In a rather brilliantly creative move, James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06), author of the acclaimed young adult novel The Order of Odd-Fish, has developed a classroom guide for the novel which is intended to be used by school teachers in class with their students.

In James’ own words:

Some schools have put The Order of Odd-Fish on their reading lists. That’s great!

So I’ve put together a classroom guide for Odd-Fish. It’s 44 pages of discussion questions, lesson plans, and projects. It also features Odd-Fish fan art by enthusiastic readers—art that was featured in our Odd-Fish gallery show in Chicago in April 2010.

This curriculum does the strangeness of the book justice, I think. Aside from the chapter-by-chapter worksheets, there are also activities such as inventing your own Odd-Fish specialty, writing your own articles for the Eldritch Snitch, researching Japanese rituals that inspired the Odd-Fish festivals, baking avant-garde pies, creating urk-ack music, and inventing one’s own Eldritch City mythologies.

It’s also gateway to other fields of study. The knights of the Odd-Fish are, after all, scholars as well as warriors. This curriculum touches on topics as disparate as cockroach anatomy, Shinto and Hindu mythology, the KGB, Wikipedia, foppery, real-life historical eccentrics, and more.

Download the guide for free here. And of course, I always enjoy visiting schools, either in person or by Skype.

Go pester your teachers now! I’m doing this for you, people!

And in JetWit’s opinion, while the novel is in the young adult category, it’s also one of the funniest books you’ll ever read as an adult.  To read more JetWit posts about James, click here.  And watch the below video to see James doing an extremely dramatic reading from the book at last year’s JET Alumni Author Showcase in New York:

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via the Golf Channel

Title: Freelance English>Japanese Translator (work from home)

Reports to: Director of International Operations Japan

Overview: Freelance translator will create a typed Japanese translation script of Golf Channel’s English language programming. Translation scripts must be broadcast quality in a ready-to-read format for Japanese voice talent.

Job Responsibilities:

• Translate all programming material from English to Japanese
• Type Japanese translations with time code in Microsoft Word
• Proofread and e-mail voice over-ready Japanese translation scripts

Minimum Requirements:

• Native Japanese ability (Tokyo Standard, reading, writing, speaking)
• Near-native English (reading, writing, speaking)
• English to Japanese translation experience; broadcast translation experience preferred
• Excellent knowledge of the game of golf and its vernacular
• Experience with Japanese OS and word processing (Microsoft)
• Ability to work with tight deadlines
• Weekly commitment preferred

Qualified candidates should apply directly to Debra Conrad at dconrad@golfchannel.com

WITLife 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.

Yesterday’s NYT had an article about the rise of Japan’s very own Tea Party.  It profiles the rise of the Zaitokukai, or the Citizens Group That Will Not Forgive Special Privileges for Koreans in Japan.  In comparison to old-line rightist groups this movement is known as the Net right, as they are organized via the Internet and come together for demonstrations.  The article focused on their protest last December at an elementary school for ethnic Koreans.  This year they also picketed theaters showing the documentary The Cove, which they perceive to be anti-Japanese.  The group is led by a 38-year old man who insists that foreigners have caused Japan to go in the wrong direction (members even harassed some Westerners for wearing Halloween costumes!).  The far right writes them off as amateur attention seekers, but nevertheless this is a disturbing trend.

In WSJ coverage this morning, there is discussion of how a majority of Read More

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a college degree in a related area;
• Strong analytical skills; the ability through questioning and informal research to understand the feasibility and implications of submitted proposals;
• Desire to think creatively, explore new ideas, and develop new networks to foster innovative program ideas and funding initiatives;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English;
• Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Understanding of contemporary Japan; experience living in Japan and proficiency in the Japanese language, including translating ability, preferred.

There’s a nice review of JET alum Lars Martinson’s graphic novel Tonoharu:  Part 1 on the BoingBoing site written by Mark Frauenfelder titled “Tonoharu:  Excellent graphic novel about an English teacher in Japan.”  And according to Lars’ blog,

“Thanks to Mark Frauenfelder’s writeup about Tonoharu: Part One on Boing Boing, the book has made it into Amazon.com’s Top Ten Bestselling Graphic Novels today!”

Here’s the link to the review:  http://www.boingboing.net/2010/08/27/tonoharu-excellent-g.html

Here’s a quote from the review:

“Published in 2008, and a winner of the prestigious Xeric Award, Tonoharu is a story of isolation, frustration, and mystery, with just the right amount of black humor to keep it from being depressing.”

For fans awaiting the next installment, Tonoharu:  Part 2 is due out in December.

Via the PNWJETAA Listserv:

Position in Seattle:

Kyodo News has published a more extensive article on the JETAA USA National Conference (“US JET alums rally to save group’s funding from chopping block”) held in New York City August 12-15.  Quotes from JETAA NY President Megan Miller (Hyogo-ken, 2000-02) feature prominently and help make the case for the value of JETAA to Japan while building on existing momentum.  Such as:

“We now have a unified goal and position, which enables us to send a strong and consistent message to the Japanese government and to our local communities that JET and JETAA are not only worthwhile but essential to U.S.-Japan relations.”

Here’s the link to the full article in The Mainichi Daily:  http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/news/20100826p2g00m0fe075000c.html

And here’s a scan of the first page of the original Kyodo article which includes a photo of Megan.  (The Kyodo version is only available via subscription.)

Click here for more JetWit posts about this topic and related media coverage.

Maynard Plant (Aomori-ken, 1997-2000) is the founder of the well-known Japan-based band Monkey Majik (www.monkeymajik.com), which consists of two Canadian members (Maynard and his brother Blaise) and two Japanese members-tax and DICK.

For more information you can check out their:

• Website: www.monkeymajik.com
• Wikipedia entry (where you’ll learn about the origins of the band as well as how Maynard is fluent in Aomori-ben):  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_Majik
• Embassy of Japan in Canada press release: “Goodwill Ambassadors, Monkey Majik, arrive in Ottawa to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Japan-Canada Diplomatic Relations”

Here is their song Change with the Yoshida Brothers (a video all JET alums will appreciate):

Do you know of any notable JET alums?  Let us know at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.

From Mauric Maloney, President of JETAA DC:

We’d like to thank those members who responded to our earlier call for volunteers for the JET Ambassadors Program. This is a second call for volunteers before we begin our orientation and school visits in the fall.

The JET Ambassadors program wishes to establish a network of volunteers who can visit local schools and discuss their experiences in Japan through photos, videos, games, and other props.

The main focus of these presentations will be life at a Japanese school, but they will vary from person to person.

The goal is to begin presentations in the Fall of 2010 and include all interested schools in the JETAADC area, including the Baltimore Region, Annapolis and the Eastern Shore, Richmond and other points South, and even West Virginia. So regardless of your distance from D.C., please respond if you are interested.

Each presenter will receive be reimbursed for his or her time and travel.

If you are interested, please respond to this e-mail with the following information.

Name:
Current Location:
Preferred E-mail address:
Phone:
Years on JET:
Prefecture:
Grade Levels Taught in Japan:
Current Profession:
Access to Metro/Public Transport:
Access to Car:

There will be an orientation on September 14 at the Embassy of Japan. More details will follow. Please respond by Friday August 27 if you are interested. If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Maurice Maloney
President, JETAADC
president.dc@jetalumni.org

PS – If you know of or work at a school that might be interested in receiving visitors, please let us know with the name of the school, its location, and the best person to contact.

Thanks to JET alum Sacha Battrick (currently working at CLAIR-Tokyo) for sharing this:

Barefoot Ted (aka Ted McDonald), a JET from 93-96, has established himself as one of the leading proponents of barefoot running.  He’s also has a company that makes sandals based on models originally developed by indigenous peoples. He gave a Google talk about barefoot running back in March for the Authors@Google series.

More info about Ted at his blog:  www.barefootted.com

Do you know of any notable JET alums?  Let us know at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.

Update 8/25/10: Kyodo has put out an English version of the article.  Here are links:

• http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100817a8.html
• http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/us-alumni-call-for-continuation-of-jet-program

Kyodo News Service ran an article in Japanese on the JETAA USA National Conference dated August 16 that was carried by a number of Japanese local newspapers.  The article resulted from the JETAA press release issued at the end of the Conference.  Below is the list of the papers.  Thanks to Noriko Furuhata of the Consulate General of Japan in New York for sharing the information.  (BTW, if anyone wants to write up an English summary of the article in the comments section of this post, that would be greatly appreciated.):

1. 徳島新聞　Tokushima Shimbun http://www.topics.or.jp/worldNews/worldTopics/2010/08/2010081601000165.html
2. 京都新聞　Kyoto Shimbun http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/politics/article/20100816000030
3. 千葉トピ　Chiba Nippo http://www.chibanippo.co.jp/news/world/entertaiment_kiji.php?i=nesp1281924322
4. 山形新聞 Yamagata Shimbun http://yamagata-np.jp/news_core/index_pr.php?kate=Lifestyle_Human_Interest&no=2010081601000165&keyword=%A5%B8%A5%A7%A5%A4%A5%BD%A5%F3
5. 新潟日報 Niigata Nippo https://www.niigata-nippo.co.jp/world/lifestyle/2010081601000165.html
6. 大分合同新聞 Oita Godo Shimbun http://www.oita-press.co.jp/worldTopics/2010/08/2010081601000165.html
7. 山陽新聞 Sanyo Shimbun http://www.sanyo.oni.co.jp/news_k/news/d/2010081601000165/
8. 河北新報 Kahoku Shimpo http://www.kahoku.co.jp/news/2010/08/2010081601000165.htm
9. 西日本新聞 Nishi Nippon Shimbun http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nnp/item/191143
10. 山陰中央新報 Sanin Chuo Shinpo http://www.sanin-chuo.co.jp/newspack/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1059682016
11. 北國・富山新聞 Hokkoku Toyama Shimbun http://www.hokkoku.co.jp/newspack/09kurasi2010081601000165.html
12. 高知新聞 Kochi Shimbun http://203.139.202.230/?&nwSrl=224803&nwVt=npd
13. 中日新聞 Chunichi Shimbun http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
14. 神戸新聞 Kobe Shimbun http://www.kobe-np.co.jp/knews/0003323442.shtml
15. 下野新聞 Shimotsuke Shimbun http://www.shimotsuke.co.jp/news/domestic/life/news/20100816/367829
16. 岩手日報 Iwate Nippo http://www.iwate-np.co.jp/newspack/cgi-bin/newspack_s.cgi?s_lifestyle_l+CN2010081601000165_1
17. 静岡新聞 Shizuoka Shimbun http://www.shizushin.com/news/culture/topix/2010081601000165
18. 大阪日々新聞 Osaka Nichinichi Shimbun https://www.nnn.co.jp/dainichi/knews/100816/20100816024.html
19. 中国新聞 Chugoku Shimbun http://www.chugoku-np.co.jp/News/Sp201008160110.html
20. 佐賀新聞 Saga Shimbun http://www.saga-s.co.jp/news/global/corenews.0.1706307.article.html
21. 熊本日報 Kumamoto Nippo http://kumanichi.com/news/kyodo/life/201008/20100816004.shtml

A few more links to the article that ran in major Japanese publications online:

1. http://sankei.jp.msn.com/world/america/100816/amr1008161052004-n1.htm
2. http://www.47news.jp/CN/201008/CN2010081601000165.html
3. http://www.nikkei.com/news/latest/article/g=96958A9C9381959FE3E4E2E3E38DE3E4
4. http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/country/article/20100816000030
5. http://www.nagasaki-np.co.jp/f24/CN20100816/li2010081601000165.shtml
6. http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
7. http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html

Also, below is a scan of an article in the Tokyo Shimbun that was written by one of their reporters who actually attended the Conference and has quotes from some of the JETAA chapter representatives with whom he spoke:

WITLife 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.

Two interesting Japan articles in today’s Wall Street Journal.  The first on the cover page talks about the sumo club at Tokyo University, and how those previously not associated with the sport, such as smaller size wrestlers and foreigners, are now making a splash.  The second in the opinion section discusses the recent news that China has replaced Japan as the world’s second largest economy (and is set to surpass America in the near future).  Happy reading!

According to a letter published in the Japan Times by a Nara-based Japanese teacher of English, high schools will be required to teach English class in English.  And she doesn’t think the schools will be ready.

Here’s an excerpt:

Beginning in 2013, high school English classes are to be taught in English. New guidelines from the education ministry also state that English grammar should no longer be taught as a whole subject but instead incorporated with expressions and vocabulary of the new textbook “English Communication I-III.”

Here’s the link to the full letter:  http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/rc20100812a6.html

JETAA NY Webmaster and tech/social media guru Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06) got the ball rolling with a video series called “Because of JET…..“ in which he uploaded short video clips of JET alumni sharing some good things that they experienced and witnessed as a result of participating in JET.  The first few videos were taken at the JETAA National Conference this past weekend in New York.

Here’s the link to see all the videos so far:  http://becauseofjet.tumblr.com/

• Send your own video testimonial to webmaster@jetaany.org to have it included and let people know about some of the positive effects of JET that they might not otherwise be aware of.
• If you can say your piece in Japanese that would be particularly helpful, according to Matt Gillam of CLAIR NY.
• Additionally, you can post your own “Because of JET…” testimony in written form by posting in the comments section here or in this other post on JetWit:  http://jetwit.com/wordpress/2010/07/04/jet-roi-because-of-jet/
• Written testimony in Japanese is also potentially very helpful.

Here’s one of the videos:

WITLife 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 am back in Honolulu, so of course I had to visit my favorite mochi stand, Kansai Yamato.  Every time I go I end up discovering something new, and this time it was the two plump manju pictured on the right.  The purple one was sweet potato flavored with this paste in the middle.  The white manju was of the standard kind, filled with red bean.  Both were quite substantial snacks, big and filling so the two-pack is likely meant for sharing.  As manju, I found them Read More

Via the JETAA and non-JETAA JET alumni LinkedIn group:

A Japanese company in London is looking for someone to join their team to look after Economic and Political Research. This is an ongoing temp position for one year.

Main responsibilities:

• Provide research services, including analytical reports on topical issues and statistical data spreadsheets on the UK economy.
• Check daily newspapers and keep abreast of all other information sources.
• Conduct interviews with academics and business people in order to assess UK and global economic conditions.
• Take initiative to develop and build upon existing contacts with government, academia and business to assist the company in the future.

Essential Skills:

• Sound knowledge of current affairs.
• The ability to produce comprehensive analytical reports on economic, business and political issues at short notice.
• The confidence and enthusiasm to be able to speak intelligently about the current economic situation in the UK.
• Good interview technique and report writing skills.
• A good command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to use Excel spreadsheets to compile statistical data.
• Degree in Economics or similar equivalent.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge/experience of Japanese business practices.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have good computer skills, are able to work confidently without supervision and who also enjoy being a member of a team.

For more details, please email your CV to anouska@perfect.eu.com
For this role, unfortunately, we can only accept applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

A central NJ global manufacturing company is searching for a candidate to fill a newly created position in their new manufacturing facility in central NJ.

MUST be able to Read, Write and Speak Fluent Japanese

 Description
-Must have experience in the manufacturing industry purchasing raw materials
-Must be able to negotiate best price with various vendors
-Must be able to locate new vendors if necessary
-Must be able to work with other departments such as production and sales
-Must be able to ensure materials are available for current and new production orders
-Should be able to evaluate various MRP systems and make appropriate suggestions

Requirements:
-Must speak fluent Japanese
-5-7 Years of experience as a Purchasing Manager
- Must have experience within the manufacturing industry

Compensation: $55,000–$65,000

For more information about the position and to apply, contact Jerry Mosseri of Stand Out Staffing and Resumes.
Email: jmosseri@standoutstaffing.com
Phone: 732-377-8873

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) State Secretary Mr. Koichi Takemasa recently met with a group of JET alumni in New York to learn first hand about JET and the JET Alumni Association.  Following the meeting, State Secretary Takemasa posted comments regarding the meeting on both the MoFA website as well as on his own blog.  Below is a translation of key comments from the posts. (Special thanks to Kumi Mastsumoto of the Consulate for her help in obtaining the translations):

1.  MOFA Website Comments

From the official report of State Secretary Takemasa’s visit to the United States on MoFA’s website.  (Full link here:  http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/annai/honsho/fuku/takemasa/usa_10/gaiyo.html):

2. (6) 日米人物・文化交流
特にこれまでのJET出身者が米国内で対日理解や日米交流の発展に果たしている役割について積極的な評価を共有。

English translation of the last sentence of Section 2, Paragraph (6): “We both positively recognized that JET returners have contributed to promoting understanding of Japan in the US and fostering people to people exchange between the two countries.”

2.  Personal Blog of Koichi Takemasa

Here is what Secretary of State Takemasa wrote about his meeting with JETAA members on his personal blog (link to post:  http://takemasa.asablo.jp/blog/2010/07/17/5237531):

その後、JETの経験者で作られるJETAAのNY支部の皆さんと意見交換。 JET通じて得たもの、帰国後それを伝えていること、また、新しいJETメンバーの選考や送り出しに協力をしていること。そして、事業仕分けで総務所所管のクレアが対象になったことで、JET制度そのものの存続に危機感を持っていること、などを聞く。

“I had a meeting with the members of JET Alumni Association in New York .  There, I heard comments about how much they learned from the JET experience, how they have been sharing their experience to others after they came back and how they have been cooperating in the screening and training process of the new JETs.  Referring to the fact CLAIR (JLGC) under Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications was put on the chopping block, they showed their strong concern in the future of JET program.”

Andrew R. McCarthy (Akita-ken, 2005-08) is a law student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law focusing on international trade, business, and tax.  He currently runs the blog JETs with J.D.s, an information source for current JET alumni law students and prospective law students for career paths and approaches within the current legal market.  For those considering law school and trying to comprehend the costs and the risks of such an endeavor, he also recommends The Law School Tuition Bubble.

You may not have to channel Miss Cleo to get legal employment these days.  But, in addition to the healthy dose of luck you’ll need, the legal career services world has created a brand new buzzword concept through which all prospective employees can be vetted: emotional intelligence. What is emotional intelligence, you ask?  Emotional intelligence, or as those trying to sound more professional than they really are might call it, “EI,” is the demonstrated ability to show, and practice, professional competence by providing good answers to hypothetical questions and connecting with interviewers. The idea behind the concept is that you are being hired not just for your legal acumen and ability to detect italicized commas in a document of hundreds of pages — you’re being hired to develop and maintain clients. What does this all boil down to? What help, if any, does a JET background provide? Is law school even conducive to developing “emotional intelligence?”

All those answers (or at least educated guesses) are right here.

WITLife 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.

Last Friday wrapped up Japan Cuts, the two-week, 25-film festival at Japan Society.  Thanks to JS’s wonderful volunteering system I was able to see nine of the films at the festival itself, and another two in the comfort of my home.  The final night wrapped up the event with the two movies About Her Brother and Sweet Little Lies.  I was really looking forward to the latter, but I found the pacing slow and the movie’s story less stimulating than I thought it would be.

About Her Brother is one of those ubiquitous sentimental Japanese movies, but it wasn’t too heavy on the sappiness.  Tsurube Shofukutei plays Read More

Andrew R. McCarthy (Akita-ken, 2005-08) is a law student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law focusing on international trade, business, and tax.  He currently runs the blog JETs with J.D.s, an information source for current JET alumni law students and prospective law students for career paths and approaches within the current legal market.  For those considering law school and trying to comprehend the costs and the risks of such an endeavor, he also recommends The Law School Tuition Bubble.

Former JETs naturally have a little bit of adventurer in them.  Unfortunately, the sedentary life of the law student spells disappointment for those of accustomed to a more active life.  This isn’t to say going out and enjoying life doesn’t happen in law school.  But if you like inordinate amounts of time reading and editing italicized commas, however, you’re in for a real treat.

Fortunately, life after law school doesn’t necessarily have to be like that — and if you still have that glimmer of a sense of adventure and the desire to live in not-so-often traveled parts of the world, a judicial clerkship in on of America’s international territories might be what you’re after.

To read information regarding clerkships available in Palau, click here.

For those interested in American Samoa, here.

For those interested in clerking for the Northern Mariana Islands, information is available here.

Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) follows up on JETAA Chapter Beat with a report from the Experience Enkai put on by JETAA Hawaii.

Sashi-bashi, hotoke-bashi, hashi-watashi…these were just some of the chopsticks taboos learned at the annual Experience Enkai at Natsunoya Tea House on Friday, July 9, 2010 from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. Seventeen JET alumni graciously imparted their Japanese etiquette wisdom on the ten new JETs who attended the event. JETAA officers began the program with having everyone pick numbers for their seating arrangements (in Japanese enkai style), followed by an overview of enkai etiquette and a beer-pouring demonstration. Everyone then practiced the art of beer-pouring for one another in time for the kampai by JETAA Hawaii President Kelsey Soma Turek. Then the feast began.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any exciting JETAA events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.

Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91) is a staff writer for The Daily Yomiuri. He usually writes for DYWeekend, the paper’s arts and leisure section. You can follow Tom’s blog at tokyotombaker.wordpress.com. (One recent post is a cautionary tale for anyone thinking of climbing Mt. Fuji.)

Recently he reviewed the manga “Neko Ramen” and the new-in-Japan films “The Road,” “The Yellow Handkerchief” and “Repo Men.” Here are some excerpts:

“Neko Ramen”

“It’s the one real maverick cuisine of Japan,” Tokyo ramen shop owner Ivan Orkin told The Daily Yomiuri in an interview last year. Sushi and other cuisines are bound by highly refined conventions, but “ramen is the story of a salaryman whose life sucks and he sells everything and opens a ramen shop…he’s going to do it his own way.”

The manga series Neko Ramen, which made its English-language print debut last month, is about a ramen shop owner named Taisho who almost perfectly embodies the ethos Orkin described.

Taisho isn’t a former salaryman–or a man at all. He’s a cat. But he did buck convention to strike out on his own. His father was a top cat-food advertising model, and it was assumed that Taisho would follow in his glamorous footsteps. Instead, he ran away from home.

Even when he is reduced to living on the street, he never loses his independent spirit. Eventually he discovers his calling as the master of a ramen shop.

Mangaka Kenji Sonishi lives in Sapporo, a city noted for its ramen culture. He has given considerable thought to the most egregious ways a bowl of ramen could go wrong, and he has Taisho stumble into each of them.

Read the rest of the review here.

“The Road”

…We see this world a decade or so into the aftermath [of a global cataclysm] through the eyes of a father and son (Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee) who are slowly traveling south on foot, hoping things will get better somewhere along the way.

It’s a bleak journey, filmed in such genuinely postapocalyptic locales as hurricane-scoured New Orleans and the blasted slopes of Mt. St. Helens.

One of the film’s most desolate images–which can only be appreciated on the big screen–shows a gigantic highway bridge spanning a valley. Seen from below, the bridge cuts a black swath against the murky gray sky. When the man peers over the side of the bridge, the tiny distant speck that is his head is the only thing in the image to show any movement.

The man and the boy’s long walk is a wire-thin plot onto which brief encounters with varied strangers are strung like widely spaced beads.

At the beginning of most such encounters, the boy wants to befriend and help the person, while the man is suspicious. “Why are you following us?” is his angry refrain, even when the person hasn’t been following them. The middle of every encounter is different, but more than one ends with the pair leaving the person behind, the son worrying that the stranger will die and the father remarking, “He was going to die anyway.”

Often the boy needs to ask, “Are we still the good guys?”…

Read the full review here.

“The Yellow Handkerchief”

The Yellow Handkerchief begins almost like a silent movie. The first scene shows a man named Brent (William Hurt) being let out of a prison cell. He hardly says a word, but the other inmates wish him a sincerely friendly farewell. His silence continues outside the walls as he watches other newly released inmates embraced by their waiting families. No one is waiting for him. His face shows that he is resigned, and he sets off down the road on foot, alone.

This tells us a few things about him, and gives us a few things to wonder about.

In the next scene, he is sitting in a small-town diner when he notices a dark-haired teenage girl (Kristen Stewart) outside the window. She walks over to a boy of her own age and speaks to him.

Brent (and we) can’t hear her through the glass, but she stands very close to the boy without looking him in the face, suggesting a mixture of intimacy and shyness. The boy ignores her for a moment and then walks away to smile at a blonde girl who welcomes his attention as if it were her due. The dark-haired girl sees this and heads into the diner with a downcast look, alone.

This tells Brent (and us) a few things about her, and gives us a few things to wonder about.

Read the rest of the review here.

“Repo Men”

The premise of Repo Men is that in the not too distant future, mechanical hearts, livers, kidneys and other organs are so common that they are sold in shopping malls. But they remain so expensive that you have to take out a scarily high-interest loan to get one. And if you miss a few payments, some even scarier repo men (including a pair played by Jude Law and Forest Whitaker) will find you, Tase you, and gruesomely retrieve the property–which is then rinsed off, repackaged and sold to the next sickly dupe.

Theoretically, such a setup could have been used to send an allegorical message about the world’s various debt crises or the U.S. health care debate, but the plot is just a heap of sci-fi action cliches.

First, evil corporations control everything. Second, new technology improves material standards of living, but leaves people shallow and soulless. Third, those who oppose or question the new order are fated to live in refugee camps or slums. Fourth, a hunter becomes the hunted, joins the people he once oppressed and does battle against his former colleagues. Fifth, the ending…

Read the full review here.

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

via Marc Hitzig (Niigata-ken, 1992-1995)

Polaris Project is an internationally recognized organization headquartered in the United States that has been working to combat human trafficking and modern-day slavery since 2002.  Polaris Project has operated a local office in Japan since 2004.  Polaris Project Japan (PPJ) seeks a Program Officer, who will be responsible for a variety of roles in a small office.  The Program Officer will work under the direction of the Japan Program Coordinator.  The position will be based in the Tokyo, Japan office.  The position’s continuance is subject to extended funding, secured currently for one-year.
 
The Program Officer will:
–Support all general programmatic activities including: victim outreach and identification, victim services, policy advocacy, prevention and youth empowerment, coalition and infrastructure- building, office administration, training and technical assistance, fundraising, strategic planning, leadership development, and grassroots community mobilization.
–Support the general administration of the PPJ Office, including a primary role in the training and coordination of volunteers and training materials development, office management, maintenance of timesheets, Salesforce data management, and response to general office inquiries.
–Play a leading role in public communications, including fashioning a public affairs strategy, managing communications materials, social networking efforts, awareness newsletters, and the PPJ website; and importantly helping to produce a quarterly analysis of trafficking trends in Japan.
–Play a leading role in fundraising, including donor development and relationship management; fundraising events and campaign management; pursuit, and management of grants.
–Play a leading role in legislative advocacy and PPJ’s role in the anti-human trafficking coalition, including interaction with the legislative and executive branch of the Japanese government and the dissemination of trafficking trends analysis to all relevant stakeholders.
 
Qualifications:
–At least three to five years of experience, preferably in the non-profit sector
–Minimum three years of professional experience working in Japan
–Knowledge of government agencies in Japan
–Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills in Japanese
–Strong command of both Japanese and English languages
–Experience, competence, and confidence in supervising volunteers
–Experience working in multicultural environments
–Ability to set and balance multiple priorities, plan ahead, and anticipate programmatic needs
–Solutions-oriented, collaborative, self-directed, and self-disciplined
–Resiliently positive and energetic attitude
–Focus on and commitment to human and women’s rights and interest in fighting human trafficking

Degree Preferred: MA; BA required 
Type: Full Time
Salary: $30,000 to $35,000 (DOE) 
Start Date: Available immediately         
Languages Required: English, Japanese    

How to Apply:
PLEASE DO NOT FAX OR MAIL YOUR APPLICATION. All application materials should be sent electronically as attachments to Applications@ polarisproject. org.  Materials should include a custom cover letter, resume, and three references, plus any additional personal statements you may wish to include. The deadline for application is rolling, until a candidate is chosen, so early application is advised. Please write JAPAN Program Officer Position in the subject line of the email.

The July 2010 edition of JapanInfo is now available online:  http://editor.ne16.com/he/vo.aspx?FileID=1eebd4a0-af80-4be3-8945-42739cf4d675&m=1a93644da75eb849a0cfdf023ccba12e&MailID=12891461

JapanInfo is published by the Consulate General of Japan in New York/Japan Information Center and is a great source of info for Japan-related things going on in New York and the surrounding area.

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

via MAX Consulting Group, Inc.

Location: Mid-town, Manhattan NY
Area Industry: Non-Profit Organization
Title: Business Development Associate
Job Description: 1 year long Temporary Assignment

Primary Duties: Discover companies willing to invest in Japan, especially in Service and Environment industry. Attend trade shows and visit potential companies. Follow up and assist those companies willing to develop business in Japan.

Secondary Duties: To assist alliance between Japan and the US in high-tech industry, bring American corporate employees to Japan and vice versa and coordinate business meetings. Assist promoting export business from Japan. Sales experience is preferable but not a must. Proficiency in Japanese is preferable, but not a must. Some business trips.

Please email your resume to info@maxjob.com or call 212-949-6660.

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via JETAA Chicago

Kobe College High School seeks applications for an English teaching position for grades 7-12.

Contract: Two years; term begins April 1, 2011
Salary: 4,691,200 yen
Extras: Furnished Apt (small fee), Travel & Shipping, Expenses and Language Study

Qualifications:
-B.A. degree. Major in English or Education preferred.
-TESOL certification and teaching experience are preferred.
-Speaker of standard American English with strong grammar skills.

Application Deadline: August 7, 2010

Visit www.kccjee.org for a full job description or e-mail kccjee@comcast. net with questions. To view Kobe College’s website, go to: www.kobe-c.ac.jp

To Apply: Send a letter of application and a resume to:
KCC Japan Education Exchange
2100 Sanders Road, Suite #190
Northbrook, IL 60062
Fax: 847-715-9860Email: kccjee@comcast. net (no on-line links)
*Please include your email address in the correspondence.

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via Tokyo Broadcasting System

The New York News Bureau of Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) is seeking an energetic, professional individual to fill an Associate TV News Producer position.

TBS is one of the oldest and largest television and radio broadcasting networks in Japan and broadcasts nationally via 28 affiliate stations. The New York Bureau covers news primarily in the United States for broadcast in Japan.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
- Assist News Correspondents with daily news coverage and long term news projects.
- Research for news stories, set up interviews, and coordinate schedules.
- Assist with on-site news production and in-house recording, logging and editing of video feeds.
- Compile and prioritize information on daily, weekly, and long-range news events in coverage area.
- Monitor U.S. domestic news sources for information of interest to Japanese audience.

Japanese language ability a plus, but not required.
Strong interest in journalism, economic, political and social news preferred.
Available to travel and work extra hours and occasional weekends and holidays.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Payment: Entry level position with full time and overtime payment.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to newsjob@tbsi-us.com. No telephone calls, please.

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via Caroline Hasegawa (JET Program Alum)

The Associate Director for Administration will engage in executing programs and overseeing day-to-day activities of the Center on Japanese Economy and Business. The employee will report to directly to the Director for Administration as well as work collaboratively with faculty directors and other officers of the Center.

Key Job Responsibilities:
1. Thoroughly understand and carry out the Center’s mission by working closely with the Director for Administration to execute and oversee day-to-day administrative activities of the Center. Help Director in assigning tasks and monitoring performance of program staff.
2. Coordinate production of Center events. Maintain and monitor the quality and content of the Visiting Fellows Program.
3. Work with Center’s Academic and Administrative Directors to find opportunities for engaging CBS faculty in research related to Japan.
4. Lead efforts to update, improve and maintain the Center’s website, reports, email campaigns and other public relations outreach materials; liaise with the Business School Marketing and Communications office on key PR efforts
5. Assist the Director in conceptualizing and executing a variety of academic and outreach activities, including programs for students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals.
6. Assist Director with creating Center marketing and fundraising materials.
7. Play a lead role in managing the Center’s new program, entitled “New Financial Architectures: Japan and the US.”

A full description of the job and its requirement can be found at: https://jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1278599679364.

Andrew R. McCarthy (Akita-ken, 2005-08) is a law student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law focusing on international trade, business, and tax.  He currently runs the blog JETs with J.D.s, an information source for current JET alumni law students and prospective law students for career paths and approaches within the current legal market.  For those considering law school and trying to comprehend the costs and the risks of such an endeavor, he also recommends The Law School Tuition Bubble.

Perhaps it’s the fact that the influence one JET participant has in one town is difficult to quantify.  Perhaps it’s the lack of a clearly defined job description.  Perhaps it’s simply that the “soft hands” approach  a Board of Education must take to the internationalization and exchange portion of JET makes it impractical for that same employer to critique and provide feedback on the English education portion.  Regardless of the reason, it is incredibly easy and natural to belittle the JET Programme for what appears to be, on paper, a lackluster development of English ability in Japanese schools since 1987.

It’s particularly easy for the CIRs, SEAs, and ALTs themselves to do the belittling.  When I had a Japanese English teacher delegate me as human tape recorder, it was easy to lament that “I had no impact.”  When I found myself singing Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes in front of a bunch of over-enthused six-year olds, I certainly questioned whether my college education was worth it.   At some of the more difficult moments of my JET tenure, I remember thinking that no matter what I did, I wouldn’t be remembered.  I’d be just another foreign dude who arrived in town, hung out for a few years, and abruptly left as summer once again turned to autumn.  I figured I would just disappear into the fog of my townsfolks’ minds, nothing more than an occasional afterthought for locals between glasses of winter shochu.

Those doubts have not come to fruition.  What’s more, there was plenty of evidence, even while I was still in Japan, that they would not.

I was the seventh ALT to live in my town.  I didn’t know that when I arrived, but Read More

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JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a new category on JetWit intended to highlight the various economic, diplomatic and other benefits to Japan resulting from its investment in the JET Program.  Why is this important right now?  Because the JET Program and JET Alumni Association may be cut by the Japanese government, as explained in this post by Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) titled “JET Program on the Chopping Block.”

We want your “outreach” stories!

Have you given back to your town or prefecture in some way?  Have you helped spread Japanese culture through activities in your own country?  Have you inspired former students in interesting ways?

We know there are tons of stories and examples out there that have yet to be documented (or gathered in one place).  We need these now to help demonstrate some of the ways that JET and JETAA have provided return on Japan’s investment.

Please share your story in the comments section below (or email it to jetwit@jetwit.com).

Yoroshiku!

Via hyogojets yahoo group:

InsideJapan Tours, an independent travel specialist based in the UK, is currently recruiting for a new travel consultant. This company has a number of ex-JETs among their staff. Applications are now being accepted (closing date late July), and the job will start in September.  The position available is for a Full Time Japan Travel Consultant based at the UK Office in Bristol. InsideJapan Tours is looking for someone who has experienced living and working in Japan and wants to share their passion for the country with others.

Unfortunately, no work visa sponsorship available. Details at:

http://www.insidejapantours.com/jobs/

Via the JETAAJOB listserv:

NOTE: Candidates residing outside the Greater Columbus, OH need not apply.

Job Summary:

Reporting directly to the Center Director, the Academic Director is responsible for all operations concerning the academic program. Specifically, the Academic Director is responsible for the hiring, training, development and dismissal of instructional staff; the development and implementation of the curriculum; the testing, placement and evaluation of students; and the scheduling of classes. In the absence of the Center Director, the Academic Director is responsible for the operation of the Language Center.

**REQUIREMENTS**

Read More

By JQ Magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.

Say what you will about former hot dog eating champ Takeru Kobayashi, he’s no chicken.

The six-time winner of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest was busted at the 95th edition of the annual event Sunday after attempting to storm the stage following the fourth win in a row by his American archrival Joey Chestnut. In an AP video, the Japan-born Kobayashi, clad in a “Free Kobi” T-shirt, is dragged away and handcuffed by multiple NYPD officers to the shouts in the crowd of “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” while his interpreter Maggie James, wearing the same T-shirt, says frantically, “They weren’t giving him his freedom. It was unfair.”

As reported yesterday, Kobayashi officially blogged his intent to drop out of the competition after reaching an impasse over an exclusivity contract with Major League Eating, the sanctioning body of the Nathan’s event and other food-related contests. Public opinion Kobayashi, nicknamed “The Tsunami,” was divided between his announcement and the event, with some dubbing him a sore loser and coward (he had previously groused over an arthritic jaw before losing to Chestnut for the first time in 2007), and others applauding his decision to remain a free agent.

Read the full article here.

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JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a new category on JetWit intended to highlight the various economic, diplomatic and other benefits to Japan resulting from its investment in the JET Program.  Why is this important right now?  Because the JET Program and JET Alumni Association may be cut by the Japanese government, as explained in this post by Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) titled “JET Program on the Chopping Block.”

Because of JET….

• Many of us have a lifelong connection to Japan.
• Many Japanese citizens have learned English and been inspired to go to other cross-cultural accomplishments.
• Many of us have found jobs and careers working for Japanese companies and organizations in Japan and in our home countries.
• Over 50,000 of more people in the world can speak at least a little Japanese, and many of us are fluent.

If you’re a JET or a JET alum, you know these things because you’ve experienced them.  Now it’s time to share some of those experiences as a way to demonstrate concretely some of the many benefits to Japan of the JET Program.

Please post your own personal “BECAUSE OF JET…..” example in the comments section below, or feel free to e-mail it to jetwit@jetwit.com.  (Please make sure to include your prefecture and years on JET.)  (Feel free to substitute “JETAA” for “JET” if appropriate.)

(Note: Special thanks to our JETAA International officers for coming up with this concept.)

WITLife 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.

Last week was the start of the Japan Cuts film festival at Japan Society, where this year 24 films will be featured.  This is the largest lineup ever and includes a wide variety of films.  The Japan Society allows those who offer to volunteer at the festival the chance to stay and view the movie for free!  I have decided to take advantage of this opportunity, and plan to help out during a couple of days of the festival.  Stay tuned for reviews of the many movies I will have the chance to sample!

However, my first time at the festival was as a customer last Friday for the screening of the conspiracy theory comedy Golden Slumber.  The plot of Read More

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JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a new category on JetWit intended to highlight the various economic and diplomatic benefits to Japan resulting from its investment in the JET Program. This first post by Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) lays out the context and background regarding the serious challenges now faced by the JET Program and JET Alumni Association in connection with current economic problems and political shifts in Japan.  Email jetwit@jetwit.com with ideas or submissions for additional JET ROI posts.

“JET Program on the Chopping Block”

Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) has served as the Executive Director of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA) (www.jcie.or.jp) in New York since 2002, the US affiliate of one of the leading nongovernmental institutions in the field of international affairs in Japan. JCIE brings together key figures from around the world for programs of exchange, research, and dialogue designed to build international cooperation on pressing regional and global challenges. Before joining JCIE in 2001, Jim conducted research with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and taught English in rural Japanese middle schools as part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme. He received a BA from the University of Notre Dame, conducted graduate research at Ehime University in Japan, and has a master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Mr. Gannon is also a fellow with the US-Japan Network for the Future, operated by the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Foundation, and his recent publications include “East Asia at a Crossroads” in East Asia at a Crossroads and “Promoting the Study of the United States in Japan” in Philanthropy and Reconciliation: Rebuilding Postwar US-Japan Relations.

As part of Japan’s efforts to grapple with its massive public debt, the JET Program may be cut. Soon after coming into power, the new DPJ government launched a high profile effort to expose and cut wasteful government spending. This has featured jigyo shiwake–budget review panels that were tasked with reviewing government programs and recommending whether they should be continued or cut.  (See Stacy Smith’s (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) May 21 WITLife post that explains jigyou shiwake and touches on the threat to the JET Program.)

In May 2010, the JET Program and CLAIR came up for review, and during the course of an hourlong hearing, the 11-member panel criticized the JET scheme, ruling unanimously that a comprehensive examination should be undertaken to see if it should be pared back or eliminated altogether.When the jigyo shiwake panels were launched in November 2009, the intent was to weed out bloated spending and a wide range of government programs were put under review, from government-affiliated think tanks to host nation support for US military bases. Bureaucrats involved with each program were directed to submit a brief report on program activities and testify before panels consisting of a handful of Diet members and roughly a dozen private citizens from different walks of life. The defenders of each program were given five minutes to explain why the program is worthwhile, the finance ministry then laid out the rationale for cutting it, and then the panel held a 40 minute debate before issuing a recommendation whether the program should live or die.

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via Nicole Bongiorno (JETAANY)

An overnight summer ballet program, located on a campus of a prestigious private school in Connecticut, is looking for a mature, responsible, outgoing individual to be a counselor and to be responsible for a group of 10 non-English speaking Japanese students age 12-14. Counselors will be responsible for supervising the children, translating English/Japanese, as well as planning and running some extracurricular activities (all ballet instruction will be done by professional staff).

Dates: July 17 – August 7, 2010

Pay: $300 per week for the duration of the job +housing and meals

Required Qualifications:
Fluency in Japanese and English,
Experience in organizing and implementing fun and safe activities
Strong organizational skills
Sensitivity to/appreciation of other cultures and foreign students

For a complete job listing and information on application procedures, click here.

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via Helen Godfrey (JET Participant, 1996-1998)

Job Summary: Formulate, blend and test lubricant additives in greases and oils used in automotive and industrial applications. Make technical presentations and attend meetings of industry organizations, particularly targeting the Asia Pacific region.

Job Responsibilities:
• Act as Project Leader for new product development.
• Evaluate commercial and experimental lubricant additives by Standard ASTM test methods.
• Develop additive formulations that meet customers’ specific requirements.
• Write reports in English and Japanese.
• Give technical presentations in English and Japanese.
• Attend industry organization meetings.
• Conduct all work in accordance with Petroleum Applications Laboratory ISO-9001 quality system procedures.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment and instruments in accordance with ISO-9001 protocol and procedures, including all equipment and instruments that require off-site calibration.

Job Qualifications:
• B.S. degree in a scientific discipline, preferably chemistry.
• 1-2 years experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in lubricant formulating and lubricant testing a plus.
• Fluent in technical and conversational Japanese and English.
• Up to 20% travel required.

For more information, email Helen Godfrey (hgodfrey@Central.UH.EDU).

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WITLife 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.

Last night I had the chance to preview the Samurai in New York: The First Japanese Delegation, 1860 exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York.  There was a reception to celebrate its opening hosted by Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya and those affiliated with the museum.  In his opening remarks, he detailed how descendants of members of the original 70-plus person delegation were in attendance.  One was a woman who currently makes her home in New York, and another was a Buddhist monk who had traveled from Japan.  It was a wonderful tribute to the original delegation to have these representatives present.

The exhibit itself, though limited in scope, contains some interesting artifacts.  Evidently they had been Read More

WITLife 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.

A hot issue in Japan right now is PM Naoto Kan’s proposal of doubling the current sales tax of 5% (Coverage from earlier this week in the WSJ can be found here).  According to projections, an increase of this amount could lead to an additional 165,000 yen ($1829) from each household annually.  Kan has emphasized that he anticipates this being implemented over the next two to three years, but his willingness to even touch this kind of financial reform differs greatly from his DPJ predecessor Yukio Hatoyama (who had promised not to alter the sales tax for four years).

Response to this announcement have been mixed.  Surprisingly, a survey carried out by Yomiuri Shimbun found that Read More

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via Michelle Tillis, Invesco

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION
This position requires one to work in a team position to support the Managing Director and investment team of the Real Estate Securities department and provide translation as needed for various documents and presentations.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*Serve as an administrative teammate with other administrative personnel.
*Coordinate meeting schedules for the investment team.
*Coordinate travel arrangements to include Asia, Australia, Europe, etc.
*Provide basic research support such as running routine reports and performing certain data entry tasks
*Prepare agenda package for Monthly Real Estate Securities Management Committee Meetings
*General administrative duties that include drafting correspondence, mail distribution, faxing, copying, filing, ordering of office supplies, etc.
*Back-up duties that include answering and screening Managing Director’s calls, maintaining department calendar, scheduling meetings, coordinating U.S. travel, catering, etc.
*Upkeep of various databases
*General file maintenance
*Coordinate with product management and graphics departments for various marketing materials required for meetings, conferences, etc.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
*MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH SCHEDULING INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS AND TRAVEL.
*BILINGUAL SKILLS (JAPANESE/ENGLISH OR PORTUGUESE/ENGLISH) PREFERRED.
*Minimum 3 years secretarial/administrative support experience.
*Must have experience supporting multiple high level executives.
SKILLS:
-Fluent in English and it is highly desirable to have foreign language skills in Japanese or Portuguese ‘ both written and verbal
-Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office 2003: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
-Proven organizational skills.
-Proven communication skills, both verbal and written.
-Proven client service/communication skills.
-Ability to prioritize work.
-Ability to work with others at all levels.
-Ability to meet tight deadlines.
Please send resume and cover letter to : michelle.tillis@invesco.com

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WITLife 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.

An article in today’s Times discusses the reaction of right wingers in Japan to The Cove, a documentary about dolphin hunting in a place called Taiji.  This group, 右翼 or uyoku, are said to number about 10,000 throughout the country and have been responsible for various acts of violence such as torching the houses of politicians whose views they don’t agree with (i.e. regarding visits to Yasukuni Shrine).  This time they are protesting outside theaters attempting to show this film, insisting that it will “poison Japan’s soul.”  However, there is significant interest in this doc as evidenced by the turnout of over 700 people for a one-time screening in Tokyo last week, where about 100 had to be turned away due to lack of space.

Quoted in the article is the documentary filmmaker and author Tatsuya Mori, who I Read More

WITLife 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 was very excited to hear from one of my closest college friends that her husband would be having a business trip in Japan.  Not only was I happy for him, a fellow classmate as well, to be able experience Japan, but also because of his line of work.  Pictured at right, Jonathan Mooney grew up with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia and didn’t learn to read until he was 12.  However, he is now an amazing author and public speaker.  He has his own non-profit based in California and often travels both domestically and internationally to share his experiences and help children like himself and their families.

Jon has spoken in China before, but this was his first time going to Japan upon the invitation of a professor from Osaka.  He will be giving a presentation in Read More

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via the Foundation Center

The Asia Society seeks a Database Associate to provide development database assistance to the entire Asia Society organization. This person will enable the Database Administrator to execute the technical components of the software by providing strategic implementation, training and general daily support to all users in New York and the Centers, while specifically working with the fundraising team to maximize the software’s capability for individual job functions.

For further details and application instructions, visit http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=150500006.

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via Ashley Coombs, Aperian Global

Aperian Global is looking for a Japan Country Specialist (CS) to join the Lead Consultant for a cross-cultural training in Peoria, IL on June 18, 2010 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. The CS is expected to give a personal perspective on what it is like to live and work in  Japan. The CS will not be required to prepare a presentation, and simply needs to assist the training program with personal perspectives and experiences. Monetary compensation of $100 will be provided for the half day.

This particular program is for an employee of a global construction manufacturing firm and his wife. They are very interested in learning as much as possible about Japanese business culture. Part of the training session will involve a kid’s “thriving” program, for which the CS is asked to share what it was like growing up in Japan with the participants’ children. The CS role is vital to the family’s smooth transition to their new environment.

Aperian Global delivers a blend of consulting, training, and web tool services that aim to develop the capabilities of individuals, teams, and organizations to work effectively across cultures in order to create a sustainable global future. Aperian Global’s services include organizational consulting , one-on-one coaching , teambuilding , and classroom training.

To apply, send your resume to Ashley Coombs at acoombs@aperianglobal.com.

 

WITLife 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.

In a previous post about the recent Japan Day in Central Park, I mentioned the introduction of a samurai procession.  This was one aspect of celebrating this year’s 150′s anniversary of the first Japanese diplomatic mission to the United States and its enthusiastic reception in New York City on June 16, 1860.  According to a press release from the Japanese Consulate of New York, “the visit by a group of over 70 samurai was one of the greatest spectacles the city had ever seen: an estimated half-a-million New Yorkers jammed the streets to watch the Japanese parade up Broadway and two weeks of grand balls, celebrations, and non-stop press reports welcomed the visitors from across the sea.”  The samurai brought with them instruments of ratification for the 日米修好通商条約 (Nichibei shuukou tsuushou jouyaku) or U.S.-Japan Treaty of Amity and Commerce.

Another exciting promotional event commemorating this historical occasion is Read More

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WITLife 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.

Last night I went to see the US premiere of ダーリンは外国人 or My Darling is a Foreigner.  This film is based on the manga series with the same title by Saori Oguri.  I was introduced to this work by a Japanese friend shortly after it came out in 2002, and I devoured the volumes that were available at the time.  It depicted the day to day life of this international couple and the bumps that they encountered along the road of their relationship.  They eventually went on to have a child together, and since the first book went on sale this popular series has sold 3 million copies.

Tony is the name of Saori’s husband and he hails from the United States.  He is Read More

The U.S.-Japan Council (www.usjapancouncil.org) is an educational 501(c)3 non-profit organization that promotes U.S.-Japan relations and is currently seeking a communications associate who can support the Council’s website content editing, online marketing, member communications, program promotions, and design efforts.

As a new non-profit organization, the Council is seeking a candidate who is interested in an exciting opportunity to establish the Council’s communications strategy, establish an online presence, and apply effective push and pull marketing efforts through traditional and new social media.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop editorial content for the website, monthly e-Newsletter, press releases and marketing tools. Prepare drafts of marketing materials (e.g., brochures, program announcements, membership information, etc.)
• Contribute ideas for multimedia and interactive content to increase the reach of the Council and to retain engaged audiences.
• Create graphics and layouts, including e-Newsletter templates, website templates, web content, logos, marketing brochures, fliers, event registration pages, and invitations.
• Maintain and update the Council’s website.
• Provide basic software program training to staff, as needed (e.g. – Salesforce.com, Constant Contact). Read More

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via Portland JETAA Chapter

The Consulate-General of Japan is seeking an individual for position of Butler/Caretaker for Large Residence.

The Requirements for this position are:
–Must perform a variety of cleaning, meal serving and light household maintenance duties.
–Must be responsible, neat and polite.

Send resume & cover letter by June 11 to:
Consulate-General of Japan, 601 Union St. #500, Seattle, WA. 98101
Attn. Mr. Yukio Motoe
Email: kanri@cgjapansea. org