Job: Japanese Business Development Manager Needed (DC area)


Via JETAA DC from a JET alum who works at the Japan-America Society and received the below request:
FW: Japanese Business Development Manager needed
Microstrategy Inc. is currently recruiting for a bilingual (English/Japanese) person to fill a Business Development Manager position in McLean, Virginia.
Basic Function: The Business Development Manager will be responsible for setting up appointments for MicroStrategy Account Managers and Account Executives, and preferred resellers, within both existing and prospective accounts. The BDM will position MicroStrategy’s products and services to key decision-makers within accounts, with the goal of scheduling presentations/product demonstrations for our field staff. Read More
Job: Japanese House and Garden Site Manager – Philadelphia


Via Therese Stephens, former JETAA Philly subchapter rep:
Japanese House and Garden
Site Manager
Position Profile
Overview
The Site Manager is a full time seasonal position, March through October 15, at the Japanese House and Garden, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Japanese House and Garden is a 17th century style Japanese house in the west section of Fairmount Park. This position is an integral part of the museum’s day-to-day operations and serves an important role in interacting with the public and as a liaison with other professional staff members. This position is ideal for a person who has earned a college degree or has significant life experience. The successful candidate must also have a strong interest in and/or knowledge of Japan, Asian studies, museum studies, education or the hospitality industry. Read More
JetWit Celebrates the Year of the Ox


To get JetWit in the Year of the Ox spirit, Meredith Hodges-Boos (Ehime-ken, 2003-05) has come up with yet another great Zazzle twist on A.J., the JetWit mascot, created by Zi Mei (Saitama-ken, 2002-05).
In response to a request to the Writers Interpreters Translators (WIT) Group, Kyushu-based professional translator Joel Dechant (CIR Kagoshima-ken, 2001-04) responded with a helpful list of additional translation agencies and links to be included in the Translation Agencies & Relevant Websites page within JetWit’s Professional Profiles/Job Resources page.
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(ALC) The Mother of All Agency Lists – http://home.alc.co.jp/db/owa/sq_agt_list2
Congre – www.congre.co.jp – Mostly interpreter dispatch
Elanex – www.elanex.biz – There is more potential work for people with legal, finance and technical backgrounds, but they have some cool software to make the process easy, and they pay fast! (Most J companies pay 2 months after the fact)
Intergroup – www.intergroup.co.jp – Some translation jobs but mostly interpreter dispatch JTC – www.jtc.jp – One of Japan’s largest translation agencies
Lionbridge – http://www.lionbridge.com – The biggest one in the industry for all language pairs.
Proz.com – www.proz.com – Translator’s cafe type page with user profiles etc
Simul – http://www.simul.co.jp – Another big Japanese translation company
Reuters: Japan’s Obama Town Parties for Inauguration


Obama-shi in Fukui-ken, Japan is partying hardy to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Here’s today’s report from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE50J4AQ20090120
And here’s the video of their Obama-uta to get you in the mood. “La…la-la-la-la O-ba-ma!…”
Smithsonian lists “Odd-Fish” as one of notable children’s books for 2008


Kathleen Burke, who compiles an annual list of notable children’s books for the Smithsonian, included The Order of Odd-Fish, by JET alum James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06) in her 2008 list in the category for older readers.
And as a bonus, the cover of Odd-Fish is one of three covers shown, along with Dr. Seuss’ Yertle the Turtle and Aaron Blabey’s Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley.
Omedetou gozaimashita, James-san!
(Click here to see other critical praise for Odd-Fish.)
Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
There is much to celebrate now that 2009 is upon us. New possibilities, new hopes and new experiences wait just around the corner. Join the JET Alumni community in kicking off the new year together in this special Shinnenkai special edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
JETAA Chicago Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24, 6:00 at the Japan Information Center. What better way to celebrate the new year than with food, games, koto music, gyotaku, a raffle and even a little calligraphy lesson? If that isn’t enough, then all proceeds for this event will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Don’t miss it.
JETAA D.C. Bowling Shinnenkai – Tuesday, January 27th, 7:00 at Lucky Strike Lanes. Bowl in the new year in Washington D.C. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, and food for everyone!
JETAA Florida Shinnenkai – Sunday, January 25, 5:30. Michael Maloney is hosting this year’s Shinnenkai at his home. Come enjoy food and conversation with Florida JET alumni.
JETAA Texoma Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24, 6:30. JET Alumna Melissa Villamil is offering her home for this year’s event. Earlier meetup scheduled for 2:00 in downtown Houston for some activities before the party. Bring your business cards, get ready for some Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, Wii and board games. It promises to be a good time.
JETAA Rocky Mountains Shinnenkai – Sunday, February 8th, 1:00 to 4:00 at the International House. Help to celebrate the year of the cow with sushi, music and games and prizes.
JETAA Southeast Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 31st, 6:00 to 8:00 at Nori Nori. Bring in the new year with all you can eat seafood and sushi.
JETAA Southeast First Ever SC Sub-Chapter Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24th, 6:00 at Clemson University’s Roderick International House. Come join in on a little new year’s celebration with the South Carolina Sub-chapter.
JETAA Northern California Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 14, 6:00 at Restaurant Peony. Food, games, and prizes! Celebrate 2009 with old friends and new.
- Photo Request! – JETAA Northern California needs photos for this year’s Shinnenkai Slideshow! If you’ve got: Pictures you took while in Japan on JET, JETAA Event Pictures, other event pictures you want to share or pictures of your family please submit them and share with the JET community.
JETAA Pacific Northwest Japan Young Professionals Group Shinnenkai – Wednesday, January 21st, 6:30 at Typhoon Restaurant in downtown Seattle. Join in for good food and a chance to network with others interested in Japan.
JETAA Toronto Annual General Meeting & Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 31st, meeting starts at 5:30 at Milestone’s Grill & Bar. Come and help contribute to the Toronto Executive and help celebrate 2009 Canada-style.
JETAA NY Shinnenkai – On Friday, January 23 at 7pm, enjoy All-you-can drink and eat shabu-shabu in a traditional Japanese restaurant (Naniwa on E. 46th between 5th & Madison) sitting on tatami and surrounded by paper sliding doors. Beef shabu shabu & seafood yosenabe will be served. Drinks include beer, sake, shochu, wine and tea. Vegetarian option upon request. Space is limited to 45 people, so RSVP now to get on the list and make your payment so you don’t miss out on the biggest dinner of the year! If you’re not a big drinker and still want to attend contact Monica.
All attendees must pay in advance through PayPal. RSVP to Monica at social /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org to get the link to make the payment. Click here to see photos of last year’s Shinnenkai.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
My name is Rick Ambrosio (Ibaraki-ken, 2006-08). And whether readjusting to post-JET life is something you’re facing now, will deal with in the future or if you just enjoy reconnecting with that awkwardly uncertain feeling you had when you got back from Japan, come along with me as I look for a new job, a new apartment, and yes, mow the lawn of my parent’s house. Tadaima!
Hello all. Yes, I’m back, still living at home, doing chores and looking for work! Apologies about the long black out and happy new year to all! I think Julie, who writes Editorial Pursuits, really did a great job summarizing how I feel right now, in terms of thanking people, looking for work, and dedicating myself to working harder. So thanks Julie, you saved me a good amount of space to write about…. (Drum Roll)
The Puppy! That’s right. As if I needed more distractions, this Christmas my sister wanted one thing, and she got it. A puppy. A deviously cute, usually well behaved puppy. Let me outline what that first week was like.
Day 1: Love Puppy. He’s so cute. Did you see that? He looked at me! Sooo cute!
Day 3: Puppy is cute. He pees where he shouldn’t, and Read More
QUESTION
In a recent post on her blog travelingtastebuds.blogspot.com (“Growing Pains“) Devon Brown (Tokyo-to, 2002-04) describes a situation where she submitted a travel writing piece to an editor (her first hit with a national publication) only to see a published version that looked rather different than what she submitted, in rhythm and voice.
She wonders: Is this normal or typical? Or is this just what she should expect?
JetWit.com put the question to JET alumni in the Writers Interpreters Translators (WIT) Group.
Click “Read More” to read their responses. Read More
Haiku Challenge #3 – Winner!


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Roland Kelts (Osaka, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, has reviewed all haiku submissions containing the designated word “pop“ for Haiku Challenge #3 and has selected a winner to receive a free copy of Japanamerica + Susan Napier’s Anime: From Akira to Howl’s Moving Castle.
Says Roland: “As a half-Japanese drummer and writer, I can’t resist finding a paradiddle and bubble-blowing carp in a haiku. Congratulations, Julie Matysik–and thanks to all for stellar contributions.”
THE WINNER
A paradiddle.
The sticks connect, pop, bounce,
like koi blowing bubbles.
—Julie Matysik (Yamanashi-ken, 2006-07)
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Click “Read More” to read the rest of the haiku submissions…
Read More
JETAA Chapter Beat 1.11.09


Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
- January Volunteer Event – Saturday, January 24th, 8:30 to 12:30 come out to Kipp DC: Will Academy and volunteer with 5th, 6th, and 7th graders in the Saturday School Community Service Program.
- Inauguration Coat Checker – January 18th – 20th. Want to check coats for the upcoming presidential inauguration? Sign up for a part time job as a coat checker in downtown DC hotels over the weekend.
- JETAADC Happy Hour – Wednesday, January 14th, 6:00 to 8:00 at Cafe Asia. Drop on in for the first Happy Hour of 2009! Special guests from several Asian related organizations will be in attendance so bring your business cards.
- Japan Young Professionals Group Shinnenkai – Wednesday, January 21st, 6:30 at Typhoon Restaurant in downtown Seattle. Join in for good food and a chance to network with others interested in Japan.
- Celebrate Asia Concert – Friday, January 16th, 6:00 at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium Benaroya Hall. Get your tickets to this inaugural benefit concert event celebrating classical music and other Asian cultural performances.
- Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 14, 6:00 at Restaurant Peony. Food, games, and prizes! Celebrate 2009 with old friends and new.
- 2009 Japan in the Gobal Economy Lecture – Thursday, January 15, 6:00. Join the discussion with Dr. Hugh Patrick and Dr. Takeo Hoshi on the topic of Japan’s financial future after the economic downfall of 2008.
- The Future of Democracy in Northease Asia Lecture – Tuesday, January 20, 5:30 at the World Affairs Council of Northern California. Explore the political landscape of Asia and the challenges democracy faces in the future.
- First Ever SC Sub-Chapter Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24th, 6:00 at Clemson University’s Roderick International House. Come join in on a little new year’s celebration with the South Carolina Sub-chapter.
- Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 31st, 6:00 to 8:00 at Nori Nori. Bring in the new year with all you can eat seafood and sushi.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
Japan Society presents Kazuko Shiraishi, the “Allen Ginsberg” of Japan, Friday, Jan. 30, 6:30pm


Interesting upcoming event at Japan Society in NYC:
JAPAN SOCIETY PRESENTS THE “ALLEN GINSBERG OF JAPAN,” WHO READS FROM NEW WORK, ACCOMPANIED BY LIVE JAZZ
My Floating Mother, City: An Evening with Kazuko Shiraishi
Friday, January 30, 2009, 6:30 pm at Japan Society
New York, NY – Japan Society presents an intimate evening with one of Japan’s foremost poets, Kazuko Shiraishi, in conjunction with the recent English-language collection of her poetry, My Floating Mother, City. Shiraishi, a pioneer in jazz-poetry collaboration, is joined by trumpeter Itaru Oki for a special live performance, and partakes in a discussion and Q&A moderated by Forrest Gander, author and Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Brown University. My Floating Mother, City: An Evening with Kazuko Shiraishi takes place Friday, January 30 at 6:30 pm and is followed by a reception. Read More
Job: Program Associate – FORECAST Exchange Program for Serbia and Montenegro


Via JETAA DC:
Program Associate – FORECAST Exchange Program for Serbia and Montenegro
Location: Washington, DC
Duration: January 2009 to May 2010 (with possible extension)
General Description:
The overall goal of this program is to provide academic exchange programs for undergraduate students from Serbia and Montenegro. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), this program exposes the student leaders to the U.S., its educational system, and society. World Learning manages all of the recruitment, selection, applications, placement, and monitoring of these students. The
Program Associate will assist a Program Officer in all aspects of the placement and monitoring of the students. Read More
Ozawa and Obama: Michael Auslin comments in WSJ Asia


JET alum Michael Auslin (Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, former Professor of Japanese History at Yale University and one-time judge on Iron Chef America) has a new article in today’s Wall Street Journal Asia titled Ozawa and Obama that analyzes the state of Japan’s economy and political situation and discusses the ways that Japan and the U.S. need to work together.
Job: Associate at Burson-Marsteller (Tokyo)


Via Indeed.com Tokyo jobs:
Burson-Marsteller is an international PR and communications firm. I’m aware of at least one JET alum who works for them.
Click read more to read about the position and how to submit a resume for it. Read More