Time & Location

March 16, 6pm-7pm
Hunter College (New York, NY)

About

Together with Hunter College’s Japanese Program, we invite you to a talk event Bashō: Where Now? to mark the publication by the University of California Press of Bashō: The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Bashō. The author, Andrew Fitzsimons, will be in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Paul Muldoon, about the work and legacy of one of the greatest figures in the history of Japanese literature, the master of haiku, Matsuo Bashō.

Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) remains the greatest poet of Japan and one of the major figures of World Literature. His work has inspired haiku to become the most popular poetic form in the world.

RSVP HERE

PLEASE NOTE– All non-Hunter College attendees will be required to show a valid photo ID (governmental, state, passport, etc.) to obtain a pass from the Visitor’s Center to gain access to Hunter College’s campus.

Speakers

Paul Muldoon is an Irish poet and professor of poetry, as well as an editor, critic, playwright, lyricist, and translator. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, he has received the T. S. Eliot Award, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature, the Irish Times Irish Literature Prize, the Griffin International Prize for Excellence in Poetry, and the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry

Andrew Fitzsimons is also an Irish poet and is a Professor of English Language and Cultures at Gakushuin University, Tokyo, and author of The Sea of Disappointment: Thomas Kinsella’s Pursuit of the Real, as well as three books of poetry.

This event is co-organized by the Japan Foundation, New York, and Hunter College’s Japanese Program.

The event will be recorded and later uploaded to JFNY’s YouTube channel.

Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as art, film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she offers some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

2022’s Kanji of the Year was announced earlier this month as 戦 (sen/ikusa), which means fight or battle. It is part of 戦争 (sensou or war) and both 戦う and 戦い (tatakau/tatakai, meaning to fight/a fight). 戦 won with 10804 or almost 5% of the votes, followed by the close second of 安 (an/yasu, meaning secure/cheap) which came in at 10616 votes. Lagging behind in third with 7999 votes was 楽 (raku, meaning easy or relaxed) or fun when it is used in 楽しい (tanoshii). Fun piece of trivia: this is the second time 戦 was chosen as Kanji of the Year, following its selection in 2001 after 9/11 shifted the world into fighting mode.

One of the reasons for 戦’s selection was this year’s invasion of Ukraine by Russia and North Korea’s repeated missile launches. Other fights were of the non-military kind, such as how Japanese struggled to maintain their livelihoods amongst the weakening yen, rising prices, energy shortages and ever-present Covid.

There was also a sports angle, as some voters picked 戦 to commemorate the outstanding efforts of Japanese athletes. Most striking was their World Cup soccer team who surprisingly defeated Germany, Spain and other tough opponents to make it to the Round of 16. In addition, Japanese sports stars had a strong showing at the Beijing Winter Olympics, and in the baseball world Shohei Ohtani continued to rock MLB and Aki Sasaki became the youngest perfect game-pitcher in Japanese professional baseball history.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

---

Position: Program and Communications Associate
Posted by: International Student Conferences
Location: (Remote/Washington, DC, USA)
Contract: Full-time; Remote & Washington, D.C. (DC region preferred)

Thanks to JET alumna, Bahia Simons-Lane (Gunma-ken, 2005-2007) for passing along the following opening with her organization. Unfortunately, they’re unable to sponsor visas.

I’m hiring at International Student Conferences (ISC). We are a small nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. ISC facilitates three academic and cultural exchange programs organized by university students in the U.S., Japan, Korea, and China. Founded in 1934, our Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) is the first and oldest exchange between the two countries that is conceived and carried out by university students. Candidates must be authorized to work in the US, but can work remotely. DC region or US Eastern Time Zone is preferred, but not required.

Contribute your skills to global peace. International Student Conferences, Inc. (ISC) is a DC-based nonprofit organization that oversees four flagship programs: the Japan-America Student Conference (JASC), Korea-America Student Conference (KASC), China-America Student Conference (ChASC), and U.S.-Japan-Korea Trilateral Forum.

Since 1934, ISC’s programs have sought to empower and inspire the next generation and U.S.-Asia leaders by facilitating student-led exchange programs for university students. Through academically intensive and culturally immersive programming, ISC’s conferences seek to foster international friendships and instill in participants a lifelong dedication to openness, diplomacy, and dialogue.

ISC is seeking a Program and Communications Associate (PCA) to work in tandem with the Executive Director and ISC’s student leaders to develop effective communications materials, manage email marketing campaigns, and oversee the logistical coordination of ISC’s student-led programs.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

---

Position: Learning Mentor
Posted by: International College of Technology
Location: Ishikawa, Japan
Contract: Full-time

Attached is a job shared with us. A visa is possible, but candidates should inquire before committing.

Learning Mentor to keep students (age 15-17) to study math, science, and engineering in English during and after classes.

Qualifications: 

1. Advanced English proficiency
2. M.S. or B.S. in science, math or engineering
3. Evidence of commitment to teaching and to student development
4. Keen interest in Japanese education

Period of employment:  Two or Three-year contract beginning April 1, 2023 or June 1, 2023 (further extension of period of employment dependent on staffing needs of the college and Learning Mentor’s performance)

Salary: 6,000,000 yen annual salary (5,640,000 yen in case of bachelor’s degree holders) in 12 monthly payments

Benefits:

• One-way transportation to Kanazawa (return fare on completion of contract)
• Shipping allowance
• Health/dental insurance for employee and dependents
• Commuting allowance for those who live more than 2 km from campus

Duties:

1. To attend and assist in afternoon classes
2. To tutor and adjust students during evening learning sessions
3. To participate in school functions and activities along with students

Read More

************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Are you interested in Japanese crafting art?

Let me introduce a new essay from Japan-Insights.

The Magic of Urushi Lacquer by Dr. Rupert Faulkner

https://topics.japan-insights.jp/Public/pdf/japan-insights_jp/topics/JIN_Urushi.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

---

Position: Instructor
Posted by: International College of Technology
Location: Ishikawa, Japan
Contract: Full-time

Attached is a job shared with us. A visa is possible, but candidates should inquire before committing.

Instructors to teach programming, software development at the high school/junior college level.

Qualifications: 

1. Master’s degree in relevant field
2. Evidence of excellent teaching skills
3. Teaching experience
4. Evidence of commitment to teaching and to student development
5. Advanced English proficiency
6. Keen interest in Japanese education

Period of employment:  Two or Three-year contract beginning April 1, 2023 or June 1, 2023 (further extension of period of employment dependent on staffing needs of the college and instructor’s performance)

Read More

Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as art, film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she offers some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

All you soccer (or should I say football) fans out there have probably been busy watching the World Cup. I don’t follow soccer, but am excited to see how far Japan has gotten and will be cheering Samurai Blue on in their match with Spain tomorrow. It’s also been nice to see Japanese fans receive recognition for their attention to the stadium’s cleanliness. I particularly like this image of the Japanese team’s locker room following their upset victory over Germany (check out the origabmi cranes displayed in the back!).

A segment on this morning’s Japanese news interviewed some of these volunteers, and the reporter seemed to be taken by one response in regard to what motivated them: cleaning is「当たり前」(atarimae, or natural, obvious, reasonable). Another respondent replied that a clean stadium is a reflection of their pure hearts (a familiar Japanese trope). The cleaning crew’s earnestness was not only endearing but an inspiration to fans from other countries, some of whom emulated the Japanese fans after their own teams’ matches.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

---

Position: Inside Travel Group Branch Integrator / Branch Director
Posted by: Inside Travel
Location: Broomfield, CO, USA
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to JET alumnus, John McMillen (Fukui, 2006-2008) for sending us a job opening at his current company:

Are you a business leader who gets excited about delivering exceptional value for customers? Do you excel at motivating teams around a shared passion? Have you felt for yourself the difference that a meaningful travel experience can make in a person’s life? If these questions describe you, keep reading!

About Us

We build vacation experiences people love with our multi-award-winning approach of service-led cultural adventures. This pairs classic sightseeing with unique experiences of local life and culture. In everything we do at Inside Travel Group, we strive to deliver a Quality and Friendly service with Integrity, Determination and Passion using our collective Knowledge. And we’re growing!

About the Role

We are actively seeking a Branch Director to provide the leadership, drive, and coordination that the branch needs to become a high-performing unit that achieves its profit and growth targets; to connect the branch to the global ITG vision and mission; and to make a positive impact on its people and community. You’ll be part of a fun, friendly team of employees, all of whom share a passion for our destinations, a belief in our brands, and a strong collective sense of values and purpose. Our work culture is supportive, creative, and dedicated.

Read More

Current JETs from the US are encouraged to apply for small grants–typically $200-$1,000–from USJETAA Microgrant Initiative to undertake projects that introduce American culture or English-language teaching to their classrooms and communities.

Learn more at the USJETAA info session (Wed 11/2, 8-9 pm Japan Time)

About the Initiative

US Embassy Tokyo and USJETAA annually provide small grants–typically US$200~$1,000–to current JET program participants to support projects that introduce American culture and/or the English language to their classrooms or community. Funding applicants should fill out the online grant application as well as a simple budget that explains how they wish to use the funds by the November 15 application deadline.

Eligibility

• Applicants for funding must be US citizens.
• Applicants must be current JET Program participants
• Project activities start after January 10, 2023, & are completed within 13 months

Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as art, film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she offers some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Time flies and hard to believe that we are already at the beginning of fall. For all of you bookworms like myself, as the title says this season is often called 読書の秋 (dokusho no aki or “autumn is for reading)”. Alternatively, for those who love pumpkin spice and everything nice, it is also known as 食欲の秋 (shokuyoku no aki or “season of good appetite”/”fall is for eating”). Other versions include 実りの秋 (minori no aki or “the harvest season”), 芸術の秋 (geijutsu no aki or “best season for enjoying art”), and スポーツの秋 (supo-tsu no aki or “best season for sports”).

Japan had its state funeral for former PM Shinzo Abe this week, with many waiting to offer their condolences and many others offering vociferous protest. His assassination has revealed the deep connections between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Unification Church, the repercussions of which are yet to be seen. This NYT article from earlier in the month touches on the relationship between the LDP and the church, in the context of Japan’s thriving telegram industry. For a heart-warming read, check out this other NYT article which talks about “baby workers” in Japan’s nursing homes.

On a personal note, I recently interpreted at a Japanese food event called “Taste of Japan in New York” that was held at Carnegie Hall. Many famous chefs attended from Japan, sharing their knowledge and creating one-of-a-kind menus focused on the country’s rich fermentation culture. PM Fumio Kishida was in town for the UN General Assembly and appeared at the end as a surprise guest! In his remarks, he highlighted how next month Japan will loosen its Covid restrictions and once again welcome individual tourists. I’ve tried to get back to Japan twice during the pandemic, so I’m hoping three times is a charm for my visit scheduled for next year!

************
JETwit’s JET Alum Movers & Shakers is produced by Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-2017), Margie Banin (Kochi-ken, 2005-2007), and Jim Walsh (Fukushima-ken, 2018-2020). Want to be featured next? Submit your information here.

Accomplishment:

Carrie has recently published a book called “Japan Unexpected” using the extensive journals she kept whilst on the JET Programme.

Carrie says, “I called the book ‘Japan Unexpected’ because even though I’d been studying Japanese for years before going on JET and had even lived in Japan previously, Japan never ceases to amaze me with the unexpected things it can show you and experiences it can give you.

“People seem to be enjoying reading my book because Japan stands on its own as a fascinating country, and because I got to have so many varied experiences there – everything from carrying an omikoshi to planting rice with grade five students; from carrying a burning orb in a fire festival parade to running around at the school sports day. I’ve really enjoyed going back through these memories myself whilst creating the book and posting snippets of it on social media.”

Public Information:

Website: https://linkin.bio/carriestravelbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carriestravelbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CazTravelBooks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-riseley/?originalSubdomain=au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriestravelbooks/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/carriestravelbooks/

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

---

Position: Director, Getting to Know Japan Webinar Series
Posted by: The Yokosuka Council
Location: Remote
Contract: Full-time

The Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS) is a non-profit organization that enables professional growth and fosters grassroots connections with world-class expertise. We are seeking a Program Director for the Getting to Know Japan Webinar Series.

The Getting to Know Japan webinar series program manager/director will lead this vibrant education initiative during its second year. We seek an innovative, hands-on leader ready to take initiative and reliably deliver world-class events. Responsibilities will include working independently and as part of a team to develop, promote, recruit participants, and fulfil reporting requirements for programs aligned with YCAPS’ mission. This position will require extensive coordination with YCAPS staff members (including volunteers located across the Indo-Pacific), program sponsors, and cohorts of program participants throughout Japan.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

---

Position: Associate Fellow (Japanese to English Translator)
Posted by: Kyushu National Museum
Location: Dazaifu, Fukuoka, Japan
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to JET alumna, Rachel Lam (Okinawa-ken, 2017-2018) for passing along the job opening seeking to find her replacement:

Kyushu National Museum is hiring an Associate Fellow for multilingual support in English. Interested parties should download resume template from their website and submit a duly completed version together with required supporting documents by mail.

Application Process: More information and to apply, please click here: https://www.kyuhaku.jp/news/news-220714-3.html.

Questions? Please contact Rachel at <lamzhuodan@kyuhaku.jp>

Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as art, film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she offers some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

It’s been a while since I’ve written here, and it’s nice to be back. I hope that everyone’s early summers are going well! An interesting announcement was made in Tokyo this week in regard to the terminology for “childcare leave.” Previously 育休 (ikukyu) was the term used , but it was officially changed to the phrase 育業 (ikugyo). You can see that the first character, referring to “raising children” has stayed the same, but the second character for “time off” or “rest” has been changed to the one for “work.”

According to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, this new terminology is more appropriate because “child-rearing is the important, valuable work of raising those who will carry our future.” Gyo indicates results achieved by putting in effort, whereas kyu is associated more with taking a break and doesn’t acknowledge the hard work involved. In a public appeal citizens were asked to come up with a new catchphrase for childcare leave, and this one was selected from almost 9000 submissions received in just a month.

Read More

************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Have you listened to Japan’s musical story-telling?

Let me introduce an essay from Japan-Insights archives.

The thirty-third one is Music in Bunraku and Kabuki by Dr. Alison Tokita

https://topics.japan-insights.jp/Public/pdf/japan-insights_jp/topics/JIN_BunrakuAndKabuki.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan #japanesesword