WITvid #3: “Thanksgiving Party In Japan”
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WITvid is a periodic series by Peter Weber (Saitama-ken 2004-07), the JET Program Coordinator in San Francisco.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving here is a video posted by malavi21 explaining a little about the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Thanksgiving in Japan – Celebrating and Enjoying the Holiday
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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.
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays you’d expect to be an American only holiday. After all, according to our elementary school education it celebrates American pilgrims and Native Americans coming together to celebrate, eat, and give thanks. Why would a country like Japan, whose history starts 1,000 years before America, celebrate Thanksgiving?
Surprisingly, Japan does celebrate Thanksgiving. Not surprisingly, the official holiday, called Thanksgiving Labor Day, was started after the American Occupation in 1948. Thanksgiving in Japan is an opportunity for unions and other workers to celebrate their hard worked days of labor through parades, parties, and well an actual day off.
As an American living in Japan though it wasn’t easy to celebrate the holiday…
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J-News Mini-Roundup: Poison Blowfish: A Deadly Dinner in Japan Puts 11 in the Hospital
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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: Sushi is a delicacy in Japan, and probably the most famous Japanese food in America. Whenever anyone hears sushi, they think of raw fish, and how adventurous (and healthy) it must be to eat fish uncooked. No one ever thinks it might be dangerous.
The one exception to this is blowfish. To anyone who’s ever lived in Japan or thought about going there, blowfish is famous for its borderline poisonous properties. All restaurants that carry blowfish need special chefs to prepare the fish just right, and if it’s not prepared correctly it can potentially be poisonous. Everyone tries blowfish because of the potential danger and of course unique taste, but no expects to actually…
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Job: Project Coordinator – Mobility International USA
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The following job opportunity is via the JETAA Jobs yahoogroup:
PROJECT COORDINATOR – NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON DISABILITY AND EXCHANGE
Position description
Writing/Editing Skills
* Research, write and update new informational resources such as disability-specific tip sheets or online journals
* Solicit, interview, write or edit exchange alumni stories, blogs, featured person pieces, and podcasts for publications, websites, journals, newsletters and other resources
* Write sections of the NCDE quarterly report and monthly E-News
* Content and copy editing for peer review, including articles, conference proposals, resources, alumni stories, newsletters and correspondence Read More
WITvid #2: “ALT in Japan”
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WITvid is a periodic series by Peter Weber (Saitama-ken 2004-07), the JET Program Coordinator in San Francisco.
This video was brought to my attention by Rhea Young, JET Program Coordinator at the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit.
This piece (posted by draginboll) was featured on Japanese television about the treatment of some Assistant Language Teachers in Japan. Although I feel some of the views are biased and extreme (especially the references to the JET Program) it is very interesting. It just goes to show, ” Every Situation Is Different (ESID)” does not only apply to the JET Program.
Job: Junior Patent Editor/Coordinator at MultiLing
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Via MultiLing Japan:
Position: Junior Patent Editor/Coordinator
Type: Fulltime
Start Date: Negotiable
Salary: From 3.6m JPY/year (experience and performance based)
Benefits: Social Health Care, Pension, Unemployment Insurance, Paid Leave
Holidays: Sat., Sun., National Holidays, End of year holiday
Description of position:
MultiLing Japan is looking for a hardworking detail-oriented linguist to coordinate our growing JA-EN patent translation work. The selected candidate would also be responsible for editing translations done by other members of the team, and, after proving competence, translating as well. Organizational and computer skills are an absolute must for this position as well as superior English writing ability.
Those interested should send the following documentation to the email address provided above:
1. Resume/CV
2. Cover letter
3. Sample of translation
Candidates must already live in Japan. Relocation costs are to be born by the candidate. Company will sponsor visa.
Company Name: MultiLing Japan Y.K
Address: 4-17 Kaigan Dori, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0002
Tel: 045-315-3135
Email: info-japan[at]multiling[dot]com
Fellowship: 2010 Charles Rangel International Affairs Program
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Via JETAADC:
The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program is now seeking applicants for its 2010 Graduate Fellowships and undergraduate International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program. These are excellent opportunities for outstanding students interested in international affairs careers.
The Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship is designed for individuals interested in careers in diplomacy in the U.S. Foreign Service.
The fellowship includes:
1) up to $34,000 per year for two years toward a graduate degree in international affairs or a related discipline at a U.S. university
2) paid internships working for a Member of Congress on international affairs issues and at a U.S. Embassy overseas
3) entry into the U.S. Foreign Service for those who successfully complete the program. **** Read More
Jetwit Society – Nihongo Dake Dinner – 11/11
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The Nihongo Dake Dinner is one of the few regular events in New York City designed to bring both Japanese and non-native Japanese speakers together. Currently run by Jon Hills for JETTANY (http://jetaany.org/), he’s also the founder of Hills Learning (http://hillslearning.com/default.aspx), a language school based in Grand Central, New York City.
The Nihongo Dake Dinners have always been a part of JETAANY, at least for JET’s who have been in New York City for the past few years. However since last year the dinners had stopped, with no one willing to take the reigns of organization. Then from June of this year the dinners began to take off again, with a dinner happening on average per month. They usually have regular attendance of about 20 people, which consists of half native Japanese and half non-native Japanese speakers.
The most recent Nihongo Dake Dinner took place at an Izakaya called Onya. There after speaking with the very knowledgeable and capable management staff they agreed to create a set menu of typical Japanese Izakaya dishes: deep fried tempura style food, along with edamame, oden, kara-age, etc. We also each were served a complimentary drink for “kanpai,” a very fun way to celebrate the end of 2009.
The best part of the night, as with most nights, is the intimacy felt by having a small group with a common goal: cultural exchange. Onya added to this by reserving an entire floor just for this event, which included our own bar, two waiters, and plenty of space to stand up and mingle. All in all a memorable night, but after 4 hours of speaking Japanese the organizer (myself) found it better to retire for the night than proceed to a nijikai of Karaoke. There’s always next year.
New JET alum book: “People of the 21st Century: A Portrait of Japanese Society” by Taylor Chapman
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Thanks to a post on the JETAA Texoma (Chapter 9) yahoogroup, just found out about JET alum Taylor Chapman, a professional photographer who has a new book out titled People of the 21st Century: A Portrait of Japanese Society. Additionally, Taylor has a book signing coming up in Houston, TX. (Details below.) Meanwhile, if you know of any other JET alums out there with published books, by all means let JetWit know and we’ll post about it here to let everyone know.
Here’s the info from JETAA Texoma:
Hi All,
I am excited to let you know about a book signing by photographer and JET alumnus Taylor Chapman that will take place at the River Oaks Bookstore on Friday, November 27 from 5pm-7pm. Taylor would love to have folks stop by to say hello, even if you haven’t bought his book.
Taylor Chapman spent the last two years living in Kumamoto, Japan with the JET Program, teaching English at a local high school. As his Japanese proficiency grew, he became increasingly fascinated by Japan’s distinctive culture, and decided to embark on a unique photographic project to document Japanese society.
Having pursued photography for ten years now, including extensive study at Yale University, Chapman developed a specific methodology, adapted from a 1930’s German photographer’ s approach. He classified all members of Japanese society by their occupations and societal roles, and set out to create a portrait of Japanese society as a whole by photographing as many of its component parts–in other words, these individuals- – as possible in their natural environments.
In his last six months in Japan, Chapman went out shooting almost every single day, ending up with an archive of thousands of pictures spanning hundreds of individuals and social roles. Included are bakers and butchers, salarymen and snack bar girls, farmers and fishermen, teachers and students.
In July, he held an exhibition of his work in Japan; this Thanksgiving, he’ll be having a book release/signing party at the River Oaks Bookstore in Houston (across the street from Lamar High School, next to Baskin Robbins). Please come! There will be wine and hors d’oeuvres from 5 to 7.
The book (there are mini and deluxe editions available in-store and online: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/950612 makes a great Christmas present. But please feel free to just drop by, say hi, and have a glass of wine– the author is happy just to share his work and his love of Japan, and there’s no need to buy anything.
If you’d like to get a feel for the work in the book, here are some of the images posted online: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31959446@N07/sets/72157622321556815/
Finally, for any comments or questions, feel free to contact the author at taylor.c.chapman [/at/] gmail [/dot/] com.
Photos: JET alum Aaron Woolfolk’s 5-week Japan promotional tour for “The Harimaya Bridge”
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JET alum Aaron Woolfolk‘s film The Harimaya Bridge, starring starring Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, and Danny Glover, is making its New York debut on Sunday December 6 (with Q&A and cocktail reception to follow) and Sunday December 13 as part of the African Diaspora Film Festival. (See the JetWit post about the upcoming event here for details and ticket info.)
The film had a nationwide theatrical release in Japan beginning in June, and Aaron was involved in a five-week promotional tour in Japan for the film. What is it like for a former JET to go on a five-week promotional tour in Japan? Well, Aaron captured much of it in photographs available on Facebook along with informative and entertaining captions. (FYI, you don’t need to have an account to view the pictures.)
Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=124235&id=833564815&l=9d23bf0eb9
And here’s Aaron’s intro commentary on the photos along with a couple samples of what you’ll see:
Five weeks in Japan in May and June of 2009, traveling all around the country doing promotion in the run-up to the June 13th nationwide opening of “The Harimaya Bridge.” Most days were spent doing loads of media interviews and promotional appearances. This here is just a small sampling, as I wasn’t able to come anywhere close to capturing everything with a camera. It was hectic and exhausting…but talking to the media and connecting with audiences only reaffirmed my desire to live my life telling stories via film, television and theater. :-)
*******
J-News Mini-Roundup: Good Economic News from Japan? GDP Growth
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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. 
Economic news seems to be getting better. In the U.S. the Dow seems to be making a healthy recovery, and newscasters are talking about when the economy will recover, not how long it will recess. GDP growth was also positive for the U.S. this past quarter.
Following the good news in America, Japan also released positive GDP figures this morning. Each newspaper had a different take on the event.
Yomiuri “GDP grows by…”
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JETAA Pittsburgh subchapter ganbatte!
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Just received a subarashii email from Smitha Prasadh (Tokushima-ken, 2005-07) who is part of an effort to revitalize JET alum activities in Pittsburgh-shi (which is officially part of the JETAA New York chapter). JetWit wants to say good luck to “yins guys” (that’s Pittsburgh-ben, fyi :-) and keep us updated on how everything is going.
A small but determined group of us in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA are attempting to jump-start the JETAA – New York sub-chapter here. We’re located kind of in the middle of a rough triangle composed of New York, Washington DC, and Detroit (all of which are at 200-400 miles away), and would like to restart the subchapter to establish a local JETAA presence, form ties with the Japanese community, and spread awareness of the JET Programme.
In the last couple of weeks, we’ve gotten official permission from JETAANY and established affiliations with the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania and the Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh, and we’re currently in the process of choosing officers and getting the word out. (We’ll be putting up a website in the near future, too.) At the moment, we know we’ll be hosting a Nihongo Dake dinner (date/time/location TBA) and quarterly events/meetups.
Like other JETAA chapters, we’re open to all JET alums, prospective applicants, and any friends of the JET Programme. We’re based in western PA, but people in neighboring areas who are also too far from their regional JETAA chapters to participate actively (eastern Ohio, West Virginia, etc.) are welcome to join us.
Any interested parties can send an e-mail to pittsburghrep [/at/] jetaany [/dot/] org.
Smitha Prasadh (Tokushima-ken, 2005-07)
Note: JetWit just checked out Smitha’s website (http://skprasadh.com) and realized that Smitha also does sugoi design work (graphic and web), illustrations and photography.
Japanese company job fair: It is time to hunt job for your bright future!
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The following job fair information was received directly from Yuko Takahashi:
Company job fair / job info session in NEW YORK
It is time to hunt job for your bright future! Before the Boston career forums, it is essential to obtain as much information and preparations as possible to get a job you want!
This is great news that Works Applications Inc. is conducting a job seminar in NYC before the Boston Career Forums! It is a great opportunity to advance your company research and get to know the company before the career forums!
【Presenting Company】
Works Applications Inc.
The company developed ERP package for Japanese major companies, which was believed to be impossible. It has No.1 share of the system in Japan!
For more information about the company, please visit: Read More
Why Learn Japanese?
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The Japanese Doctor is a recurring feature written by Friend Of JET, Jon Hills, who maintains the blog for Hills Learning (www.hillslearning.com). 
This is a certainly a question that is asked of both myself, and of Hills Learning. Japanese in the 80’s was what Chinese is today, a language that is learned for business, political, and most importantly future expectations. If a language is perceived to become more prominent, people will try to learn it. Chinese is seen as a language that might even take over English in prominence, so people are desperate to learn it. Potential students for Japanese these days, so people tell me, are manga and anime fans.
While manga and anime fans certainly have an interest in Japanese culture, I would say still today schools, businesses, and individuals are still legitimately interested in learning Japanese. The majority of our own students are not manga and anime fans…
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4 Jobs: Japanese language/cultural instructors and J-E translator/interpreters (Georgetown, KY and Nagoya)
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The following four (4) job openings are via Kentucky-based JET alum Zach Graham (ALT, Niigata 1999-2000) of Consultant Solutions, Inc. Zack says his company’s current staff is comprised of nearly 50% JET alumni and is looking to add 5-6 new positions over the next several months.
1. Japanese/English Language and Cultural Instructor
We’re looking for a part-time Japanese/English language and cultural instructor to train busy executives. In this position, you’ll be expected to wear the dual hats of Japanese and English teacher. Not only will you teach Japanese language classes to American corporate expats on assignment in Japan, but you’ll also be responsible for all levels of English conversation classes, all while facilitating understanding and helping your students communicate across cultural borders. Additional duties as necessary.
The ideal candidate is an experienced teacher who enjoys working with people of varied backgrounds, has some knowledge of manufacturing environments, and believes that mutual understanding is the first step to mutual success. The instructor will work closely with our client contacts to develop and implement a flexible curriculum that focuses on cultural fluency and effective verbal and non-verbal communication. A high level of Japanese fluency is required for this position (JLPT 1 or equivalent).
If you’re a hard worker with strong interpersonal skills, an outgoing personality, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure the success of your students, send a cover letter and résumé to hr@csi-ky.com.
Position is in Nagoya, Japan.
Consultant Solutions, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will provide training and a support network. We will also consider relocation and/or visa support for the right candidate.
***************
2. English Language and Cultural Instructor
We’re looking for a part-time English language and cultural instructor to train busy executives. In this position, you’ll work primarily in our Georgetown Classroom and teaching offsite at student locations such as manufacturing facilities and corporate boardrooms, where you will facilitate understanding while also helping your students communicate across cultural borders. Read More
