical Engineer
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/a-operationsmaintenance-engineer-b-electrical-engineer/
Secretary/Administrator
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/a-secretaryadministrator/
Head Chef
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/head-chef/
Sales Manager (Brussels)
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/sales-manager-2/
Job: Bi-lingual Clerk Opening at Consulate General of Japan (Seattle)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Bi-lingual Clerk Opening at Consulate General of Japan (Seattle)
via PNW JETAA. 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.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Bi-lingual Clerk Opening at Consulate General of Japan (Seattle)
Job Description:
The Consulate-General of Japan is now accepting applications for a position in the Culture & Information Section. Applicants must be must have native-level fluency in Japanese & English as well as web as well as basic computer skills.
See link for full details: http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/japanese/whatsnew/2011/Clerk_j.htm
Job: Job Listings from JETAANC
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Job Listings from JETAANC
via JETAA NC. 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.
*Note: If you apply for any of these positions, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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1. Administrative Assistant (Hayward California) Salary $12-13/hour
2. Logistics Sales Account Executive (South San Francisco)
3. Logistics Export Agent (South San Francisco)
4. Logistics Customer Service (South San Francisco)
Read More
Job: Global Business Researcher (Washington DC)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Global Business Researcher (Washington DC)
via Justin Manger (Gunma-ken, 2001-03). 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.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Global Business Researcher (Washington DC)
Job Details:
Job: English Teacher, Hokkaido
Jobs Comments Off on Job: English Teacher, Hokkaido
via Leah Timberlake. 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.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: English Teacher, Hokkaido
Job Description:
The YWCA in Hakodate is looking to fill an English teaching position by the end of the month.
Justin’s Japan: One month after the Tohoku Earthquake, New York offers more Japan benefit events
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Catch the Rock 4 Japan benefit concert at Brooklyn Bowl on April 12. (Cathyland & Packrat Planet)
By JQ magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
The massive aftershocks reported in Japan earlier today symbolized the island nation’s continued appreciation of support from around the world one month after the Tohoku Earthquake. Here are some of this week’s benefit and lecture events in New York.
Monday, April 11, 2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Crisis Relief Exhibition
Featuring artist talk “Dialogue with Mariko Mori and Ingo Günther” moderated by Reiko Tomii and live performances
Gallery 61, New York Institute of Technology, 16 West 61st Street. 11th floor
Donations welcome
Just one month ago, the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and aftermath rocked the nation of Japan. The death toll is still climbing, with over 10,000 people who lost their lives, and almost 20,000 people reported missing. Over 300,000 people lost their homes and are now living without adequate food and water. Millions of people are living with anxiety and fear of being exposed to the dangers of raising radioactive levels. And their struggles are far from over.
We Are One features artwork donated by Japanese artists living in New York to support the people in Japan. Their mission is to raise money to help with the relief efforts of the Japan earthquake and nuclear crisis, spread awareness of what has happened, and what we can do among the international community. On display are donations from approximately 100 professional Japanese artists living in New York in painting, drawing, mixed media, prints, and photography. All donated artwork will be sold at a reasonable price of $100-$200. All proceeds will go to Japan Society’s “Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.”
Tuesday, April 12, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
iNFiNiTY cooperation cross-cultural mass choir performance
Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Center, Lower Auditorium
34 West 134th Street(Between Lenox and Fifth Avenues)
Donations welcome
“Don’t Give Up” is a song written by the American gospel composer Danny Eason. It was recorded by Eason in Japan in 2010 with Japanese blind artist Kohshi with the Japanese choir Gospel Now Japan. For this special charity rehearsal event managed by NY Hallelujah Company LLC, you can join the choir for Japan and sing with the group, raising your voice for Japan and encouraging its people. All voices and all musicians are welcome, prior to an upcoming performance in May with Eason.
According to the Japanese Red Cross, over $223,000,000 in donations were received in just one week from Japan’s friends overseas and from corporations. Over 20,000 people have been rescued by the Japanese Ministry of Defense and they are trying to save even more lives. Over 10,000 lives have been lost, but the number of victims will continue to rise with an additional 18,000 people unaccounted for, and 240,000 people have been forced to leave their homes to stay in temporary shelters. To participate, contact project leader Ms. Kyoko Uchiki at NYHCLLC[at]gmail.com or (212) 996-4302. For additional information, visit www.myspace.com/dont-give-up.
Tuesday, April 12, 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Featuring The Orion Experience
Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe Ave.(between N 11th & N 12th Streets)
$10 suggested donation, 18+ only.
The critics are raving about The Orion Experience’s upcoming EP NYC Girl. USA Today says it “recalls ’70s-era Electric Light Orchestra,” while Time Out New York exclaims “The Orion Experience…impresses with its buoyant, hooky tunes, making awesome use of a coed tag-team vocal approach on a new EP.” The band also recently released their song “Nippon Ga Dai Suki (Japan We Love You)” for the first time in the U.S., with all proceeds from purchases via CDBaby and iTunes going to The Jewish Federations of North America’s Japan Relief Fund.
For a complete listing, click here.
JETAA Hanami Update 04.11.11
Cultural Outreach, JETAA Chapters, Notable JET Alums Comments Off on JETAA Hanami Update 04.11.11
A couple updates from hanami celebrations around the JET alumni community:
- JETAA DC participated in Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Click here for NHK written and video coverage, which includes an interview at the end with JETAADC Board Member Sarah Lyons (Kagoshima 2007-2009).
- JETAA Music City President Terry Vo, returned to her home state of Arkansas as a Cherry Blossom Princess for their cherry blossom festival and won Miss Congeniality! More to come on that.
Japan Volunteers
Earthquake Tsunami, Volunteer Comments Off on Japan Volunteers
Via the Japan Earthquake Disaster Relief Idea Exchange Facebook page, which I believe was originally set up by JET alum Emily Duncan:
Here’s a link to a blog/website called Japan Volunteers (japanvolunteers.wordpress.com) that seems to have good info and perspectives on volunteering in various ways in connection with everything going on in Japan. Here’s an excerpt:
Your services are needed
I have put out a call to several disaster relief NGOs I know to see what their needs are. Many groups are asking for volunteers in limited numbers.
I know many of you want to volunteer but money (see donation pages) and daily use items (see the materials page) are still needed. Please do not just get in a car and drive north.
I have recently heard that in some places in Tohoku there are too many people showing up clogging roads and using up limited resourced. We all can do something to help but we do not all need to go up there to make a difference.
I have many emails every day from people who want to do something – people from all over the world who want to come to Japan. I am sorry but you will not find that answer here on this site. Right now is not the time to just hop on a plane and come to help with the relief efforts. When the rebuilding starts 1000s of volunteers will be needed. that should take anywhere from 3 to 10 years.
JETwit goes to London!
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I’ll be visiting London this week (with daughter Helen in tow) Wednesday through the following Tuesday, staying with a good friend I originally met studying at Waseda. And while in London I plan to:
- Attend a talk by Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, at The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation in London on Thursday, April 14, 4pm on “Pop culture from a Multipolar Japan.”
- Meet up with JETAA International Chair and former JETAA NY Vice-President Shree Kurlekar who now lives in London as well as JapaneseLondon.com‘s Vanessa Villalobos (who is also a JETAA UK officer).
- Jointhe Japanese Conversation Group’s Hanami Picnicon Saturday, April 16 (which I believe will include a number of JET alums).
If you’d like to meet in person just come to one of the events, or feel free to get in touch at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
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.
I finally had a chance to sort through the pictures from my recent trip to Japan, which brought back many happy memories. I think I found them hard to deal with until now as they represent the demarcation between pre and post quake (I left the day before it hit). But I bit the bullet and looked at them for the first time since my travels, and I felt ok. I tried to think of my friends rebuilding their lives post-disaster and somehow getting by thanks to their hope for the future. As trite as it sounds, at this point they are taking things one day at a time as that is all they can do in the midst of the immense uncertainty that remains.
On a lighter note, one of the things that I love to do when I go back to Japan is check out the new flavors of items in konbini and other stores. One brand I am always sure to find is Read More
FoxHound87: Nagasaki, Day 2
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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 second day in Nagasaki was spent touring what Nagasaki is REALLY famous for, the second Atomic bomb.
Our day started by taking the tram to the Peace Park. This was a very somber experience. The park stands as a memorial to the victims of the atomic bomb and as a reminder for the necessity of world peace. It was said that nothing would grow in the damaged areas for 75 years because of lasting radiation. The peace park also stands as a testament to the will of the Japanese people to rebuild and “blossom” once again. Cherry blossoms have flourished in the park.
On the left side of the park, there is a statue to mark the hypocenter of the blast. It is a large black stone with stone rings rippling out. Again, this is a tragic place to visit. Even if you believe the bomb was justified, it’s still very sad.
Towards the center of the park, there is a statue dedicated to the children who died. Most of the bomb’s casualties were women, children, and the elderly.
At the exit of the park lies a piece of Urakami Cathedral. Burns scar the brick wall, and you can even see where the heat blast bubbled the surface of the concrete. According to some of the plaques that lie scattered throughout the park, the a-bomb exploded 500 meters above this Catholic Church. How ANY of this church survived the blast is a miracle. Ironic, no?
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.
http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/
There’s a very thoughtful article titled “This is what public diplomacy looks like“ by JET alum Emily Metzgar, Assistant Professor at Indiana University’s School of Journalism, on the Center for Public Diplomacy blog (which is part of the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communications). (This is the same Emily Metzgar conducting the Survey of American Alumni of the JET Program.)
Here’s an excerpt that captures the gist of the piece, namely that JET is providing Japan with a significant “return on JET-vestment“:
“But in the aftermath of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, the value of having a large, worldwide network of college-educated foreigners who understand, respect and appreciate Japanese society and culture continues to emerge. A look at a JET alumni networking website, JETwit.com, provides ample evidence of the many ways in which current and former JETs are responding in whatever ways they can to the disaster hitting a country that all of them, at one time or another, have called home.”
CLICK HERE to read the full article.
AJET Cares: Care packages for JETs in affected areas
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Via AJET.net:
AJET is trying to coordinate sending care packages to JETs in areas affected by the earthquake. If you, a group of friends, or your prefectural AJET chapter would like to send a care package to a JET who needs it, please see this form for more information and to sign-up: http://tinyurl.com/3v9o25o.
Questions? Contact us at care@ajet.net. Show another JET that you care~
Here’s the full post from the AJET website:
Dear JET Participants,
As you know, many JETs live in areas that were heavily affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Though relief agencies have been making headway, some regions are still without regular access to power, heat, or supplies. NAJET has provided information on volunteering and donating through some of these organizations, but now we’d like to focus on helping out within our own community, JET to JET.
If you have been looking for a way to get involved, whether as a local AJET chapter, as a group, or as an individual, here is an opportunity to help on a very personal level. We will be putting together a database of request for assistance and offer to help from across the nation. JETs in affected areas will be paired with JETs from areas that are able to provide support. Our hope is that this will strengthen the bonds within our community, while providing personal, timely aid.
We will try to arrange recipients and senders based on the specific requests and information provided by both sides. JETs who are able to send supplies should click on the link at the bottom of the page and fill out the “Application to Send Assistance” form. JETs who live in areas affected by disaster should fill out and submit the “Application to Receive Assistance” form at the corresponding link below. JETs living in affected areas may also include requests for items in need at a specific evacuation shelter.
Once NAJET pairs up applicants and contact is established on both sides, we hope that the support relationship will grow from there, and that JETs will be able to communicate between one another. However, if you need any advice or support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The list of respondents will be continuously updated, and the more people can help out, the better. We strongly encourage senders to work together with their prefecture’s AJET chapter!
Guidelines for what to include, box size limits, etc. are included on the application forms.
We will be matching up JETs as we get more information, so it may take some time before you have a contact. We ask for your patience, and in the meantime, encourage you to get involved in your local communities by raising money or gathering donations. For a list of ways that you can help out, please browse our website.
Click here to SEND a care package
Click here to REQUEST a care package
For questions, comments, feedback, please contact: care@ajet.net
