Posted by Ashley Thompson (Shizuoka-ken, 2008-2010) of Surviving in Japan: without much Japanese and Lifelines columnist for The Japan Times.
So you’ve prepared your home in Japan as best you can for winter and you’ve got a heater or two, or a kotatsu, to keep you warm. What else can you do to survive the winter in Japan, especially with the continued emphasis on energy conservation?
1. Carry “kairo” (カイロ). Small body (typically hand) warmers. The disposable kind are the ones you open and shake up and typically last a few hours. Some can be placed in your shoes, around your ankles, around your waist or even around your wrists. Here are a few examples.
I’ve also noticed a trend of “eco-kairo” (エコカイロ) this year. The eco-kind vary, but some are filled with gel and you heat them in the microwave. Some are battery-powered (I’m not sure exactly how that is very “eco” though, unless they’re solar-charged, but I suppose it is less wasteful to some degree).
Some examples of “eco kairo” with cute covers (found at Loft):
2. Use a lap blanket. Whether at work or home, these smaller blankets are good to have on hand. Look for ひざかけ (膝掛け).
3. Or a space blanket. They aren’t just the shiny, futuristic looking sheets anymore (though you can get those too). These kind are fabric-covered. Look for スペースケット.
4. Or an electric blanket. Look for 電気毛布 (でんきもうふ, denkimoufu).
5. Use a hot water bottle (湯たんぽ, ゆたんぽ). Especially good for cold feet.
6. Eat hot dishes. Like Nabe. Curry. Ramen. Or any other hot meal. What’s your favorite?
7. Drink lots of hot tea, especially if your workplace provides it for free.
8. Hot drinks. Remember that many vending machines and conveniences stores have a section for “hot drinks” (usually have a red label underneath and say あったかい or “hot drink” while the cold ones have a blue label, and yes, the vending machines that offer them do change over from summer).
When I first arrived in Japan I had no idea you could buy a hot beverage from a vending machine, and when I chose (cold) tea, thinking I was just choosing regular tea from a vending machine, the person I was with looked at me in complete shock.
“Don’t you want a hot drink?” she asked.
“What? There’s hot drinks?”
“Yes.” She points to the red label, “These are hot.” The look accompanying this was more or less, “how did you miss that…”
Not sure if it’s just me, but I never really came across a vending machine in the US with hot drinks aside the dispenser types at some schools or hospitals, etc. Who needs a vending machine with a coffee shop on every street corner? I am from Seattle after all.
9. Heat Tech from Uniqlo. What you would call long underwear. If not from Uniqlo, wool or silk are also great materials (and yes, you can get non-itchy, lightweight wool base layers – merino wool is one of those). If you’re prone to being cold like I am, you’ll be extra thankful for that base layer!
10. Layer. Outer layer. While you’re shopping for long underwear, do yourself a favor and get a warm winter coat. I recommend anything with down. Uniqlo and Muji have them, but here’s a secret, Sierra Trading Post often has crazy discounts on down jackets. (No, they didn’t pay me to say that – I wish). Be careful if you want anything with fur trim though, as customs might get you when you have it shipped here directly.
CLICK HERE to read the other 14 ways.
Job: Japanese Content Editor (UK)
Jobs 
Comments Off on Job: Japanese Content Editor (UK)
Via JETAAUK . 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.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Japanese Content Editor (UK)
Job Details:
At Omnifone, we’re over the moon with ‘Music Unlimited’ – the cloud music service which we power globally for Sony, giving music lovers access to millions of tracks through a wide range of connected consumer electronics. Providinge up-to-the-minute musical content, and you’ll make our service better than ever.
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Job: Language specialist for the Navy (Yokosuka, Japan)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Language specialist for the Navy (Yokosuka, Japan)
Via former JETAA DC President Michelle Spezzacatena . 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.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Language specialist for the Navy (Yokosuka, Japan)
Job Details:
SALARY RANGE: $41,563.00 to $78,355.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 to Tuesday, January 17, 2012
SERIES & GRADE: GS-1040-09/12
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time – Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:12
DUTY LOCATIONS: Few vacancy(s) – Yokosuka, JA JapanView Map
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States Citizens
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Job: Digital Video Publisher – Japanese Language Specialization (Los Angeles)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Digital Video Publisher – Japanese Language Specialization (Los Angeles)
Via JET alum Lejarie Battiste . 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.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Digital Video Publisher – Japanese Language Specialization (Los Angeles)
Job Details:
Could you tolerate 5 hours of the genjutsu technique of Tsukuyomi? Have you seen every episode of Dragonball Z, Naruto, or Cowboy Bebop? Or do you reminisce about the classics such as Voltron, Speed Racer, or Gundam? Do you own all of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces?
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Job: Operations Support Supervisor – Japanese Language (Los Angeles)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Operations Support Supervisor – Japanese Language (Los Angeles)
Via JET alum Lejarie Battiste . 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.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Operations Support Supervisor – Japanese Language (Los Angeles)
Job Details:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Researches trends, analyzes data and monitors service performance for the Service division.
• Collaborates with department managers, as must review Quality Assurance metrics and ensure a consistent customer experience.
• Acts as a communicator between Japan, Europe, and US office to relay any information that impacts online or offline services.
• Translates various documents, which consists of news article translation that will be uploaded to a live web site.
• Create, updates and maintains procedures.
• Creates and implements “best practices” training.
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Job: Video Game Community Representative (Los Angeles)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Video Game Community Representative (Los Angeles)
Via JET alum Lejarie Battiste . 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.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Video Game Community Representative
Job Details:
Summary:
Executes innovative community related activities to retain and attract players. Also works to facilitate the growth and continued success of the player community.
Requirements:
– Ability to multi task in a fast-paced environment
– Knowledge of the entertainment software industry
– Knowledge of the Massively Multiplayer Online game genre
– Japanese language skills and experience working with Japanese corporations (not required, but a plus)
How to apply:
http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=f47affc7f9401189&from=tellafriend
Job: Jr. Recruiter – English/Japanese bi-lingual (Los Angeles)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Jr. Recruiter – English/Japanese bi-lingual (Los Angeles)
Via JET alum Lejarie Battiste . 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.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Jr. Recruiter – English/Japanese bi-lingual (Los Angeles)
Business hour: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
Location: Los Angeles
Professional HR Consultant (Recruiter/Sales) will learn Recruiting Techniques, Sales, Human Resources related policies and Customer Service and provide services to our clients.
– Recruit through various sources
– Facilitate the hiring process, which includes interviewing and screening candidates
– Consult with clients to provide staffing and HR consulting services
– Prospecting new businesses
– Other duties as assigned by supervisor or management
– Some Travel required up to 20%
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Job: Third Shift Customer Service Associate – Japanese speaking (IL)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Third Shift Customer Service Associate – Japanese speaking (IL)
Via Therese Stephen. 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.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Third Shift Customer Service Associate – Japanese speaking (IL)
Job Details:
This position supports the Asian offices of an existing global client. The Customer Service Associate (CSA) role is intended to be an extension our client’s Human Resources department. The scope of Workforce Management services with this client includes workforce administration, workforce relations, compensation.
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Job: Administrative Assistant (LA)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Administrative Assistant (LA)
Via HIS. 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.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Administrative Assistant (LA)
Job Details:
Company: H.I.S. International Tours, Inc.
Location: Los Angeles, LA 90013
Industries: Japanese Travel Agency
Job Type: Full Time
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Job: Tour Planning and Arrangement Specialist (LA)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Tour Planning and Arrangement Specialist (LA)
Via HIS. 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:Tour Planning and Arrangement Specialist (LA)
Job Details:
Company: H.I.S. International Tours, Inc.
Location: Los Angeles, LA 90013
Industries: Japanese Travel Agency
Job Type: Full Time
Read More
The Rice Cooker Chronicles: “Broccoli Lover Learns to BBQ, Part 1” by Clara Solomon
Anecdote Article, Blogs, Cultural Outreach, Food & Drink, Rice Cooker Chronicles, Writers Comments Off on The Rice Cooker Chronicles: “Broccoli Lover Learns to BBQ, Part 1” by Clara Solomon
The Rice Cooker Chronicles is a series of essays by JETs and JET alumni on the theme of cooking/eating and being alone in Japan. The brain-child of JETwit founder Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94) (and inspired by the book Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant), this series is curated by L.M. Zoller (CIR Ishikawa-ken, Anamizu, 2009-11), 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.
New submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
*****
Broccoli Lover Learns to BBQ
Part 1
by Clara Solomon (CIR, Nichinan-cho, Tottori-ken; 1999-2001), the Director of Counseling & Career Development at the Office of Career Services at New York University School of Law. She previously worked for the Japan External Trade Organization, specializing in trade relations between Japan and Latin America. She lives in Queens with her husband and twin daughters.
Many of my experiences in Japan are tied up in the experience of food and cooking. Sure, I have my fill of the standard repertoire of “how many weird things will the American try?” My favorite of those is the night I was out at a new inn in my town, one that specialized in fresh, local food, with a “high end rustic” slant. So, I’m out with some co-workers enjoying a truly delicious meal, when they put a plate of glistening, dark red sashimi before me and say “to-rai, to-rai” (try, try). I wasn’t quite sure what this fish was, it was darker red than any tuna I’d ever seen, so dark it was almost purple, or black. There were thick veins of white fatty meat running through each piece – it almost looked like raw beef, though I could tell from the smell and texture that it was fish. “What is this?” I innocently asked, knowing full well that they wouldn’t tell me until I ate it. This game was a favorite of my colleagues, and they again said “to-rai.” So, I tried it. The minute I popped the full piece in my mouth, the entire table burst out with giggles and choruses of “Greeenpeesu! Greenpeesu!” Yes, Greenpeace. Turns out, I was eating endangered whale, the fishing and eating of which Japan has long been at odds with environmental groups like Greenpeace over (not to mention UN conventions, and the opinion of much of the rest of the world, minus Norway and the Inuit). How was it, you ask? Honestly, not that memorable. For one, it was extremely cold, indicating that it had probably been frozen and shipped to my town from somewhere further south (so much for eating local). For two, I think I would have rather had a piece of fatty tuna, whose rich, buttery flavor far outshone this piece of whale.
I could go on for pages regaling you with stories about the strange things I was given to eat, and the strange situations in which I found myself eating them (wild boar on live TV, anyone?). But, when I think back to the essence of my eating, drinking and cooking in Japan, those are only the warm up acts, the comedy routines that politicians put into the beginning of their stump speeches to play to the base and entice the crowds to stick around for the meat and potatoes (not that I had a lot of meat and potatoes in Japan…). My story of food in Japan is one of cooking and sharing, and gaining not only friends, but also self confidence in the process. Read More
JQ Magazine Needs New Writers for Winter 2012!
Article/Journalism, JQ Magazine Comments Off on JQ Magazine Needs New Writers for Winter 2012!
As we welcome a new year, JETAA New York’s JQ magazine continues to provide content with an ever-expanding array of articles, interviews and features (see our recent stories here). We’re now looking for new writers (including new returnees and JET vets) from all JETAA chapters worldwide to write and share more material that we can post online to the widest JET readership on the web through our hosts at the global JET alumni resource site JETwit.com.
Below are story ideas grouped by JET participants and alumni (JET World) and those more on Japanese culture (Japan World). If you’re a JET or JETWit contributor from anywhere in the world, we welcome your interest or additional story ideas! Click “Read More” below to see our story ideas, and contact JQ’s editor Justin Tedaldi (magazine [at] jetaany [dot] org) to sign up.
“Tonoharu” author Lars Martinson launches new webcomic – “Kameoka Diaries”
Cartoon/Illustration, Japan Local, Notable JET Alums, Writers Comments Off on “Tonoharu” author Lars Martinson launches new webcomic – “Kameoka Diaries”
Lars Martinson (Fukuoka-ken 2003-2006), author of the graphic novels Tonoharu: Part Two andTonoharu: Part 1, has just launched a new cartoon series called “Kameoka Diaries“ about his return to teaching English, this time in Kameoka, Kyoto.
Click hereto read the post and the first cartoon.
