C-DOC: Learn Chinese NYC – Where to Start and The Basics
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The Chinese Doctor is a recurring feature written by Friend Of JET, Jon Hills, who maintains the blog for Hills Learning (www.hillslearning.com). 
Hills Learning is a NY-based language learning services company offering customized and personal Chinese language learning options. Their main service is private one on one language lessons in the NYC area.
Congratulations on choosing to learn the most prominent Asian language for the new decade in 2010. Learning Chinese has become the new linguistic pursuit in schools throughout NYC. Individually when networking I’ve also come to find out that businessmen, government employees, parents concerned about their children’s future, or just individuals interested in Asian language or culture have all at least discussed the possibility of learning Chinese. The possibilities with the language seem limitless, but where to start learning Chinese? What is the most efficient way of learning about the Chinese language and culture?
Learning Chinese, as with learning any Asian language, will take dedication and the ability to open your mind to a new way of thinking. Although it might seem cheaper at first, it’s not recommended to focus your efforts on learning Chinese with…
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WIT Life #67: Hard power
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Translator/Interpreter/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken, 2000-03). Recently she’s been watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese and sharing some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her 
own observations.
Today’s NYT features an interesting editorial from Joseph Nye about the Okinawa base location issue threatening this year’s 50th anniversary of the US-Japan Security Treaty. This Harvard professor and former assistant secretary of defense coined the term “soft power,” but his article focuses on how he believes our hard power should be used in regard to this matter. Basically he is urging us to not throw the baby away with the bath water, and advocates a more patient and strategic approach in order to prevent “a second-order issue [from threatening] our long-term strategy for East Asia.” PM Hatoyama (who Nye describes as being “caught in a vice”) wants to push off resolving this issue until May, but we’ll see what the new year (decade!) brings.
In weather news, we are experiencing quite a cold winter and Read More
J-News Mini-Roundup: Japanese Finance Minister Resigns – Blow to Hatoyama
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J-News Mini-Roundup is a recurring feature written by Friend Of JET, Jon Hills, who maintains the blog for Hills Learning (www.hillslearning.com). Hills Learning is a NY-based language learning services company offering customized and personal Japanese and Chinese language learning options.
Background: Since becoming Prime Minister last September, Yukio Hatoyama has had a dedicated cabinet. The Prime Minister and his cabinet have stood fast to battle both a horrible economic downturn in Japan and also the many issues arising from an aging population. However in recent weeks concerns have risen in regards to his Finance Minister’s health (aged 77), in particular high blood pressure. The Prime Minister’s initial reaction was to try to keep him on regardless, as Fuji-san is one of his most experienced and capable cabinet members.
Last night however the Prime Minister called a press conference where he caved in to letting Finance Minister Fuji step down. Each newspaper reported a slightly different take on the event:
Yomiuri ” Next Finance Minister Nominated, he’ll share the position…
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Job: TELL English Life Line, Communication Coordinator (TOKYO)
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TELL, the Tokyo English Life Line, a new free, anonymous telephone counseling for English-speakers in Tokyo is looking for a full-time Fundraising, Events & Communication Coordinator in Tokyo
DUTIES:
- Responsible for managing fundraising events
- Supporting other fundraising efforts
- Recruiting and managing volunteers
- Coordinating media relations in order to enhance the financial and volunteer resources critical to the organizational health of TELL
HOW TO APPLY: To apply for this position, send a resume and cover letter to: Jason Chare, Director of Life Line Services lifeline1@telljp.com To learn more, click here.
Roland Kelts on Confucianism in Japan, in AdBusters, Big Ideas of 2010 Issue
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After the Walkman and the Prius, Is it time for the West to adopt the Confucianism from the East? Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the US, asks that in the latest issue of AdBusters. As a part of the magazine’s Big Ideas of 2010 issue, Kelts challenges the West: “Let’s listen to our neighbors in the East. A culture that prizes quiet contemplation, self-abnegation, community and stability should not threaten us in the West. We can do better if we learn from one another. And with our entire planet threatened by extinction, we need to.”
Sake World e-Newsletter by John Gauntner (January 2010)
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The January 2010 issue of the Sake World E-mail Newsletter by JET alum and leading sake expert John Gauntner (aka “The Sake Guy”) is now available online. In this issue:
New Section: Sake Basics – Ginjo-shu
Sake Professional Courses in Japan: Last Call!
Holiday Gift Idea: AnnouncingThe Sake Dictionary!!!
Additional links:
Sake World Website
More About Us
Archive
Just want to share that on December 28, 2009, my wife Wynne and I became the parents of a bouncing baby girl named Helen (aka Mini-Wynne)!
Needless to say, this may take a toll on my ability to post on JetWit for a little while. :-) But fortunately with the help of Stacy Smith, Jon Hills, Machiko Yasuda, Gail Meadows, Jonathan Trace, Peter Weber, Crystal Wong and others JetWit will continue to hum along in the New Year.
Here’s a photo of Helen:
And here’s a nice cartoon drawing by my friend Gideon Kendall for the Bankruptcy Bill cartoon site:
Job: JET Programme Assistant Coordinator (Winter 2009; Toronto)
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JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following opportunity through the JETAA Toronto mailing list and thought it might be of interest to former JETs in the Toronto area. Stephen is a translator based in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Ken, and he periodically posts job listings and event information for JET alumni.
Position Type: Full Time – Temporary
Location: Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan
Application Deadline: Friday, January 8th – 4:00 pm
Start Date: Monday, January 18th 2010
End Date: Monday, March 8th 2010
Position Description:
The JET Programme Assistant Coordinator will provide assistance in the winter selection process of the JET Programme.
Responsibilities:
· responding to telephone, e-mail, post and in-person inquiries from potential JET candidates
· helping maintain accurate data using MS Access/MS Excel
· preparing and creating form letters in MS Word
· helping to create and maintain interview schedules in MS Excel
· assist with logistics of JET Programme interview (scheduling, materials, on site coordination)
· maintain strict confidentiality
· liaising with organisations and institutions regarding the JET Programme
· occasionally fielding general telephone inquiries to the Japan Information Centre about Japan
· on occasion, she/he may also be asked to assist with work beyond JET
Akemashita omedetou gozaimashita!
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JetWit wishes you a happy and healthy New Year.
Job: Program Assistant at the Asia Society (NYC)
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The Asia Society headquarters in New York City is looking for a Program Assistant for Global Business Development & Programs to help plan and administer the Asia Society’s global business development and programs both in the U.S. and Asia.
DUTIES:
• Assisting with agenda planning, including identification of speakers, preparation of letters, coordination of speaker participation in events
• Assisting with corporate sponsorship relationships, including identification and research on target companies. Preparation of sponsorship proposals, coordination of sponsor participation in conferences and/or study missions, tracking of sponsorships payments/receivables.
• Managing and maintaining general department trackers, lists, and databases.
• Assisting with conference and/or study mission administration, including all logistics and conference secretariat coordination.
• Assisting with conference and/or study mission documents, including maintenance of all tracking documents.
• Assisting with outreach coordination for programs, including brochure and flyer distribution in the U.S. and in Asia.
• Assisting with Asian corporate conference brochure, advertisement development, and all P.R. materials and website information/maintenance for all other business programs in Asia.
• Assisting with consultation/coordination with other areas within the Society—Communications, External Affairs, Cultural Programs & Performing Arts, Museum, Education, and Centers/Representative offices—regarding programming as required.
HOW TO APPLY:
- For positions in New York, please email your cover letter and resume indicating position reference code and salary requirements to: businessjobs@asiasociety.org.
- Indicate job title in the subject line.
- Resumes without cover letters will not be accepted.
- No phone calls, please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.
Job: Retail Operations for Japan and Korea at American Apparel (LA)
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American Apparel is looking for a well managed Japanese speaking retail operations assistant in Los Angeles. This positions principal duty is to communicate policy and procedural updates with our Japanese and Korean locations. You will also be coordinating promotions according to various holidays and seasonal shifts. A good understanding of Japanese retail business is necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Job: Marketing Coordinator at the Asia Foundation (SF)
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The Asia Foundation seeks a Marketing Coordinator to support its Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) unit in San Francisco.
The Marketing Coordinator will provide direct marketing, outreach and communications support to Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) team, including fundraising, writing and research tasks. The incumbent will manage and update CFR records in Raisers Edge database, track pertinent donor relations information and pull reports and queries as needed. In addition, the ideal candidate will conduct web-based research around potential partners, trade organizations, and other relevant sources. In conjunction with CFR Director, the Marketing Coordinator will manage day-to-day work of CFR intern(s) if applicable.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Bachelors degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, International Relations or a related field
- Experience: 3 years of recent professional experience in marketing, fundraising or a related field is required. Proven experience in writing, editing, and disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Proven track record in developing and executing successful outreach and stewardship plans is essential. Significant professional experience in corporate or grantmaking-foundation setting preferred.
- Other: Excellent written and oral communications skills are critical to success in this position. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is also essential. Familiarity with fundraising/database software such as Raisers Edge preferred. Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously, flexibly adapt to changes in priorities, work effectively and collaboratively under pressure, and thrive in a multi-cultural environment is essential. Proven experience in writing, editing, and disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. The candidate must be a self-starter who is highly creative, organized, and detail-oriented. Experience working in Asia and/or knowledge of Asian issues preferred. Experience in newsletter design, email marketing and tools, and web design is desirable.
HOW TO APPLY:
We offer excellent benefits and salary commensurate with experience. We will only consider applicants who provide a cover letter including salary requirements along with their resume, limit their resumes to a maximum of three pages, and submit their application prior to the deadline. Apply online here.
Job: Academic Director, Intensive Japanese Language and Area Studies (OSAKA)
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This posting comes from Kate (ALT, Osaka-fu, 05-08) of CET Academic Programs
CET Academic Programs is looking for a full-time Academic Director in Osaka for their new Intensive Japanese Language & Area Studies program to start in May 2009 for two years with the possibility of renewal. The director’s principal objective is to apply his/her expertise in the areas of curriculum design, pedagogy, and teaching methodology to CET’s newest program Intensive Japanese Language and Area Studies. Due to the specific goals of our program, the Academic Director must have experience with effectively addressing problems related to in situ language learning.
DUTIES:
- manages the launch and continuation of CET’s Japanese language program
- supervises instruction
- conducts teacher training (both formally and informally), and offers office hours for the Japan faculty and American students
- reports to CET’s head office, making recommendations for short-term curricular changes and long-term programmatic/structural changes
- counsels students to solve problems related to their classes, expectations, dormitories, or activities. Read More
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from JetWit!
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!
AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Job: Program Coordinator at the Consulate-General of Japan (NASHVILLE)
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The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville is looking for a Program Coordinator to help manage JET and other cultural programs like scholarships and exchanges. The Nashville consulate covers the five state jurisdiction of Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee. The deadline is January 4th.
DUTIES:
• Organizing Japanese cultural programs (i.e. Japanese cultural fairs, school/library visits)
• Promoting Japanese language and Japanese studies education (i.e. Japanese speech contests, seminars on U.S.-Japan relations)
• Assisting with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, Japanese Government Scholarship Program and other exchange programs (i.e. recruitment, interview, orientation)
• Website management
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Invested interest in, knowledge of and passion for Japan and U.S.-Japan exchanges
• Understanding of Japanese culture and intercultural communication skills (Conversational Japanese language ability and working experience in a Japanese environment desired)
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Excellent organizational, administrative and people skills
• Strong computer skills (website design and database management skills desired)
• Outgoing, flexible and creative personality
HOW TO APPLY:
Please e-mail your resume to Consul Megumi Osugi (culture@cgjnashville.org)
Deadline: January 4, 2010
