CLAIR Chairperson Yoko Kimura talks about JET in Mainichi feature
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Below is a feature (in Japanese) on CLAIR Chairperson Yoko Kimura who talks about the JET Programme. (If anyone feels the urge, feel free to post an English summary or translation in the comments section of this post).
http://mainichi.jp/opinion/news/20121108ddm004070166000c.html
毎日新聞 2012年11月08日 東京朝刊
◇「ＪＥＴ」国内でもより理解を
尖閣諸島をめぐる日本と中国、竹島をめぐる日本と韓国の厳しい対立は日本の外交力を強化する必要性を痛感させた。とりわけ草の根交流は個人間の深い友情や強い信頼関係に基づくため、ちょっとやそっとでは壊れない。国際関係を安定させる大きな役割を果たす。
草の根交流のうち、世界最大級の人的交流事業で、海外でむしろ認知度が高い「ＪＥＴプログラム」（語学指導等を行う外国青年招致事業）をご存じだろうか。軍事、経済力以外のソフトパワー外交の象徴として日本が胸を張れる活動だが、国内の知名度がいまだにもうひとつとすれば残念だ。
ＪＥＴプログラムは、都道府県や離島やへき地等、津々浦々の市町村が招致した外国青年がＡＬＴ（外国語指導助手）として小中高校で英語等を教え、あるいは、ＣＩＲ（国際交流員）として役所で働くなどして国際交流を推進する。１年契約だが、最長５年まで延長が可能である。自治体国際化協会（ＣＬＡＩＲ・クレア）は、総務省、外務省、文部科学省と連携し、プログラムを推進している。
ＪＥＴ参加者は日本の地域に溶け込み児童・生徒、同僚や地域住民に母国の考え方や文化、習慣などを生の声で伝える。同時に、日本の習慣、文化、日本人の考え方、物事の処理方法を理解する。 Read More
Maynard Plant, second from left: “I really do think it is important to learn more than one language. Not only for the obvious convenience of communication, but for the enrichment of understanding of other cultures as well. Language really is the only gateway into understanding another person’s psyche and culture.” (Courtesy of Edward Entertainment Group)
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.
Multinational pop rockers Monkey Majik are teaming up with shamisen heroes the Yoshida Brothers, the duo known for their traditional sound and pluck, for a three-date North American tour that kicks off Nov. 14 at Manhattan’s Marlin Room at Webster Hall, followed by the Mod Club in Toronto Nov. 18 and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa Nov. 20.
Monkey Majik was founded by Maynard Plant (Aomori-ken, 1997-2000), a native of Ottawa, Canada, while he was teaching English in Sendai on the JET Program. Known for a having a fun and versatile style of music, the band first earned mainstream attention in 2006 for their singles “Fly” and “Around the World,” and have since collaborated with other Japanese groups like SEAMO, m-flo, Bennie K, and the Yoshida Brothers.
In this exclusive JQ interview, the versatile vocalist and guitarist discusses the band’s origins, his own relationship with music, and his sense of home and community in Sendai, which is still recovering from the devastation caused by the 3/11 earthquake and tsunami.
Which came first: the love of music or Japanese culture, and how has the one influenced and supported the other since you came to Japan?
I probably first took interest in Japan when I was about 10 years old or so when I visited Expo 86 in Vancouver, Canada. My interest in music also started at an early age. Most of my family is musical, so it always came natural. Certainly since arriving in Japan about 15 years ago, my musical interests have changed. The Japanese music scene is incredibly diverse and different from the Western scene. The sound is very unique and [it] has had a deep effect on our music.
It’s funny, many ALTs in Japan feel like rock stars, but you actually became a rock star. What was it like going from small time notoriety and fame at your school, to becoming famous on a national level for your musicianship?
It didn’t happen overnight, so I suppose I never took notice. It’s a lot like learning Japanese—you don’t just wake up fluent one day. Success is born out of hard work and commitment. Regardless of where you live, the same elements come into play.
How did the current band members come together? Were you friends before you started collaborating professionally? How have each of you influenced Monkey Majik’s sound, style, and group dynamic?
I put the current band together after most of the original members quit in 2000. I first called my younger brother Blaise, and within a couple of months we found Tax (Kikuchi Takuya). It was around 2005 that our original bassist Misao Urushizaka quit. We then recruited Dick (Hideki Mori). It’s difficult to say if the friendship came before membership, but one thing is certain now: we wouldn’t be doing this if we hadn’t become best friends. We have a lot of respect for each other and all [band] decisions are made together.
Justin’s Japan: A Whole Month of Arts, Events, Music
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The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses comes to the Theater at Madison Square Garden Nov. 28. (Jason Michael Paul Productions)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
Hurricane Sandy may have wreaked havoc on the Eastern Seaboard, but New York is holding strong in November with a bounty of Japan-related events from MoMA to Madison Square Garden.
Nov. 6
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Box Set
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is an epic fantasy tale written and illustrated by legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, creator of My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo. A modern masterpiece (made into its own classic film adaptation in 1984), the entire series is now available in this deluxe box set containing two hardcover volumes with interior color pages and full-color double-sided poster in a special slipcase.
Nov. 9-11
The American Dream Japanese Network (JaNet) was originally created in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks to cheer up and unite the Japanese community, which lost many of its prominent members working in the World Trade Center. An annual Japanese music and performing arts showcase, this year’s three-night event features such diverse acts as Taka Kigawa, Taiko Masala, and Yosakoi Dance Project – 10tecomai, last year’s Talent Night winners!
Monday, Nov. 12
Geisha: The Golden Years 1870-1890 Opening Reception
This Long Island City gallery is proud to present an exhibition of 19th century hand-colored photographs of Geisha and Maiko from the Burns Archive. These photographs are the original images used by Dr. Stanley Burns and his daughter Elizabeth to create their noted book, Geisha: A Photographic History 1872-1912. The images in this exhibition showcase the best of Japanese photographs that were made to show the perceived exotic nature of Japan to the West. Several of the great early photographers’ studios are represented, including Kusabi Kimbel, Ogawa Kazumasa and Baron von Stillfried.
For the complete story, click here.
WIT Life #219: Yakusho Koji’s newest flick
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WIT Life 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.
I’m currently in Japan on an interpreting assignment, and am loving eating washoku and getting my fill of Japanese tv on a daily basis. I’m also happy to be able to catch up on Japanese pop culture while I’m here, and I recently caught a Yakusho Koji movie out in theaters now. I’ve written about how much I enjoy Yakusho’s work as well as having the chance to meet the man himself, and his latest film did not disappoint.
Masayuki Suo of “Shall We Dance” fame is the director of 「終の信託」 (Tsui no Shintaku, or “Trust in the End”), which reunites the two stars of that movie. Yakusho appears alongside Tamiyo Kusakari, who played his dance instructor in the former film, and they are pictured here along with Suo. (The fabulous supporting cast includes Tadanobu Asano as Orii’s vile lover and Takao Ozawa as the intimidating prosecutor).
Their collaboration 16 years later was worth the wait. Yakusho plays chronic asthma patient Egi who is assigned to Kusakari’s internist Orii at the hospital where he receives periodic treatment. Over time his attacks get worse and his visits become more frequent, and he begins to rethink the value of treatment considering the costs and Read More
JET Alum Artist Beat: LeJarie Noguchi, Artist’s Representative at ARTas1
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******** JET Alum Artist Beat is a new feature organized by Jessica Sattell (Fukuoka-ken, 2007-2008) intending to share the wide scope of creative work that JET alumni are pursuing as artists, designers, and/or craftspeople, either professionally or for personal enjoyment. She is interested in interviewing and providing exposure for artists and arts professionals, and welcomes links to online portfolios, stores and businesses. Feel free to email Jessica at hello (dot) jessicasattell (at) gmail (dot) com with suggestions.
How do artists get their work into world-renowned galleries? How do companies find ways to visually enhance their brand images? How do publishers find illustrators for manuscripts and cover art? The answers are all rooted in the diverse fields of arts marketing and artist representation! LeJarie (Battieste) Noguchi (Aichi-ken, 1995-1998) is an Artist’s Representative at ARTas1, a Torrance, California-based company that helps bring the visions of dynamic Japanese visual artists to North America through licensing channels and gallery exhibitions. ARTas1 positions itself as a unique firm in that it represents and promotes exclusively Japanese artists. Their goal is to bridge the Japanese and the worldwide art communities into a shared celebration of creative talent, hence the “1” in their title.
A small sample of ARTas1’s artists and the variety of their styles
LeJarie brings her experiences as a reporter, writer, translator, and Japanese media consultant to her position, where she represents over 70 unique artists working in a wide variety of mediums and styles. She graciously took the time to share a little more about her profession as well as the work of one of her favorite up-and-coming artists.
Tell us a little bit about your background. How did you become interested in Japan and choose to participate in the JET Program?
I majored in Japanese Studies at UCLA, and when I first began my studies, I had never heard of the JET Program. Originally, I thought I would just go to Japan and find a job or continue my studies there. But, when I heard about the opportunity to live and work in Japan through JET, I was determined to go. Thankfully, I was accepted. I didn’t really have a Plan B, but I do remember asking all of my family members for enough money for a one-way ticket to Tokyo if I didn’t get accepted to the JET Program!
How did you become involved with ARTas1?
I saw a job listing there about six years ago and contacted them about the position. At that time I didn’t have any direct sales experience and wasn’t involved much with Japanese art. But then I happened to see another listing with them about two years ago, contacted them, and they hired me! By then I had a bit more sales experience and more experience with art and media.
What does an Artist’s Representative do?
As an Artists’ Representative, Read More
Regge Life documentary about Taylor Anderson and Monty Dickson to premiere 11/9 in DC area
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Via JETAA DC President Leigh Ann Mastrini (Hyogo-ken, 2006-08):
On November 9th will be the premiere of Regge Life’s documentary film about March 11, Taylor Anderson, and Monty Dickson. Click the link below for more information:
http://www.kickstarter.com/
The film is open to the community, with a suggested donation of $20 when you register. A small group of JETAA DC alumni will be driving down from DC between 2PM – 3PM.
Job: Asian Arts Museum – HR Coordinator (SF)
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Via Philanthropy News Digest. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Human Resources Coordinator
Posted by: The Asian Art Museum
Type: N/A
Location: San Francisco, CA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview
The Asian Art Museum offers an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated individual to gain hands-on human resources experience in a dynamic San Francisco Museum.
The Human Resources Coordinator assists in the administration of a comprehensive and dynamic human resources program for the museum. The Coordinator performs a broad range of administrative and paraprofessional duties related to recruitment and selection, classification, compensation, wellness, benefits, training, and employee relations. The focus of the position is on the coordination of the daily ongoing operations of the Human Resources department. The museum’s complex work environment encompasses both private- and public-sector employees, and seven labor organizations. The nature of the position requires maximum flexibility, resourcefulness, initiative, and creativity.
Examples of Duties
•Coordinates the daily operations of the Human Resources department; maintains all departmental files and records; performs a variety of support duties; responds to inquiries from staff and the public.
•Assists in the management of the personnel administration for public sector employees of the museum; processes hiring, compensation, and other personnel materials for employees of the City and County of San Francisco.
•Manages computerized HR information system (ABRA) for personnel and benefits information; develops improvements to system as necessary; processes personnel transactions; coordinates personnel action requests with payroll; prepares a variety of reports.
•Working closely with the Benefits Manager, assists in benefits administration and management.
•Manages the recruitment mailing list and database; researches and compiles new recruitment sources on a continuous basis to insure maximum outreach; prepares and mails job announcements; places online job advertisements.
•Assists with the interviewing process including scheduling interviews, arranging interview panels, preparing interview materials, and conducting applicant testing; conducts phone screens, interviews and checks references as required; assists with orientation of new employees.
•Plans, organizes, and implements a variety of staff wellness events; oversees the provision of refreshments for monthly staff meetings; plans, purchases, and sets up required food and beverages. Read More
Job: AFS-USA – Director of Outbound Sponsored Programs (DC)
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Via Philanthropy News Digest. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Director of Outbound Sponsored Programs
Posted by: AFS-USA
Type: N/A
Location: New York, New York
Salary: Will be negotiated at the time of hire
Start Date: N/A
Overview
The Director of Outbound Sponsored Programs will develop and implement programming under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State and other funders and funding sources. The Director of Outbound Sponsored Programs collaborates closely with the Director of Inbound Sponsored Programs and the Project Manager and Vice President of Sponsored Programs to foster a team environment across the Sponsored Programs Division. The Director of Outbound Sponsored Programs must work both interdepartmentally and with other organizations, both within the AFS network and outside the AFS network, as well as the US State Department and other funders, to ensure that the programs are successfully implemented. Incumbent directly supervises a staff of two, including two Program Specialists and others as projects require. The Director of Outbound Sponsored Programs reports directly to the Vice President of Sponsored Programs. Read More
Job: Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Nikkei Concerns (Seattle, WA)
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Via JETAA PNW. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Posted by: Nikkei Concerns
Type: N/A
Location: WA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview
Nikkei Concerns (NC), a non-profit elder-care organization primarily serving the Japanese-American and broader Asian communities in the Pacific Northwest, is seeking qualified applicants for a Chief Operations Officer (COO). The COO’s primary responsibilities include providing leadership and growing operational and organizational aspects of NC that includes Seattle Keiro Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Nikkei Manor Assisted Living Community, Kokoro Kai Adult Day Social Program and Nikkei Horizons Continuing Education Program. The ideal candidate will have solid management experience and demonstrate an ability to lead, innovate, motivate, and execute with a passion for and sensitivity to enhancing the quality of life of our residents, participants, staff and community. Familiarity with elder health care policy and services is desired. Please visit www.nikkeiconcerns.org for the full job description. Interested qualified individuals should email their resume and cover letter to rtakeuchi@nikkeiconcerns.org (Rick Takeuchi, Human Resources Director, 206-726-6506). First considerations will be given to resumes/cover letters received by 5:00 pm, Friday, November 9, 2012.
Via JETAA DC. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Two positions available: Publicity Coordinator and Webmaster Director
Posted by: JICC
Type: N/A
Location: Washington DC
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview
The JICC is a part of the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of Japan, with a goal to promote better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture by providing a wide range of information and events to the American public.
The Publicity Coordinator is responsible for promoting various Japan-related events to the public and media. The Webmaster is in charge of maintaining and managing the JICC website and social media. These positions also entail other duties. For further details, please refer to the following Employment Opportunities page of the JICC website. Please be advised to follow the instructions carefully.
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JICC/employment.html
Job: Director for Japan Affairs at USTR
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Thanks to JET Alum Daniel Lee who is leaving this position soon for a different post at the USTR. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Director for Japan Affairs
Posted by: Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Type: Full-time
Location: Washington DC
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview
Under the direction of the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) for Japan, Korea & APEC Affairs, the incumbent serves as the Director for Japan Affairs.
The incumbent performs a variety of duties related to the development, coordination and execution of U.S.- Japan trade policy. The incumbent leads U.S. trade negotiations with Japanese counterpart agencies, develops U.S. positions in advance of these negotiations, supports relevant Trade Policy Sub-Committees to reach interagency agreements on policy positions, determines the most appropriate negotiating strategies and tactics, researches and analyses all background material for these negotiations, and advises the AUSTR, the Deputy USTR, and the USTR on trade policy issues with Japan. The incumbent prepares Congressional testimony, briefing materials, summary statements and speeches for the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), both Deputy USTRs, the AUSTR for Japan, Korea, & APEC Affairs, and other senior executives, as appropriate, on major trade issues. Explains and defends the Administration’s trade policies to foreign governments, the public, the press, and the Congress.
Ability to speak Japanese desirable, but not mandatory. Domestic and foreign travel will be required.
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/330491500
Job: Bi-lingual Accountant (Atlanta)
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Thanks to JET Alum Jessica Kennett Cork for sharing this opening. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Bilingual Accountant
Posted by: Accountants One, Inc.
Type: Full-time
Location: Atlanta, GA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview
Accountants One has been hired to recruit a bi-lingual Japanese speaking Senior Accountant for their team. The ideal candidate will 5+ years experience in a manufacturing environment as a senior accountant.
Job Duties
– Process financial statements and analysis
– Report and present financial statements and analysis to CFO and Japanese parent company
– Help process books for the plant
– Process budget vs. actual sales units
– Create power point presentations to communicate financial analysis to CFO and Japanese parent company
– Speak and read Japanese and English fluently
– Financial reporting and analysis – Profit and Loss Variances Read More
JETAA Chicago Career Development Workshop – November 10, 2012
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Via JETAA Chicago. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Event Information
On Saturday, November 10, JETAA Chicago will host a Career Development Workshop. This event will be held at the Japan Information Center (737 North Michigan Ave., Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611), starting at 2:30 PM.
We are lining up speakers now to talk about a range of topics, including: resume writing and explaining the value of the JET experience; job search and networking; and how to successfully interview. The workshop will conclude with a wine & cheese networking session. Our goal is to provide an extremely valuable event for all who attend.
Wine and cheese networking reception to follow.
More details to be announced soon. Questions? Contact Dan Martin at social@jetaachicago.com Read More
Job: Japan Baseball Administration Intern Spring 2012
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Via JETAA Chicago. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Japan Baseball Administration Intern Spring 2012
Posted by: Octagon
Type: Internship (part-time or full-time)
Location: Chicago, IL
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Qualifications
Octagon is the world’s largest sponsorship consulting practice and a pioneer and leader in athlete and personality representation and management. With more than 800 employees globally, Octagon manages/influences billions in worldwide sponsorship rights fees and activation. We work with hundreds of blue-chip corporate clients, more than 800 Athletes & Personalities clients, and manage more than 5,000 events per year. Leading stakeholders in the sports and entertainment world continue to look to Octagon to provide leadership in understanding fans’ passions and how these insights can build more effective, efficient and measureable marketing programs. For more information, please visit www.octagon.com
About The Internship
The Baseball Internship offers a compelling and insightful look into the sports industry and an introduction to the world of Baseball off the field. Octagon seeks talented and driven undergraduate or graduate students to closely work with members of our successful Baseball Division on a variety of projects and tasks. Throughout the course of the internship, you will provide administrative support to our Asia Baseball division mainly focusing on Japanese baseball. Your duties will include minor translation, processing expense reports (Yen conversion), client services projects for Japan baseball clients, equipment orders and other general office administrative support.
The position is located in our Chicago, IL office and is a part-time or full-time position during the Spring Semester. Ideally, we would like you to start in January and work at least 25 hours per week. In order to be considered for this unpaid internship, you must be able to receive school credit and provide proof of credit. Read More
Click image to read story
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Shukan NY Seikatsu. Visit his Examiner.com Japanese culture page here for related stories.
The opening of playwright Jeanne Sakata’s Hold These Truths begins with the famous United States Declaration of Independence quote that all men are created equal, followed by the Japanese proverb “the nail that sticks up gets hammered down.” The one hammered down is Gordon Kioyoshi Hirabayashi, the late American pacifist and Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree whose experiences in World War II-era America are brought vividly to life by Joel de la Fuente in this one-man show now running Off-Broadway.
“From the day rehearsing began for our premiere in November 2007, we’ve been working to make Hold These Truths a better play, and that hasn’t stopped with our New York premiere,” said Sakata, who shaped it through extensive interviews with Hirabayashi. The play has received positive reviews from The New Yorker and the Associated Press, and has brought wider attention to a traumatic time in American history.
Born in Seattle in 1918, Hirabayashi was imprisoned in 1942 for protesting wartime curfews. He lost a U.S. Supreme Court case the following year, but the verdict was later overturned in the 1980s, triggering an apology and reparations to the families of the more than 100,000 people interned in the western United States during the war.
Hold These Truths runs through Nov. 25 at the Theater at the 14th Street Y. For more information, visit http://epictheatreensemble.org/holdthesetruths.
