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…”
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Japanese language and culture articles
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…
(CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article)
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
WITvid #1: “ALT Rap”
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WITvid is a periodic series by Peter Weber (Saitama-ken 2004-07), the JET Program Coordinator in San Francisco.
I thought that JetWit could use some video content from time to time, so I figured I would help and contribute by adding JET and Japan related video links. If you have any suggestions do not hesitate to contact me at jet [at] cgjsf.org.
I thought I would start off with a video that was popular a few years ago titled “ALT Rap” by Rob Holbrook aka veloboy (Osaka-shi). Enjoy!
Art opportunity: JET alum author James Kennedy seeks “Odd-Fish” art submissions for Chicago gallery show in Spring 2010!
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James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06), author of The Order of Odd-Fish, is seeking art submissions from JET alumni for his Chicago gallery show in Spring 2010.
To get a sense of James’ aesthetic and sensibilities (or if you just like reading extremely funny and dramatic stories), by all means read The Order of Odd-Fish. Or watch clips of his over-the-top “speech” to the American Librarians Association as well as his audience-gripping reading performed at the JET Alumni Author Showcase last March.
In JetWit’s humble opinion, if James Kennedy is putting an event together, you will benefit greatly on many levels and attain new levels of happiness by participating in it in any way you can. Keep reading and you’ll understand.
Exciting news!
For about a year now I’ve been receiving stupendous fan art for my novel “The Order of Odd-Fish.” Artists like these deserve broader recognition. So this spring I’m planning a gallery show / extravaganza of “Odd-Fish” art in Chicago!
Are you an artist? Do you want to make something for the show? Everyone’s invited. Learn more here:
http://jameskennedy.com/2009/11/03/call-for-submissions-odd-fish-art-show/
I’m working with award-winning Chicago theater group Collaboraction to pull this off. It won’t be just an art show — we’re going to convert their space into Eldritch City and throw a Dome of Doom costumed dance party! We’re going to be bringing schools in for performances and writing workshops as well.
Will there be troupes of foppish dancing cockroaches? Will you be able to venture into the very maw of the All-Devouring Mother itself? You’ll have to come and see!
The opening will be sometime in late March or early April, to celebrate the debut of the “Odd-Fish” paperback. The deadline for submission of art is March 1.
I’ve already received lots of great art! Check out Max Pitchkites’ marvelous cut-paper illustrations — he’s doing one for every chapter:
http://jameskennedy.com/2009/10/29/the-odd-fish-art-of-max-pitchkites/
Feel free to pass this on to whomever you think might be interested in doing art for the show. And don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions!
Click here to read more about the show:
http://www.facebook.com/l/c93ba;tinyurl.com/yl5tjlk
Thanks,
James
J-News Mini-Roundup: Japanese Business: In Cell Phones Only 1/3 Profit
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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: The economic news has been hard to swallow this past week in the U.S. Job numbers were the worst on record, hitting the highest unemployment figures since 1983. For Japan it’s not just about the labor market, but the yen’s constant appreciating has been hurting the export driven economy.
The business climate has been suffering as well, as reported by the Bank of Japan earlier this week. Both large businesses and small / medium sized businesses are still finding the economic climate “very tough.” Therefore, the Bank of Japan is looking into buying up some commercial paper to fuse monetary stimulus into the struggling system.
The challenge in the business market today in Japan is evidenced by the cell phone industry. Each newspaper released a story about the big three in the cell phone business.
Asahi “Out of the three big telecommunication companies, Softbank…
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Japanese language and culture articles
Event: Art and Cocktails with the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Ft Worth
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The following event info was shared with JetWit by JET alum Laura Sethney, Program Coordinator at the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Ft Worth:
Join us for a private gallery viewing and cocktail party for Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth members and friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sponsored by Conduit Gallery
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JASDFW members and friends are invited to a special viewing of the intriguing works of three emerging artists, including Japanese photographer, Mimi Kato. Spend an evening mingling with fellow JASDFW members while sipping on wine and sampling hors d’oeuvres. We encourage members to invite guests in order to share this unique opportunity and learn more about the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth.
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009
Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm
Location: Conduit Gallery
1626 C Hi Line Drive
Dallas, Texas 75207
RSVP to Lauren Sethney by Tuesday, November 10th
Email: lauren@jasdfw.org / Phone: 214-342-2022
***Exhibiting Artists’ Information***
Mimi Kato
Website: www.mimikato.com
This exhibit marks the first time for Japanese photographer Mimi Kato to showcase her work in Dallas. The large scale photographic series depicts each of the four seasons. Read More
Job: In-house Translator/Checker (IT related) (Ishikawa-ken)
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Post from JET alum Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken 2003-06), currently working for PFU Limited (Fujitsu).
Position available for an in-house translator at PFU Limited (Fujitsu), Kahoku City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
Duties include:
– Translation of computer/software manuals (Japanese to English)
– Checking/Proof-reading translated manuals
Requirements:
– Must be a Native English speaker with the ability to read Japanese
– Familiar with Word, Excel
– IT knowledge/experience of working in IT industry
Working hours are Mon-Fri, 8:30-17:15.
Initial contract is for 3 months, but this is essentially a long-term position.
If you would like more information please contact PFU Career Evolution (details can be found on the following website http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/pce/), or send me an email at dipikasoni18 [/at/] gmail [/dot/] com.
Cheers!
Job: Japanese Substitute Teacher (Fairfax, VA)
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This just in from Marc Hitzig (Niigata-ken, 1992-95) who works for the Japan America Society of Washington, D.C. If you are interested or know anyone interested, please contact Nichole directly.
My name is Nichole Mayfield Tsuruta and I am the Japanese teacher at South County Secondary School in Fairfax County. I am expecting a baby and looking for a long-term substitute teacher to begin in January. This would be a five-month, full-time teacher position from mid-January until June 2010. If you know of possible candidates, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please send a resume in English to me or the World Languages department chair, Ms. Catriona Wardlaw. (Catriona.Wardlaw@ fcps.edu (703)446-1961) We are looking for Japanese-speakers (native or non-native) who like working with middle and high school students. Thank you.
Nichole Mayfield Tsuruta
South County Secondary School
Japanese Language Teacher
(703)446-1950
Nichole.Tsuruta@fcps.edu
JET alum Leanna Cooper seeks help placing Japanese interns with US companies
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Greetings fellow JET Alumni! I’m reaching out to my fellow JET alumni network today to ask your assistance.
Upon my return to the U.S. I began working for a cultural exchange organization called Intrax. Headquartered in San Francisco, my company specializes in cross-cultural education through work-based initiatives such as internship and training programs. Specifically, these programs are geared for Japanese university graduates and young professionals seeking to gain international business experience through internships. I coordinate this effort through our office in Tokyo and ensure that each participant has qualifying educational background, professional experience, and motivation for joining the program.
I’d like to ask the JET community for support in getting the word out to potential U.S.-based companies who might like to get involved by hosting an intern. There is no cost involved to join the program and my company handles all the sponsorship fees and paperwork.
Please contact me directly for more information at lcooper@intraxinc.com or 415-434-5669
Arigatou gozaimasu!
Leanna Cooper (Aichi-ken, 2003-06)
www.intraxinc.com
J-News Mini-Roundup: Economic Recovery: The Strong Points of the Japanese Economy
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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: The economic news this morning had some light poking through the dark clouds. With the positive GDP growth reported in the U.S. economic news seems to be taking a turn for the better. Investment banks are reporting profits instead of dismal losses, housing sales have gone up instead of down, and “economic recovery” seems to be a phrase that is at least being talked about.
In Japan vs. the U.S., signs of economic recovery differ. Although GDP is important, there are many other factors that drive growth in Japan. Each newspaper reported a different positive economic phenomenon in Japan.
Nikkei: “Steel Exports for September went up for…”
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Japanese language and culture articles
Kirsten’s World: Azquita Pa’l Cafe
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By Kirsten Phillips (Niigata-ken, 2005-08) who is currently a teacher in the NYC Teaching Fellows Program.
I have an ESL kid! WHEEE!
I am way too happy about that!
I became fast friends with the ESL teacher at my school, Amercy. And she is. I love her first name. It’s eloquent! Once upon a time she worked as a push-in for my class but no longer. I was sad to see her go. However now she is coming back because someone gave me Jesus!
Though a majority of my native-speaking students need major assistance with English reading, writing and most importantly, EXPRESSION, this kid is mandated. His former classroom was taught by a Spanish-speaking teacher and his classmates were all bilingual.
But mami wants her baby to start speaking English.
He’s a good boy. Let’s call him Jesus. Jesus is half Puerto Rican and half Dominican. For the most part he sticks with my native-tongued Paras in the kitchen. Sitting him down for instruction in English is understandably a slow process. It’s scary being the kid who doesn’t quite catch everything. He’s a smart boy, though, and damn have I missed teaching ESL.
I don’t get much one-on-one time with my new kid and I always try to corner away just a little for everyone when they first come in. Plus, there’s no way I’m letting Graciela mommy him. He’s in my class because his parents want him in an all-inclusive English environment. It’s been a while since I’ve forced English on innocent kids who need it. Read More
JapanInfo e-Newsletter October 2009
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The October 2009 edition of JapanInfo is now available online. JapanInfo is published by the Consulate General of Japan in New York/Japan Information Center and is a great source of info for Japan-related things going on in New York and the surrounding area.
Shannan, Stacy, Liz & Steven at the Welcome Back Reception
Highlights include:
- Welcome Back for Former JET Program Participants
- Ambassador Nishimiya Visits Philladelphia
- “Art of the Samurai” Opens at the Met
- From the Ambassador’s Desk
- And plenty of things to do and see on the Events Calendar.
Read below for the write-up of the Welcome Back Reception.
