J-News Mini-Roundup: Suspect charged in the killing of Lindsay Hawker


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: It was a dreadful night on March 24, 2007. Lindsay Hawker was an English teacher at Nova, a well known language school in Japan. She had met Tatsuya Ichihashi by chance in a café a few days earlier, and that night had agreed to go up to his room. The next day she was found dead in his apartment.
The evidence was overwhelming against Tatsuya Ichihashi. Lindsay’s body had been found in a bathtub on the balcony filled with sand and other materials, which Ichiro had been purchasing from the local hardware store. The taxi cab driver had been told to wait for Lindsay to come back down from Ichiro’s apartment, but she never returned. He also fled the scene…
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Japanese language and culture articles
Job: Enrollment Officer at Council on International Educational Exchange (MAINE)


The CIEE, Council on International Educational Exchange, headquartered in Portland, Maine, is looking for an enrollment manager for their Asia division. The enrollment officer is in charge of overseeing the application process for students traveling and studying abroad, and knowledge of an Asian language and experience with education abroad are highly preferred in a candidate.
The Enrollment Officer (EO), based in the CIEE Portland office, has primary responsibilities for students between the point of application and the point of departure on the program. The EO is responsible for the review and acceptance of applicants, tracking and collection of supplementary application and predepature materials, efficiency in processing student applications, customer service to applicants, parents and study abroad advisors and maintaining the integrity of participant data in the database system. The EO also oversees the creation of participant pre-departure materials, including visa instructions, as well as their collection and dispersal to the appropriate staff people. Read More
Job: Accounting Clerk at Consulate-General of Japan (MIAMI)


The Consulate-General of Japan in Miami, Florida is looking for a full-time accounting assistant to join its offices from Feb. 1, 2010.
DUTIES:
- Duties include full charge bookkeeping
- Accounts payable, payroll and other duties as assigned
- Must be professional, have the ability to handle a lot of demand.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Employment Authorization
- Bi-lingual (fluent English and Japanese)
HOW TO APPLY:
Contact: Administration Office
Phone: (305) 530-9090 Fax: (305) 530-9002
Email: account1@cgjmia.org or account2@cgjmia.org
J-Doc: Japanese Christmas Show – Bringing a Japan Christmas to Holiday Shoppers – 12/20/09


The Japanese 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 Japanese and Chinese language learning options. Their main service is private one on one language lessons in the NYC area.
It was just another day at the Harmon Cove Outlet Center in Secaucus, NJ, on the weekend before Christmas. There had been the typical Christmas events previously at the mall, such as Santa coming to sit with kids, and a magic show. Most stores and shoppers were just getting prepared to have one more day of weekend shopping before the big holiday on Friday of this week. But once they entered the mall they were surprised to find a new kind of show, with a different language and culture that didn’t seem quite so familiar, the Japanese Christmas Show!
The Japanese Christmas show used entertainment to attract the holiday masses. Performers who attracted crowds were…
(CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article)
Job: Educational Program Coordinator (PT) (Seattle)


Azumano International, Inc. is seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic and outgoing person to coordinate educational programs for Japanese students visiting the Seattle area. This job is part-time with a possibility of full-time after three months.
DUTIES:
- Recruit host families
- conduct host family orientations and act as contact to families during programs
- Counsel Japanese students
- Visit schools and maintain relationships with school contacts
- Arrange field trips and activities for students and provide support to other departments Read More
WITvid #6: “The Ride”


WITvid is a periodic series by Peter Weber (Saitama-ken 2004-07), the JET Program Coordinator in San Francisco.
Take a bike “ride” through the holiday streets of Tokyo with JET Alum, CJ Hoppel and his colleague Kevin Jones (joneskc7881). Both are currently working in Tokyo.
This video was made for a holiday party contest, the theme was “what you like about Tokyo.” They won two tickets to Okinawa with their subbmission The Ride.
Introducing the U.S./Japan Creative Artists’ Program


Calling all artists – whether you’re a photographer, a puppeteer, a budding troubadour or manga comic, The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts can fund a five-month residency in Japan, through their U.S./Japan Creative Artists’ Program. Applications are due February 1st. Read on for more details:
Here’s the press release:
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission works cooperatively with the National Endowment for the Arts to sponsor the U.S/Japan Creative Artists’ Program. The program provides support for up to five outstanding contemporary and traditional artists from the United States to spend a five-month residency in Japan to pursue their individual artistic goals. The next deadline for this program is February 1, 2010.
The U.S/Japan Creative Artists’ Program is extremely competitive; applicants should have regional or national recognition and anticipate a highly rigorous review of their work. Artists should also present compelling reasons for wanting to work in Japan.
Selected artists will receive:
• A monthly stipend for living expenses and a housing supplement, as well as an allowance for professional support services
• Up to $6,000 for round trip transportation for the artist, domestic partner and/or dependent children, and a baggage/storage allowance
• A stipend for pre-departure Japanese language study in the United States
Additional information, including guidelines and the application, can be found at http://www.jusfc.gov/creativeartists.asp.
Job: Sales Associate (Atlanta, GA)


This job listing comes from MRJapanese, a staffing firm based in Nashville, Tenn. focused on jobs in the States for Japanese companies.
We are in need of a Japanese and English speaking Salesperson who is ambitious, friendly, and outgoing. You will begin as a Sales Assistant, and as you hone your skills, you will have the opportunity to move forward into a full Sales role. Come and be a part of our winning team!
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must be bilingual in Japanese and English – oral and written
• Self-directed and diverse work mentality
• Strong customer service skills and ability to handle concerns in a quick and effective manner
• Any previous Sales experience or proficiency with Accounting software is a plus
• Local/commutable candidates preferred
• Ability to travel for business
HOW TO APPLY: Click here and contact Kiyomi Hamamoto at apply (at) mrjapanese.com
Travel Opportunity: The New Perspectives: Japan


Shelly Namiki of the Laurasian Institution in Seattle, WA wants to let JET alums know:
We have still have space available for our summer travel program, New Perspectives: Japan. Since JET alumni are familiar with Japan and have experience working with children, we thought this could be a great opportunity for those who are available this summer. There’s more information at www.newperspectivesprogram.org. Contact Shelly with any questions at snamiki [/at/] laurasian [/dot/] org.
Groups: Joshikai San Francisco – A new meet-up for Japanese women and women connected to Japan


******************
The following is posted at the request of San Francisco-based JET alum Beth Hillman, who has come up with a great idea for a group:
女子力アップ!「女子会サンフランシスコ」決起集会
Are you a Japanese woman or a woman with an interest in Japan? Maybe you just moved here from Tokyo this summer and want to make new friends… Maybe you taught English in Osaka a few years ago and want to revive your rusty Japanese… Whether you are a native Japanese woman or an American (or other nationality) woman with an interest in Japan, Joshikai may be for you!
女子による女子のための女子限定ネットワークイベント「女子会サンフランシスコ」を始動しました。女子同士ならではのよさ、赤裸々な本音トークなどを楽しんで、一緒に女子力アップを目指しませんか?
We are creating a community of Japanese women and women with an interest in Japan, gathering for a monthly meet-up to make friends, share stories and learn from each other. On the second Thursday of each month, we’ll meet at a location that is chic, reasonably priced, and conveniently located (near a BART station and other public transportation) for an evening of drinks and girl talk, where our members can connect and relax over a cocktail. We’ll also have a monthly guest speaker or theme, so that we can share knowledge and empower each other.
You can visit our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199208063212&ref=nf
We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at: @joshikaisf
Meeting: Joshikai San Francisco: The Japan-Connected Women’s Group
Goal: To relax, have a drink and make connections with other women who are Japanese or interested in Japan
Date: Thursday, January 14th (the second Thursday of each month)
Time: 6 pm – 8:30 pm. Come and leave any time — and enjoy happy hour specials for the entire event!
Location: Amber India Restaurant, 25 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco, 94103
/www.amber-india.com/SanFrancisco/
日時:1月14日木曜日午後6時-8時半
場所:Amber India Restaurant(ご好意により、イベント中はドリンク&アペタイザーがハッピーアワーの価格です。Tejiさんナマステ!)
WITvid #5: 25 years of “Last Christmas”


WITvid is a periodic series by Peter Weber (Saitama-ken 2004-07), the JET Program Coordinator in San Francisco.
Although it’s not exactly a Japanese video, the song “Last Christmas” by the group WHAM has become very much a part of the the Japanese Christmas tradition. Celebrating its 25 Year Anniversay, please enjoy the original 1984 video (posted by ClassicXmas) below. You may notice that the video could have easily inspired a few karaoke box videos. Enjoy!
Job: Admin Assistant at Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN (NYC)


The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (NYC) is looking for an Administrative Assistant in the Social Section to start in mid-January 2010. Japanese language skills is preferred but not required.
Deadline for applications (cover letter and resume) is Friday, 11 December 2009 by 13:00, sent to makiko-hayashi@un-japan.org with “PMJ Administrative Assistant Position” in the subject line. No phone calls.
DUTIES:
- Respond to telephone calls, both incoming and outgoing, with efficiency and professional etiquette
- Assist in logistics/protocol for conferences, meetings, briefings, receptions, and other official functions
- Draft and prepare letters and diplomatic correspondence
- Manage appointment schedules for the section, visiting diplomats and VIPs
- Research and book restaurants, hotels and airlines for reasonable prices and specials
- Receive guests as necessary
- Respond to inquiries
- Assist other officers and staff in the section when needed
Jobs: Sales & Marketing at VIZ Media (SF)


Recession or otherwise, it seems like nothing is stopping manga from crossing the Pacific into American territory. VIZ Media of San Francisco has seven open positions in their Sales and Marketing division. Owned by three of Japan’s most powerful graphic novel and anime licensing and merchandising companies, VIZ has brought the Naruto, Detective Conan, and Hana-Kimi empires, among others to the United States, the United Kingdom, and more.
Within their sales/product marketing department, they are looking for a Director of Marketing, Magazine Sales & Marketing Associate, Marketing Manager, Retail Development Manager, Online Marketing/Social Media Manager.
They are also looking for Bilingual (Japanese-English) Contracts Administrator and a Billingual Collateral Coordinator.
Although not all jobs require Japanese language skills, interest in manga, anime, and Japanese gaming/entertainment are imperative.
For more specific job description/qualification details and application instructions, please see VIZ Media’s job page here.
Job: Reporter/Research Assistant at Yomiuri Shimbun (NYC)


Posted by Machiko Yasuda, a senior at UCLA and Friend of JET. She is the Director of New Media at the school’s Daily Bruin newspaper and is open to additional freelance and full-time writing and editing opportunities.
The Yomiuri Shimun bureau in New York City is looking for a full-time reporter/research assistant. The candidate need not speak Japanese, but journalism experience and knowledge of markets/business industry are beneficial.
Join Media Bistro (free) to apply for this job here. Read More
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.
政権交代 (seiken koutai) or “change of government,” was announced to be the winner of Japan’s 2009 Buzzword Award on December 1 (Incidentally, last year the title was won by 「アラフォー」 or “around 40 years old”). This phrase of course refers to the rise to power by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), overturning over 50 years of Liberal Democratic Party rule. Other contenders for the buzzword title were 新型インフルエンザ (shingata influenza) or “new flu” and 草食男子 (soushoku danshi) or “herbivorous men.”
Since the change in administration, Hatoyama has been dealing with 3Ks. However, this is not referring to the typical usage regarding undesirable 3K jobs that are kitsui (difficult), kitanai (dirty) and kiken (dangerous). Hatoyama’s very own 3 K’s are kenkin (contribution), keizai (economics), and kichi (military base).
The first K is in regard to a donation scandal plaguing the new Prime Minister. Prosecutors have traced Read More