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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Interpreter/Translator/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.
アラ還 (arakan) describes Japanese around 60 years of age, and it comes from (アラウンド還暦 or around kanreki). 還
暦 (kanreki) refers to one’s 60th birthday celebration. This buzzword is picking up on the previously popular アラフォー (ara fo-), coming from the phrase アラウンド40 (Around 40) which was also the title of a 2008 drama regarding this time of life. This phraseology can also be applied to other decades as well. For example, instead of disclosing my age I can simply reply that I am アラサー (ara sa- or around 30).
As you might expect, like baby boomers here in the States arakan are not taking aging lying down. A segment in this morning’s news featured Read More
J-News Mini-Roundup: The Clash of Cell Phones
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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 language learning options.
Background: For companies who produce consumer products in Japan there are two times a year they contemplate releasing their new product lines: summer and winter. This is because summer and winter are when the massive consumer base in Japan receives their biannual bonuses. Docomo has gotten a contract to produce a phone using the Google Android, while Softbank will be 
producing the iphone. The newspapers ran headlines this morning about the preparation being done for the anticipated battle between Softbank and Docomo this summer, and which side is going to be triumphant.
Asahi: “Docomo Releases for the First Time a Google Cell Phone. Softbank Increases Animation…” This headline alone from Asahi makes it quite obvious which cell phone provider they support. Each paragraph in their article on the release of cell phones details the Docomo phone, and how it will utilize Google’s superior android technology, along with their “easy to use” email capability. Google’s also sold over 1 million of their smart phones, the Asahi adds, and Docomo’s president stated “This phone will make a big impact.”
The selling point for the Softbank phone, which the Asahi doesn’t mention until their last paragraph in the article, is the fact that it’s solar-powered. The Yomiuri elaborates.
Yomiuri: “Softbank Releases a Solar Powered Cell phone” Yomiuri doesn’t even mention Softbank’s rival…
(Click HERE to read the rest of the post)
Writing opportunity: Japan Now e-Newsletter
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Just saw this posted on the Japan Intercultural Consulting group on LinkedIn:
Japan Now is currently seeking articles for publication. We would like brief articles about Japan, of around 600 words. We are particularly interested in cultural articles, but pieces about Japanese politics and economy (some specialized knowledge preferred) or Japan-US relations are welcome as well. If you have anything you would like to contribute, please contact us with your submissions–your article may be selected for publication in this nationwide online newsletter of the Embassy of Japan.
We are also looking for submissions about the Fulbright Memorial Fund (FMF) program or the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. If you are a participant within the last ten years in either of these programs and would like to write about your experiences, please contact us at the email address below.
Japan Now is a newsletter that serves anyone who is interested in Japan and its culture. Until 2005, we had been a printed nationwide newsletter of 10,000+ circulation, but we have recently converted to an online format, allowing quick access from readers all over the world. Our most recent issues, both printed and web-based, are online at: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/JNindex.htm .
If you are interested in writing articles for any of the above categories, please contact the Japan Now staff at jnow[at]embjapan.org. Questions and requests for sample articles are welcome at this address, as well as direct submissions. If an article is selected for publication, we would like to pay a token honorarium (the amount will be decided according to the length and content of the piece). Creators retain copyright to their work.
J-News Mini-Roundup: Japan’s Panicked Reactions to Swine Flu
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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 language learning options.
Background: It’s been over a couple weeks since the first suspected case of Swine Flu appeared in Japan’s airport. Although internationally Japanese citizens have reacted swiftly to any threat of contamination, including flying employees home, evacuating to safer countries and sending out blast warning emails through embassy channels, domestically the fever of swine flu had not yet caught on. This past weekend the main newspapers were littered with headlines on reactions to the swine flu. The reported cases are both in Osaka and Hyogo prefecture. Government officials as high as the Prime Minister are making public commentary, while stories of schools closing and international conferences being cancelled are becoming common place.
Asahi “135 Reported Cases of Infection” Over half of the headlines on the Asahi this morning told of the penetration of Swine Flu into Japan and Japanese society. The headliner read “135 reported cases, not just young and old people but bankers, shop keepers…” As in New York City however, Japan’s also finding that the majority of cases are being reported from Junior and High schools both within Osaka and Hyogo prefecture. Students with infected classmates are finding their schools being shutdown. The Asahi tells of the banker, who was just “going about their daily job” when a reported older man came in to get money and possibly infected her. Or the convenience store worker, who had diligently been wearing a mask but still managed to contract the flu from one of his customers.
Nikkei “A National Policy Response is Necessary” While the Asahi reports about the already infected inhabitants and their schools and communities reactions, the Nikkei tells of how everyone else is preparing for the worst.
(Click HERE to read the rest of the post)
Job: Northwest Marine Trade Association – Sponsorship and Membership Director (Seattle)
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Via JETAA Pacific Northwest:
Job Opening at NMTA – Northwest Marine Trade Association
Friends – We are looking for a new Sponsor and Membership Director because Alashia Wartelle (who has done a wonderful job for us) left recently to have her first baby. Mother and daughter Lilly are doing fine J. She is not planning on coming back to work right away…..thus an opportunity for someone. Read More
J-News Mini-Roundup: LDP Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Takes Girl for a Joy Ride
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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 language learning options.
Background: The two leading headlines for politics this morning in Japan are the election for the new head of the DPJ, and another political scandal involving the ruling party, the LDP. Since I’ve been covering Japanese politics there have been quite a few scandals, including misappropriation of funds that eventually brought down the head of the DPJ, and a scandal at the G7 where the finance minister was reportedly “drunk”. Each newspaper talked differently about the embarrassing acknowledgment from former Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Kounoike Yoshitada, that he took a young girl for a ride on the JR line using his government issued pass.
Nikkei “We Left on a Romantic Getaway” The Nikkei states in their first paragraph that the accusation is “roughly true”, according to the general secretary of the LDP party. The rumor that Kounoike took his JR pass that’s supposed to be used for cabinet members and used it to go out with a girl on a “romantic getaway” was verified by the general secretary last night in a news conference.
In response, Prime Minister Aso stated that a pass being used for anything other than its intended purpose is extremely regrettable. He then said, ” I now have to make a new appointment for the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary.” The current state of Kounoike, adds the Nikkei, is that he’s in the hospital.
Asahi “ Kounoike’s in the hospital, where it is I don’t know”
(Click HERE to read the rest of the post)
Job: J>E Document Review and J>E Translation Editor
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By translator and writer Jamie Graves (Saitama-Ken 2002-2003)
Via the Honyaku group:
Spotted two job postings on the Honyaku discussion group today both for experienced Japanese to English translators. One asks for applicants with a legal background, the other for people with experience in technical translation.
For more info check out the original post.
JapanInfo Newsletter – April 2009
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The April 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.
Highlights include:
Ambassador Nishimiya Takes Office- Ambassador Nishimiya Visits Philadelphia
- Ms. Toshiko Calder of the Princeton Community Japanese Language School is Honored
- JETAANY Hosts First Author Showcase
- The World Heritage Sites in Japan: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
- Manga as a Tool for Learning Japanese
- And plenty of things to do and see on the Events Calendar.
J-News Mini-Roundup: The Sumo Tournament for Losers, Asashoryu Included
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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 language learning options.
Background: Last night sumo’s match was an upset for the returning champion sumo, Asashoryu. After an accusation from the sumo authorities for “playing soccer in Mongolia”, among other charges, he was officially banned from sumo for an extended period of time in 2007 to 2008. Now this year he’s back along with his arch rival, Hakuhou. While Hakuhou was undefeated last tournament, Asashoryu racked up two losses. Last night also demonstrated that Asashoryu is not going to be able to come out of this tournament unscathed. Each newspaper had a slightly different take on Asashoryu, Hakuhou, and the tournament last night at Ryogoku, in Tokyo.
Yomiuri “Asashoryu hits the floor, Hakuhou racks up a third win.” The Yomiuri, compared with the other two papers, focuses on Asashoryu’s loss and him literally “hitting the floor.” His rival, Aminishiki, pushed him out of the ring by a well positioned start. The Yomiuri then describes this defeat as the seventh time Aminishiki has beaten a sumo champion. Hakuhou on the other hand, as they describe in their second paragraph, has racked up his third consecutive win.
Nikkei “Asashoryu’s first defeat, Hakuhou and Haruma win” The Nikkei cleverly gives the spotlight in their headline for a win to both…
(Click HERE to read the rest of the post)
J-News Mini-Roundup: The Head of Japan’s Opposition Party Resigns
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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 language learning options.
Background: Representative Ozawa of the Democratic Party of Japan announced his resignation today. The DPJ, or Democratic Party of Japan, has gained unprecedented political prominence in recent years. Just earlier this year it was highly rumored that the DPJ was going to unseat the ruling party, the LDP or Liberal Democratic Party, for the first time since the Second World War. Then, amidst a scandal where Ozawa’s secretary was accepting illegal campaign contributions, Ozawa and the DPJ abruptly started losing public favor. Each newspaper took a slightly different account of Ozawa’s resignation speech and how they viewed his departure from power.
Asahi A Political Soldier, “I did it for the Unification of my Party”. The Asahi reports that Ozawa’s main focus in his resignation was to unify his party, and continue the political battle. It’s almost made to seem as if a soldier has just retired from the battlefront. “Not only am I doing this to pave the way for a transition of power, but beyond that I’m doing this for sake of political solidarity.” The Asahi then adds that Ozawa still feels that “winning the snap election is of the utmost importance. I will continue along with my party to fight till the end.”
Nikkei A Vulnerable Threat, “The Party was Unstable“. The Nikkei focused on very different commentary…
(Click HERE to read the rest of the post)
J-News Mini-Roundup: Toyota’s Debt: The Biggest Japan Has Ever Seen
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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 language learning options.
Background: Car companies are part of the corporate identity of Japan, and at the head of the pack is Toyota. With car sales higher than GM, they’re the number one car company in the world. What the economic crisis has taught both America and Japan, however, is that being big isn’t necessarily always best. The newspapers released today the most dismal earnings forecasts that Toyota has had in its 70+ year history.
Yomiuri “850 billion yen for two years” Yomiuri states in their first paragraph that Toyota’s debt forecast will reach a whopping 850 billion yen (8.5 billion dollars), the largest debt on its balance sheet history. According to the Yomiuri, due to the economic slowdown in the world car market, next year’s debt will be twice as much as this year’s.
Nikkei “550 billion yen” The Nikkei paints a very different picture of Toyota…
(Click HERE to read the rest of the post)
Music: Hanami Taiko tonight at Drom (NYC)
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JET alum Ariel Shearman (a member of the the Soh Daiko taiko group) shared the following (FYI, Ariel studies under Kaoru Watanabe, a longtime member of KODO, based in Brooklyn, and Kaoru is in the group performing tonight):
http://dromnyc.com/home/index.php?option=com_gigcal&task=details&gigcal_gigs_id=736
Thursday May 7th 2009 (TONIGHT)
Naka Naka Series presents:
HANAMI DAIKO!
Yoshikazu and Yoko Fujimoto
(founding members of KODO)
and Special Guests
7:30pm
$15 Advanced Tickets, $20 at the Door
Over 400 hits today
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Happy to share that JetWit broke the 400 mark today with 407 hits on the site between 8pm on Tuesday night and 8pm Wednesday night (i.e., tonight)!
Cristy Burne (Hyogo-ken, Kawanishi-shi, 1998-2000), author of the children’s book Takeshita Demons, recently won the first Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Book Bward, an award that aims to celebrate cultural diversity in children’s literature.
Takeshita Demons, set to be published next year, is based on the adventures of a Japanese schoolgirl named Miku. Cristy says, “After spending two years as an ALT and a third working in a Japanese company, you can guess that much of my inspiration comes from the JET experience.”
For more information on Cristy, the award and her work, check out her blog (http://cristyburne.wordpress.com) or contact her directly.
Go to the award website to see more photos from the awards ceremony held this past Thursday in London.
Jobs: International Education Programs (Chronicle of Higher Ed)
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Via the Chronicle of Higher Education’s international education programs job listings:
5/4/2009
- Kaplan (China) : Dean of First-Year Students (Shanghai, China)
- Otterbein College (Ohio) : Director, Center for International Education and Global Engagement
- University of Minnesota Law School (Minnesota) : Director of International and Graduate Programs
- University of Nevada at Las Vegas (Nevada) : Assistant Director of International Students & Scholars
4/28/2009
- University of Toronto at Scarborough (Canada) : Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences
