Mar 5

The JETAA-sphere Podcast: Ep 8 – Designer, educator and JETAANY stalwart Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)

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Designer, educator and longtime JETAANY contributing member Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, Nakatsu-shi, 2003-06) joins Steven Horowitz(Aichi-ken, 1992-94) and Zach Piper (Kochi-ken, 2001-04) to talk about his path to JET and since JET as well as his longtime role as JETAANY Webmaster. Plus hear Leesean singing enka!

Lee-Sean Huang, Oita-ken, 2003-06

Lee-Sean mc’ing at the JETAANY 30 Gala
Lee-Sean representing Foossa at TEDxNYU event
David Colby Reed and Lee-Sean teaching a course at the Parsons School of Design

Show Links:

Other JETs/JET alumni mentioned in this episode:

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at stevenwaseda@gmail.com

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  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET

Feb 20

The JETAA-sphere Podcast: Ep 7 – Monica Yuki, Jessyca Livingston & James Gannon discuss the JETAA USA Board of Advisors and 3.11

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From JETwit Media, it’s the 6th episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast!

Three members of the JETAA USA Board of AdvisorsMonica Yuki (Saitama-ken, 2002-04)Jessyca Livingston, formerly Wilcox (Hokkaido, 2003-06) and James Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) join Steven Horowitz(Aichi-ken, 1992-94) and special co-host Matt Gillamof CLAIR NY (aka the Japan Local Government Center) to talk about the JETAA USA Board of Advisors–what it is, who’s on it, and how the tragedy of 3/11 became the catalyst for the creation of a Board of Advisors for JETAA USA.

Monica Yuki (Saitama-ken, 2002-04)
Jessyca Livingston (Hokkaido, 2003-06)

James Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94)

Show Links:

Other JETs/JET alumni mentioned in this episode:

  • Paul Yoo (Akita-ken, 2009-2012), Founder of Volunteer Akita and currently living in Ventura, California (working at Patagonia HQ)
  • Ryan Hart (Chiba-ken, 1998-99), former JETAA USA Country Rep, former PNW JETAA President
  • Mark Frey (Kumamoto-ken, 2002-06), former JETAA USA Country Rep, former JETAA Northern California President & Newsletter Editor
  • Cheryl Hou (Toyama-ken, 2005-08), former JETAA USA Country Rep, former PNW JETAA President
  • Shree Junk (Shiga-ken, 2005-07), former JETAA USA Country Rep, former JETAA NY Vice-President
  • Kelly Nixon, former JETAA NY Treasurer
  • Shannan Spisak, former JETAA USA Country Rep, former JETAANY President
  • Shannon Quinn, former JETAA USA Country Rep, former PNW JETAA President
  • Grant Minagawa, JETAA Southern California Social Chair
  • Lisa Gappa-Norris (MEF Gunma-ken, 1982-83)

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at jetwit@jetwit.com

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  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET

Feb 14

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From JETwit Media, it’s the 6th episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast!

Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-17) joins Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) to talk about the many hats he wears in the JETAA-sphere–from AJET to JETwit to JETAANY to JETAA International–and his passion for helping JETs find work opportunities and connect with each other and helping the JET alum community continue to grow stronger.

JETWit.com
JETAANY Discussion Forums | JETAANY.org
Official Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association (JETAA) - Home |  Facebook
JET Alumni Association of New York (JETAANY) - Home | Facebook

Show Links:

Other JETs/JET alumni mentioned in this episode:

About the JETAA-sphere Co-Hosts:

  • Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) is the founder of JETwit.com, a member of the JETAA USA Board of Advisors, and a long-time active member of JETAA New York and now JETAA DC.
  • Joe Moore (Saga-ken, 2010-13) is a member of the Board of Directors for both JETAA Southern California and JETAA New York and a former Co-President of JETAA Southern California. 
  • Zach Piper (Kochi-ken, 2001-04) is a member of the Board of Directors for JETAA New York and a long-time active member of JETAA New York.
  • Note: All three of them have full-time jobs outside of this. This isn’t how they make a living or put food on the table.

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at stevenwaseda@gmail.com

*********

  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET

Feb 11
JETAA Rocky Mountain Chapter

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From JETwit Media, it’s the 5th episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast!

Former JETAA Rocky Mountain chapter president Adam Lisbon (Kobe-shi, 2004-07) joins Zach Piper (Kochi-ken, 2001-04) and Steven Horowitz(Aichi-ken, 1992-94) to talk about JETAA Rocky Mountain, his work as Japanese & Korean Studies Librarian at the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado’s Japanese-American history, and JET days of yore.

Show Links:

About the JETAA-sphere Co-Hosts:

  • Steven Horowitz is the founder of JETwit.com, a member of the JETAA USA Board of Advisors, and a long-time active member of JETAA New York and now JETAA DC.
  • Joe Moore is a member of the Board of Directors for both JETAA Southern California and JETAA New York and a former Co-President of JETAA Southern California. 
  • Zach Piper is a member of the Board of Directors for JETAA New York and a long-time active member of JETAA New York.
  • Note: All three of them have full-time jobs outside of this. This isn’t how they make a living or put food on the table.

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at jetwit@jetwit.com

*********

  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET

Feb 4

The JETAA-sphere Podcast: Ep 3, Part 1 – Matt Gillam (CLAIR) and Bahia Simons-Lane (USJETAA)

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2019 Japan-Texas Leadership Symposium in San Antonio, TX ...
Matt Gillam, looking serious but probably cracking a self-deprecating joke

From JETwit Media, it’s the 3rd episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast!

Matthew Gillam of CLAIR NY (aka the Japan Local Government Center) and Bahia Simons-Lane (Gunma-ken, 2005-07), Director of USJETAA join Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) and Joe Moore (Saga-ken, 2010-13) about what CLAIR and USJETAA are, what they do, how they support JETAA USA, and how they each ended up in their current roles. (Don’t worry. It’s more fun than it sounds.)

Episode 12: Interview with Bahia Simons-Lane (Numata-shi ...
Bahia Simons-Lane in her JET days!

The JETAA-sphere Podcast is (finally) available on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, and anywhere else you might download podcasts from.

To listen to other podcasts by JETs and JET alumni, check out the JETAA Podcast Roundup by  Scot Maupin (Hokkaido, 2005-09).

Show Links:

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at jetwit@jetwit.com

*********

  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET

Jan 14

Posted by: Doug Tassin (Fukushima-Ken ALT, 2007-2010 & Krewe of Japan Podcast Co-Host)

Last week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast

The whole Krewe sits down with famous comedian and Youtuber (and former JET Program participant in Oita Prefecture), Dogen! In Part 1, Dogen shares his background including how he became interested in Japan and its culture, his background in martial arts tricking, early attempts at learning Japanese, his path to writing comedy in Japanese, and so much more.

This week…

Nigel, Jenn, & Doug conclude their awesome discussion with comedian and Youtuber, Dogen! In Part 2, the Krewe joins Dogen as they embark on a deep dive into learning Japanese. This discussion takes them to many places from discovering the meaning of pitch accent and how to study effectively, to setting appropriate goals and hilarious language learning stories. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!


Oct 22

Celebration of JET Alumni – October 28

October 28 at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
Japan time: October 29 at 9 AM JT

Register free to get the access link:
https://usjetaa.wildapricot.org/event-4528144

In the lead up to next year’s 35th anniversary of the JET Program, join USJETAA for a creative program celebrating JET through the success of the alumni. Highlighting the contributions of JETs to the U.S.-Japan community, this variety show brings together the diverse community of JET alumni with snapshots into their experiences with arts, culture, research, and more!



Jun 18

Episode 8 of the USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast an interview with Scott Alprin (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-95) of Alprin Law Office, P.C. Scott is trademark and intellectual property attorney who speaks Japanese and works with many international clients. He discusses his career path and shares insights on law and practicing as an IP attorney.

JET alum Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94), in collaboration with Daniel Edelson of USLawEssentials.com, recently launched “USLawEssentials: Law & Language,” a legal English podcast intended for foreign lawyers, law students, and LLM students as well as other non-native English speakers who want an enjoyable way to improve their legal English. The podcast episodes cover a variety of topics including legal news events and discussions of recent cases as well as interviews with multilingual lawyers. The discussions use accessible language with helpful explanations along the way.


Jun 11

Posted by: Doug Tassin (Fukushima-Ken ALT, 2007-2010 & Krewe of Japan Podcast Co-Host)

This week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast

JET Program acceptance letters have gone out & short-listers are on the edge of their seats waiting to find out their placements. Nigel, Jennifer, & Doug talk about the months-long emotional roller coaster of preparing to relocate to a new country (for JET or any program). Departing JETAA Mid-South President Megan DeVille stops by to talk about her pre-departure JET experiences, from interviews to arriving at a tiny regional airport in Aomori Prefecture. She also talks about life after JET and how to keep Japan in your life despite returning to your home country.

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!


Jun 10

6/18/20 Free webinar about online opportunities

Minasan, I hope you are staying safe and healthy during these strange and uncertain times. My heart goes out to all the injustice that is happening in the world, and hope that the world can unite to stamp out hate.

Today I wanted to invite you to a free webinar that I will be doing in Japanese about online opportunities on June 18 (Thur) 6 PM EST.

Many people ask me what they can do to find work during these uncertain times. These people had internships or jobs ready to go in Japan or their country, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused cancellations, layoffs and furloughs. 

My answer: think outside the box. There are many opportunities that exist, you just have to FIND them. Although they may not appear perfect, it is *something* you can do to keep moving forward. Action = momentum!

Learn more about the various freelancing and online opportunities during my free webinar, whether it’s part-time, full-time or project-based.

Please note, though, that I will be doing this in Japanese… To be honest, I’m a little nervous that I will sound like a child, but I am ready because this is a topic that I am comfortable discussing. If you want to see me present in my foreign language so that you can realize nobody is “fluent” – please join!! It might give you the confidence that your nihongo is actually quite good. If I can do it, ANYONE can do it!

Free webinar date/time: June 18 (Thurs) 6 PM EST

If you’re interested, please contact me for the link!

Guest blog post by Kasia Lynch, Founder of Ikigai Connections, who supports job-seekers with her blog, job board and online training programs. Although not a former JET, she’s a big supporter of the Great Lakes JETAA and previously lived in Shiga-ken, Kobe, Kyoto, Saitama-ken and Tokyo (total 8 years).


Apr 29

Post-JET Jobs: Using Your Bilingual/Bicultural Skills

Guest blog post by Kasia Lynch, Founder of Ikigai Connections, who supports job-seekers with her blog, job board and online training programs. Although not a former JET, she’s a big supporter of the Great Lakes JETAA and previously lived in Shiga-ken, Kobe, Kyoto, Saitama-ken and Tokyo (total 8 years). She also studied on the same KCJS program in Kyoto with WITLife’s Stacy Smith back in 1998-1999.

I’ve often met JET alumni who have come back from the most incredible time of their life in Japan and struggle with their next career steps.

Here are the top 4 things I hear about this struggle:

  1. What can I possibly do with the experience I gained while on the JET Program? 
  2. I’ve had such a life-changing time in Japan, and I’m super confused about what I want to do. 
  3. I’ve been gone so long in Japan that I don’t know how to find a job in <country>.
  4. I’m “behind” in the job search and/or no one is hiring.

I will answer each of these struggles and provide my top tips on job searching regardless of where you are at in your journey.

Read More
Feb 11

JET Program Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Kushner

Earlier this month, JET alum Jonathan Kushner was featured on the website of Connect, an online monthly dedicated to the JET Program and English-speaking community in Japan. Mr. Kushner talks about his experiences on JET and how they helped launch his post-JET career.

Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Kushner


Dec 23

Connect: The Unexpected Path of Life After JET

Lillian Hanako Rowlatt, a former JET (ALT, Niigata-ken, 2003-05) wrote an article for this month’s issue of Connect (an online monthly dedicated to the JET Program and expat community in Japan) about how her JET experience helped launched her career delivering Japanese food across the world.


Nov 27

SurviveInJapan: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Work in Japan

Thomas Chang has lived and worked in Japan since 2015 and is the publisher of the Survive in Japan blog. Thomas came to Japan as an ALT and eventually became a software engineer in Tokyo. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring Tokyo’s many cafes and enjoys drinking a nice cup of coffee early in the weekends.

Japan is one of the most popular destinations, both for tourism and for living. Japan’s anime, food, and technology are enjoyed all over the world and it sparks people’s interest in the country. Japan is also a good place to live, with convenience stores everywhere and very low crime rates. If you’ve ever thought about getting a job and living in Japan, now is the perfect time to do so. This article will show you what makes now the best time to look for a job and what kind of jobs are best for foreigners. 

Japan’s Shrinking Population

One of the biggest reasons why now is the perfect time to move to Japan is the shrinking population. There are far fewer Japanese babies being born today than before the 1970s, resulting in an imbalance of young and old people. In fact, half the population in Japan is over 46 years old. This is causing an economic crisis since there are not enough people working to support the older generation. 

In order to fill this gap, Japan has no choice but to open more doors for foreigners to work and live in the country. As a result, there are more and more job openings available to foreigners every year. 

Japan’s Traditional Work Culture

Japan has a work culture that’s different from the rest of the world and it starts from the hiring process. Instead of hiring one by one when needed, most companies follow a process called shuushoku katsudou where they mass hire new graduates every year. The shuushoku katsudou period would be considered one of the most critical times of your life because, in that year, you would have to choose a company that you would work for for the rest of your life. 

It sounds crazy but the reason is that switching jobs was often looked down upon by society and it was extremely hard to find a company that would hire somebody that has quit their previous job. In fact, this was so extreme that suicide became the number 1 cause of death in Japan for men ages 20-44. 

With times changing and the shrinking population crisis, Japan’s work culture is changing little by little. Shuushoku katsudou is still around but working conditions are improving and more people are able to switch jobs, which means that foreigners can also find jobs.

Opportunities for Foreigners in Japan

English Teacher

This is the most well-known method to start working in Japan. With Japan’s plans to increase English education, there are more and more English teaching jobs available than before …

Click here to read the full post at surviveinjapan.com


Sep 17

Life After JET: Podcast interview with Stephen Horowitz, Director of Legal English Programs

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Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94) is the founder of JETwit, a member of the JETAA USA Board of Advisors, and Director of Legal English Programs at St. John’s University School of Law in Queens, NYC, “the most ethnically diverse urban place on the planet.” He also writes for the St. John’s Legal English Blog.

I was recently interviewed for a podcast episode by Louise Kulbicki, founder of StudyLegalEnglish.com, about the legal English work I do at St. John’s Law School with the LLM students and other non-native English speaking students there. Since my experience on JET teaching English and learning to function well in a cross-cultural environment has been core to my current career, and since JETs often want to know what people do after JET, I thought I’d share the interview here in case of interest.

Here’s a link to the podcast episode titled “LL.M. Legal Writing Tips with Stephen Horowitz

Topics covered:

  • Legal English LLM programmes for non-native speakers
  • Legal English writing challenges and tips
  • Using IRAC – Issue, Rule, Application, and Conclusion
  • Understanding categorization
  • Legal English resources

And here’s the video version of the podcast:

To learn more about what I do, or if you’re interested in getting into the field of legal English, you can read more at the St. John’s Legal English Blog. Feel free to contact me as well. (Did I mention I’m fortunate to work with two other JET alums at St. John’s Law School?)


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