Feb 12

I’ll Make It Myself: “Kabocha-Stuffed Okonomiyaki”

Blogs, Food & Drink, I'll Make It Myself, Writers Japanese food, kabocha, okonomiyaki

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L.M. Zoller (CIR Ishikawa-ken, Anamizu, 2009-11) is the editor of The Ishikawa JET Kitchen: Cooking in Japan Without a Fight. A writer and web administrator for The Art of Japan: Kanazawa and Discover Kanazawa, ze also writes I’ll Make It Myself!, a blog about food culture in Japan.

Every food blogger with an interest in Japanese food is required by law to have a post on okonomiyaki, so today, I’m going to show you how to make my favorite version, which is stuffed with my favorite vegetable, kabocha squash.

Okonomiyaki (henceforth not italicized) is sometimes described as a savory pancake or as a Japanese pizza. What it actually entails is a batter made mainly of flour, egg, water, and baking powder, which is mixed with finely chopped cabbage and seasonings. To this batter, one adds meat or vegetable “toppings” (hence the pizza comparison) to one’s liking (hence the name, which could be translated as the “As You Like It Cooked Item”). This mixture is cooked in a frying pan or on a griddle and topped with okonomi sauce, mayonnaise, nori (seaweed), and bonito flakes.

CLICK HERE to read the full post.

Feb 9

The Best Prefectures: By JET Alum LinkedIn Groups – Update 02.09.12

Japan Local, Local Government, Networking, Return on JET-vestment

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You may recall last year (02.21.11 to be exact), JETwit revealed the “Best Prefectures” based on how many members each LinkedIn JET Alum prefecture group had. With a little help from JETwit’s friends, we’ve updated the numbers, and they now total 787 total members.

Shimane-ken continues to kick prefectural oshiri in a big way. Not sure what’s holding back JET and JET alums from other prefectures. But all you have to do to join your prefecture LinkedIn group is to click here and find your prefecture. A great way to not only stay connected with your community, but also to provide Return On JET-vestment at the local level. (Click here for more explanation about why this helps “save” JET. And click here for a list of JET alum LinkedIn groups by profession.)

The Top JET LinkedIn Prefecture Groups
(last year’s numbers in parentheses)

1. Shimane – 69 (44)

2. Fukushima JET Alumni – 38 (14)

2. Hokkaido – 38 (16)

4. Fukui JET Alumni – 32 (11)

4. Hyogo JET Alumni – 32 (12)

4. Niigata JET Alumni – 32 (16)

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Overall Ranking of JET Alum LinkedIn Groups by Prefecture

(in alphabetical order; last year’s numbers in parentheses) Read More

Feb 9

New England JET alums help Japan Society of Boston welcome Bobby Valentine to Fenway Park

Cultural Outreach, JETAA Chapters

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New England JETAA’s Jason Currier (Fukui-ken, 2007-09) recently attended the Japan Society of Boston’s welcome reception for Bobby Valentine at Fenway Park and was kind enough to write a little something for JETwit about the experience:

A few things I learned about new Boston Red Sox (and former Lotte Marines) manager Bobby Valentine last week at a Japan Society of Boston reception welcoming him to Boston:

He had a shrine built in his honor called Bobby Jinja.
He prefers the Olympics over the World Baseball Classic as the international venue for baseball, but believes it should be played in a dome during the Winter Olympics, so it won’t conflict with the baseball season.
He wants Japanese-style baseball fight songs to catch on in Boston. Read More

Feb 9

Kameoka Diaries #5 by Lars Martinson

Cartoon/Illustration, Celebrity, Humor, Notable JET Alums, Writers

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Lars Martinson (Fukuoka-ken 2003-2006), author of the graphic novels Tonoharu: Part Two andTonoharu: Part 1, has just just published the latest edition of his new cartoon series called“Kameoka Diaries“ about his return to teaching English, this time in Kameoka, Kyoto.

Click here to read the Kameoka Diaries #5.

http://larsmartinson.com/kameoka-diaries-5/

Feb 9

JET News Roundup 2.9.2012

Return on JET-vestment noteworthy, return on investment

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By Filmore Ha (Ibaraki-ken, 2006-08). Filmore continues to live and work in the Greater Tokyo Area as an FAE and is also webmaster for JETAA Tokyo. He is actively seeking new opportunities in the U.S. or Canada.

Back today with another roundup of JET related news after a brief hiatus. This roundup will include items from last month as well so bear with me.

Paper artist Gannon cut his own niche
On Jan. 10th the Japan Times posted an article about paper artist Patrick Gannon who’s interest in Japan began when he visited his brother JET alum Jim Gannon who was a JET in Ehime at the time. This is an awesome example of connections that JETs help create.
Yiddish to Japanese Dictionary
Not exactly JET related, however there are many translators in the JET alumni community who could benefit from this great resource.
NYT Mourning in the age of Facebook
On Jan. 13th the New York Times posted an article written by JET alum Bruce Feiler (Tottori-ken, 1989-90) where he discusses grieving in a progressively secular world.
Panel Discussion Disaster Recovery and Human Connections
From the Sydney JETAA Facebook Group, the Japan Foundation Sydney will be hosting a panel discussion about disaster recovery in Melborne and Sydney on Thursday Feb. 23, 2012 and Friday Feb. 24, 2012 respectively.
JETAA Singapore
If you live in or are planning to move to Singapore, check out their chapter of JETAA. Their latest event is their upcoming Oshaberi Cafe to be held on Feb. 12, 2012. The deadline was Feb. 6, but maybe they’ll make an exception if you’re really nice!
Reuters English crisis in Japan
Posted to Facebook by JET alum Byron Nagy. The article discusses the relationship between English language skill and jobs in Japan. Byron is a JETAA Tokyo co-founder and currently serves as it’s Community Committee Rep.

Feb 8

Job: Part-time assistant at Fujisankei Communications (Los Angeles)

Jobs

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Thanks to Dan DiGregorio (Shimane-ken, 2009-11) who works for Fujisankei Communications in LA for sharing this job listing.

(If you apply, please make sure to indicate you learned of the listing via JETwit.)

Fujisankei Communications International (FCI) seeks a part-time assistant to the general manager. Duties include office managing and translating (mostly from Japanese to English). Ideal candidate is fluent in both English and Japanese, and has no trouble writing a business letter/document in English. Experience in a Japanese work environment is a plus. Typical hours are 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday. This is a part-time position (4 hours/day, 5 days/week); $12~$14/hr (based on experience). We are looking for long term, responsible candidates.

This position is located in Century City, Los Angeles. Local candidates only.

Candidates must be able to legally work in the U.S.

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

Feb 8

Job: Account Manager/Assistant Sales Manager (Fort Lee NJ)

Jobs

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Via Actus. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

———————————————————————————————————————————-

***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Account Manager/Assistant Sales Manager (Fort Lee NJ)

Job Details:

Company Information:
– Company Address: Fort Lee, NJ
– Established in 1930’s in Japan, Main product is industrial gas. Others include industrial machinery, communications and electronics, chemicals, ceramics, metals, and construction materials.
– Company size: Around 80 in Japan, 10 in the US.
Read More

Feb 8

Justin’s Japan: Cosplay Idol Reni Mimura, Haruo Noro Salon Headline NY Lunar New Year Fest Feb. 11

Article/Journalism, Events, Justin's Japan

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Courtesy of AsianInNY.com

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.

Cosplay singer Reni Mimura and Japanese stylists from Haruo Noro Salon will appear at AsianInNY‘s annual Lunar New Year Celebration and Fashion Show on Feb. 11 at Bennett Media Studio, 723 Washington Street in Manhattan’s West Village at 7 p.m.

New York’s premier online destination for multicultural networking and entertainment, AsianInNY’s Year of the Dragon celebration is in time with the New York Fashion Week. Many outstanding Asian designers will present their new collections with runway fashion shows along with an exciting line-up of comedy, music, dance, and martial arts. Models will rock tresses and looks with amazing hair and make-up provided by Haruo Noro Salon.

Reni Mimura specializes in Moe style performances, a genre that emphasizes the cute look of Japanese pop-culture with the hip appeal of Japanese animation. She released her first Japanese CD in 2006 and relocated to New York in 2008. In 2009, she was invited as a guest performer to Japan Society, Otakon, New York Anime Festival and Anime Boston, and is quickly winning over the hearts of many new local fans, thanks to her pretty stage costumes, upbeat personality, and her unique singing talent.

For the complete story, click here.

Feb 8

Miyagi AJET to host Feb 17 “Cultures United” event to promote multiculturalism in Miyagi

AJET, Cultural Outreach, Earthquake Tsunami, Events, Japan Local, Return on JET-vestment

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Thanks to Andy Anderson for sharing this information originally sent by Miyagi AJET Co-President Cameron Peek regarding an upcoming Miyagi AJET event:

“On February 17th we will be holding “Cultures United,” an event promoting multiculturalism in Miyagi, and advertising the efforts of foreign members of the community towards helping rebuild after the earthquake. JET participants are going to be a big focus of the event, and about 10-11 JETs are going to be assisting, putting on booths about their activities in the prefecture. We are also planning on having a display about Taylor Anderson, telling her story.”

Notably, the event will feature JET alum Maynard Plant’s (Aomori-ken, 1997-2000) hit band Monkey Majik.

Note: Because the event is intended for Japanese residents, all information produced for the event is in Japanese only.

Feb 8

Why Japan does not celebrate the Lunar New Year to the extent of its Asian neighbors – by Jessica Kennett Cork

Academic, Article/Journalism, Cultural Outreach, Writers

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Why Japan does not celebrate the Lunar New Year to the extent of its Asian neighbors

By Jessica Kennett Cork (CIR, 1997-2000, Hiroshima-ken)

With the large number of Asians in the U.S., it was hard to overlook the fact that the Year of the Dragon by the lunar calendar began on January 23. But had we been in Japan, January 23 would have passed quite uneventfully. Have you ever wondered why Japan does not recognize the lunar New Year to the extent of its Asian neighbors? And as we approach the Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri), has it ever struck you as odd that this festival is also called the Peach Festival, and yet March 3 is way too early for peach blossoms? The explanation is actually quite fascinating. Read More

Feb 7

JET help needed to secure music grants for Iwate, Fukushima & Miyagi

Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising

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Via the JETAA USA website:

JET help needed to secure music grants for Iwate, Fukushima & Miyagi

Margarita Rozenbaoum of Relief International (an international humanitarian nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles) is reaching out the JET alum and JET community to secure music grants for schools in Iwate, Fukushima and Miyagi-ken. This project, called Jam for Japan aims to give scholarships/ grants of $5000 USD to several Japanese schools in the affected prefectures.

Relief International has to date received a very low number of grant applications for this project and the deadline is fast approaching. They are looking to JET alums and current JETs to help identify the schools in need and facilitate connections between then two. The scholarships/ grants are focused on elementary school, junior high and high school levels as well as individual musicians in Iwate, Fukushima and Miyagi. The damage from the earthquake and tsunami does not need to be severe for a school to qualify for the grant.

Interested schools/ individuals must submit the grant application by February 29, 2012. It is available in both English and Japanese:

Feb 7

Hope for Tomorrow launches English language website

Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, Return on JET-vestment

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Hope for Tomorrow, a JETAA USA Fund grant recipient, just launched the English language version of its website: http://hope-tomorrow.jp/index-e.html

Hope for Tomorrow has provided subsidies to cover travel and other exam-related costs for a 70 students from Takata High School in Rikuzentakata and is funding 244 students from 5 schools for this year’s exams.

Click here for more JETwit posts about Hope for Tomorrow.

Feb 6

JETAA Chapter Beat 2.6.12

JETAA Chapter Beat, JETAA Chapters

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

JETAA Singapore

Oshaberi Cafe – Sunday, February 12th, 2:00 at Once Upon a Milkshake. Oshaberi Cafe is an effort to foster interaction between JETAA members and the Japanese community in Singapore. Bring your Japanese speaking friends, and share in the conversation and games

JETAA Northern California

Norwegian Wood Movie Night – Tuesday, February 7th, 6:45 at Kabuki Theater in Japantown. Based on Haruki Marukami’s novel, Norwegian Wood will be showing at Kabuki from now until the 9th. JETAANC is getting a group together to see it this Tuesday, so don’t miss your chance.
Kabuki on Film: The 47 Ronin Project – This is a year long exploration of the original Kabuki version of the popular tale. Beginning last Sunday, the JETAANC and San Mateo Kabuki clubs are teaming up to bring you two different celebrated productions of the complete epic on film. Screenings begin at 1:30 at the San Mateo Japanese American Community Center.
Joshikai Pre-Valentine’s Day Networking Event – Thursday, February 9th, 6:00 at Muka. Joshikai is a networking group for Japanese women and women with connections to Japan. Migle, chat, and share stories with other women in English and Japanese over snacks and wine.

JETAA D.C.

JBook Meeting – Monday, February 27th, 6:30 at the Japan-America Society of Washington, DC. This month’s selection will be Roshomon and the Seventeen Other, but Ryunosuke Akutagawa. As this is a collection of short stories, this is a perfect chance to see what JBook is all about without having to read everything.

JETAA Western Australia

Kaiwa – Thursday, February 9th and 23rd, 5:30 at 43 Below. Join in and practice your Japanese skills with friends and alumni.

JETAA Music City

Cooking Class with Nashville Top Chef Toshihiro Nishimoto – Saturday, February 11th, 5:00. Learn how to make Japanese cuisine from a true master at this fun and educational event.

JETAA Portland

Tabemashou – Thursday, February 9th, 7:00 at Wafu. Tabemashou is a group that gathers to explore, critique, and enjoy Japanese dining in Portland. Check it out if you are looking for the next best place to sate your appetite.

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.

Feb 6

JETwit site re-design: How can you help?

Uncategorized

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We’re thinking through a re-design of the JETwit site, and we want your help.

How could the site be better organized? What would make it easier or more useful for you? What would be the ideal layout or set-up?

The goal is to update JETwit so that it is as helpful to the JET and JET alumni community as possible (within reason. :-)

Any and all feedback is welcome. E-mail Steven at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

Feb 5

I’ll Make It Myself!: “Flexitarian: Spicy Fava Beans and Pork Stir-fry”

Blogs, Food & Drink, I'll Make It Myself, Writers 空豆, fava beans, pork, stirfry

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Ishikawa is a good source of locally-raised pork, which I discovered when I set out to make today’s recipe. Fava beans, sora mame（空豆), are all over Kanazawa right now (though my vegetable almanac says they are a late spring bean), and they really compliment the sweet onions and spicy pork in this stir-fry.

CLICK HERE to read the full post.

JETwit.com

I’ll Make It Myself: “Kabocha-Stuffed Okonomiyaki”

The Best Prefectures: By JET Alum LinkedIn Groups – Update 02.09.12