WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Last week I had a chance to check out the 5th annual New York Japan Cinefest, whose mission is to introduce Japanese themed films and discover new talent in filmmaking.  In the past I have attended this festival hosted at Asia Society and always loved it, and this year too did not disappoint.  I made it to the first night of this two night event, which showcased six short films varying in length from 5 to 40 minutes.

I was most looking forward to the final film A Beautiful Person, as it was the newest work from the Kumamoto-born director Isao Yukisada and featured a cast exclusively from Kumamoto (with an appearance from the ubiquitous Kumamon!).  I had to laugh once they started speaking as the dialogue was in heavy Kumamoto dialect, adding to the film’s authenticity.  The story didn’t captivate me as much as I had hoped it would, but it was like a time capsule as it had been filmed pre-earthquake.  Especially after recently going back to Kumamoto and witnessing the horrible damage the castle has undergone, it was really special to see Read More

Ryan Hata (Tottori-Ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

June marks the official start of summer and with it, many new JETs anxiously awaiting more information about coming to Japan in either July or August. In addition to regular JETAA community events, this chapter beat will feature the first batch of pre-departure orientations/events where many JETAA chapters are looking for volunteers to help usher in the new JETs of 2016.

Regular JETAA Community Events

1. JETAA NOLA

JETAA NOLA First Wednesday – NOLA Brewery + McClure’s BBQ

When: June 1st, 6:30-8:30 pm (CDT)
Where: NOLA Brewing – 3001 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115

The city’s best beer and barbecue, all in one place? You’re not going to want to miss this one. JETAA NOLA First Wednesday is heading to the NOLA Brewing tap room for cool brews and outstanding BBQ from McClure’s. As always, Friends of JET and anyone with an interest in Japan is welcome to join. Come for the whole evening or just pop in to say “Hi”. See you there!

 

2. JETAA Rocky Mountain

Casual Career Advice Meet-Up

When: June 1st, 7 pm (MDT)
Where: Coffee at The Point – 710 E 26th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80205

So you lived in Japan, huh? And what did you do? We all have that experience in common. Now let’s work together as we look at the present and to the future while translating our time in Japan into marketable skills. Network, peer review resumes, contribute! In addition to the experience and expertise of those attending (yes, me and you!) we will also have two special guests- Catherine Rackley and Mariko Watanabe. See you there! And don’t forget your resume and business cards!

 

3. JETAA NSW

JETAA Trivia Night and Kumamoto Earthquake Fundraiser

When: June 2nd, 6:30-9 pm (AEST)
Where: AB Hotel – 225 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, NSW 2037, Australia

 

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: General Affairs Staff
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Location: New York City, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Consulate General of Japan is currently seeking an employee for the General Affairs Staff. If you are interested, please send us your resume (English or Japanese) via E-mail or postal service. Work consists of assisting with consular duties including but not limited to reception duties and corresponding/negotiation work with vendors.

Starting Month: July 2016

Basic Work Hours: Monday through Friday 9:15-17:45.

Salary: Will be determined under Consulate regulations.

Qualifications:

• Must be an American Citizen or Green card holder.
• Fluent in both Japanese and English.
• Must be proficient with Word, Excel and other PC related work.

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Kindergarten English Teacher
Posted by: Nishida Gakuen
Location: Hiroshima, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Nishida Gakuen is a small, friendly Japanese kindergarten in Mihara, Hiroshima which offers English classes during and after regular school hours. We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic English teacher for our school! It’s a great position for JETs alumni hoping to stay in Japan and explore teaching on their own. The kindergarten’s website may be found here (Japanese only): http://www.nishida.ed.jp/

Responsibilities:

• Instruct daily kindergarten English classes (15 – 20 minutes each) to the kindergarten’s three, four and five year old students
• Teach after school English classes (50 minutes each with 10 minutes of break in between classes) to students ages three to fifteen in the Pacific Language School style (training provided)
• Participate in all school events (sports day, end of year recital, graduation, etc). If the event is scheduled on a weekend, the teacher will be given a day off in lieu during the following week or another convenient date.
• Plan and conduct two holiday craft classes (Halloween & Christmas) as well as decorate the English classroom

Read More

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Over a week has passed since the earthquakes down in Kyushu, and things have settled down somewhat but it is still a very scary situation. I spent my time on JET in Kumamoto, so this unexpected disaster was especially hard-hitting. I have a business trip to Tokyo next month, so I’m planning to go down to Kyushu during that time to help out with recovery efforts. It’s hard to be so far away and not be able to do much, but at this point due to the instability the best way to help seems to be donations.

In that vein, here are links to two organizations that are currently accepting contributions. The first is a fund created by the Japanese American Association of NY (JAA, hosting its Sakura Matsuri from 11 am-1 pm at Flushing Meadows Park tomorrow!) devoted exclusively to Kyushu Earthquake Relief (www.jaany.org), and the second is Japan Society’s general Earthquake Relief Fund (www.japansociety.org/page/earthquake).

Finally, here’s the song Kumamoto produced by NY-based jazz pianist Senri Oe and featuring Mamiko Taira on vocals. He wrote this haunting tune right after the disaster as a way to deal with his feelings of helplessness. He describes this music as his own way of providing relief goods, as unlike other supplies a song won’t spoil nor can there be too much or too little of it. It might be just what some people are looking for, and can be accessed by anyone via the Internet. In the spirit of the potential solace it offers, enjoy.

Ashlie O’Neill (Hyogo-Ken, 2013-Present) AJET National Council Vice Chair and Director of Alumni Relations. Ashlie is in her second year on the AJET National Council as the Director of Alumni Relations. She works alongside Ryan Hata (National AJET Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs and Japan. Please feel free to contact her email at ashlie.oneill@ajet.net or her Linkedin profile. Ashlie helps to keep you up up to date with JETAA happenings around the world.

April showers are supposed to bring May flowers. But in Japan, many sakura are already in bloom. In addition to the warmer weather, there are numerous events going on throughout the JETAA communities. Read on to find out what types of JETAA events are going on all over the world!

1. JETAA Portland

Iron Chef 2016: JETAA Portland’s 14th Annual Cooking Competition!

When: April 9th, 12 pm-4 pm
Where: Gloria Adeboi’s home in NE Portland, RSVP for directions

Come test out your new recipes in JETAA Portland’s 14th annual Iron Chef event. There are three different categories: 1. Side Dish 2. Main Dish 3. Dessert. Prizes will be awarded to the 1^st and 2^nd place winners in each category. RSVP here by April 7^th with the dish you plan on bringing.

2. Music City and Bluegrass JETAA

Volunteer at the Cherry Blossom Festival

When: April 9th, 9 am-5 pm
Where: 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201

Help by manning the Music City and Bluegrass JETAA tent in addition to spreading the word about the JET Program. Free parking and a shuttle service will be available at Nissan Stadium Parking Lot A from 8 am to 5 pm. RSVP by sending a Facebook message to the Music City JETAA page here.

3. JETAA Toronto

Rock Climbing

When: April 16th, 2 pm-5 pm
Where: Basecamp Climbing 677 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M6G 1L3

Rock climbing has been a popular sport in Japan for the past 1000 years – Mt. Fuji, Mt. Keitokusan, Mt.Hiwada – What better feat of strength can someone demonstrate than conquering a sheer face of stone with only their own power, endurance and wit to guide them!? Let’s get the climbing spirit on here in Toronto! Come join us on Saturday, April 16th for a fun afternoon of intense, super fun rock climbing at BASECAMP, Toronto’s newest climbing gym! This is always one of our most popular events, and we’d love to see you there!

Price: $20 + booking fee for JETAA Members, $26 + booking fee for non-JETAA MembersTickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2520029

Climbing fee includes all equipment, belay lesson, and a climbing day pass (so you can climb to your heart’s content or arms’ torment!). Please wear stretchy, sporty, climb-y attire!

 

4. JETAA New York

Hanami Picnic 

When: April 23rd, 12 pm-4 pm
Where: Central Park ~ Great Lawn (near The MET Museum~ 84th Street and 5th ave) Subway Directions: 4/5/6 train to 86th street or 6 train to 77th street or C train to 81st street

Come join your fellow JET alum and friends for a casual picnic sitting under the Sakura on the Great Lawn in Central Park. This is a free event! Just bring anything you’d want to have for a picnic – blankets, snacks and drinks to share – plus park activities like frisbee, volleyball, softball for catch, or bubbles! Friends and family are welcome to join.

 

5. JETAA Auckland

Weekend in Nature

When: April 23rd-25th
Where: Rawene, New Zealand

Saturday 23rd: Car-pool & drive up to the Hokianga. Stay at Rawene Holiday Park. Please book your own accomodation or post here to meet up with others to share a room with. Join together for dinner (provided by JETAA).

Sunday 24th: Hike. We’re thinking of doing Waiotemarama Loop Track & Hauturu High Point track. Option for some people to only do the easier loop track. Dinner together (provided by JETAA) & games etc at night.

Monday 25th: Make way back to Auckland.

FOOD:
Breakfasts – JETAA will provide oats, milk, bananas, toast, peanut butter, jam, tea & coffee for Sunday and Monday mornings.
Lunch – if JETAA budget allows, we will buy some extra things but best for people to be prepared to buy their own food.
Dinner – JETAA will provide a vegan dinner for all to share on both the Saturday & Sunday nights. IF you feel that you cannot live without meat then buy your own.

6. JETAA Western Japan

Charity Networking Brunch

When: April 24th, 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Where: Trente Et Un Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan

JETAA Western Japan invites alumni and current JETs to enjoy a delicious lunch while hearing about career paths in the diplomatic corps and at international schools. Space is limited to 15, so RSVP today! ¥3,500, with a portion of the receipts being donated to the Ashinaga Foundation, which operates the Kobe and Tohoku Rainbow Houses to provide educational and emotional support for orphans. For more information, contact Rose Tanasugarn at jetaawj@gmail.com

 

7. JETAA Ottawa

Cooking Class

When: April 30th, 3 pm- 7pm
Where: Laurentian Leadership Centre of Trinity Western University 252 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1R3

Join us for our ever popular JETAA Cooking class where we will be making memories and nostalgic dishes sure to make you weep with homesickness for Japan…or at least the nearest conbini.
Register here for free. Spaces are limited.

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

This weekend I had the chance to see two fabulous Japanese films being screened here in the city, one documentary and one fiction.  The former is The Birth of Sake being shown at IFC, and the latter is Sweet Bean playing at Lincoln Plaza Cinema, both through this Thursday, March 24th.

The Birth of Sake, directed by Erik Shirai who was on hand for a post-screening Q&A, has already won awards at Tribeca and other notable film festivals.  I had heard of it in passing a few years back when the Kickstarter campaign raising money for the film took place, and the result is a sneak peek inside the normally cloistered world of sake creation.  The film takes an in-depth look at this process carried out by the hard working staff of the 144-year old Tedorigawa Brewery in Ishikawa Prefecture.  Their business is unique in that everything is done by hand, whereas the majority of modern Japanese breweries are automated.

Tedorigawa’s workers range in age from 20-70, and one requirement of their grueling job is that they must live at the brewery during the sake-producing six months from October until April (and according to Shirai, due to Tedorigawa’s new popularity thanks to his film, this season has been extended to May!).  They are willing to taking time away from their families and home lives to make this sacrifice, and many are veterans of their craft looking to cultivate the next generation of workers.  Not only will this film educate viewers about the sake-making process, but it offers a rare glimpse of the people behind it.  In particular, I loved the scenes humanizing the workers, like when they were splashing each other in the bath, teasing each other while shopping or breaking out into karaoke after a long day of work.

Director Naomi Kawase’s 2015 Sweet Bean (あん or an, sweet red bean paste) is a surprisingly tender film about the creation of an equally treasured aspect of Japanese food/drink culture, dorayaki (どら焼き or red bean pancake).  This dessert is ubiquitous in Japan, from pre-packaged types found in convenience stores to freshly made dorayaki at food stalls.  The film centers on a dorayaki proprietor whose Read More

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Last week I returned from a short business trip in Japan when Tokyo was enjoying unseasonably warm weather.  People were in t-shirts over the weekend, and with 梅 (ume, or plum blossoms) already in bloom an early 桜 (sakura, or cherry blossom) season is predicted for this year (if only I could have stuck around for a few more weeks…).  However, this morning’s Japan news reported the weather dipping back down to chillier temps, so who knows when actual blooming will take place.  Stay tuned to the 桜前線 (sakura zenzen, or cherry blossom front)!

While in Tokyo I had the chance to check out the film 人魚に会える日 (Ningyo ni aeru hi or Girl of the Sea),  made by 20-year old Okinawan director and Keio University student Ryugo Nakamura.  He made his debut at age 13 with the film やぎの冒険 (Yagi no bouken or The Catcher on the Shore), and has produced over 30 movies, amazingly prolific for his young age!  After debuting in Okinawa, Girl of the Sea had a limited four-day run at the cool venue Eurolive in Shibuya (which also houses the Tokyo Film Academy).  Nakamura created the film in collaboration with his classmates over two weeks of their summer vacation.

In the Q&A after the movie he detailed how in addition to the efforts of these classmate volunteers, the actors were kind enough to drive themselves from Naha (Okinawa’s capital city) to the northern city of Nago when they realized how limited the film’s resources were.  I was particularly starstruck by the participation of one of my favorite Japanese singers/songwriters, the Okinawan artist Cocco.  Nakamura recounted how during an intense scene Cocco has with two high schoolers who were overwhelmed to be acting with her, she put them right at ease.

Girl of the Sea deals with the theme of the proposed Futenma Marine Corps Base relocation and how the base issue affects Okinawans, especially young people.  This topic is of extreme interest to me since I  Read More

Ashlie O’Neill (Hyogo-Ken, 2013-Present) AJET National Council Vice Chair and Director of Alumni Relations. Ashlie is in her second year on the AJET National Council as the Director of Alumni Relations. She works alongside Ryan Hata (National AJET Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs and Japan. Please feel free to contact her email at ashlie.oneill@ajet.net or her Linkedin profile. Ashlie helps to keep you up up to date with JETAA happenings around the world.

This month marks the 5th anniversary of the Tohoku Earthquake and the loss of the lives of the two JETs Taylor Anderson and Monty Dickson.  Many JETAA chapters around the world are getting together to remember those affected by the disaster as well as raise money for various organisations in Tohoku. This edition of the JETAA Chapter Beat will focus on these events.

Screenings of Tohoku Tomo

 

About the film: In March 2013, Wesley Julian launched and successfully funded a Kickstarter campaign to create Tohoku Tomo — a documentary film telling the story of true friendship and commitment to Japan’s recovery by the international community following the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Julian and a small team traveled across the United States and Japan to interview individuals who have made and continue to make a difference in Tohoku.

Many of these people dropped what they were doing and dedicated themselves to Japan’s recovery. Many of them even took it upon themselves to establish non-profit organizations aimed at connecting with and rebuilding Tohoku and its communities. At the core of all of these organizations are individuals. Many of these groups were founded by members of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET Program). What started as a love of Japan through teaching blossomed into a true friendship and commitment to the Tohoku region. These founders and many other volunteers have truly become friends of Tohoku. They are, in Japanese, Tohoku Tomo.

Locations

JETAA Alaska
When: February 29th, 6:00pm
Where: The BP Energy Center, Anchorage

JETAA Midsouth/NOLA
When: March 3rd, 5:30pm
Where: Tulane University, Newcomb Campus, Jones Hall 102, New Orleans

JETAA Toronto
When: March 9th, 6:30pm
Where: Revue Cinema

Sasakawa Peace Foundation and JETAADC
When: March 11th, 4:30pm
Where: The Mayflower Hotel, Washington DC

JETAA NSW
When: March 16th, 6:00pm
Where: Japan Foundation, Sydney

JETAA Southern California
When: March 18th, 7:00pm
Where: Occidental College, Choi Auditorium, los Angeles

Florida JETAA-Miami
When: March 30th, 8:00pm
Where: Florida  International University, modesto A. Maidique Campus, Room GL 100

Florida JETAA-Orlando
When: March 31st, 8:00pm
Where: Asia Trend/ Y.E.S.S Center

 

113 Projects

About the Project: The mission of the 113 Project is to create a venue for dialogue and action that reclaims the message of the Tohoku disaster as an opportunity for good. The 113 Project will encourage collaboration among thought leaders, activists, community members and volunteers to continue the critical work of recovery and revitalization in Tohoku as well as to look at and address together challenges faced by others through the lens of lessons learned out of the Tohoku experience.

JETAA Northern California
When: March 8th, 6:30pm
Where: JCCC NC , 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco

JETAA Rocky Mountain
When: March 13th, 2:00pm
Where: Sie Film Center, Denver

PNWJETAA
When: April 22-24th
Where: Cherry Blossom Festival, Seattle

For a full list of Tohoku Tomo and 113 Project events, please see the Tohoku Tomo website at http://tohokutomo.com/screenings/ or email them at info@tohokutomo.com.

Live Your Dream: The Taylor Anderson Story

 

About the film: This film is a story about Taylor Anderson and all the young people who travel the world trying to make a difference. Taylor was an extraordinary American who dedicated herself to teaching Japanese children, living her dream right up to the events of March 11, 2011. The earthquake and tsunami in Japan were a disaster that no one could have expected. 

When:March 13th, 1:00pm
Where: Sendai Mediatheque, Sendai, Japan

Details: http://jetprogramme.org/en/info/greateastjapanearthquake/

 

Additional Events around the world

JETAAWJ and National AJET

D-prep: A disaster Preparation Event

JETAA Vic/Tas/SA
The Big Bento Lunch

When:March 1st-31st
Where: Anywhere you wish

Hosting a Big Bento Lunch is as easy as rounding up up a group of your friends and work mates and eating some delicious Japanese food!
Since 2012, Big Bento Lunch participants have raise more than $30,000 for many charities by holding family picnics or parties or and getting bentos delivered to work places. It is simple and fun!

To register your lunch and help us support the Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund, visit the Big Bento Lunch website at www.bigbentolunch.com.au

WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

I just returned from my 3-week State Department interpreting trip and subsequent mini vacation in Hawaii!

While enjoying some R&R on my favorite island of Kauai, I discovered something that I hadn’t noticed in previous visits.  I was staying in Kapa’a, a centrally located area boasting a beautiful bike path that I love using for morning runs overlooking the ocean.  During a run, I happened to turn my gaze away from the ocean and a Japanese-seeming lantern in the distance caught my eye.  I was curious about its location on what looked like the edge of a playing field.

Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that what I saw was a 15-foot cast concrete lantern built in 1915 by Kauai’s Japanese community to commemorate the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 and Emperor Taisho’s 1912 ascension to the throne.  Here’s a bit more of its story courtesy of the Historic Hawaii Foundation website (lightly edited by me): “By World War II, pro-imperial sentiments were a problem for a later generation of Japanese-Americans who literally buried the lantern in 1943, both to protect it from Read More

 

Let’s Talk Japan is an interview format podcast covering a wide range of Japan-related topics. Host Nick Harling (Mie-ken, 2001-03) lived in Japan from 2001 until 2005, including two great years as a JET Program participant. He practices law in Washington, D.C., and lives with his wife who patiently listens to him talk about Japan . . . a lot.

In this episode, Nick and fellow JET Program Alum Maurice Maloney (Fukui-ken 2004-06) review the 2015 Cinematsuri Japanese Film Festival and share their opinions on which of these films you should see for yourself.

If you have not already done so, be sure to follow the podcast on Twitter @letstalkjapan and leave a positive rating/review in iTunes.

Ashlie O’Neill (Hyogo-Ken, 2013-Present) AJET National Council Vice Chair and Director of Alumni Relations. Ashlie is in her second year on the AJET National Council as the Director of Alumni Relations. She works alongside Ryan Hata (National AJET Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs and Japan. Please feel free to contact her email at ashlie.oneill@ajet.net or her Linkedin profile. Ashlie helps to keep you up up to date with JETAA happenings around the world.

 

Pacific Northwest JETAA

Book club (The Professor and the Housekeeper by Yoko Ogawa)

When: February 28th, 3pm
Where: Uptown Espresso, 500 Westlake Ave N Seattle, WA 98109

PNWJETAA are reading and discussing The Professor and the Housekeeper by Yoko Ogawa (she also authored The Diving Pool) this month. It is available everywhere, but here it is on Amazon. They look forward to seeing you all.

 

JETAA Texoma

2015 Returning JET Reception Luncheon

When: February 20th, 1pm CST
Where: contact jetcoord@ho.mofa.go.jp for address

All the little JETs have grown up! Time for JETAA Texoma to welcome them into the JETAA world.  If you can make it please get involved! Please contact Alisa Tobin to confirm your attendance and get the address. Her contact email is jetcoord@ho.mofa.go.jp

The Luncheon Reception will officially begin at 1:00 PM.

 JETAA Rocky Mountains

Shinnenkai

When: February 20th, 5pm MST
Where: Tokio 2907 Huron St, Denver, Colorado 80202

It’s time to celebrate the year of the monkey. Remenisce about the old times in Japan while celebrating the new year over a proper bowl of hot Ramen. Chat, network, befriend, and be merry. Bring your +1’s and Kodomo’s. Space is limited to 30 (fire Marshal’s orders) – Reserve your spot by following the PayPal link below.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=TGMK9A3MCP4XG

Dinner is just $15 and includes ramen and a beer (or a softdrink with free refills). If you haven’t been to Tokio, take a gander at their website and check out their amazing space: http://www.mytokio.com/

JETAA  Auckland

Beach Day

When: February 28th, 11am
Where: Castor Bay Beach Area, (parking available on The Esplanade, Castor Bay) 

Enjoy some chilled beach time together before the beautiful weather disappears. They are just meeting at Castor Bay Beach, bring your own picnic and beach things etc. JETAA will provide limited refreshments. Long term weather forecast doesn’t look too bad but watch this space for any changes.

RSVP: If you can, just drop JETAA a line to say you’d like to go along – just to get an idea of numbers for the refreshments and also so that they can organise a few games.

Questions? Contact aucklandjetaa@gmail.com.

Posted by Eden Law, JETAA NSW President and Country Representative for Australia. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Short description
Seeking candidates for the position of Media & Marketing Assistant Manager. You will be responsible for organising events and developing relationships with the media and MICE industry partners to promote the organisation’s activities.

The full advertisement, and application details are available on Seek.com.au.

Note that JNTO looks on candidates with JET experience very highly. They have specifically reached out to the JETAA community for suitable candidates and past employees have often been ex-JETs. Good luck!

Ashlie O’Neill (Hyogo-Ken, 2013-Present) AJET National Council Vice Chair and Director of Alumni Relations. Ashlie is in her second year on the AJET National Council as the Director of Alumni Relations. She works alongside Ryan Hata (National AJET Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs and Japan. Please feel free to contact her email at ashlie.oneill@ajet.net or her Linkedin profile. Ashlie helps to keep you up up to date with JETAA happenings around the world.

February is a big month for JETAA chapters around the world , with many of them hosting elections for the next JETAA councils and representatives. However, that does not stop JETAA chapters from holding some really great events too! Let’s have a look at some of the events happening this month.

1.JETAA Portland

Shinnenkai 2016 @ Grand Central Restaurant & Bowling Lounge

When: February 18th, 7-10pm
Where: Grand Central Restaurant & Bowling Lounge (808 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97232)

It may already be February, but it isn’t really the new year until you’ve celebrated it with JETAA Portland! This year JETAA Portland are bringing you a Shinnenkai full of food, fun, and games for the whole family. Join them at Grand Central Restaurant & Bowling Lounge for a casual evening of tacos and bowling as they celebrate the year of the monkey. 明けましておめでとう!

2.  JETAA Ottawa

Curling

When: February 13th, 5-7pm
Where: Ottawa Curling Club ,440 O’Connor St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1W4

Curling, the king of sports! Come and enjoy casual, beginner-friendly curling at the Ottawa Curling Club. You don’t need any experience or equipment to have a nice time! JETAA Ottawa has reserved two sheets of ice as well as instruction for the first half hour.

 

 3.JETAA Southern California

SuperBowl Sunday Hike

When: February 7th, 8:45-12pm PST
Where:859 E Sierra Madre Ave, Glendora, CA 91741

Want to go hiking ? This is a pretty easy 1.5 mile hike, but then the last part definitely gets your heart rate up. It’s about 1 1/4 hours to the top and about an hour down, depending on how much time the group spends taking breaks. It’s a good hike with great views from the top.
If you would like to go please RSVP on the JETAASC Facebook page.

 

4. JETAA Northern California 

JETAANC Volunteer Nite for Berkeley-Sakai Sister City Association!

Berkeley-Sakai Sister City Association needs our help! Come enjoy some pizza and beer and learn how you can assist their efforts to re-establish their student exchange programs and prepare for their 50th Anniversary in 2017.

**Register here:
http://berkeleysakaivolunteernite.eventbrite.com/

JET alumni and friends have helped revitalize U.S.-Japan sister city groups across the Bay Area and now we are turning our attention to Berkeley-Sakai! What they are trying to do is at the heart of the grassroots exchange mission of the JET Program and so it is naturally close to our hearts.

When: February 18th, 6:30-8:30pm PST
Where: Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley,California 94704

 

5.JETAA South Island

Summer j-kaiwa

Celebrate 2016 with drinks and nibbles at Space Academy on St Asaph Street. Anyone/everyone welcome for casual conversation in English or Japanese. It is a great place to meet new people and practice your language (or just hang out). JETAA South Island are looking forward to seeing lots of new and old faces!

When: February 2nd, 5:30pm ~
Where: Space Academy, 371 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 8011

 

6.JETAA Hawaii

Shinnekai and talk on the ‘other’ side of Japan

JETAA Hawaii is pleased to announce that for it’s 2016 Shinnenkai, that they will be hosting a presentation on the “other” side of Japan — organized crime (aka Yakuza) and its effect on Japan’s government, business and financial worlds, and society-at-large.

The speaker will be US Marine Colonel Grant Newsham, a senior research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo. Colonel Newsham lived in Japan for 20 years, and worked as a US diplomat and military officer, and in the investment banking and high-tech industries.

RSVP to jetaahawaii@gmail.com by Tuesday, February 2, 2016

When: February 5th,6-8pm
Where: Box Jelly Co-working space, 07 Kamani St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Ashlie O’Neill (Hyogo-Ken, 2013-Present) AJET National Council Vice Chair and Director of Alumni Relations. Ashlie is in her second year on the AJET National Council as the Director of Alumni Relations. She works alongside Ryan Hata (National AJET Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs and Japan. Please feel free to contact her email at ashlie.oneill@ajet.net or her Linkedin profile. Ashlie helps to keep you up up to date with JETAA happenings around the world.

Welcome to the second chapter beat for 2016 . There is so much happening in January in the JETAA world so I have selected just a sample for everyone to enjoy. For more information on events around the world please visit your nearest chapters Facebook pages or websites.

1. JETAA NSW

JETAA NSW New Years Beach BBQ

When: January 31st, 12pm
Where: Coogee Beach, NSW

Head to Coogee Beach to join JETAA NSW for their annual summer BBQ.

Take along your swimmers, snacks and BBQ favourites and help them kick off the new year with a bang!

2.JETAA Singapore

JETAA SG Welcome Back Reception

When: February 2nd, 6:30-9pm
Where: Japan Creative Centre (JCC), 4 Nassim Road, Singapore 258372

Join  JETAA SG for the Welcome Back Reception organised by Embassy of Japan and CLAIR!

You’ll get to meet fellow ex-JETs, old and new, and also external companies and associations like JCCI, JUGAS, and SSEAYP.

JETAABC is proud to invite all JETAABC members and their guests to the Annual General Meeting and Shinnenkai 2016. This is a great opportunity to stay connected with JETs and continue contributing to Japan/Canada relations in an amazing way. Please consider joining the JETAABC Board of Directors whether you are a recent returnee or have been beck for decades.

4.JETAA Mid-South

First Thursday (Muses Parade Edition)

When: February 4th, 8pm
Where:TBC on Muses Parade Route

First Thursdays are a casual monthly get together designed to allow JETAA members to meet up and hang out.  If you are interested in attending please feel free to drop in.

5.JETAA Northern California

JETAANC East Bay Networking Nomikai

When: January 21st, 7:30-9:30pm
Where:Diving Dog Brewhouse. 1802 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, California 94612

Join alumni and friends at our New Year’s East Bay Networking Nomikai (happy hour)! Let’s ring in the Year of the Monkey together at Diving Dog Brewhouse in the heart of Oakland’s Uptown neighborhood.

Register here.

6. JETAA Chicago

YPC Koval Whiskey Tour, Tasting & Discussion

When: January 21st, 6:30-8pm
Where: KOVAL Distillery, 5121 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

Join JASC and JETAA members for a tour, tasting and discussion of Chicago’s very own KOVAL Distillery, set on the Northside of Chicago in Ravenswood.

Sample whiskey, gin, vodka and liqueurs while touring the distillery and learning more about the whiskey making process, and what sets KOVAL apart from the competition.  The tour will end with a discussion from Fuyuko Kojima, Japanese market manager for KOVAL, who will lend insight into KOVAL’s marketing strategies in Japan and discuss cultural obstacles and challenges.  Products will be available for sale during the event with a 10% discount for all attendees.

7.Texoma JETAA

Dallas-Fort Worth(DFW) Shinnenkai Karaoke

When: January 30th, 2-4pm CST
Where: Round One Arlington Texas 76015

Sing you hello to 2016 and a belated welcome to returning JETAA members at Round One in Arlington with the DFW JET Alumni. 

8. JETAA Canberra

February Oshaberikai

When: February 3rd , 6:30~
Where: King O’Malleys, Civic

JETAA Canberra’s February Oshaberikai and get together will be at held at King O’Malleys.
If you can’t speak Japanese come along anyway, we all speak English too! This is a great way to meet the other JET Alumni in Canberra.

For those who haven’t been before here’s how it works: You only pay for what you eat/drink and JETAA Canberra provides the bar snacks.

 

 

That’s all for this fortnights chapter beat. If you have any events that you want listed please contact me on my email ashlie.oneill@ajet.net.
Have a great week