JapanGanbare: Messages of encouragement and support through manga art!
Art, Earthquake Tsunami 
Comments Off on JapanGanbare: Messages of encouragement and support through manga art!
A thoughtful approach to supporting Japan through original and creative images by manga fans:
Send a message of encouragement and support through your own manga art!
漫画を使って日本を応援しましょう！
Japanese fundraising on the streets of NYC
Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, Volunteer Comments Off on Japanese fundraising on the streets of NYC
Ganbare Japan!
Japanese volunteers ask for donations on behalf of the Lions Club in front of Grand Central Station, New York City. Polite yet persistent. Volunteers have been active in this way throughout the city for the last week.
What’s going on in your neck of the woods?
Photo by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)
Taylor Anderson’s high school establishes fund in her honor
Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising Comments Off on Taylor Anderson’s high school establishes fund in her honor
St. Catherine’s High School in Richmond, VA has set up a fund in honor of Ishinomaki JET Taylor Anderson who attended St. Catherine’, according to an article in the The Richmond Times-Dispatch.
The below is from the fund website (www.st.catherines.org/tayloranderson):
“The St. Catherine’s community is mourning the loss of Taylor Lane Anderson ’04. The Anderson family confirmed that their daughter’s body was found on March 21 in Japan. Our School family is devastated by this discovery.
Taylor was a four-year day student who quickly became involved in school activities after she arrived in the ninth grade. She was Co-Editor of the Atelier and a member of Model UN. Taylor touched many hearts while at St. Catherine’s, taking her unique gifts and talents to the country of Japan. As part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, Taylor spent the past two years teaching English to kindergarten, lower school and junior high school students in the coastal city of Ishinomaki. She was last seen after the March 11 earthquake, but before the tsunami devastated the coast of Japan.
St. Catherine’s is so proud of Taylor for living the School’s motto, “What we keep we lose; only what we give remains our own.” She exemplified what it means to be a St. Catherine’s alumna and she will long live as a role model for our community. Taylor touched the hearts and lives of so many people at St. Catherine’s. Circumstances like these, while unimaginably sad, remind us of the value and the power of faith, family and friendship.
The School has established the Taylor Anderson ’04 Memorial Gift Fund. All money raised will be given in Taylor’s memory to benefit the relief efforts in Japan, the country she loved so dearly. St. Catherine’s will work with the Anderson family to direct the funds in the way that best honors Taylor’s legacy. Our hope is to help with the rebuilding of the schools in the region where Taylor taught.
Please leave your thoughts, memories and condolences below and they will be shared with the Anderson family.”
NHK TV today showed a video (in Japanese) of Taylor Anderson’s father Andy Anderson visiting Ishinomaki and laying flowers where Taylor’s body was found. It’s very moving to hear her father say, “Taylor loved Ishinomaki, and we do too.” And as a JET it’s hard to look at the background scenery in the video and not feel that sense of familiarity that this could be any town in Japan.
Sayonara! 6 CLAIR-NY staff set to return to Japan
Local Government Comments Off on Sayonara! 6 CLAIR-NY staff set to return to Japan
It happens every year, but it’s always sad to say goodbye to the CLAIR-NY (aka Japan Local Government Center) staff members who finish their terms and return to Japan at the end of March. Those departing this march include (left to right):
- Yuko Nishida (Izumo City government, Shimane Prefecture)
- Shinya Abe (Tokyo, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)
- Taichi Hanzawa (Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture government), who previously served as the JETAA USA Liaison
- Chizuko Kawamura (Hiroshima City government), who served as JETAA Canada Liaison this year and JETAA USA Liaison the previous year
- Kazuaki Nakajima (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department) (not pictured)
- Akiko Tanabe (Tottori Prefecture government) (not pictured)
Minasan arigatou gozaimashita. O-tsukare sama deshita. Nihon ni kaete, ganbatte kudasai!
Note on CLAIR-NY/JLGC: The staff of the JLGC is comprised of local government workers from various cities and prefectures along with some central government workers, all of whom are selected to participate in a 3 year program. The first year they spend working and learning together in Tokyo. The latter 2 years they spend in one of a number of CLAIR offices in various countries.
Tokyo JET alum photojournalist seeks contact with displaced Tohoku JETs
Article/Journalism, Earthquake Tsunami, Notable JET Alums, Photography, Writers Comments Off on Tokyo JET alum photojournalist seeks contact with displaced Tohoku JETs
Thanks to Ed Snook of JETAA Tokyo for sharing this information:
JETAA Tokyo member Wes Cheek is planning on visiting the Tohoku region beginning Friday for a photojournalism assignment. He has expressed an interest in trying to get in touch with JETs who may have been displaced by the recent earthquake/tsunami. Additionally, Wes welcomes contact from any family or friends of JETs in Tohoku who would like him to try and get in touch with JETs.
- To contact Wes, you can e-mail Ed Snook at career [at] jetaa-tokyo.org.
- For updates on Wes and more information about his trip, go to Wes’ blog where you can find details and updates about his trip.
JETAA Northern California benefit raises over $7,000
Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, JETs in the News Comments Off on JETAA Northern California benefit raises over $7,000
KTVU Morning News in San Francisco has a whole feature on JETAA Northern California’s fundraiser. SF Consulate JET Coordinator (and JET alum) Peter Weber is interviewed. I think I saw a brief shot of JETAA US Country Representative Rod McLeod. And it sounds like Canon Purdy may have been there as well.
Good work JETAA Northern California! Yoku ganbatta!
Click here for the video: http://www.ktvu.com/video/27302416/index.html
MSNBC: Family holds out hope for missing American teacher “Monty-san”
Earthquake Tsunami, JETs in the News Comments Off on MSNBC: Family holds out hope for missing American teacher “Monty-san”
The latest coverage of still unaccounted for Rikuzentakata-shi, Iwate-ken JET Montgomery “Monty” Dickson.
MSNBC: Family holds out hope for missing American teacher “Monty-san”
By Miranda Leitsinger, Senior Writer and Editor, msnbc.com
“Almost everyone in the town of Rikuzentakata on Japan’s northeast coast knew teacher Montgomery Dickson, or “Monty-san,” as the locals call him.
But the tall American hasn’t been heard from since the March 11 quake and tsunami slammed the northeastern coast of the island nation, and any surviving villagers in the town of 23,000 who might have spotted his familiar face apparently have left. An International Medical Corps team that visited Rikuzentakata in the wake of the double disaster found it “was completely destroyed by the tsunami and no persons were present. Showing the depth of the tsunami wave and extent of the destruction, water marks were observed at a height of up to 10 meters (nearly 33 feet) on the sides of hills.”
CLICK HERE for the full article and to read more about Monty.
JETwit featured in CLAIR NY (aka Japan Local Government Center) Newsletter
Article/Journalism, Interview/Profile, JETs in the News, Local Government, Notable JET Alums, Writers Comments Off on JETwit featured in CLAIR NY (aka Japan Local Government Center) Newsletter
Here’s a link to the Spring 2011 Issue of the JLGC Newsletter, published bi-annually by CLAIR NY (aka Japan Local Government Center).
This issue includes a feature on JETwit.com (PDF) which I was asked to write a few months ago. It’s hopefully a helpful explanation of the background and purpose of JETwit. However, post-3/11 I have to admit it also feels dated and I feel somewhat conflicted about posting it now given what’s still going on in Japan.
Job: Academic Manager
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Academic Manager
via JETAA Toronto. 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.
———————————————————————————————————————————-
Job Position: Academic Manager
Job Details:
Pacific Language Institute (PLI) – A Kaplan Company – is looking for a dynamic Academic Manager to lead and grow PLI’s academic team and program.
Job: Marketing Director/Advertising Manager at Japanese American Newspaper
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Marketing Director/Advertising Manager at Japanese American Newspaper
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 this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
———————————————————————————————————————————-
Job Position: Marketing Director/Advertising Manager at Japanese American Newspaper
For more details, click “Read More”.
Read More
Japan Society Round-up: Events to raise funds for disaster relief
Earthquake Tsunami, Japan Society Round-up Comments Off on Japan Society Round-up: Events to raise funds for disaster relief
Japan America Societies around the country are organizing fundraising efforts to help the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. Here is a listing of various upcoming events for disaster relief gathered by JET alum Gail Meadows (ALT, Hiroshima-shi 2007-10). If your local Japan America Society is planning a fundraising event not listed here, please leave it in the comments!
What: Candlelight vigil- Where: Front steps of Thomas Worthington High School, 300 W. Granville Road, Worthington
- When: Thursday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Details: There will be music and a couple students speaking. Donations will be collected for the Red Cross fund for Japan.
- What: Soprano Seiko Lee Benefit Concert for Japanese Earthquake Relief
- Where: Dublin Recreation Center – Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Road, Dublin, Ohio
- When: Sunday, March 27 at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
- Details: The performance will feature Kenichiro Matsuda (Columbus Symphony), Hanamizuki no Kai (Columbus Japanese Women’s Chorus) and Eiko Toyoda (piano). Tickets/Suggested Donation $20 per person or two for $30. 100% of all ticket sales and donations will go to the Red Cross Japanese Chapter and will be directly used to support victims in Fukushima Prefecture through the Seiko Lee Project staff members. There are only 200 seats available, so pre-ordering tickets is recommended. Contact Ms. Asako Kim at 614-560-7796, Akai Hana Restaurant or Tensuke Market for more information or to purchase tickets. There is an age limit of 7 years and older.
- What: Stand With Japan event
- Where: The grounds of the Washington Monument
- When: Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.
- Details: The National Cherry Blossom Festival, its partners, participants and supporters invite you to gather at the Washington Monument followed by a walk around the Tidal Basin in the spirit of hope and rebuilding. This will be an opportunity for people to unite and connect, as well as contribute to the Festival’s Japan relief efforts, directly supporting the American Red Cross and their Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund. Visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org for more information.
- What: Discussion forum about the earthquake
- Where: W.T. Young Library Auditorium of the University of Kentucky
- When: Monday, March 28 from 4:10 to 6:10 p.m.
- Details: The discussion forum will feature the following individuals, all of whom experienced the earthquake and/or saw its aftermath in Japan: Doug Slaymaker (Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures [MCLLC]), Keiko Tanaka (Community and Leadership Development) and Akiko Takenaka (History). In addition, the forum also will include Susan Gardner (Physics and Astronomy) and Dhananjay Ravat (Earth and Environmental Sciences). These panelists will explore issues pertaining to the earthquake from multiple perspectives. Masamichi (Marro) Inoue (MCLLC, Director of the Japan Studies Program) will introduce and moderate the discussion. This forum will be an occasion for information sharing, cross-cultural community building, and academic engagement in social issues. Donations to the Red Cross will be accepted. The forum is free and open to the public.
- What: Bluegrass Community Walk for Japan Relief
- Where: Coldstream Research Park in North Lexington
- When: Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m.
- Details: Residents of the Bluegrass Region who wish to show their support for the disaster victims will come together for this free community event. Donations for Japan disaster relief will be accepted by the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross.
- What: Concert for Japan
- Where: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St. between 1st and 2nd avenues
- When: Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Details: Twelve hours of music and special activities will benefit Japan Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. 100% of proceeds from the event and tax-deductible contributions made on site to the relief fund will go to organizations that directly help victims recover from the earthquake and tsunami. With dozens of performances throughout the day, confirmed gala blocks feature Philip Glass & Hal Willner, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson and Zorn (starting at 1 p.m.), and Ryuichi Sakamoto and Bill Laswell and gigi band (starting at 6 p.m.). In addition to the music, there will be activities for all ages. Participants will have the chance to make origami cranes and washi lanterns, take basic Japanese language lessons and access to Japan Society’s current gallery exhibition, “By Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven & Hell in Contemporary Japanese Art.” The entrance fee is $5. Gala blocks are $100 per block. For more information, click here.
- What: Japan Earthquake Relief Form and Update
- Where: Morrison & Foerster LLP, 425 Market St., 33F, San Francisco
- When: Monday, March 28, Noon to 2 p.m.
- Details: This free brown bag lunch meeting will focus on Japan Society earthquake and tsunami relief efforts and how the disaster may shape Japan’s future at home, regionally and globally. Dr. Barnett F. Baron, President and CEO of Give2Asia, will discuss his organizations work in the crisis, as well as the Japanese NPOs on the ground that Japan Society and Give2Asia are funding during this catastrophe. Dr. T.J. Pempel, Professor of Political Science at UC Berkeley, will provide a broader view of the long-term impacts. Advance registration required. For more information, click here.
- What: Japanese Dance Workshop
- Where: Asian American Cultural Center, 11713 Jollyville Road, Austin, Texas
- When: Saturday, March 26. Session 1 is 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Session 2 is 3 to 4:15 p.m.
- Details: Learn Japanese folk dance during this workshop with kodo artist Chieko Kojima to raise funds for the earthquake and tsunami victims of Japan. The fee is $15 for JASGA members of $20 for non-members. The first session is for participants who have basic skills and knowledge of Japanese dance, and the second session is for beginners. For more information, click here.
Japan Times: U.S., U.K. teachers stay on to help care for evacuees
Earthquake Tsunami, JETs in the News, Notable JET Alums, Volunteer Comments Off on Japan Times: U.S., U.K. teachers stay on to help care for evacuees
This Japan Times article on 3 ALTs who have stayed on to help their towns post earthquake/tsunami appears to be about 3 JETs, though that’s not mentioned specifically in the article.
The English teachers listed are:
- Victor Kochaphum (Iwate, Tanohata)
- Kevin Blake (Iwate, Miyako)
- Paul Dixon (Iwate, Miyako)
Minasan arigatou. Ganbatte kudasai.
Please feel free to share additional stories and examples that you know of in the comments section of this post.
JetWit and the JET alum community want to know how JETs in all parts of Japan are doing in the wake of the earthquake, tsunami and radiation issues.
- Has your life been uprooted?
- Have things returned to some sort of normality? Are you still teaching every day?
- Has the radiation issue affected you or influenced any of your decisions?
- Have you moved to another part of Japan? Or left Japan?
- Are you involved in volunteering, fundraising or other disaster support activities?
- Are you housing JETs or evacuees?
- What’s next?
Whether dramatic or mundane or something in between, we want to hear about it. Please share any responses in the comments section of this post. Or feel free to email jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu and hope everyone is getting on ok.
—Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94)
Brooklyn, NY
CBS’s 60 Minutes recently aired a segment on the town of Matsushima which was wiped out by the tsunami. The segment includes an interview with an ALT named David (I can’t tell how to spell his last name) who gives a harrowing description of being in the school gym with students, teachers and parents when the tsunami hit and how he was able to hold on to the basketball hoop (the water was that high) and help pull a few students to safety.
The interview with David starts at about 6:24 into the video and includes video footage of the school, which looks very much like the schools we all taught at as JETs/ALTs.
Side note: Good feedback from a JETwit reader: “Thanks for the update and the link. Btw, not all JETs (or all of your readers) are ALTs.” The title of this post, which originally read “Matsushima JET,” has been changed accordingly.
