WITvid #1: “ALT Rap”


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!


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


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


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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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)


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)


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


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


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


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


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.
Job: Temp Staff needed in JET Programme Office (DC)


Via JETAADC:
The JET Program Office is gearing up for application season. Applications for the 2009 JET Program have already begun to trickle in and we anticipate another busy winter with thousands more to follow! We need YOU to help process these applications with us! Do you have some extra time on your hands? Come help the JET Office!
Work Term: November 12 through mid-January 2010.
Hours: 9:30am to 5:00pm, with lunch from 1:00-1:30pm.
Pay: $70/day
Requirements: You must be ineligible to apply to the JET Program.
We are seeking enthusiastic, professional, and quick learners with strong organizational skills. You also must be ok sitting for long periods of time and doing repetitive work. Even if you can only work the morning shift or the afternoon shift, we might be able to use your help; of course, individuals who can help full days, Monday-Friday are especially needed! Read More
Job: Translation for Uesugi USA (Kent, WA)


Via JETAA Pacific Northwest. Yes, it’s only in Japanese, which means if you can’t read it then it’s really not for you anyway. :-)
Job announcement. Please direct all inquiries to Uesugi USA, Inc.
Uesugi USA, Inc., 6647 S. 216th St. Bldg D, Kent, WA 98032 P: (425)679-0660 F: (425)283-5530
「事業内容」 リサイクル可能な資源の収集運搬・選別・販売事業
「求人者仕事内容」 営業活動・企業への収集運搬(トラック運転)・倉庫内
での選別作業
応募資格
「要求される能力 / 職務経験」
・ 5年以上の営業業務の実務経験がある方
・ ビジネスレベルの英語と日本語能力がある方
・ ビジネスレベルの英語と日本語の文章力がある方
・ 高いコミュニケーション能力がある方
・ 運転免許がある方
「勤務時間」
・ 午前8:00~午後5:00 月曜日-金曜日
・ 休業に適応させる祝日‐New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, After Thanksgiving Day, Christmas
「勤務地」
・ ケント / ワシントン州
「予定月給」
・$3000~$4000(経験によって
J-News Mini-Roundup: Swine Flu Closes a Record Number of Schools in Japan


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 Japanese have done a lot to combat the Swine Flu. When it first arrived in Narita they quarantined the whole plane, and did a thorough inspection of each passenger. Afterwards when it started to spread they split Japan into three different zones to better manage potential outbreaks and allocate resources. And finally everyone wears masks, although it’s arguable that the Japanese themselves probably bought the masks without much government encouragement.
Despite these measures Japan this month has had record school closings due to the Swine Flu outbreak. Each newspaper had a slightly different take on the phenomenon.
Asahi “Flu Closings Grew By 1.6 %…”
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Japanese language and culture articles
J-News Mini-Roundup: Ozawa “Buddies Up” with the American Ambassador


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. Their main service is private one on one tutoring in the NYC area, and they now also offer group lessons in Manhattan.
Background: Ichiro Ozawa was the main candidate for The Democratic Party of Japan, leading up to the election in September. Then leading up the summer he was rocked by a scandal that put his secretary potentially embezzling funds that he shouldn’t have been embezzling. He resigned, and the now current Prime Minister, Hatoyama, took over the Democratic Party of Japan, and ended up winning the prize of Prime Minister. The election was historic for Japan, in its 50 year history since WWII this was the first time the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) had taken the reigns of power from the Liberal Democratic Party, or (LDP).
Nevertheless, Ozawa-san has managed to hold onto power, both behind the scenes and as now the Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Japan. Each newspaper had a different take on Ozawa-san this morning and his meeting with the American ambassador to Japan, John Roos.
Asahi “We should be frank…
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Japanese language and culture articles
JQ seeks writers for Winter issue – Story ideas below


Special message from JQ Editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02):
Hope everyone’s enjoying the start of fall (a link to JQ’s current issue is below in case you haven’t seen it yet, thanks always for your contributions and ideas). I’ve added some new story ideas since our quarterly meeting in September, so in case you haven’t signed up or would like to see what else is out there, below are the story ideas I’ve rounded up from other JETs and contributors along with my own ideas that you can pick for the winter issue to be published in January. De wa…
Deadlines are as follows:
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5: Registering a story assignment with me at magazine@jetaany.org, or pitching an idea of your own for approval. All suggestions are welcome. We’ve been picking up more new writers with each issue, and I encourage all first-timers whether you consider yourself a seasoned writer or not.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3: Deadline for submitting a final draft of your story. It’s earlier than usual because I’m planning on doing some traveling and want to have a lot to work with before the holidays. Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis, less so for new writers.
I would also greatly appreciate added assistance for the following:
AD SALES CALLS: Although JQ has now switched to paid annual subscriptions for our hard copy mailing list, we’re still continuing to sell ad space. I’ve already blasted out our new issue and rates to everyone on my list, but I’ve since learned the hard way that they never get back to me this way, since it’s easier to delete an e-mail than to dodge a phone call. So, I’m asking for volunteers to help me make calls to those who have previously advertised with us in the past two years (about 30 names). If you’re really confident, I’ll give you some other accounts that I’m trying to hook. Know any businesses that you’d like to see in our pages or on the site? That works, too.
COPY EDITING/PROOFREADING: The trial run for this with our new issue was a huge success, so I’m bringing it back. This is for serious bookworms only! If you’re capable of spotting the teensiest, tiniest, itty-bittiest flubs in grammar, spelling, punctuation and design inconsistencies in print, you would be INVALUABLE to me in the layout process. Applicants will be provided with a test–I’m not kidding!
Below are the story ideas.
Thanks for reading and providing your support, and e-mail me with any other questions/comments. Read More