Job: Bilingual Helpdesk Engineer at BiOS Inc. (Tokyo)
Jobs, Uncategorized 
Comments Off on Job: Bilingual Helpdesk Engineer at BiOS Inc. (Tokyo)
Via JET alum Jason Kisling. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.
———————————————————————————————————————————-
***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Positions: Bilingual Helpdesk Engineer at BiOS Inc. (Tokyo)
Job Details:
BiOS is currently looking for a Bilingual Helpdesk Engineer to work at our international IT company in Roppongi and provide IT support remotely to our clients who are mainly international companies. The service will be provided in both English and Japanese.
Qualified candidates will be responsible for handling and organizing questions and claims regarding IT devices and programs. This is a great opportunity to apply your bilingual skill as a Helpdesk Engineer in an international environment.
Read More
JETwit supports the protest against SOPA/PIPA
Uncategorized Comments Off on JETwit supports the protest against SOPA/PIPA
On January 18, 2012, sites all over the internet will be blacking out to protest and try to mobilize more people to speak out against this bill coming up in the Senate next week — S. 968: the Protect IP Act (PIPA) — in an attempt to let U.S. lawmakers know how much opposition there is.
If the bill passes in the U.S. Senate, it will put publishing freedom severely at risk, and could shut down entire sites at the whim of media companies. Fight for the Future created this nifty video to sum it up better than I can.
PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.
Also, please take a few minutes to visit americancensorship.org and take action. It only takes a few moments of your time to be an agent of change!
JET News Roundup 1.8.2012
Return on JET-vestment, Uncategorized Comments Off on JET News Roundup 1.8.2012
By Filmore Ha (Ibaraki-ken, 2006-08). Filmore continues to live and work in the Greater Tokyo Area and is webmaster for JETAA Tokyo, however he is looking for new opportunities in the U.S. or Canada.
Happy New Year! After a very nice albeit busy Oshougatsu here in Japan, I’m back with the first round up of JET related news for 2012.
- JETAASC Newsletter 12/29/2011
JETAA Southern California released it’s last newsletter of 2011 on the 29th of December with a summary of the chapter’s annual Bonenkai, info about their upcoming Shinnenkai for anyone who missed out previously, as well as several job listings. - JETAA Portland Shinnenkai 2012
Come out and hang with JETAA Portland at their Shinnenkai on January 14th. Space is limited and the last day to RSVP is Wednesday January 12th so hop to it! - Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Songwriting Contest
2012 marks 100 years since the Mayor of Tokyo presented 3000 cherry blossom trees to Washington D.C., and in celebration this year the city of Nashville, TN is holding a song writing contest in conjunction with their fourth annual Cherry Blossom Festival. If you’re in the area on March the 24th then definitely go check it out! - JETAA Tokyo Shinnenkai 2012
Come out and hang with JETAA Tokyo as we host our 2012 Shinnenkai on January 27th at one of the most loved Mexican restaurants in central Tokyo!
Call for submissions for CLAIR’s “JET Streams” publication
Uncategorized Comments Off on Call for submissions for CLAIR’s “JET Streams” publication
Via CLAIR Tokyo’s Scott Borba (a JET alum himself):
Each year in the Spring, CLAIR publishes JET Streams, an annual newsletter for JET alumni. We will be compiling this newsletter again during the next few months. I am e-mailing today to request article submissions from JET alumni. Article topics are usually about such themes as: your life/experiences after JET, memories/reflections of your time as a JET, connections with the Japanese community in your home country, etc. We ask that you please avoid articles advertising your current company or books you have written, etc. as we cannot publish these.
If any JET alumni are interested in writing an article, please notify me by e-mail by January 10 and I will give you more details regarding article length and content.
Email: jet-aa [at] clair.or.jp
You can view past issues of JET Streams here:
http://jetprogramme.org/e/former/jetstreams.html
WIT LIfe #186: 今年の漢字
Earthquake Tsunami, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT LIfe #186: 今年の漢字
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 together with her own observations.
At Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple, 今年の漢字 (kotoshi no kanji), or the kanji of the year was just announced to be 絆 (kizuna) or bonds between people. According to the Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society, the rationale behind its selection by the based on ideas from the public was that in a disaster-ridden year that brought a nation closer together, kizuna best reflects the events of 2011. These bonds include those among family members, friends and neighbors, as well as refers to support from abroad. It was chosen with the hope that the world will continue to coalesce to help restore Japan.
As for how this year’s お正月 (oshougatsu) nine months after the disaster will be spent, it seems as if most people are being low-key and staying close to home due to 3-11. Many are still in mourning for the lives that were lost, and this probably will continue until the one-year anniversary next year. People aren’t even sure what to write on their new year’s cards, as the typical 新年おめでとう (shinnen omedetou) or “Happy New Year!” may not be appropriate. Below are some suggestions (in Japanese) for what to write on 年賀状 (nengajou) to those in the disaster area. Read More
Interesse Club: Matchmaking Service
Advertising, Uncategorized Comments Off on Interesse Club: Matchmaking Service
JETwit.com is pleased to welcome its newest sponsor, interesseclub, a subsidiary company of staffing/recruiting firm Interesse International, Inc.
interesseclub offers a progressive matchmaking service, from registration through marriage, and is based in both the U.S. and Japan.
To learn more and/or to register, visit the interesseclub website or contact them in:
- New York: 212-391-7767
- Los Angeles: 310-414-4541
- Sillicon Valley: 650-218-9464
Online registration available 24/7!
***********************
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 together with her own observations.
Time truly flies, as I can’t believe it has been so long since I’ve been here. At any rate, tadaima!
Although almost nine months have passed since the earthquake/tsunami in Fukushima, and I am glad to say that the recoverｙ effort is still on people’s minds. Last night I went to the Artist Showcase and Fundraiser for Japan held at Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki’s Residence. The event featured a reception honoring a visiting Fukushima prefectural government delegation to New York, along with artwork (some from JET alumni!) available for silent auction purchase.
Ambassador Hiroki offered his comments, and a representative of the Fukushima prefectural governor read a letter from him on his behalf. On display were Fukushima goods, and guests partook of Fukushima sake as well as Read More
Happy (American) Thanksgiving from JETwit
Uncategorized Comments Off on Happy (American) Thanksgiving from JETwit
Just want to wish everyone out there a Happy (American) Thanksgiving.
This has been a challenging year for JET and JETAA. We lost two of our own, many of us lost friends and we al perhaps l lost part of some familiar notion of Japan that existed before the earthquake and tsunami.
This year’s Thanksgiving may feel like an acute reminder to take stock and be thankful for all that we have and all that we still have to look forward to.
Ganbare Nippon and Ganbare JET Alumni.
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy Thanksgiving.
JET Prefecture Round-up 11.19.11
Cultural Outreach, Fundraising, JET Prefecture Round-up, Uncategorized Comments Off on JET Prefecture Round-up 11.19.11
**************
Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan. To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.
Events by Region
- AJET’s Thanksgiving Cabin Party is November 26th-27th!
Kantou Region
- Chiba JETs are prepping for the Tokyo Yamathon 2011.
- Chiba JETs 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner is November 23rd!
Chubu Region
- Shizuoka JET Christmas party is December 9th!
- November 26th is the Nagano AJET Thanksgiving Dinner and Charity Auction in Ina!
- Lots of International Festivals in Toyama this season! Next up is the December 10th Namerikawa International Day.
Kansai Region
- The Christmas Smile Kids Japan visit will be on Saturday, December 10 from 1-4pm.
- Hyogo will host the Awaji ALT Football Tournament on Awajishima Friday 18th – Sunday 20th November.
- Hyogonians get their “JETs on Jitenshas” on in the Fall PEPY Ride in Himeji November 20th.
- The Shiso Sale is happening until December 10th, to benefit PEPY and Cambodia!
- Thanksgiving Dinner in Kobe, November 23rd!
- A Very Shiso Thanksgiving will be held in Shiso on November 26th.
- Osaka JETs are re-visiting Shinodoyama Orphanage in Izumi-shi on November 23rd.
- Moustache Bash is December 2nd in Osaka!
- Path of Prayer (Kumano Kodo) takes its next walk on November 20th in Shingu!
- Shikoku Field Day will be held in Shikoku Saburo no Sato, in Mima City, Tokushima on November 26th and 27th.
- All JETs and their JTEs are invited to the Skills Development Conference Enkai at Hadaka no Osama in Matsuyama on December 1st!
- Jam for Japan is scheduled for December 10th to raise money for donation to Tohoku.
- Ehime JETs are doing a Christmas Party and Secret Santa orphanage visit in Matsuyama on December 17th
- Kochi JETs are invited to Tea Ceremony on November 23rd in Takajo-machi.
- Kochi JETs are invited to a free tour of Tengu Highlands on November 26th!
- Oita International Fair is November 23rd!
- The Annual Oita AJET Sumo Trip is coming up on Saturday, November 26th!
- KumAJET will climb the 3,333 steps on November 19th!
- The 2011 SDC Reception Party is November 24th in Kagoshima City!
- 2011 Annual Sata Misaki Marathon & Walk is December 4th!
- Kagoshima JETs will sing at Hark the Herald ALTs and Friends Sing on December 10th at AmuPlaza.
Carolyn Brooks (Ishikawa-ken, Kanazawa, 2006-11) is co-author of the blog MadSilence–a cross-cultural blog written with her father–and a current culture/education related job-seeker in the NY area available for full-time or consulting work.
Industry Experts: Pam Kavalam, Shannan Spisak, Clara Solomon, Jillian Rodriguez and Katrina Barnas
Update: Click below to listen to a recording of the panel discussion.
Monday found about 15 JET alums meeting on the 20th floor of 3 Park Avenue, current home of the New York branch of CLAIR (The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, aka the “Japan Local Government Center”). Gathered over jasmine tea and Thai finger food, JETAANY presented a chance for job-seekers to talk to JET alums (and a few non-alums) who currently work in the worlds of higher education and exchange programs. The five panelists included Pam Kavalam (Shiga-ken), a student advisor at NYU’s Wagner School, Clara Solomon (Tottori-ken), Director of Counseling and Career Development at NYU’s School of Law, Katrina Barnas (Chiba-ken), Associate Director at the Institute of International Business at Columbia Business School, Shannan Spisak (Kanagawa-ken), Program Officer at the Institute of International Education, and Jillian Rodriguez, who works for the Program of Financial Studies at Columbia Busies school.
Amber Liang (Kochi-ken), herself a Senior Programs Coordinator for the International House at Columbia, moderated the forum with a series of questions that laid bare the realities of working in the higher ed world. The panelists explained how they got into the field, the pros and cons of their job, the education requirements needed to work in a college or university, and where they thought the higher ed industry would be in five years.
While all the panelists had very different jobs and fell into the industry in different ways, there were a lot of things they agreed on. First, higher ed hiring is slow! Don’t be discouraged if you apply and don’t hear back for months. Second, having a Masters degree isn’t required to start at an entry-level position, but people will expect you to start one while you work there, especially of your institution offers free classes or tuition benefits. And even if you don’t get hired for the job that you apply for, many resumes are shared internally, so put your best foot forward and apply anyway! Third, there are good opportunities for mobility in higher ed offices. Starting in administration is a good way to start, as long as you don’t stay there too long. Learning more about the institution and the other offices will give you a chance to move to different, and possibly higher, positions. The one downside being that while you may move up, your paycheck might not.
Lastly, as for the future of higher ed jobs: they aren’t going anywhere in the near future, however free classes for employees or benefits are likely to be reduced or cut because of budget constraints. It’s important to think carefully about the benefits other than money that you can gain working in higher ed. If you want to earn a Master’s while working, it’s an excellent opportunity, but if you want to make a fortune it might not be your cup of tea!
Hearing the stories of our sempai was a truly helpful and inspiring experience. A lot of us are struggling in the job market at the moment, and it’s events like these that give us a glimpse of the struggle our successful friends have had, and the gumption to keep on trying our best!
“Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers” and “Postcards from Japan: Messages from Tohoku Artists” @ Japan Society until 12/18/2011
Events, Uncategorized Comments Off on “Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers” and “Postcards from Japan: Messages from Tohoku Artists” @ Japan Society until 12/18/2011
Carolyn Brooks (Ishikawa-ken, Kanazawa, 2006-11) is co-author of the blog MadSilence–a cross-cultural blog written with her father–and a current culture/education related job-seeker in the NY area available for full-time or consulting work.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the Japan Society in NYC. Hidden behind an outwardly unassuming facade across the street from the United Nations, The Japan Society has been promoting Japanese-American relations since 1907. Inside, the Society shows its true character as the indoor gardens, water features, and shoji-inspired walkways wow visitors as much as the broad range of classes, exhibitions, and lectures they hold each year.
"W-Orbit" by Akio Hamatani
Currently showing (until December 18th) is “Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers.” It’s a collaboration between The Japan Society and Textile Network Japan along with Tama Art University Museum. As you enter the exhibit, you walk through the first piece of art! The doorway is covered with a noren, or traditional door curtain, made of space-age materials that look like watered silk and gold leaf. It was one great example of how the 30 artists who contributed pieces combined traditional techniques and modern materials to show the versatility and beauty of textiles….
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE POST…
Job: Product Manager at Yelp – Japanese Products (San Francisco)
Jobs, Uncategorized Comments Off on Job: Product Manager at Yelp – Japanese Products (San Francisco)
Via JETAA US country rep Mike Shu who works for Yelp. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.
———————————————————————————————————————————-
***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Product Manager – Japanese Products (San Francisco, CA)
Job Details:
At Yelp, we pride ourselves in being a hyper local product. Yelp is already available in nine countries and we’re starting to work on bringing Yelp to Japan. This role will involve customizing the Yelp product to make sure it feels truly local to our users in Japan.
We need a Product Manager who can design beautiful-but-simple features, crank out mockups and is passionate about how culturally unique different countries are. You should be fluent in Japanese and a definite plus is if you currently live in or have spent a large amount of time (at least 10 years) living in Japan.
You will:
Requirements (and we mean it!):
+ Techie Cred: CS or similar degree so you can talk to our enginerds about Python, map reduce jobs, and naive Bayesian algorithms without a translator.
+ i18n Experience: Knowledge of and experience dealing with the challenges that launching a product in multiple languages creates. You will work with our engineering team on optimizing our translation and localization workflows.
+ Passion about the Space: You love the world of social networking, local search and consumer websites.
+ Non-Nerd Empathy: You’re interested in FriendFeed, Twitter, etc. as much as the next nerd, but you also recognize that you’re designing for a non-techie audience.
+ A Conditional Love for Yelp: Like a BFF or a tee ball coach, you should love us but also be able to tell us what we’re doing wrong. You’ll need to be able to dish out the criticism here and take it, too.
+ A Need for Speed: Daily release cycle? Bring it!
Ghibli’s 借りぐらしのアリエッティ (aka “The Secret World of Arrietty”) being released in US Feb 2012!
Events, Film, Uncategorized, Video Comments Off on Ghibli’s 借りぐらしのアリエッティ (aka “The Secret World of Arrietty”) being released in US Feb 2012!
Carolyn Brooks (Ishikawa-ken, Kanazawa, 2006-11) is co-author of the blog MadSilence–a cross-cultural blog written with her father–and a current culture/education related job-seeker in the NY area available for full-time or consulting work.
I was so excited when I saw a friend post on Facebook this morning that the most recent Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli film, “The Secret World of Arrietty” will be in theaters in the US in February of 2012! I was lucky enough to see it in theaters in July of 2010, and I was blown away. You can watch the Japanese trailer here.
The story is based off the classic children’s novel “The Borrowers” by Mary Norton. Essentially, the Borrowers are kobito, literally “tiny people,” who live by borrowing the things they need from humans. They live under the floorboards or close to human’s houses so they can sneak in when no-one’s around to borrow what they need. The main characters are Arrietty and her family, the last remaining Borrower family in their area. One day, while borrowing sugar from the house, Arrietty is seen by the sick boy who’s come to visit the house for the summer. What will happen now that a human has seen her? The adventure begins!
Studio Ghibli films are always beautifully produced, but I thought that Arrietty was even a step above their normal production. The scenery from the garden around the house was exquisite… every leaf, flower and dew drop was so fresh and colorful that when you watch it on the big screen you truly feel you are the size of a Borrower, walking though the jungle of an overgrown garden. The soundtrack was equally amazing – ethereal and quirky, performed by the immensely talented French singer and harpist Cecile Corbel. I’m not one for buying movie soundtracks, but after I saw the movie I immediately went to the closest Tower Records and bought the “Kari-gurashi SONGBOOK” soundtrack, which has all of the best themes and songs from the movie on it. Check out the main theme here.
Disney will be releasing Arrietty in February. Although I’m a die-hard subtitle fan, I’ve been really impressed by Disney’s translation and dubbing for the other Ghibli movies. They bring in top-notch actors and really smooth out the dialogue while keeping close to the original meaning and feeling of the Japanese. Translation of movies has got to be one of the hardest jobs ever – it’s not just language but a whole different set of cultural cues that you’re translating for another audience. Arrietty will be voiced by Bridget Mendler and supported by a great cast including Carol Burnett, Amy Poehler, and Will Arnet.
I know that most of us have seen or heard of Miyazaki’s movies before – perhaps Studio Ghibli’s movies are part of what drew us to Japan. Movies, anime, and traditional artwork were the things that got me interested in Japan in the first place! What are some of your favorite Ghibli movies? Mine include:
Porco Rosso (紅の豚 Kurenai no Buta), the Casablanca-esque story of a mysteriously enchanted pig-cum-bounty hunter who swoops around the Adriatic saving school children and the hearts of beautiful cafe owners…
My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ Tonari no Totoro), a story of two little girls who move to a new house in the country with their father. Strangely enough, the house is inhabited by an amazing array or spirits that can only be seen by children, including the large, fuzzy, and toothy monster called Totoro and his friend the Cat Bus.
Howl’s Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城 Hauru no Ugoku Shiro), based on the Diana Wynne Jones YA book of the same name, is a light tale of love and magic with a twist of Miyazaki’s anti-war messages…
2011 Tokyo Truck Show
Uncategorized Comments Off on 2011 Tokyo Truck Show
Posted by Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91), coauthor of The Sushi Lover’s Cookbook and Tokyo Chic and contributor to Time Out Tokyo and Time Out Shortlist Tokyo. He blogs as “Tokyo Tom Baker.”
The three-day 2011 Tokyo Truck Show is currently under way (Oct 27-29), and I went to the first day of it to cover it for my blog. In addition to dozens of trucks, there were also all sorts of truck-related merchandise. The more unusual items included a gigantic ink jet printer that you can drive your truck into to have some quick artwork applied, and an air-conditioned sleeping bag for hot summer nights in the back of the cab.
You can find more details, photos and a couple of videos at this link.
New LinkedIn group for JET Alum International Education and Exchange Careers
Career, Networking, Uncategorized Comments Off on New LinkedIn group for JET Alum International Education and Exchange Careers
JET alum Carolyn Brooks has set up a new Linkedin group for JETs, alums and Friends of JET working in or interested in the field of international education and exchange (a popular career path for many JET alumni).
Here’s the link to join: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?homeNewMember=&gid=4145299&trk=&ut=1tt3q-WQ4vCkY1
Also here’s a link to the full list of JET Alum professional and prefecture LinkedIn groups out there. And a reminder that if you don’t see one that fits, start your own and we’ll post it here on JETwit.
