2013 Nakasato Exchange (Kumejima and Tokamachi)
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Posted by Benjamin Martin, a 5th year JET on Kume Island in Okinawa, publisher of the blog MoreThingsJapanese.com and author of the YA fantasy series Samurai Awakening (Tuttle).
Japan is _____________.
Japanese people eat ____________.
In Japan, everyone wears ___________.
When you hear “Japan” what do you think of? What images come to your mind? Before I began studying Japan, I thought of swords, anime, rice and green mountains. Like many people, I thought of Japan through the stereotypes I picked up from television and books. Anyone who doesn’t specialize is bound to think of another country by the most easily recognizable differences from their home culture.
Yet Japan is diverse. Most of Japan’s long history, during which all its unique culture developed, happened before cars and easy transportation. That fact, plus its island geography has created many opportunities for difference that NHK (Japan’s national television and radio broadcaster), trains, and the internet have yet to make fully disappear. NHK has had a huge impact on language, dress, and some social customs, yet one thing is still beyond its reach.
The weather.
Japan’s geography has created some vastly different climates given the relatively short distances between most places in Japan. This great difference is at the core of an exchange program between two towns in Japan. Every year, Kumejima-cho and Tokamachi City trade students so that they can experience the vast difference in climate and the changes in culture it imposes on local life. As with every exchange program, its goal is to create more aware youth and stronger ties between the local people and wider world.
Tokamachi
Since Tokamachi is located in Niigata Prefecture on the western side of Japan, it gets a lot of rain, and in the winter, a lot of snowfall. The high mountains and rough weather have led to small towns, yet the heavy snowfall also means rich farmland and other local resources. The heavy snowfall leads to mineral rich soil when the snow melts. The soil then lets farmers produce some superior crops.
One of the crops is carrot. I know. A carrot is a carrot is a carrot. Then you go to Niigata and eat something that looks like a carrot, smells like one, has the firm texture of one, but tastes far sweeter and has more flavor than any carrot you’ve ever tasted before. Seriously.
Then there’s the rice. Rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine. And in a country where rice can be as diverse as coffee, the region has become famous for its delicious rice. Rice is a heavy water consuming plant, which also means its easier to farm there where water is plentiful. Not only is rice exported considered delicious, but locals will tell you it is even better eaten locally due to the quality of the local water when boiling the rice.
Rice and the quality of water are also the two most important ingredients in a traditional drink so well-known that much of the world knows the Japanese word for sake. In Niigata’s case, Nihonshu or rice wine is produced by several companies in the region and is highly regarded.
Despite those claims to fame, the snow beats out the rest by sheer popularity, if not by the locals who have to shovel it, then by the thousands of tourists who trek to the region to snowboard, ski, and sled. Japan’s train system and many domestic airlines makes it surprisingly easy to travel, which means Tokyoites can pop over for a weekend of skiing at any number of resorts throughout the long winter season.
The huge quantities of snow have also led to the Tokamachi Snow Festival.
Unfortunately, not all the snow can be turned into art. There is so much each year that pipes run through most streets and parking lots. These pipes shoot out warm salt water to melt snow and keep the roads clear through the night. This was perhaps the biggest surprise to me as someone who grew up in a desert. The ‘waste’ of water is so huge that it boggles my mind, though I’m sure they deal with it in an effective manner.
The huge quantity of water and large elevation changes even mean that hydroelectric generators can produce much of the area’s power needs in a relatively environmentall
All of these Tokamachi features has led to students who speak the same language as other Japanese students, still play in much the same way and wear some of the same clothes, but whose lives in the winter are far different from those far to the south.
***
Checkout the second part of this articleon www.morethingsjapanese.com, with more pictures, video, and things Japanese.
***
Job: Bloomberg seeks Japanese translator (E>J) for NY office
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Thanks to JET alum Angela Perrone for passing on this listing. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Bloomberg seeks Japanese translator (E>J) for NY office
Posted by: Bloomberg Recruiting
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Bloomberg LP is seeking a Japanese Translator for our NYC office.
The individual in this role must understand how economy and markets work and will be translating major news from English to Japanese with utmost accuracy and speed.
In addition, the person in this role will have to be able to write in properly-styled Japanese. They must have up-to-date news judgment and flexibility.
Interested applicants should contact:
Jennifer Shapiro
Bloomberg Recruiting Research
jshapiro99@bloomberg.net
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershapirobbg
Job: Paid Fellowship Opportunity for Japanese Nonprofit Leaders
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Via the JETAA DC Google Group. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Paid Fellowship Opportunity for Japanese Nonprofit Leaders
Posted by: Atlas Corps
Type: Full-time
Location: N/A
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Atlas Corps seeks nonprofit leaders from around the world to apply for Fellowships in the U.S. and Latin America.
They are particularly interested in rising leaders from Japan in 2013. Profiled as a “best practice” in international exchange by the Brookings Institution and featured in the Washington Post as a model social entrepreneurship program, Atlas Corps engages leaders committed to the nonprofit sector in 12-18 month, professional fellowships at organizations to learn best practices, build organizational capacity, and return home to create a network of global leaders.
Fellows serve full-time at Host Organizations such as Ashoka, CARE, the Grameen Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, UNICEF, and the UN Foundation. Read More
Job: Director, Intensive English Program, Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
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Via Indiana University . Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Director, Intensive English Program
Posted by: Indiana University Department of Second Language Studies
Type: Full-time
Location: Bloomington, IN
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Intensive English Program, Department of Second Language Studies, at Indiana University announces a search for the Director of the Intensive English program (IEP). We are looking for director-candidates with previous experience as directors or assistant directors of university-based programs. Previous UCIEP and/or CEA affiliation is preferred. Candidates are expected to hold a PhD in Second Language Studies, Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or related fields and should have a significant professional portfolio in the field in addition to administrative experience. Areas of expertise may include a profile in student services, curriculum development, language assessment, publication of teaching materials and/or textbooks, research in second language acquisition, teacher development, or other relevant areas. The Director will have a 12 month appointment and the rank of academic specialist. Read More
Job: English Language Officer: accepting applications: Deadline is April 24, 2013
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Via USAJobs. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: English Language Officer
Posted by: U.S. Department of State
Type: Full-time
Location: N/A
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
We are pleased to inform you that we are accepting applications for Foreign Service English Language Officer positions. Click here (http://careers.state.gov/specialist/vacancy-announcements/elo) to view the vacancy announcement, and to start the online application process through Gateway to State via USAJobs. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is April 24, 2013.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 20 years old to apply and at least 21 years of age to be appointed, able to qualify for a top-secret security clearance, and able to obtain all necessary medical and suitability clearances. Applicants must also be willing to serve worldwide. All potential applicants are strongly urged to read the entire vacancy announcement to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this position
before applying.
We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State. Visit our forums if you have any questions, or to search for topics of interest. The forums can be found under Engage on The careers.state.gov website. You can also search our FAQs for more information. U.S. citizenship is required. An equal opportunity employer.
Check out the JETAA Ottawa Newsletter
Article/Journalism, Earthquake Tsunami, JETAA Chapters, Uncategorized, Writers Comments Off on Check out the JETAA Ottawa Newsletter
Posted by Gemma Villanueva (Fukushima-ken, 2008-11), editor for the JETAA Ottawa Newsletter. Written and photo submissions are always welcome. Please contact us at newsletter[at]jetaaottawa[dot]ca.
Hello, readers!
JETAA Ottawa is pleased to release the latest newsletter!
Please download here (16 pages – Acrobat Adobe PDF, 808kB).
Adobe Acrobat Reader: Go the “View” menu at the top; then, click “Page Display –> Two-Up Continuous” for optimal viewing.
Happy reading!
In this issue:
1. An exclusive message from His Excellency Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Canada.
2. Remembering Tohoku: As the two-year anniversary of the March 11 disaster approaches, current and former Tohoku JETs reflect upon their experiences.
Fukushima JETs proudly wear their “akabeko” tees
– Catherine Lefrancois profiles “Eyes 4 Fukushima,” a non-profit organization spearheaded by her peers.
– Estelle Hebert helped launch “Brighter Than Tomorrow,” a fundraising campaign supporting a small fishing village in Miyagi which had been affected by the tsunami.
– Gemma Villanueva, a Fukushima JET alumna and the current JETAA Ottawa Newsletter Editor, shares how the quake changed her school.
3. Where Are They Now?: JETAA Ottawa catches up with Rigor Maglaya, who puts his own spin on the JET phrase: “ESID. Every situation is different.”
4. Getting to know the 2013-14 JETAA Ottawa Board of Directors. (Contact list available – PDF, 84KB).
… And much more!
Job: Administrative Assistant at NYU Law School (NY)
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Thanks to JETAANY Board Member Clara Solomon. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Administrative Assistant
Posted by: New York University
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Clara Solomon is the Career Services Director at NYU Law School and shared this job listing, which reports directly to her. If you apply, by all means let her know you’re a JET alum!
Position Summary:
Perform a broad range of clerical, secretarial, and general office duties including those of a confidential nature. Respond to inquiries displaying a comprehensive knowledge of the department’s activities, policies and programs. Schedule on-campus recruitment interviews; register and monitor responses of participants; prepare and post information regarding job openings; and prepare employer lists and informational packets for off-campus interviews. Assist with the prioritization of office activities and delegate to and monitor work of student and/or casual employees. Compose letters and correspondence. Perform general word processing, spreadsheet and data entry duties utilizing intermediate-level functions. Monitor moderately complex budgets and/or grants. Read More
Washington Post: JET teacher under fire from right-wing for lessons on Japan’s history of discrimination
JETs in the News, Notable JET Alums, Uncategorized Comments Off on Washington Post: JET teacher under fire from right-wing for lessons on Japan’s history of discrimination
This Washington Post article about Okinawa JET Miki Dezaki (“American teacher in Japan under fire for lessons on Japan’s history of discrimination“) describes how a lesson he taught his students about discrimination that was appreciated by his students and his school has turned into a major controversy and drawn attacks from a right-wing Japanese group called netouyo after Miki posted a video of his lesson online to share with others.
Miki was also the creator of the “Shit Japanese Students Say” video that was posted to JETwit last year along with a JQ interview with him. However, we removed those posts from JETwit last week upon his request as the controversy grew into something much larger than he could have imagined. According to The Japan Daily Press (“American teacher faces controversy, harassment over video teaching Japanese racism“), Dezaki also “gained a modest following over past videos he’s posted like ‘Hitchhiking Okinawa’, ‘What Americans Think of Japan’, and an in-depth look at what it’s like being gay in Japan.”
Here’s the video Miki made about racism which he’s modified slightly to address the criticisms of him:
Jobs: AppleCare Agreement Admin At-Home Advisor (Japanese speaking)
At-Home, Jobs, Uncategorized Comments Off on Jobs: AppleCare Agreement Admin At-Home Advisor (Japanese speaking)
Via Apple. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Admin At-Home Advisor (Japanese speaking)
Posted by: Apple
Type: N/A
Location: Various locations (see below listings)
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Apple currently has opportunities for Japanese Speakers to support our AppleCare division providing phone support to our Japanese customers. Specifically we are looking for folks located in Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington. Candidates can apply to any requisition.
Hawaii:
https://jobs.apple.com/us/search?#&ss=Agreement%20Admin%20At-Home%20Advisor%20&t=0&so=&lo=0*USA&pN=0&openJobId=25931940 Read More
Job: 5 interesting jobs with CSI Kentucky
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Via Consultant Solutions, Inc. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Five available openings (see below)
Posted by: Consultant Solutions, Inc
Type: Full-time
Location: Kentucky
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
CSI, a company based in Kentucky founded by a JET alum that employs several JET alums
Network & Communications Specialist for Development & Support
Seeking candidate to set the strategic direction and provide support for network technologies and services to meet the manufacturing, engineering, and administrative needs of a major Japanese company. Read More
Job: Consulate General of Japan Seeks a Receptionist (Atlanta, GA)
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Thanks to JETAA Southeast officer Valerie Stewart for sharing this JET-relevant opportunity. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Receptionist
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Type: Full-time
Location: Atlanta, GA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is seeking an individual for the position of Receptionist (including Telephone Operator, Assistant for Accounting Section and Translation).
Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder, must be fluent in Japanese and English, and possess computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel etc. preferred).
To apply for this position, please send your resume to katsumi.isoda@mofa.go.jp
JETAA Northern California Career & Networking Forum – Eventbrite
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Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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The JET Alumni Association and the University of San Francisco Center for the Pacific Rim will host the 2013 Career and Networking Forum. JET Alumni and MAPS graduates are invited to attend the event, network with their peers and meet organizations looking for employees, interns and volunteers.
For more information please visit: https://2013cnf.eventbrite.com/
Job: Student Services Coordinator (Japan)
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Thanks to JET alum Carleen Ben for sharing this post. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Student Services Coordinator
Posted by: The Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU)
Type: Full-time
Location: Hikone, Japan
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Student Services Coordinator (“SSC”) is responsible for maintaining a living and learning environment that promotes the overall personal well-being of all students participating in JCMU programs.
Duties include but are not limited to:
assisting non-Japanese students in the transition to life in Japan and to functioning effectively within the JCMU environment and the Japanese culture. Read More
Job: Faculty ESL Postings at the University of Florida ELI (Gainesville, FL )
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Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Instructor
Posted by: University of Florida, English Language Institute
Type: 9-month Term/ full-time
Location: Gainesville, FL
Salary: 9-month salary range
Start Date: As early as March 6, 2013 and no later than August 16, 2013
Overview:
The English Language Institute at the University of Florida is announcing two full-time lecturer positions. Appointments are renewable annually upon successful review.
Minimum Qualifications:
- MA or higher degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or a closely related field
- 3 or more years teaching experience in a university IEP setting
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching a variety of ESL courses, levels and skills
- Demonstrated ability/willingness to teach all skills (Reading/Writing, Grammar, Listening /Speaking) Read More
Job: The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville is seeking a receptionist
Jobs, Uncategorized Comments Off on Job: The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville is seeking a receptionist
Thanks to JET alum and JETAA Country Rep Jennifer Butler, who works for the Consulate for sharing this posting. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Receptionist
Posted by: The Consulate-General of Japan
Type: Full-time
Location: Nashville, TN
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
The duties include but not limited to:
- Receiving and directing phone calls.
- Providing secretarial and administrative support.
- Maintaining a general filing system.
- Other office administrative duties. Read More
