Jan 27

FoxHound87: Great Day!

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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.

I am having a great day today!

First Class: English Conversation for Juniors (2nd Year’s)

The topic of today’s class was “Future Hopes/Dreams.” I borrowed the idea for the warm-up game from Rogue, the ALT in Tenri.

Warm-Up: Pairs of students come to the front of the classroom. Students stand with hands poised in Western style as though they are about to draw guns. I show them an occupation picture card. The first student to shout the occupation on the card and raise their hands like guns is the winner. Sounds silly right? The kids LOVED it! I called on volunteers who could then challenge another to “combat.” The boys got really into it. Instead of drawing simple pistols, some drew bazookas, bow & arrow, etc. Even the losing player’s death was dramatic. Some kids did a simple “touch the chest” move. Others fully acted like they had gotten shot. My favorite moment was the last fight. The winning student “shot” the losing student after yelling the right occupation. Except this time, the losing student did a matrix-style maneuver to dodge the “bullets.” HYSTERICAL…

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.

http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/


Jan 27

WIT Life #151: Fireworks from the Heart

Events, Film, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #151: Fireworks from the Heart

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.

Yesterday I had the chance to attend the ANA-sponsored screening of Fireworks from the Heart (おにいちゃんのハナビ), a sentimental film based on the true story of recent high school graduate Taro whose sister Hana suffers from leukemia.  The family moves from Tokyo to Niigata for her treatment, a change that Taro resents as has has to leave junior high in the middle of his final year.  Hana ends up being Read More


Jan 27

Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurs

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Stephanie Boegeman (ALT, Akita-ken, 2006-09) gets her kicks from finding fun crazy ways to see the world and getting paid to do it. She is constantly in search of job, internship, and travel ideas to add to her site Playing With Hire, in the hopes that more JET alumni and like-minded souls join her in her quest to find creative, inspiring, and unique ways to make ends meet.

Those of you with big ideas on how to change the world for the better may want to investigate the Shuttleworth program, which supports social innovation. The award is the equivalent of a year’s salary, plus a travel allowance. The next proposal review is in June. More details on the program can be found here.


Jan 26

JET Alum LinkedIn Groups: Shimane-ken demonstrates its superiority

Local Government, Networking, Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on JET Alum LinkedIn Groups: Shimane-ken demonstrates its superiority

Regarding the JET alum prefectural groups recently set up on LinkedIn, just a quick note to let everyone know that Shimane-ken is kicking major oshiri and is already up to 23 members.  Well ahead of any of the other groups.

If you’re ok with this, you shouldn’t be.  Now is the time to reach out to people in your prefecture and get them to sign up for the respective LinkedIn Group.  The leading group by next week will receive significant accolades on JetWit.  (That’s all I can really offer right now.  JetWit t-shirts for everyone would be too expensive for me.)

Here’s the link again to all of the prefectural LinkedIn groups along with some explanation about why this is important to the future of JET and JETAA:

http://jetwit.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/saving-jet-jet-alumni-groups-by-prefecture/

*******

p.s.  Also a reminder that there are also JET alum Linkedin groups for Translators, Lawyers, Education Professionals, China Connection, Restructuring Professionals and more.  Here’s a partial list:  http://jetwit.com/wordpress/jet-alum-groups/ (You can also just search on LinkedIn.)

And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, start your own group!  Just e-mail the link to jetwit [at] jetwit.com and I’ll post about it on JetWit to encourage more people to join.


Jan 25

Job: Assist in TV development, Fujisankei (Los Angeles)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Assist in TV development, Fujisankei (Los Angeles)

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: Assist in TV development, Fujisankei (Los Angeles)

Job Details:

Looking to get your feet wet in the entertainment industry?

Fujisankei Communications International (FCI) in Century City, Los Angeles, seeks a temporary worker ASAP to assist their TV development department. The ideal candidate is Japanese/English bilingual, both written and spoken. This candidate will assist in compiling materials to present to Hollywood executives.

Duties include translating TV program material (game shows and comedies) mainly from Japanese to English, as well as, interpreting in meetings between Japanese and American TV executives. Business-level/native-level fluency in both languages is desired. Japanese natives are welcome, however we do not offer visa support. This is a temporary position (9 months) with no benefits. Typical hours are 11 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday. Some weekend work may be involved, so the ideal candidate must have a flexible schedule. Sorry, LA-local candidates only.

Please send resume and cover sheet to Audrey@fci-la.com No calls, please.


Jan 25

LinkedIn: Do Japanese people use it?

Japan Trends, Networking Add Comment (1)

In the course of creating the JET alum prefectural groups on LinkedIn and encouraging Japanese local government staff to join as well to foster connections and communications, I’ve become aware of the fact that LinkedIn is not anywhere near as popular in Japan as it is in the English speaking world.  As word gets around CLAIR of the project, I’ve noticed several Japanese government workers signing up (which is great) who have 0 connections.  That means this is the first time they’re using LinkedIn.

  • Does anyone else out there have perspectives on awareness of LinkedIn in Japan, to what extent it’s used, whether there are alternative networks out there that are more popular?

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

–Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)
LinkedIn profile:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwaseda


Jan 25

FoxHound87: Takoyaki? Yes, please.

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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.

Last Saturday, I enjoyed my first takoyaki party! Mind you, this is not my first time eating takoyaki (fried bread balls with octopus inside), but it was my first time participating in their creation. I went to the center of the universe (Tenri) and, after basking in the warm glow of Oyasama, went to Rogue’s apartment. Since we had some time to kill, she took me to a store that supposedly sold clothes in larger sizes. I didn’t buy anything, but it is good to know there may be a place in this country that I can buy clothes from.

My Japanese friend joined us kind of late, but we all went to the grocery store to pick up supplies. We got snacks, alcohol, soda, and materials for the actual takoyaki.

Rogue bought a takoyaki maker earlier that week. She did all the real cooking. I took all the verbal abuse and helped out in any way I could. Mostly I just drank Melon Cream Soda and ran around doing odd jobs.

Rogue knew that I didn’t actually like takoyaki, so she made a custom batch just for me.

My Takoyaki:
-The takoyaki Batter
-Mini hotdogs
-Cheese
-Ginger

They were yummy! My only problem was the diced, pickled ginger. It’s good, but it overpowers EVERYTHING else. It’s like it takes the other ingredients, kicks them in the nuts, and shouts “I’M THE ONLY FLAVOR! THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!!!” Yes, Ginger is the highlander of the takoyaki world.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.

http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/


Jan 24

Georgia tries JET-like approach to English teaching

Japan Trends Comments Off on Georgia tries JET-like approach to English teaching

A New York Times article today describes the push in Georgia to put an English teacher in every school and make English, rather than Russian, the required second language. However, while the article mentions the Peace Corps, Teach for America and the South Korean English language effort (probably EPIK) as similar programs, it does not mention JET for some reason.

Here’s the link to the article:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/24/world/europe/24georgia.html


Jan 24

JETAA Chapter Beat 1.24.11

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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA New England

  • Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 29th, 6:00 at Shabu-Zen. Celebrate 2011 with some shabu-shabu, good friends, and a raffle.

JETAA Great Lakes

  • Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 29th, 5:00 at Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant in Ann Arbor. Celebrate the new year in style with friends and alumni. Upcoming elections, subchapter issues and other event ideas will also be discussed, so do not miss it.

JETAA Sydney

  • Yakiniku BBQ at the Beach – Sunday, January 30th, 11:00 to 2:00 at Shelly Beach in Manly. Spend the day outside with fellow alumni and friends for a BBQ. Suikawari, sun and fun to be had by all.

JETAA New Orleans

  • Karaoke Shinnenkai – Saturday, February 12th, 7:00 at Little Tokyo Small Plates and Noodle Bar. Sing, eat, drink and ring in 2011 with the group in New Orleans.

JETAA Minnesota

  • Bowling Night – Saturday, January 29th, 8:00 at Memory Lanes. Roll some rocks and catch up with old friends at this fun event.

JETAA Chicago

  • Happy Hour – Friday, January 28th, 6:00 at Chizakaya. Kick off the weekend with friends and alumni this Friday.
  • Urasenke Tatezome Tea Ceremony – Sunday, January 30th, 12:00 at the Japan Information Center, Consulate General of Japan. The JIC is celebrating 2011 with a traditional tea ceremony.

JETAA New York

  • Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 29th, 7:00 at Restaurant Riki on 45th St. Join JETAANY for their new year’s celebration. It will be izakaya style food and nomihodai(all you can drink), so don’t miss it.

JETAA Northern California

  • Kabuki Club – Sunday, January 23rd, 2:00 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. This month’s selection will be the classic “Sukeroku: The Flower of Edo.” A casual Shinnenkai will follow the viewing at a nearby restaurant.

JETAA British Columbia

  • Annual General Meeting and Shinnenkai – Friday, January 28th, 6:00 to 9:00 at the YWCA Hotel Downtown. Elect new directors and lend your voice to the future of JETAABC, then catch up with friends and alumni at the 2011 Shinnenkai after the meeting.
  • Shakuhachi Workshop – Saturday, February 5th, 1:00 to 3:00 at the Roundhouse Community Centre. JETAABC presents a workshop by the renowned Shakuhachi(Japanese bamboo flute) artist and musician, Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos. Learn how to play from the master and enjoy a day of Japanese culture.

JETAA D.C.

  • JBook Meeting – Monday, January 24th, 6:30 in the Adams Morgan/U Street Area. Jbook is back for the new year, with this month’s selection being “The Housekeeper and the Professor,” by Yoko Ogawa. The discussion will be followed by a screening of the film, so don’t miss it.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.


Jan 24

JetWit Society: Japanese royalty at the Museum of Natural History today

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Just heard from a friend who works at the Museum of Natural History that there is apparently some Japanese royalty visiting the museum right now.  No other details at the moment.


Jan 24

Justin’s Japan: NY’s Japan Society Fires Up Sabu Film Retrospective

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Japan Society's six-film Sabu retrospective begins Wednesday, Jan. 26. (Courtesy of Sabu)

By JQ magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.  

This week, New York’s Japan Society presents Run, Salaryman, Run! A Retrospective of Sabu’s Film Works, six slices of cinema packed with high speed, high style, hard luck, and the quirky lusts and lunacies of post-Bubble Japan. 

Born Hiroyuki Tanaka in 1964, Sabu is the cult auteur of  “punk n’ roll,” alternative comedies, often imitated, never equaled, and far too rarely shown in the U.S. since his 1996 feature debut, Non-Stop a.k.a DANGAN Runner (a film praised by The A.V. Onion Club as “effortlessly clever” and included in this line-up). 

In a world of hazards and happenstance, Sabu zeroes in on blue and white collar everymen tossed into dangerously absurd situations from which they desperately try to run. As things speed along, Sabu brings a fresh and frantic twist to traditional film genres (the yakuza film, the thriller, etc.), giving their lean and clean-cropped premises the electroshock treatment and über edgy music scores. 

The salute kicks off Wednesday, Jan. 26 with Monster, winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2000 Berlin Film Festival “for its austere, dark wit and keen eye for human foibles.” Other highlights include The Blessing Bell (Netpac Award, 2003 Berlin International Film Festival, Grand Jury Prize, 2003 Cinemanila International Film Festival), and the international premiere of the Japanese auteur’s latest work, the HD-lensed Troubleman. 

Sabu has drawn comparisons with Buster Keaton, Johnnie To and Doug Liman, but his satirical jamborees, more than just friendly black comedies, are truly unlike anything else on the silver screen: they are stamina tests, survival riffs, victory rolls. 

Click here for the complete story.


Jan 24

New LinkedIn Group: Monbusho English Fellows (MEFs)

Career, Networking Comments Off on New LinkedIn Group: Monbusho English Fellows (MEFs)

Thomas Schalow has set up a LinkedIn group for Monbusho English Fellows (MEFs).  MEFs were the forerunners to JETs, and from JetWit’s perspective, are part of the JET alumni community.

Here’s the link:  http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=3757582

A little MEF background from Thomas:  “The number of MEFs was small. In my year, 1980, for example, there were only 12 MEFs for all of Japan. The program did not run that many years before it morphed into the JET program, so there may be only 100 or so of these MEFs out there.”


Jan 23

Japanese Technical Translation Lecture

Academic Comments Off on Japanese Technical Translation Lecture

via PNWJETAA. 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.

—————————————————————————————————————–

Japanese Technical Translation: Freelancing as a Career

When: Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 3:30-5:00pm

Where: UW Campus, Denny Hall 216

Learn about technical translation as a career. Mr. Barrett will help us understand what technical translation is and how it differs from interpretation and from non-technical translation. Aspects of this introductory discussion include: qualifications for entering the field, where to find work, translation issues, state of the industry, pay ranges, types of work, professional organizations, starting out, and what to expect from clients. He will also discuss machine translation and its potential impact on the future of the industry.

http://jsis.washington.edu/japan/events.shtml


Jan 23

Rotary Peace Fellowship now accepting applications

Academic Comments Off on Rotary Peace Fellowship now accepting applications

via JET alum Mark Flanigan. 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, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.

—————————————————————————————————————–

The Rotary Foundation is now accepting applications for the world-competitive Rotary Peace Fellowship. The fellowship provides academic and practical training to prepare scholars for leadership roles in solving conflicts around the world.

Up to 100 fellows are selected every year in a globally competitive process based on personal, academic, and professional achievements. Fellows earn a master’s-level degree or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies at one of six Rotary Peace Centers at leading universities in Argentina, Australia, England, Japan, the United States and Thailand.”

Unlike other Japan-related Fellowships (Mansfield, Mombukagakusho), many former JETs don’t realize it is possible to study at ICU in Tokyo through this Rotary Peace Fellowship.

More info here: http://www.internationalpeaceandconflict.org/forum/topic/show?id=780588%3ATopic%3A353101&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_topic


Jan 23

JETAA London Mailshot 01.20.10

JETAA Chapters Comments Off on JETAA London Mailshot 01.20.10
Thanks to all who attended JETAA’s January Pub Night at Japanese bar Life; great turn-out and a brilliant time (see pics! ->).  The following evening was another successful JETAA Creative Entrepreneurs’ Salon, where we were pleased to welcome not one, but four, members of JEEF (Japan Europe Entrepreneurs Forum)!

Don’t forget to join us at the AGM this Tuesday if you are interested in getting involved with the running of JETAA in 2011.  If organisation isn’t your thang, join us (non-ex-JETs also welcome!) for our Winter Walk on the 30th.

JETAA London Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 25th January

What do you want JETAA London to do for you?  Now’s your chance to tell us!  Or, if you’re up to the challenge, get involved yourself.  All committee positions will be open for election, and we’re always looking for more volunteers!  Afterwards, we’ll all go out for dinner and drinks.

Date: Tuesday 25th January
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Place: Berne Union (27-29 Cursitor Street, London EC4A 1LT). Nearest
tube is Chancery Lane. Click here for a map.

The JETAA London chapter is one of the largest JETAA chapters in the world with 2000+ members. The committee consists of a Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Communications Officer, Events Officers and Careers Information Day Coordinator (for returning JETs in September), however, extra volunteers are always needed to help organise various events and activities throughout the year.

All positions at the AGM will be elected by ballot and anyone who wishes to stand for a post or wants to find out more about what being on the committee involves should email Josy, the current chair, on london@jetaa.org.uk.

We hope to see you there!

JETAA London Winter Walk – Sunday 30th January

Following the popularity of our autumn walk, we’ll have a bracing Winter Walk through South West London.  Spend your Saturday enjoying the wholesome pleasures of a brisk stroll in the company of other JETAA members – although guests & non-JETAA are most welcome!

Date: Sunday 30th January
Time: 12pm, meeting at Wimbledon Park tube station
Venue: A fine stroll from Wimbledon Park to Richmond.  Highlights include: lake of Wimbledon Park, the windmill on Wimbledon Common (this is a café – a good stopping off point for a coffee), and red and fallow deer in Richmond Park, waterbirds, and last but not least, Richmond’s fine riverside frontages.

For more details, and a map, visit http://www.walklondon.org.uk/section.asp?section=30

We plan to stop off in Richmond for refreshments, and then take the District Line back up to Earl’s Court to finish the evening with some karaoke at the Japanese-run OnBoard Karaoke Box!

Please register your interest at londonevents@jetaa.org.uk, include your name, plus dates, years on JET.  Please indicate if you are interested in joining us for the walk, the karaoke, or both!

JETAA Members Invited to Haiku Event at the Japanese Embassy

The Embassy of Japan is hosting an evening with expert haiku poet and Japanese cultural envoy, Ms Madoka Mayuzumi from 6.30pm on Tuesday, 1 February 2011.  Since receiving a promotional award for the 40th Kadokawa Haiku Prize in 1994, Ms Mayuzumi has contributed greatly to the revival of the popularity of haiku in Japan. Notable for its romantic and urban flavour, and for bringing new elements into the tradition, her work has been received with great acclaim.

Just what exactly is a haiku? What is its place in modern Japanese society? Why not attend this special event to find out the answers to these questions and more? The presentation will be followed by a reception.

Registration prior to this event is essential.  Register by emailing haiku@ld.mofa.go.jp with your name, affiliation, email address and telephone number, quoting ‘JET AA’ in the subject line. The deadline for registrations is 28th January 2011.

JETWIT Tally

Nearly all of us had relatives and friends come and visit us in Japan. Some of us have brought student groups and organized other exchanges. All of this has provided tourism revenue for the Japanese economy. The goal of this project is to determine, at a minimum, the amount of tourism revenue for which JET is directly responsible.

This information is particularly important amidst ongoing discussions of costs associated with the JET Programme and the JET Alumni Association. Many of the short and long term benefits have simply not been factored in. So email visitors@jetwit.com with your responses and let’s make sure this info does get factored in to future discussions.

Here’s a simple way for every JET and JET alum to do their part to support the JET Programme and the JET Alumni Association:

  • Just fill out this simple Google Form or, if you prefer….
  • E-mail visitors@jetwit.com and tell us how many people you are personally responsible for causing to visit Japan (both during and since JET).
    Please make sure to include:

1.Number of tourists (e.g., Mom + Dad + two brothers = 4 people)
2.Total number of days they stayed in Japan (e.g., If Mom & Dad + two brothers each stayed for 10 days, that’s 40 total days of tourist travel)
3.Your name + position on JET (ALT/CIR/SEA)
4.Your Prefecture + city/town and years on JET (e.g., 2006-10) (this is vital info!)
5.Any comments, stories or additional info you want to share

Taiko Meantime’s 1-day Taiko workshops: Feb 5th, 6th and 19th

This year’s series of Winter Taiko workshops for beginners and improvers will be in Bentley, near Farnham, Surrey.

Beginners – Sat 5th Feb, Sun 6th Feb 2011

On 5th Feb we’ll be running a full-day introductory Taiko workshop for beginners. If you’ve ever wanted an exhilarating, fun and comprehensive introduction to Taiko drumming, this workshop is for you.

Improvers – Sat 19th Feb 2011

On 19th Feb, we’ll be running a full-day Taiko workshop for improvers – i.e. anyone who has some experience of Taiko and would like to refresh on the basics and build on their technique.

Both workshops will be held at the beautiful Bury Court Barn in Bentley, near Farnham in Surrey. This converted barn has the perfect acoustics for drumming, and is in an isolated position ensuring the focus needed for Taiko.

Just over one hour by train from London Waterloo.

Places are limited to 15 per workshop.

All details are on our website at www.taikomeantime.com.
Don’t miss out on any emails from JETAA UK – add londonevents@jetaa.org.uk to your address book or safe list.
You are registered on the JETAA UK website with the email address vanessa@japaneselondon.com. To unsubscribe, login to your account at www.jetaa.org.uk, click on “My Profile” and update the “Receive JETAA mailshots” field.

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