Feb 13

Job: Contracts Coordinator at Japanese Trading Company (Arlington, VA)

via JETAA DC. 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: Contracts Coordinator at Japanese Trading Company (Arlington, VA)

Job Details:

A major Japanese trading company is looking for a Contracts Coordinator in Arlington, VA. Under the supervision of the Contract Manager, the incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Assist the Contract Manager in performing day to day contract executions such as creating Request for Quote and Purchase order files, obtain order acknowledgements, monitor product delivery, maintain data base with accurate information and follow up on claims with manufactures.

2. Perform routine office administrative functions: send interoffice mails, distribute all incoming mail, preparing payment vouchers for all the Washington DC office expenses and also filing travel expenses for the Vice President.

3. Create work orders online when there is an issue in the office.

4. Assist preparing and executing a special event (such as a year-end party)

5. Perform any administrative tasks assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor Degree or relevant working experience is desirable

Skills: Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Experience: Five years of general office or administrative work experience.

Language: Excellent oral and written English. In addition, fluency or a working knowledge of Japanese would be very useful.

How to apply:

Interested in this or other Japan related job openings?
Contact Interesse International at: dc@iiicareer.com or 571-384-7117.
More on our website: www.iiicareer.com


Feb 13

Job: Buyer for Japanese import/export company

via Actus. 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: Buyer for Japanese import/export company

Job Details:

Established Japanese company seeks a buyer who is interested in trading and import/export operation between US and Japan. Main duties include: Purchasing industrial parts(for aircraft) price negotiations with vendors quality control import/export operation etc.

Qualifications:

  • Must have native-level English skills.
  • Conversational level Japanese language skill is also required.
  • Proficiency in MS office.
  • Detail oriented individual with strong negotiation skill strongly preferred.
  • Interest in science and to learn about the aerospace/aviation and power generation big plus.
  • Must be able to travel on business.
  • Entry-level welcome.
  • Location: New York, NY
    Salary: $35K~40K

    How to apply:

    Please forward your most recent resume and cover letter as an MS Word attachment to moya@actus-usa.com.

    Make sure to mention which position you are applying to and your desired salary in your cover letter. We will contact qualified candidates to have a preliminary interview. We are a Japanese staffing agency and currently searching for candidates for the above position at one of our client companies. We look forward to your application. Thank you!


    Feb 13

    Japan Restaurant Search via Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

    Just noticed in the latest issue of the JNTO’s e-Newsletter that they have a link to a Japan Restaurant Search.” In theory you can find restaurants in any prefecture sorted by whatever criteria you select (e.g., accepts credit cards; English language menu available; English language staff; etc.)  You can also search by cuisine and even different types of izakaya.

    Here’s the link:  http://www.jnto.go.jp/restaurant-search/eng/index.php

    It tends to cover the major metropolitan areas well, but not as strong when you get out to the inaka.  Perhaps there’s a way that the JET and JET alumni community can help fill in some of the holes?

    Just a thought.  Stay tuned for more info.


    Feb 13

    JETS with J.D.s >> So you want to be a Japanese Lawyer

    Andrew R. McCarthy (Akita-ken, 2005-08) is a law student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law focusing on international trade, business, and tax.  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.  For those considering law school and trying to comprehend the costs and the risks of such an endeavor, he also recommends The Law School Tuition Bubble.

    “I want to be an attorney in Japan.” It’s said often, but often without consideration of all the work achieving the goal behind that statement entails. In this post, JETs with JDs looks at the licensing requirements for legal practice in Japan.

    The post, in its entirety, is available here.


    Feb 11

    Foxhound87: Hokkaido Pt. 1

    Joshua Small is a First Year JET currently living in Ikaruga-cho, Nara-ken and has been chronicling his experience on his blog Snorlax87.

    Taking advantage of the 3 day weekend, I signed up for a tour package sponsored by the Hokkaido Association of JETs (HAJET). 6 Nara JETs and I took a plane out of Osaka to New Chitose airport. The flight was about an 1 1/2 hours. When we finally started our initial descent, I looked out the window to get a good view of Sapporo (capital of Hokkaido). It was absolutely gorgeous. Snow-covered mountain ranges littered the background and there wasn’t a rice field in sight. When we landed, we met up with the HAJET representatives who took us to the train station.

    We finally arrived in the city proper and we were given about 6 hours to explore the city. Sapporo is a wonderful city. The 3-day weekend also coincided with one of Japan’s most famous festivals, the Yuki Matsuri (snow festival). We toured around the city for a bit before heading to the Snow Festival. We saw Sapporo’s famed clock tower (not that impressive) and even happened upon an extreme sports show. I don’t think any of the competitors landed their tricks. Snowboarding looks hard.

    Once we made it to the snow festival, I was stunned. There were dozens of snow sculptures in the park lining the streets. The sculptures varied in size, design, and theme. I saw giant robot ones, recreations of famous buildings, anime characters. It was really amazing.

    CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.

    http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/


    Feb 10

    The Consulate General of Japan in New York has provided a “Letter of Support” for JetWit recognizing to the valuable role JetWit plays in supporting the JET Programme and the JET Alumni Association.  Both the English and Japanese versions are included below with permission from the Consulate.

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    ENGLISH VERSION

    (Text)

    Message from the Consulate General of Japan in New York

    JET, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, is an international exchange initiative launched by the Japanese government in 1987. JET recruits talented, young university graduates from around the world and brings them to Japan, where they serve as assistant language teachers in Japan’s public school system or coordinators for international relations in local government offices. Most JETs are posted to rural areas, often in very small towns or villages, where they become tightly integrated into their local schools and neighborhoods, forging lasting friendships with their adopted homes. Of the over 50,000 people who have participated in the JET Program to date, half of them, around 26,000, are from the US. In fact, one in every thousand Americans is a former JET.

    25 years have passed since the start of JET and former participants are successfully making their marks in various fields. They include: Anthony Bianchi, a member of the municipal assembly of Inuyama City and the first foreigner from North America to be elected to public office in Japan; Mike Maher-King, creator of Smile Kids Japan, a website that enables JETs to volunteer at Japanese orphanages; Roland Kelts, professor at Tokyo University and author of the popular book Japanamerica, Collin Joyce, popular writer and author of the book Nippon Shakai Nyumon (Introduction to Japanese Society); and Michael Auslin, Director of Japan Studies at the American Enterprise Institute. JET alumni can also be found working at various Japanese companies and organizations around the world.

    One of JET’s core strengths is that its participants continue to make a positive impact long after they return from Japan. With their unique cross-cultural experiences and language abilities, former JETs have formed a close-knit community dedicated to promoting bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and their home countries. Today, the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) is active around the globe. In the US alone, there are 14 JETAA chapters with more than 10,000 registered members. As this network of JET alumni grows, we look forward to its positive contributions in business, culture and other fields, and we hope it will play an active role in the future development of the JET program itself.

    JetWit.com nurtures this vibrant community by connecting former JETs and providing them with news on the latest Japan-related events, JET activities, the work of notable alumni and job opportunities. With its helpful information and frequent updates, JetWit has emerged as the de facto central website for JET alumni. We look forward to JetWit’s continued success as a key online resource for former JETs and all those wishing to cooperate with them.

    Yasuhisa Kawamura
    Director, Japan Information Center
    Consulate General of Japan In New York

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    (Image of original signed letter)

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    JAPANESE VERSION

    (Text)

    在NY日本国総領事館メッセージ

    JETプログラム(Japan Exchange and Teaching Program)は、外国の青年を日本の学校の英語指導助手等として派遣する事業で、総務省、外務省、文部科学省、地方自治体と自治体国際化協会が中心と なって実施してきました。1987年の事業発足から今日まで、5万人以上が参加し、その約半分26000人がアメリカからの参加者です。すなわちアメリカ 人の1000人に1人はJET経験者であるということです。JET参加者の多くは、日本の地方都市に派遣され、中には外国人が一人もいないようなとても小 さな町や村で、生徒達に英語を教え、地域の人々と交流し、日本社会を十分理解してきた方々も少なくありません。

    プログラム発足から25年が過ぎた今日、元JET参加者が様々な分野で活躍する姿が見られるようになりました。北米出身で初めて日本の公選職員と なった愛知県犬山市のアンソニー・ビアンキ市議会議員、日本の孤児院でのボランティア活動を組織的に展開しているマイク・マーラーキング氏、『ニッポン社 会入門』の著者コリン・ジョイス氏、『Japanamerica』の著者ローランド・ケルツ氏、アメリカン・エンタープライズ政策研究所(AEI)のマイ ケル・オースリン日本部長、その他にも大学教授や有力紙コラムニスト等枚挙に暇がありません。また、日系企業にも非常に多くの元参加者が勤務しています。 私は、JETプログラムは、世界中の数ある交流事業の中で最も成功したものであると確信しています。

    JETプログラムの素晴らしいところは、現役JETの活躍はもちろんのこと、元JETの方々が様々な分野で活躍し、日本という共通項を基に強力な ネットワークを構築していることです。JETの同窓会組織(JETAA、JET Alumni Association)は、世界各地に支部を持ち、アメリカだけでも14支部に計1万人以上が登録しています。このネットワークは、日本と諸外国をつな ぐ重要な絆であり、JETプログラムという木にたわわに実っている果実だと思います。この果実が、ビジネスを含め様々な社会的ニーズに応えて活用されるこ とを強く期待しています。それは、今後のJETの発展にもつながるものです。

    JetWit.comは、JETネットワークを支える重要なツールとなっており、総領事館でもJETの活動を知るためによく参照しています。同サイ トは、JETや日本関連の情報を元JETに発信している他、日本滞在経験を活かせる仕事の求人情報が掲載されており、その充実した情報量により、元JET の方々にとって中心的サイトとなっています。元JETの活動について知りたい方、元JETとの協力を考えていらっしゃる方、そんな方々の間でこのサイトが 有効活用されることを期待しています。

    平成23年2月1日 在ニューヨーク日本国総領事館 広報センター長 川村泰久

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    (Image of original signed letter)


    Feb 10

    Below are approximately 150 comments received so far as a result of the JET-Tourist Tally Project.  First the Top 10 Comments followed by all comments organized according to prefecture(Click here for the latest totals from the JET-Tourist Tally Project.)

    Important: If you have not yet responded, please help out by entering your JET Tourist-Tally information in the Google Form we’ve set up.  And of course feel free to share any comments or stories!  Every response matters.  CLAIR, MOFA, JNTO and the prefecture governments are all paying attention to the results.

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    The Top 10 Comments from the JET-Tourist Tally Project

    (FYI, the comments were evaluated on the basis of “omoshiroi” plus effectiveness at demonstrating the value of JET.)

    I took my parents up through Tohoku to experience a part of Japan tourists typically don’t see. We hiked Yamadera, shot over to Sendai and Matsushima, went to Hiraizumi, traveled through Aomori up to Sapporo, went over to Onuma Park, down to Hakonodate, and then down to Aomori for a few more days. They loved all of our experiences, from using an onsen and sleeping in a ryokan to learning how to order their own food. My father particularly loves to tell the story about a tiny yakiniku restaurant we stumbled into in Hiraizumi. The owner couldn’t speak English, but he did know at least one word. He came over to my father, put a beer down and said “suds.” From that point on, they were friends. A Buddhist monk sitting a few tables over joined us and invited us to visit his temple the next day. It was an amazing intercultural experience in an ancient town usually overlooked by tourists.

    -Abigail McBain (Aomori-ken, Ajigasawa-machi, 2004-06)

    My family said they never would’ve thought to visit Japan before I did JET, and since visiting twice couldn’t believe they ever said that because they had the most amazing time. Especially memorable was the opportunity to see village life in Japan and experience Japanese hospitality, something regular tourists rarely get to experience.

    -Kirsten Jones (Tokushima-ken, Tsurugi-cho, 2005-07)

    My parents still talk about the experiences they had visiting me in Japan.  My father in particular.  As a result he still maintains links to Japan and often buys tea directly from a Japanese seller near Uji named Hibiki-an. I myself have returned to Japan as a tourist three times since I finished the JET Programme, one time with a fellow JET alumna, staying 10 days each time. I plan to visit Japan again. I also often encourage my American friends who are interested in visiting Japan to go. One of my co-workers recently went there on vacation, again for about 10 days, and had a wonderful time.

    -Rose de Fremery (Shizuoka-ken, Hamaoka-cho, 1998-2001)

    Being able to share a country that I love (Japan) with people that I love (my family) was one of the best experiences of my life. My mother still talks about coming to visit me for those two weeks. We were able to explore my town (Hamamatsu) and also Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto. In addition, this was the first time my mother had ever left the United States; she is amazingly proud to say she became a world-traveler when she was in her 50s! This would not have happened if I had not been a JET participant and could confidently share parts of Japan with my family.

    -Jennifer Butler (Shizuoka-ken, Hamamatsu-shi, 2001-04)

    Both of my visitors were and still are keen practitioners of aikido. They continue to teach the martial art and will be regular visitors to Japan, also inspiring others to travel there. Without my JET experience I wouldn’t have been able to take them to Japan.  Also, I am now a British Airways pilot flying regularly to Tokyo so I could perhaps list a figure of several thousand visitors!

    -Darren Tostevin (Fukuoka-ken, Omuta-shi, 1990-91)

    Prior to my becoming an ALT, my fiance had never had any interest whatsoever in visiting Japan. It was only once I went there and started to tell her about the people I had met that she began to read more and educate herself about the country. When she finally came to visit me, she was constantly amazed at how genuinely welcoming and helpful everyone was as well as how easy it was to get around and experience everything that Japan has to offer.  To this day she still tells everyone about her experiences there and how Japan went from the bottom of her “Places to Visit” list to become her favorite country that she’s ever visited. Not only did the JET Programme give my family and friends an amazing opportunity to see what Japan has to offer but it also converted someone who never had given the country a second thought into a vocal volunteer tourism spokeswoman.

    -Gregory Blair (Nagasaki-ken, Saikai-shi, 2007-08)

    I made sure to show two of my guests around Niigata, which is not your typical tourist destination–and they loved it even more than Kyoto! Having JETs in locations off the beaten track surely helps those areas.

    -Maureen O’Brien (Niigata-ken, Niigata-shi, 2006-08)

    Several of these visitors (at least 5) had previously stated absolutely no interest in visiting Japan…it took quite a bit of convincing on my part to get these individuals to come. In the case of one, a senior citizen friend from England, it just seemed so un-knowable and far beyond her comfort zone. But she loved it once she arrived. The other four, a Philippine-American family who are friends here in the US, were previously very anti-Japanese due to experiences their grandparents’ generation suffered during WWII. They couldn’t understand how I would possibly want to move to Japan on JET. But they kept in touch the entire two years, and finally – just one month before I returned – they agreed to come for a visit. They fell in love with the people and the country, their prejudices were totally erased. Even now, three years later, they are still talking about Japan…only now it is in terms of how wonderful and warm the people are and how we should all live up to these standards of hospitality. A total about-face!

    -Margie Banin (Kochi-ken, Motoyama-cho, 2005-07)

    My parents would never have dreamed of visiting Japan had I not been there. Now they are complete Japan enthusiasts and are really interested in the country and culture. My friends who came to visit still talk about it now and pass this on to other people, encouraging others to visit Japan.  Also, thanks to my stories, pictures and news from the two years I spent in Japan, my whole network of friends and family have shared my interest in the country. I also organised letter exchanges with my old high school, and at least 20 students has direct contact with Japanese students at my school in Yakage-cho, and have become Japan enthusiasts.

    -Annie Barber (Okayama-ken, Yakage-cho, 2007-09)

    I had heard about all sorts of difficulties vegetarian ALTs had settling in to Japan, so I was a little worried when a vegetarian friend of mine came to visit.  After five days of my drilling her with phrases that would help her order meat-free food, she and her companion ventured off to Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima for a week. They had no problems and were really impressed with how the restaurants were able to cater for her special dietary requests. They were also really impressed with the variety of food offered (tofu, seasonal / mountain veggies, tempura, etc.) that were appropriate for vegetarians. Another example of excellent service in Japan, going that extra mile to satisfy the customer! (On another side note, I’ve been pining for a visit back to Japan since I left and have managed to persuade my family to come with me after Golden Week this year. Assuming everyone can make it, that will be another 4 people spending a total of 48 days tourist travel in Japan!)

    -Martin McCloud (Niigata-ken, Tokamachi-shi, 2004-09)

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    Stories from the JET-Tourist Tally Project

    (Organized by Prefecture) Read More


    Feb 9

    Shizuoka JET alums in the NY area?

    The below information was originally posted on the Shizuoka JET Alum LinkedIn Group by Hotaka Kawasaki of CLAIR-NY:

    Shizuoka Prefecture will be exhibiting some of its food and drink at the International Restaurant & Food Service Show of New York from Feb. 27 through Mar. 1.  Some officials from Shizuoka-ken will attend and the Japan Local Government Center (aka CLAIR-NY) will support them as well.

    It would be great if any JET alums in the area would be interested in joining for part or all of the conference.

    Please contact Steven at jetwit [at] jetwit.com if interested.

    More information on the International Restaurant & Food Service show at http://www.internationalrestaurantny.com/


    Feb 9

    Japan America Society Roundup 2.9.11

    JET alum Gail Cetnar Meadows (ALT, Hiroshima-shi 2007-10), co-founder of Hiroshima JET webzine the Wide Island View, shines a light on some of the upcoming events of Japan America Societies…

    Japan America Society of Colorado

    • Tsugaru Shamisen performance — Come hear a free performance by the Monsters of Shamisen, Kevin Kmetz and Mike Penny. They are the first non-Japanese Tsugaru Shamisen performers ever to have participated and placed in the national Tsugaru Shamisen tournaments held annually in the Tsugaru region of northern Japan. Kmetz and Penny have performed throughout Japan and the U.S. in a great number of musical groups. Their music is influenced by a wide variety of musical styles including baroque/classical, Balkan gypsy, American bluegrass, Irish folk music and modern rock/pop.
      • Date: Monday, Feb. 21
      • Time: 7:30 p.m.
      • Place: University of Colorado Denver, King Center Concert Hall, 855 Lawrence Way on the Auraria Campus
      • For more information, click here.

    JAS of Greater Cincinnati

    • Performance by Japanese violinist — Wright State University will host a free recital by world-class violinist Takayoshi Wanami, a blind violinist who has performed and recorded with some of the finest orchestras around the world, including the London Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus, the Philharmonia, and the Academy of St. Martins in the Fields, among others. The performance will feature works by Beethoven, Ysaye, Takemitsu and Tchaikovsky. Also during the event, the University Orchestra will play Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1.
      • Date: Tuesday, Feb. 22
      • Time: 8 p.m.
      • Place: Wright State University’s Schuster Hall, Creative Arts Center
      • For more information, click here.

    JAS of the State of Washington

    • Shadows of a Fleeting World: Pictorial Photography and the Seattle Camera Club — In the 1920s, Seattle’s first photography group was founded by Japanese immigrants who were denied citizenship and went on to dominate exhibitions and win numerous prizes. To create their work, which combined pictorial photography and Japanese traditional art, photographers used a blurry focus, altered the photos during development and captured emotions in a style that took its cue from the painting of the era. These photographs will be on display at a JASSW reception with guided tours and discussion.
      • Date: Thursday, March 31
      • Time: To Be Announced (evening)
      • Place: Henry Art Gallery, 15th Ave NE & NE 41st, Seattle
      • For more information, click here.

    Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail the info at gail (at) jetwit (dot) com.


    Feb 9

    JETs in the News: JET alum to run Tokyo Marathon, raise money for Nepales students

    Thanks to JETAANY President Megan Miller (Hyogo-ken, 2000-02) for sharing this article with JetWit:

    There’s a nice article in one of the Chicago Tribune’s local sections on Aomori-ken JET alum Mark Scott who will be running in the upcoming Tokyo Marathon on February 28 while raising money for a Nepalese charity that helps students go to school who might not otherwise be able to do so.

    http://triblocal.com/libertyville/2011/02/08/local-runners-head-to-tokyo-marathon-raise-funds-for-nepalese-students/

    The charity, fyi, is Everest of Apples, the official Aomori-ken AJET charity.  Here’s a little more about the charity:

    “As the official charity of Aomori AJET, EofA is mostly funded by JETs in Aomori. As such, we are not explicitly looking for donations from JETs from other prefectures (although they are always welcome!). Rather, we very much hope that Everest of Apples will prove to be a model, or at least food for thought, for other prefectural AJETs, or any similar groups of JETs, interested in setting up their own charity.”

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    Are you running in this year’s Tokyo Marathon?  If so, let us know by posting in the comment field below or emailing jetwit [at] jetwit.com.


    Feb 8

    Job: Administrative Staff at Kyushu University

    via Jet alum Joel Dechant. 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: Administrative Staff at Kyushu University
    http://www.isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/g30/employment.html

    Job Description:

    The Global30 Project Office at Kyushu University is looking for Administrative staff. Click on the link below for more details.
    http://www.isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/intlweb/news/news/ad0207_g30.pdf


    Feb 8

    Job: Job Listings via JETAANY

    via JETAANY. 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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    English into Japanese Quality Manager – Linguistic Opportunity – Nationwide!

    Japanese into English Quality Manager – Linguistic Opportunity – Nationwide!

    Recreational Specialty Instructor (RSI) @ Shofuso Japanese House & Garden, Phila

    Researcher/assistant reporter with Japanese Newspaper

    Job:Server at Japanese Fine Dining Restaurant, NYC

    Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations seeking Speech writer/Editor


    Feb 8

    JETAA UK job listings!

    Thanks to JETAA UK Web Content Editor Fiona Steele I just learned that JETAA UK has a section on their most excellent website that provides current job listings:

    http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/

    And here’s the RSS feed:

    http://feeds.feedburner.com/JETAAUKJobs

    (JETAA UK also has a nifty interactive map on its homepage that tells you how many JETAA UK alums there are from each section of Japan.  And if you click on a region, you can see a list of all of the JET alums from a given prefecture.  However, you can’t see any information about the individuals unless you have a login and password for the site.)


    Feb 8

    WIT Life #153: Sapporo Snow Festival

    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.

    The snow here in NYC that we have received in abundance this year is pretty as it’s coming down, but it soon turns into dirty mush or slush beneath our feet.  For those looking to enjoy more pristine snow-covered landscapes, look no further than Sapporo’s 雪祭り (yuki matsuri) or Snow Festival.  Held every February in Hokkaido’s capital, this hugely popular week-long event brings in 2.5 million visitors and features perennial favorites as well as new sculptures each year.  It began in 1950 when local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park, and five years later the 自衛隊 (jieitai) or Self-Defense Forces joined in and made the first of the colossal sculptures for which the festival is now known.  For those of us not lucky enough to be able to see the works in person, please enjoy them virtually with the following video of this year’s festival which began yesterday.

    Sapporo Snow Festival


    Feb 7

    Akita Global Network Newsletter – Vol 2

    Hot off the presses, it’s Volume 2 of the Akita Prefecture Global Network Newsletter (“AGN”).  This newsletter is part of Akita-ken’s efforts to stay connected with its JET alumni as well as study abroad students who were based in Akita-ken.  And this issue features an essay by Dan Dooher (Akita-ken, 2006-10)

    To get on the e-mail list for this pdf newsletter, please contact the Akita Prefecture International Affairs Division at: kokusaika@pref.akita.lg.jp The newsletter welcomes submissions from alumni as well.

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