Prime Minister Noda meets with Taylor Anderson’s parents
JETs in the News 
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JapanToday has a “Picture of the Day” (plus explanation text) of Prime Minister Noda meeting with Jeanne and Andy Anderson, parents of Taylor Anderson.
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/thank-you
JQ Magazine: Petals Underfoot at Brooklyn’s Sakura Matsuri
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The view from Sakura Matsuri at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, April 2012. (Preston Hatfield)
By Preston Hatfield (Yamanashi-ken, 2009-10) for JQ magazine. Preston moved from San Francisco to New York City in January 2012 and is now accepting submissions from people who want to be his friend. Abduct him from his house in the middle of the night, or find him on Facebook and ask about his JET blog in which he details his exploits and misadventures in that crazy Land of the Rising Sun we all love.
In the end I find myself in Cherry Esplanade, sinking to the ground, my back comfortable against the broad face of a cherry tree whose gnarled and mostly barren branches still sported a few late blossoms flitting in the breeze, the petals of those that had come before it strewn across the grounds, specking the meadow in gentle shades of pink. It’s an act of defeat, really; an act of resignation.
I never did find that damn press table.
* * *
I arrived early, as planned, eager to take in the 31st Annual Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It was my first matsuri since moving to New York in January, my first trip to the Garden. I was stoked.
As instructed, I went to the entrance designated for performers, event staff and press and told the man at the front desk who I was. After consulting his clipboard and giving me a skeptical look, he let me in and gave me directions to the tent where I could pick up my press kit and thank the publicist for giving JQ magazine and myself the opportunity to cover the event. I set off, and once inside was instantly struck by how large the Brooklyn Botanic Garden really is. Droves of people had shown up for the event, a fair number of them in costume, though conspicuously, from where I stood just outside the visitor center, it was not readily apparent where the main event was being held. As I continued walking down the path, I was growing more and more sure that either the guy at the front desk either gave me poor instructions, or I was poor at following them (and this would not surprise most people who know me, least of all my mom or some of my elementary school arts and crafts teachers).
Leave it to me to let this bother me, to knock impatiently at the door of my mind so loudly that I was unable to really take in and appreciate my surroundings. Find the press table. That is the first priority. Enjoying myself can come later.
I’ll Make It Myself: Flour Tortillas (Bread Revolution Series)
Blogs, Food & Drink, I'll Make It Myself, Writers Comments Off on I’ll Make It Myself: Flour Tortillas (Bread Revolution Series)
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, and curates The Rice Cooker Chronicles, a series of essays by JETs and JET alumni on the theme of cooking/eating and being alone in Japan.
New Rice Cooker Chronicles submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
More Bread Revolution and Guide to Flour.
TexMex/Southwestern/Mexican foods were something I purchased from the grocery or at restaurants in the US, missed sorely in Japan, and was convinced I couldn’t make it myself. If I found salsa in a jar, I couldn’t find chips, so what was the point? Avocados weren’t something I could get my town easily, and forget cilantro or jalapeños. I gave up on my dream of enjoying these foods in Japan, but luckily Cheruko didn’t and put together a fantastic fajita spread for an international cooking lesson.
Job: Coordinator for Public Relations, The Consulate General of Japan (SF) 04.28.12
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Coordinator for Public Relations, The Consulate General of Japan (SF) 04.28.12
Thanks to JET Alum Peter Weber for sharing this. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Position: Coordinator for Public Relations
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Type: Temporary
Location: San Francisco, CA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Responsibilities:
The Coordinator for Public Relations works closely with consulate officers and other local staff to promote greater interest in and understanding of Japan and Japanese culture in Northern California and Nevada. S/he also works with the JIC Director to handle Japan-related press and public affairs issues that arise within areas served by this office. In addition, as a staff member of the Consulate, applicants must be willing to work as a part of a team, respecting other team members and sharing responsibilities in the team and office in general.
Please note that the Consulate is unable to provide visa support for prospective employees, and as such all applicants are required to have the appropriate legal permission to work in the United States.
Duties include:
- Monitoring media organizations and keeping Consulate staff informed on a daily basis of press coverage on Japan-related issues in local newspapers
- Contacting both Japanese and American media to attend Consulate events
- Writing and editing press releases in both English and Japanese
- Assisting in the arrangement and coordination of press conferences, seminars, and special programs designed for media contacts Read More
Job: Coordinator for Education, The Consulate General of Japan (SF) 04.28.12
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Coordinator for Education, The Consulate General of Japan (SF) 04.28.12
Thanks to JET Alum Peter Weber for sharing this. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Coordinator for Education
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Type: Full Time
Location: San Francisco, CA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
The Japan Information Center of the Consulate General of Japan seeks to fill a position for the Coordinator for Education. Applicants who meet the following requirements and who are interested in the position will submit a resume to our office.
Duties include:
(1) Handling education -related issues: Promotion and support of Japanese language. education, the
Japanese Government Scholarship sponsored by the Ministry of Education, studying in Japan,
introducing Japan to local schools etc…
(2) Assisting with various Japan Information Center programs and projects as needed. Read More
Job: Administrative Assistant, The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (NY) 04.27.12
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Via Permanent Mission of Japan. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Position: Administrative Assistant in the Social Section
Posted by: Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations国際連合日本政府代表部
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
http://www.un.emb-japan.go.jp/aboutus/job_opportunities.html
Description:
The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations is seeking an Administrative Assistant in the Social Section at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Draft and prepare letters and diplomatic correspondence
2. Assist in logistics/protocol for conferences, meetings, briefings, receptions, and other official functions
3. Edit English in both official/unofficial documents
4. Manage appointment schedules for the section, visiting diplomats, and VIPs
5. Attend meetings/conferences at UN as necessary
6. Respond to inquiries
7. Assist other officers and staff in the section when needed Read More
New academic research published: “Promoting Japan: One JET at a time”
Academic, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on New academic research published: “Promoting Japan: One JET at a time”
JET alum Professor Emily Metzgar (Courtesy of Indiana University)
*************
A little over a year ago, we posted a request to the JET alumni community by JET alum Emily Metzgar, Assistant Professor at Indiana University’s School of Journalism, to take part in a survey as part of her research on the impact of the JET Program. (See the original post on JETwit.) Here are the results of Emily’s survey in her paper titled:
“Promoting Japan: One JET at a time” (PDF)
The paper is about trying to measure Return On JET-vestment. In its own words, it “attempts to identify various ways in which participation in JET has affected the lives of alumni and the ways in which this influence may be of benefit to Japan in the medium- to long-term.”
Also, for those interested, there’s a review of Emily’s paper by Dr. Robert Banks on the University of Southern California’s Center on Public Diplomacy website.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and helped in other ways. For anyone who reads the paper, please feel free to share thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Here’s the URL for the paper: http://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/publications/perspectives/CPD_Perspectives_Paper_3_2012.pdf
Justin’s Japan: Kota Yamazaki and Sakura Matsuri Return to New York
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Dance performance Kota Yamazaki/’Fluid hug-hug (glowing)’ will be held at New York's Japan Society April 27-28. (Ryutaro Mishima)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Visit his Examiner.com page here for related stories.
Following a month of concerts from all types of Japanese musicians, New York City bids sayonara to April this weekend with an exciting pair of performances from a Bessie Award-winning performance artist, followed by the 31st edition of one of Brooklyn’s finest annual events.
Kicking things off tonight (April 27) and tomorrow at Japan Society is the performance of Kota Yamazaki/Fluid hug-hug (glowing), the Society’s newest commissioned work by the butoh-trained choreographer. In this new work that will appeal to fans of dance, Yamazaki re-examines the fundamentals of butoh, the form in which he received his training, as six dancers hailing from Senegal, Ethiopia, Japan, and the U.S., perform within a set constructed to evoke the soft lighting and dim interior of a traditional Japanese house, where shadows contribute to a visual atmosphere.
The performance, which made successful stops earlier this month at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and the Painted Bride Arts Center in Philadelphia, draws its inspiration from the world-renowned essay In’ei Raisan (In Praise of Shadows) by the great modern Japanese novelist Jun’ichiro Tanizaki. First published in 1933 and in English in 1977, it has itself been praised the world over, with the Guardian calling it a “hymn to nuance.”
For the complete story, click here.
JET alum creates “Help Japan: Donate Now” video after return trip to Iwate
Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, Japan Local, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Video Comments Off on JET alum creates “Help Japan: Donate Now” video after return trip to Iwate
JETAA Minnesota member Ann Hershberger (Iwate-ken) recently returned to Iwate where she had previously worked as a JET. Following her trip, she created a video to support earthquake/tsunami relief efforts titled “Help Japan: Donate Now“.
To donate, go to http://donate-japan.com.
Job: Postings from Idealist.org 4.26.12
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Via Idealist.org. Posted by Geneva Marie (Niigata-ken 2008-09) Geneva is a contributor to both JETwit and JETAANY. Geneva is on a continuous (epic) search for Japanese-related jobs in the United States. Hire me! :-)
Student Programs Manager
Posted by: Tourism Cares
Type: Full-time
Location: Canton, MA
Salary: Salary commensurate with experience
Start date: Immediately
Tourism Cares is seeking a talented, self-starter with experience in college alumni programs to expand and enhance student programs. Bachelor’s Degree required. Experience with travel, tourism and/or hospitality companies or university programs preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/Cstc2ZzM2DbD/
Associate Director, Global Study Tours
Posted by: New York University
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: DOE
Application Deadline: June 23, 2012
NYU is seeking an associate director to develop and implement a strategic plan for four week-long Executive MBA global study tours. 3 years relevant experience or equivalent combination. Must include experience coordinating administrative activities including academic advisement, counseling and supervision of staff. MBA or Master’s of Science in a business related subject preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/nwHjT4jPW78d/
Research Associate, Asia Studies
Posted by: Council on Foreign Relations
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Mid thirties, based on education and experience
Application Deadline: Not Specified
CFR is seeking a research associate to work at their New York City headquaters. BA in international relations or Asia studies preferred. Strong command of Mandarin (reading), also preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/gsDcJWsgjBfP/
Documentary maker Regge Life seeks to speak with JETs and others who knew Monty Dickson in Japan
Earthquake Tsunami Comments Off on Documentary maker Regge Life seeks to speak with JETs and others who knew Monty Dickson in Japan
A request from documentary maker Regge Life:
“Filmmaker Regge Life is seeking anyone who can speak personally and sincerely about Monty Dickson’s activities and interactions with the people of Rikuzentakata. Ideally, teachers, neighbors, or friends who lived or worked in the city with him. He will include Monty in the film “Live Your Dream: The Taylor Anderson Story” but has not been able to interview anyone from Rikuzentakata. If you know of someone Regge can speak with, or have any suggestions, please contact him at regge.life@gmail.com. Thank you for your support.”
Job: Assistant Manager, Research and Strategy 04.24.12
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Via Pasona. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
———————————————————————————————————
***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Assistant Manager, Research and Strategy
Location: Manhattan , NY
Industry: Mobile/Telecom
Salary: DOE(Depends on experience)
Hour: 9-5/M-F
Salary: 60K
Job Description:
– Conduct mobile/telecom related research by preparing overview memos/presentations to inform
and support Japan HQ’s key management regarding wireless industry related trends and topics
based on predetermined areas of interest. Interpret and analyze research results to offer
strategic directions while adhering to management-assigned report output quantity, quality and type
(scale, topic, etc). Read More
Japanese Education Ministry OK’s textbook written by American
Japan Trends Comments Off on Japanese Education Ministry OK’s textbook written by American
Thanks to JET alums Melissa Chan and Eroll Packard for alerting me to this via Facebook posts:
Ministry OK’s textbook written by American
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120423003701.htm
Sachiko Asakuno / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
An English textbook written by an American teacher in Japan has passed a screening by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry.
Although it is rare to see the publication of a school textbook that was authored by an individual in a core subject, the textbook “Atlantis” is the third such volume Steven Mitchell, 40, has authored since his first was published three years ago.
His previous two textbooks have been adopted by 34 high schools in Miyagi Prefecture. Read More
JETAA Portland: Iron Chef 2012!
Cultural Outreach, Food & Drink, JETAA Chapters Comments Off on JETAA Portland: Iron Chef 2012!
JETAA Portland has been doing this event for 10 years now. They extended an open invite to the Pacific Northwest JETAA folks, so there’s no reason why Texoma, Chicago, and other alums can’t “jet” in for the event, deshou? And if you can’t make it, well then just start your own JETAA chapter Iron Chef event. (Make sure to let JETwit know about it, too.)
(From the JETAA Portland website)
JETAA Portland’s 10th Annual Iron Chef Competition
It’s time to sharpen those knives and dig up your best recipes as contestants, judges, and other hungry mouths gather for one of our most popular (and delicious) events of the year!
Headline from the 2010 Iron Chef event. (Click image to read the article.)
When: Saturday, May 12th
(Judging begins at Noon, prizes awarded at 1:00pm)
Where: Demaree Raveaux’s House
RSVP for directions to Gloria Jung: glo888 [at] hotmail.com
(Please respond by May 2nd and include what you plan to bring)
There are three categories for Iron Chef entries:
- Side Dish
- Main Dish
- Dessert
There will be prizes awarded to the 1st and 2nd place winners of each of the categories.
This year, we will be adding a special event. Marcus Pakiser, sake sommolier, will talk about pairing sake with food and there will be sake to sample.
We are inviting our sister chapter, Pacific Northwest JETAA to join us in this event. This is a great opportunity to meet the members from the PNW chapter of JETAA. They will be traveling from northwest locations such as Seattle to attend our Iron Chef event and using the “Tatami Timeshare” program to stay with Portland-area members. Please e-mail any questions you have.
This is a BYOB event.
Posted by Ashley Thompson (Shizuoka-ken, 2008-2010) of Surviving in Japan: without much Japanese and Lifelines columnist for The Japan Times.
Cherry blossoms are blooming, depending on where you are in Japan, and various other types of trees and flowers are starting to show their spring colors. Graduation ceremonies are being held (or have already happened) all over Japan, as one year ends and another is about to begin.
Then there’s the pollen. Hay fever season in Japan has also arrived. And if you have allergies, it might have already hit you hard (or will…). How do you get through allergy season in Japan? You’ll find some ideas below.
A few words to know:
花粉症 かふんしょう kafunshou hay fever
花粉 かふん kafun pollen
アレルギー arerugii allergy
Now, a few ideas to help you survive hay fever season in Japan:
1. Wear a mask outside. Even if you didn’t wear one in your home country, “do as the locals do” or “when in Rome…” or something like that. I personally can’t stand wearing them, but I know some people who now like wearing them.
2. Use a mask spray. Apparently if you spray your mask with this stuff it makes the mask more effective at keeping unwanted particles out.
3. Try a “nose mask” – (pictured below) It’s basically something that you attach to the underside of your nose and each side goes in a nostril. It acts as a filter for pollen and other airborne particles.
4. Refill those allergy medicine prescriptions. It is possible to get Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec and Flonase (フルナーズ) in Japan – consult a doctor about possibilities. You could also try contacting Japan Healthcare Info if you’re not sure where to look or who to ask. Some possible prescription non-drowsy or “mostly” non-drowsy meds in Japan include: Allegra (アレグラ), Claritin (クラリチン), Alesion (アレジオン), エバステル, Talion (タリオン), and Zyrtec (ジルテック). [Source]
You can get some over-the-counter anti-allergy medication, but most, if not all, are drowsy, and probably not as effective as those you can get by prescription. (Let us know, though, if you’ve found something that works well and isn’t too sleep-inducing). Mmmfruit mentioned Zaditen as an option. David and I have both used Stonarhini (ストナリニ), and while David didn’t get too drowsy, I felt like I had just taken a Benadryl (it knocked me out for hours). It claims to use less of the ingredients that make you drowsy, but it may be best to try it on a day you don’t have to go out and do anything, just to see how your body reacts first. — CLICK HERE to read 11 more ways to defeat hay fever this year.
