Nov 19

WITLife 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.

Very interesting article in yesterday’s NYT about how efforts are being made to reduce the presence of yakuza in various business transactions.  The story focuses on the recent construction project of Tokyo Sky Tree, a communications tower.  This is a huge change as traditionally yakuza have been an integral part of this industry, often seeking “protection money” from developers.  Developers might also call on the yakuza to give an extra push to people unwilling to give up their land.  I liked Jake Adelstein‘s quote calling the yakuza “Goldman Sachs with guns.”  Check out the adjoining picture to see a comparison between Tokyo Tower and the “new Tokyo Tower,” what Sky Tree was called before decided on its official name.  Other candidates were Tokyo Edo Tower, Mirai (Future) Tree, Yume Miyagura (Dreamwatching Tower), Rising East Tower and Rising Tower.  It is due to be completed next year.


Nov 16

Culture Spreaders is a new feature intended to shine a spotlight on JET alums involved in spreading and sharing Japanese culture in their home countries.  If you know of a good JET alum for a future post, just e-mail jetwit [at] jetwit.com tell us why you think that alum is a Culture Spreader.  (Self-nominations welcome too.)

Seattle-based Bruce Rutledge (MEF Program Chiba-ken, 1985-87) is the Editor-in-Chief of Ibuki, the “Japanese Inspired Food and Lifestyle Magazine” for the Seattle/Bellevue/Portland area.  (www.ibukimagazine.com)

I was in Seattle this past weekend and (thanks to JETAA Pacific Northwest President Sandra Sakai) was able to pick up a copy of the “I Love Kawaii” issue, which featured “6%Dokidoki Brings Happy Anarchy,” “Your Slice of Japan on the Eastside,” a recipe for green tea sweets, a travel article titled “Kanpai in Tokyo” and a sake article titled “Food pairing hints.”  The magazine also includes an extensive Japan-related business directory for the area, including restaurants, galleries, grocery stores, etc.

In addition to his work with Ibuki, Bruce is also the founder of Chin Music Press, which has put out a number of Japan-related books and takes pride in book design.

For all his work with Ibuki and Chin Music Press, Bruce is undoubtedly a major JET alum “Culture Spreader.”


Nov 16

Message from JETAA International Chair Shree Kurlekar

The following is the text of an e-mail sent out to the JETAA chapter representatives listserve by newly elected JETAA International Chair Shree Kurlekar (Shiga-ken, 2005-07).  With Shree’s permission, we’re re-posting a slightly edited version here on JetWit for the benefit of the JET alumni community.  For more information about JETAA International, you can visit the website at http://jetalumni.org.

Greetings members of the JET alumni community,

My name is Shree Kurlekar and I was elected Chair of JETAA International at the JETAAI meeting October 1-3 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Here’s a list of what will be covered below:

1.    Introduction to me and the new JETAAI Board
2.    The Future of JET and JETAA
3.    2010-11 Action Plan for Country Representatives

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Read More


Nov 16

JET ROI: Japan Times readers respond to Debito Arudou’s “Don’t Blame JET for Japan’s Poor English”

Back in September the Japan Times ran a column by Debito Arudou titled “Don’t Blame JET for Japan’s Poor English.”  The article defended JET against criticism of non-improving English test scores.  But it also waded into some generalizations that prompted some thoughtful responses.  (Thanks to CLAIR-NY’s Matt Gillam for the heads up.)

Click here to see all of the responses.

The final word on JET, for now

Arudou misses the mark

Debito Arudou’s recent article on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme (Just Be Cause, Sept. 7) and many of the responses which followed (Have Your Say, Oct. 12):

I do agree that there are some systemic challenges educators must attempt to overcome in order to provide these kids with the English education they deserve. But Mr. Arudou’s arguments are so simultaneously inflammatory and reductive that I cannot believe a reputable publication would venture to publish them.

He is right to have concerns about the very real institutionalized handicaps in the Japanese educational system, but his ideas are so ill-articulated (“Group psychosis?” Are you kidding?) and, frankly, ignorant that I fear the real problems (and solutions) become lost in the muck.

The article itself misses the opportunity to shed light on what is actually happening in Japanese schools. Mr. Arudou is right to worry that cutting the program and withdrawing the significant foreign presence in Japan might be counter- productive, but I do not believe that that is because the Japanese are suffering from “eigo psychosis,” whatever that means. The “problems” are institutionalized at this point — a reflection of the greater cultural conflict Japan faces as it strives to look forward while staying rooted in history and tradition.

The push/pull between The Way Things Have Always Been Done and Read More


Nov 15

JET Program mentioned by PM Kan in meeting with President Obama

According to some recent article in the Japanese press, Prime Minister Naoto Kan mentioned the JET Programme in his meeting with Obama, reaffirming the program’s importance.

This is of course a significant statement about the importance of the JET Program to Japan.

Here are two articles:

Here are some highlights from the Japan Today article:

Kan also told Obama that he aims to enhance bilateral exchanges between the two countries to include a wide range of people in five years.

The initiatives include sending young Japanese teachers and interns to the United States, as well as implementing such programs as promoting collaboration on education and two-way exchanges among universities in Japan and the United States, the officials said.

Kan also expressed concern about the declining number of Japanese students studying in the United States and voiced his intention to work more on this problem.

He also reaffirmed the importance of existing efforts, including the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, the officials said.


Nov 15

JETAA DC Film Festival – Dec 3 and 5

Via Mack Maloney, President of JETAA DC:

JETAA DC will be holding a film festival at the Freer Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute the weekend of December 3-5.

1. Friday, December 3 @ 7pm is Linda Linda Linda.”

The film follows four girls as they prepare their band for their final school festival. Accompanied by a great soundtrack, this film is funny, poignant, and will certainly have you longing for your school festival (and a karaoke box).

2. Sunday, December 5 @ 2pm is The Harimaya Bridge,” written and directed by JET alum Aaron Woolfolk (Kochi-ken) who will be in attendance.

Filmed in Kochi Prefecture, “The Harimaya Bridge” is a drama about an American man who must travel to rural Japan to claim some important items belonging to his late son, from whom he was estranged. While there, he learns several secrets his son left behind. Mr. Woolfolk will be in attendance during the screening and will stay to answer questions about his craft and his experiences. Come see a film the Los Angeles Times calls “a unique, complex, consciousness-raising accomplishment,” and Derek Kester of the San Francisco Examiner labels one of the best films of the year.


Nov 13

Via Dan Dooher (Akita-ken, 2006-10):

After reading your most recent JetWit Diary post, I wanted to share with you something Akita Prefecture has just recently started:

The Prefecture’s International Affairs Division is trying to reconnect Akita JET alumni and study abroad students with the prefecture via a bi-monthly newsletter called, “Akita Global Network.”

In the International Affairs Division’s own words:

“The project hopes to reach people who have left Akita to both maintain connections to Akita and elevate overseas awareness of our prefecture. We are planning to issue “Akita Global Network Newsletter” bi-monthly. Please enjoy it with your friends and family.”

If there are other former JET alums out there from Akita interested in receiving this pdf newsletter, please contact the International Affairs Division at: kokusaika@pref.akita.lg.jp

The newsletter welcomes submissions from alumni as well.

Dan also wondered if any other prefectures are doing something similar.  If you are aware of any similar efforts, please email jetwit@jetwit.com.  Yoroshiku!


Nov 9

FoxHound87: My New Favorite Place in Japan

Joshua Small is a First Year JET currently living in Ikaruga-cho, Nara-ken and has been chronicling his experience on his blog Snorlax87.

My new favorite place in Japan is Spa World. Spa World is a gigantic onsen in the middle of Osaka. I went with another Nara JET, Prof. X.

As we entered, we dropped off our shoes in a locker in the lobby. After much discussion, we decided our hunger must be sated. We zipped up to the 6th floor where there is a small cafe by the pool. Did I say pool? I meant LAZY RIVER surrounded by 4 big water slides!!! I ate some gyudon (beef, rice, onion) and Prof. X ate udon (noodles…basically).

The water slides actually cost money in addition to the ticket price of getting into Spa World. We went around the lazy river a few times before heading outside (on the roof) to our first spa. Hanging out in a spa surrounded by the Autumn cold is amazing. It feels fantastic. After the Pool floor, we went down to the 4th Floor, also known as the Asia Floor. The actual spa floors are exclusive to men or women (no coed). Because of this policy, they switch which floors are available every day. There is also a Greece-themed floor and others.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.

http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/


Nov 7

SCBWI-Tokyo Event – Leonard Marcus on Advice from a Legendary Editor

Posted by Suzanne Kamata (Tokushima, ’88-’90):

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators presents

Children’s Literature Scholar Leonard Marcus:

Advice from a Legendary Editor: How Ursula Nordstrom Made Children’s Books That Last

Time:     Sunday, November 28, 2010, 10-11:30 a.m.

Place:    Tokyo Women’s Plaza, Conference Room 1

5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

by the Children’s Castle and United Nations University

For a map see www.scbwi.jp/map.htm

 

Fee:      1,000 yen SCBWI members; 1,500 yen nonmembers

 

Reservations are recommended: E-mail info@scbwi.jp by Friday November 26, 2010

This event will be in English.

This illustrated presentation will give an inside look at the path-finding work of Ursula Nordstrom, Harper’s visionary editor of children’s books. The focus is on the hands-on creation of such well-loved classics as Goodnight Moon, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Charlotte’s Web, Where the Wild Things Are, and Harriet the Spy; on Nordstrom’s thoughts about children and their books; and on the valuable lessons that writers and illustrators of today can learn from her inspired approach to publishing. Q&A will follow the talk, and participants are welcome to bring copies of books for signing.

 

Leonard Marcus is a distinguished children’s literature scholar who is also an award-winning writer for kids. His books include Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom; Golden Legacy; Minders of Make-Believe; and, most recently, Funny Business: Conversations with Writers of Comedy. Leonard is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and other publications and writes a regular column on picture books for The Horn Book. He has served as a judge of the Ragazzi Prize, the National Book Award, and on numerous other prize committees. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit his website: www.leonardmarcus.com and read an interview with Leonard Marcus: www.scbwibologna.org/presenters/interviews/leonard-marcus.php

 www.scbwi.jp  info@scbwi.jp


Nov 5

WITLife 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.

We are in the heart of marathon season, a favorite time of year for runners such as myself.   I have to admit that I love the sport enough to attempt to do two marathons in a row, the Marine Corps Marathon in DC last weekend and the NYC Marathon this weekend.  It will be a first but hopefully my body is up to the challenge!

The running culture has always been huge in Japan, and with the establishment of the Tokyo Marathon in 2007 the number of runners further swelled.  Although I have gotten into the marathon every year since its start (and run all but one), most of my Japanese friends Read More


Nov 5

JET ROI: JET alum op-ed in Asahi Shimbun – The JET Program is a ‘triumph of soft power’

Jim Gannon

The below op-ed titled “POINT OF VIEW: The JET Program is a ‘triumph of soft power’” appeared in the November 5, 2010 edition of the Asahi ShimbunIt was written by three JET alumni with expertise in Japan-U.S. policy and relations:

(Here’s the link for the original article on the Asahi Shimbun website:  http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201011040234.html)

POINT OF VIEW: The JET Program is a ‘triumph of soft power’

Michael Auslin

In its 23 years, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program has brought more than 50,000 young foreigners to Japan, including over 25,000 Americans, to teach in the school system as well as to support international exchange activities.

Each of us grew to know Japan through our participation in the JET Program, and this experience has changed the direction of our careers and enriched our lives.

In fact, the JET Program has touched the lives of so many people who might otherwise not be exposed to Japanese society that it is regarded by many outside of Japan as the most successful public diplomacy initiative in the world over the last several decades.

Paige Cottingham-Streater

Therefore, we were especially dismayed to learn that it has been criticized in the last round of the budget screening process.

Since it was launched at the height of Japan-bashing in the late 1980s, the JET Program has produced an extraordinary legacy.

On the one hand, we would like to think that it has been beneficial for Japanese students and communities. We have heard many stories about how students’ personal interactions in the classroom with JET participants have made English into a “living language” for them and helped motivate them to use English for communication rather than just as an exam topic.

We get the sense that, in our globalizing world, even students who never mastered English have benefited from their interactions with JET participants from countries they may never have thought much about before.

The JET Program’s least recognized contribution, however, may be its most important. This is the remarkable success it has had as a public diplomacy program. By exposing thousands of young professionals to Japanese society, it has built up deep person-to-person ties between Japanese people and an entire generation of non-Japanese from around the world.

In our country, the United States, the impact of this program on U.S.-Japan relations is quite extraordinary. It is no exaggeration to say that it has become an important pillar of the bilateral relationship.

As they grow older, former JET participants have started to take important posts in government, business, and civil society, bringing their personal networks and a deep appreciation of the importance of strong U.S.-Japan relations to their everyday work.

In the U.S. government, for example, JET participants have worked on the frontlines of U.S.-Asia relations in the White House, the State Department and other agencies. Two JET alumni even ran for the U.S. Congress–Rob Cornilles, who ran on the Republican ticket in Oregon, and Dan Seals, a Democrat from Illinois.

Similarly, when one looks at the emerging generation of Japan experts in American academic circles and think tanks, it appears that the majority are graduates of the JET Program, many of whom may have otherwise taken a very different direction in their studies and careers.

This is true of the grassroots organizations that sustain U.S.-Japan relations, too. At least 4 of the 40 Japan-America Societies in the United States are headed by former JET participants.

In evaluating the contributions of the JET Program, it is important to keep in mind the role it is playing in strengthening the foundations of Japan’s engagement with the rest of the world and the world’s engagement with Japan. People who are immersed in Japanese communities tend to develop a lifelong connection to Japan, and we are just starting to reap the rewards of this far-sighted program.

In our rapidly changing world, where it is critical for countries to project an active global presence and where a robust U.S.-Japan partnership on a wide range of issues has become even more important, the connections built by the JET Program are an invaluable asset.

The JET Program has been a triumph of soft power. We are so grateful for the opportunity that has given us and believe that continuing the JET Program–and further strengthening it–is important for Japan and all of its friends around the world.


Nov 4

FoxHound87: Now is the Fall of My Discontent…

Joshua Small is a First Year JET currently living in Ikaruga-cho, Nara-ken and has been chronicling his experience on his blog Snorlax87.

I am a Floridian. Last winter, in my hometown, the temperature dipped below 32 for 14 days straight. This was a record. However, following this freak cold snap, the temperature returned to normalcy (normalcy = a bit nippy).

Japan is known (and proud) of their 4 distinct seasons. Summers are hot, Fall and Spring are pleasant, and Winter is cold. As Fall continues, the temperature gets lower and lower. Japan doesn’t get cold fronts like Florida. It just gets cold. I am slowly coping with the idea that my legs will be imprisoned in long pants until April or May.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.

http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/


Nov 2

JETwit Diary 11.02.10

JETwit Diary is a new feature by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94), founder and publisher of JETwit.

It’s time to re-connect with JET alum readers.

Sure, I connect with JET alums all the time.  At JETAANY events, meetings and conferences as well as in exchanges with numerous alums around the world via e-mail, Facebook, LinkedIn, the JETwit Jobs Google Group, etc.

But when I was the Editor for JETAANY Quarterly Newsletter (now “JQ“), I not only wrote a “Letter from the Editor” each issue.  I also wrote the “JETAANY Society Page” (under the pen name “Yoku Shitteiru” for those who remember) which was extremely enjoyable and satisfying, albeit rather labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Additionally, when I first created the Writers Interpreters Translators (WIT) Group (which eventually evolved into the JetWit site), for several months I wrote a weekly email update in which I shared various accomplishments and activities of members and also wrote introductions about new members.  I remember greatly enjoying the process of gathering and sharing thoughts, information and ideas as well as trends and patterns that I observed.  And it was that process that led to the JET Alumni Author Showcase.”

However, the need to manage the JetWit site (which is all done in my spare time) plus my recent induction into fatherhood have limited my ability to spend time actually writing.  Today I still communicate with the JET and JET alum community via JetWit, but I recognize that there’s an indirect quality to it.  I spend time recruiting others to write and provide structure and perspective for their contributions.  So in that sense I communicate through their voices and through the decisions I make on what content to post.

As a result, a number of conversations, interactions, thoughts and other things that happen along the way don’t get mentioned, such as:

  • The pleasant e-mail exchanges that occur as people respond to the JET-Sister City List Project I set up earlier this week.  For example, it turns out that Hokkaido JETs put on a huge musical productions every year.  And the person who told me about it asked if she could write something for JetWit about it.  (Answer:  Mochiron!)  I love hearing about things like this.  And I love even more being able to let the rest of the JET alum community know that things like this exist.
  • That a news reporter is working on a story about JET alum Dan Seals, who is running for Mark Kirk’s vacated seat in Illinois and has a good chance to become the first JET alum to hold a seat in Congress.  Notably, two other JET alums have run for Congress this year:  Rob Cornilles who faces a tough incumbent in Oregon, and David Boling who lost in the primary in Arkansas.
  • The good work being done by Byron Nagy with the JETAA Tokyo chapter, which is very focused on service and volunteer activities and is also doing a terrific job of bringing people together and assisting with networking and job hunting.
  • Ideas I haven’t had time to put into action yet, including a JET alum storytelling event modeled on The Moth Storytelling Hour, an annual award recognizing JET alums who have given back to Japan and a JET essay compilation focusing on the themes of cooking and being alone.
  • Efforts by several JET alums to generate more pro-JET press coverage in the media, particularly in the Japanese language media.

I realize that I’ve missed having the opportunity to write, synthesize some thoughts, share information and share perspectives that come to me in the course of my work with JetWit as well as in the course of my role with JETAANY.

As a result, going forward I’m going to attempt to write periodic JETwit Diary entries that capture some of what’s going on that doesn’t fit on the site in other forms.  Just as I tell other JETwit writers, this is all one big experiment.  So let’s try it out, see what we learn along the way and we’ll take it from there.  Because in the end, it’s all about the journey.

Ganbarimasu and yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)
Brooklyn, NY

Steven is available on a consulting basis to assist organizations with any writing, communications, community building, membership retention and creative marketing needs.


Nov 1

By Tuesday night, we should know whether the U.S. Congress will have its first JET alum member.  Or possibly even members.

Dan Seals is running as a Democrat in Illinois’ 10th district for the seat vacated by Mark Kirk (who is running for the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama).  And Seals led  Republican nominee Robert Dold by as much as 12 points according to a poll in early October.  Though now the race is considered very tight.  This is Seals’ third time running for the seat, which he narrowly lost last year to Mark Kirk.

And Rob Cornilles is running on the Republican ticket in Oregon’s 1st district against Democratic incumbent David Wu.  There the race is also tight, though Wu as the incumbent is apparently considered to have a slight advantage.

Ganbatte!

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Nov 1

Snorlax87: English Festival!

Joshua Small is a First Year JET currently living in Ikaruga-cho, Nara-ken and has been chronicling his experience on his blog Snorlax87.

I gave up one of my Saturdays to help out an English festival last weekend.

Morning: I arrived at the high school near Yaginishiguchi (say that 5 times fast) station a little late for the festival. Luckily, one of the judges was also late, so everyone overlooked my indiscretion. The morning was reserved for the 61st Nara Inter-High School Speech Competition (a real mouthful). This time, I got to lay back and just listen to the speeches. Other Nara ALTs were judges along with the same guy from the Nara Board of Education. A student from my school was competing, so I felt somewhat obligated to attend and cheer her on.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.

http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/


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