***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Position: Purchasing Representative – Auto Parts Manufacturing
Posted by: Futaba North America Engineering & Marketing Corporation (FNA)
Type: Full-time
Location: NA
Salary:  $35,000 (Entry Level)
Start Date: N/A
http://www.futaba.com/

Responsibilities:
The corporate office of four auto-parts manufacturing subsidiaries is seeking a Purchasing Representative. This is an entry-level position. We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented person with excellent customer service and phone skills. The applicant must be flexible, a team player and be able to multi-task successfully in busy office environment.

The position responsibilities include pricing administration for materials and parts for our subsidiaries and suppliers, developing and maintaining excellent client/supplier relations, and maintaining online and physical records. This position includes some traveling to our subsidiaries and suppliers. In addition, the incumbent will support TS compliance requirements. This is an excellent opportunity to learn the purchasing functions of the auto parts manufacturing business. Our purchasing team is responsible for purchasing supplies and parts for the Futaba North America subsidiaries and sister company in Canada.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite is essential, with a particular emphasis in Excel and Word.
A college education is required. Japanese language skills are preferred. Most of the communication to vendors will be in English; however, the primary language spoken in this company is Japanese.

Send resumes to: employment@futabanaem.com

Overview:
We are Futaba North America Engineering & Marketing Corporation (FNA). We are a Japanese company. FNA was created in November 2011 to be the holding company for the three auto-parts manufacturing subsidiaries in Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. (Futaba has had a presence in the USA, since 1994.) We also provide support for our sister plant in Canada.

Job Position: Import-Export Assistant/Business Assistant
Location: Manhattan, NY
Position: Temporary (position starting from June until Feb, 2013 with possibility of extension.)
Salary: $18.50/hr. (DOE)
Hour: Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm with 1hr unpaid lunch break.

Job Description:
1. Customer Service Contact
2. Vendor contact
3. Data entry tasks.
4. Certificate of analysis verification
5. Excel reporting
6. Document maintenance
7. Provide backup assistance to colleagues when needed.

Preferred Experience and Skills:
・Good communication skill in English required. Japanese is not required, but a big plus.
・Proficient in MS Office with experience using a business system like SAP or other accounting software
preferred.
・Import/Export related experience preferred.

Company Information:
• Japanese chemical company.
• Customer Service Team: 4 employees in total.
• Friendly working environment. No overtime work. Convenient location.

To apply to this position, email me your resume and a cover letter as an MS Word attachment to mokumura@actus-usa.com.

Thank you!
Actus

LAN Administrator

Posted by: Japan Society
Type: Part-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: DOE
Application Deadline: June 30, 2012

The Japan Society’s New York branch is seeking a part-time Lan Administrator. Position requires some nights and weekends on call. Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience preferred.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/32j7757J6Sz5P/

Tomadachi Resident Assistant

Posted by: AYUSA International
Type: Temporary/Contract
Location: San Francisco, CA
Salary: Not Specified
Start Date: Summer

AYUSA International is looking for a resident assistant for their summer academic program at UC Berkeley. Experience working with youth as well as recent grads preferred.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/ktBtZb4bbncp/

Each country with a JETAA chapter has the right to participate in JETAA International.  Most countries have one Country Representative (or “Country Rep”) each.  However, the formula for representation is one country rep for each 9 chapters.  And since JETAA USA has 19 chapters, that means it has 3 country reps.  

Country Reps play a large role in coordinating among the chapters in their country, which in the case of the US, has no central governing authority.  (Kind of like the original 13 colonies before the Constitution, if you will.)  They serve as the shepherds, facilitating the reporting and funding required between CLAIR And the chapters.  However, since 3/11 the Country Reps in the US have played a significant new role, helping to organize and facilitate Japan relief fundraising and communications and helping to think about the future direction of JETAA USA along with their normal duties and obligations.  This adds up to a lot of work in addition to their day jobs.  So make sure to thank your CRs for all their behind-the-scenes work whenever you have a chance.

With that background in mind, here is the introduction message to the chapters from the 3 newly elected JETAA USA Country Representatives:

Hello JETAA Chapter Officers,

Melissa, Jennifer, and I would like to ‘officially’ say hello as your new Country Representatives for the 2012-2013 year. Below are some personalized greetings from us.

As always we can be reached at our JETAA USA emails:

us1.jetaausa@gmail.com - Melissa Chan
us2.jetaausa@gmail.com - Christina Omori
us3.jetaausa@gmail.com - Jennifer Butler

We look forward to a great year working with you!

MELISSA – CR1

Hello everyone! My name is Melissa Chan from JETAA Northern California and I am honored to serve as one of your JETAA USA Country Representatives with Christina and Jennifer.  We are excited to continue some of the great work that Jessyca, Megan and Mike have worked on over the past year.  I also plan to utilize our social media outlets (Twitter, facebook, etc.) as ways to keep all members informed of what’s happening with JETAAUSA and the various chapters.  Be sure to follow us @JETAAUSA.  You are welcome to contact me at us1.jetaausa@gmail.com if you have any ideas, suggestions, or want to help out!  Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

CHRISTINA – CR2

Hi everyone! My name is Christina Omori (NEJETAA) and it is my pleasure to be working with Melissa Chan (JETAANC) and Jennifer Butler (JETAAMC) as your JETAA USA Country Representatives for the 2012-2013 year. We have many exciting efforts such as the JETAA USA Relief fund, evaluating and promoting the success and value of the JET Programme, and much more. Some of the projects I’ll be working on include understanding the success and value of the JET Programme to learn where we have opportunities for improvement while providing support to our communications outlets such as the JETAA USA website and our Google Groups forum. Please feel free to reach out to me at us2.jetaausa@gmail.com for any questions or concerns or just to say hello! I look forward to a productive and successful year working with you all!

JENNIFER – CR3

Greetings!  This is Jennifer Butler from the Music City JETAA chapter and I’m looking forward to working with Melissa and Christina this coming year as one of the JETAA USA Country Reps.  We are dedicated to supporting all 19 US chapters as we work on national projects that will naturally require the cooperation of all of you.  Yoroshiku!  In particular, I’m planning to work on the Sister Cities Initiative and supporting more outreach to other community groups.  If you have any ideas for this or would like to contact me about anything else of concern, just email me at us3.jetaausa@gmail.com.  Thanks and here’s to a productive year!

***************

Position:
Senior Specialist / Analyst in Foreign Exchange Group

Position Summary:
Communicate and negotiate with Japanese Corporate Banking Department (JCBD) customers as well as coordinate with JCBD in (i) executing daily transactional activities including loans and investments, and (ii) developing and maintaining good customer relationships via responding to customer inquiries and solving customer problems.

Responsibilities:
35% Support other traders or RMs to promote Foreign Exchange relevant products to the Division’s Japanese customers, to execute Foreign Exchange transactions with customers (communicating both in English and Japanese) and GMDA or relevant product offices, and to prepare dealing records or other administrations associated with trade transactions.

20% Assist other traders or RMs in enhancing the overall marketing capabilities of the Division by creating FX newsletter and other promotional materials, and sending market related information to both customers and RMs.

20%Performs as a liaison between the Division and GMDA or relevant product offices, and assists other groups of the Division for the marketing and administrations of Market Products.

20% Maintains and enhances the Division’s infrastructure (including system) for market products activities, cooperating with other groups.

5% Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
1-2 years (Sr. Specialist) / 3 + years (Analyst) related work experience in Market Product Sales is preferred.

Basic knowledge of accounting practices in area of foreign exchange and derivatives products.

Language/Communications Skills: Ability to read and understand a variety of written documents. Must be able to effectively respond (both verbally and in writing) to customer inquiries in a bilingual Japanese/English setting.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to accurately compute FX/Derivatives rates and margins, etc.

Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint).

BA or BS in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or other related degree preferred.
***********************************************************************************************************
Position:
Senior Specialist / Specialist in Customer Service Department

Position Summary:
Provide Japanese and /or English Cash Management Services (CMS) technical and operational support to the CMS customers in, prior and after implementation of various CMS services; Process currency wires; and Conduct wire investigations.

Responsibilities:
60% Perform BTMU Innovation setups (including adding/modifying/deleting Wire Transfer templates), to provide user training in conjunction with implementation of BTMU Innovation, Lockbox, Direct Deposit of Payroll, Controlled Disbursement, Positive Pay, Nationwide Lockbox and ACH services, to perform setups of other CMS products including, but not limited to, Cash Pooling, Automatic Sweep, Reverse Sweep, Zero Balance Accounting, GCMS, etc., to provide customer support and technical support for the CMS products, and to present and review all necessary agreements and forms for timely and accurate execution.

10% Perform investigations and process customer lifting charges related to wire transfers, to purchase currencies through RET System, to confirm Forex-wire application instructions with customers, and to coordinate with customers and Foreign Exchange Group to determine an exchange rate (for incoming and outgoing funds) – informing customers of exchange for CMS wires and confirming exchange with customers for non-CMS wires..

23%Maintain and review a customer contact log to ensure that customer inquiries and troubleshooting are resolved in a timely manner, to update CMS related listings and databases, to review CMS billings for accuracy; especially, for those with special charges, to monitor and review CMS Wire Template Logs daily, to develop ideas to create better efficiency of CMS customer requests.

2% Participate in Kaizen Activity to improve accuracy and efficiency of operations.

5% Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
2-3 years experience (Sr. Specialist) 1-2 years experience (Specialist) in servicing Cash Management and other deposit services is preferred.

Knowledgeable of overall payment systems and the related operations.

Good understanding of desktop applications are required.

Bachelor degree preferred (Senior Specialist); Associate degree required (Specialist).
***********************************************************************************************************
Position:
Business Promotion Specialist II (Associate) or Business Promotion Specialist I (Analyst) in Japanese Corporate Banking Department

Position Summary:
As a Relationship Manager (“RM”),responsible for the management of business development activities associated with a group of Japanese corporate account relationships with the primary goal being the creation of revenue opportunities with such clients in order to achieve the objectives of the Bank and the Division. Maintains and develops relationships with existing clients with deposit accounts by obtaining new settlement accounts and providing settlement related services such as Cash Management Services (CMS), investment, foreign exchange and etc.

Responsibilities:
30% Acquire new settlement accounts for existing clients. Develop, maintain, and work to broaden and deepen close business relationship with existing clients for deposit or settlement accounts in promoting settlement services, including marketing presentations to clients, creating pricing proposals, training, implementation and maintenance in supporting client. Collaborate with members of Customer Service Department and Administration Group, Product Offices and support RMs of Japanese Primary Offices in providing settlement services to clients. Maintain regular calling effort with key members of the client and report to the management all important dialogues. Serve as contact officer for clients for matters relating to settlement services. Advise clients, where possible, concerning business management and financial matters.

15% Develop strategies to promote our settlement services such as Cash Management Services (CMS) and implement them by coordinating with relevant groups. Monitor RMs’ activities on this matter and urge them to meet pre-determined target. Report the result of activities to management periodically.

15%Perform as a marketing officer by monitoring client activities, analyzing portfolio profitability recognizing client needs and promoting BTMU’s services to the clients. Collect and analyze information that reflects the current creditworthiness of the clients if necessary.

15% In addition to act as a marketing officer for the clients assigned, also support other RMs for the business related to promoting settlement services.

10% Manage deadlines and ensure timely service delivery for the clients during Cash Management Services Implementation. Deliver ongoing quality assurance and technical support of Cash Management Services to maximize the client satisfaction.

5% Develop and implement marketing strategies to establish new business with new clients.

5% Keep abreast of local, national and international economic, financial and political events and climates that could have an impact on settlement services in the banking industries.

5% Perform special projects and duties relating to departmental services as assigned, including tasks related to internal and external audits and examinations.

Requirements:
1-2 years (Analyst) and 3-5 years (Associate) experience of progressively increasing responsibilities in marketing and commercial lending positions.

In-depth knowledge of business and finance practices, international banking transactions, lending regulations & procedures, and marketing strategies.

Bilingual in Japanese and English

Marketing experience in financial institutions, formal credit training and CPA preferred.

BA in Finance or other business related field required.

***If any JET alumni are interested, they can e-mail me directly (at vicepresident [at] jetaachicago.com) with any questions and their resume. I’ll hand their application directly to the hiring manager and our HR personnel. – Steve Sundstrom***

Overview:
Professor Yasuaki Onuma of Meiji University (he retired to there after 35+ years at Todai) is working on translating into English for publication a short primer on international law he wrote, and he is looking for individuals fluent in Japanese to help him with one or more chapters. Chapter topics include territory, nationality and citizenship, global environment, and dispute settlement. Chapters are 35-55 small-sized pages in Japanese (the book is much smaller than 8 1/2 x 11 size).

If you or someone you know would be interested, please contact Professor Onuma at onuma@j.u-tokyo. ac.jp. He will be in the DC area until the end of the month, and is of course happy to work long-distance once he is back in Japan. I’ve gotten to know Professor Onuma as a visiting scholar at my school, he’s a wonderful guy, and he would greatly appreciate any help he can get. (Doug MacLean, 2002-04 ALT, Akita-Ken)

English version:  http://www.jlgc.org/TopicList.aspx?topicCategoryID=6&topicID=49&languageTypeID=1&controlType=Display

Japanese version:  http://www.jlgc.org/TopicList.aspx?topicCategoryID=24&topicID=263&languageTypeID=2&controlType=Display

Click the link below to see the Fujisankei TV video (in Japanese) about JETAA NY’s preparation for Japan Day Central Park.  The video includes quotes from JETAA NY President Monica Yuki and Vice-President Kendall Murano among others.

http://www.fujisankei.com/video_library/local-news/japan-day2.php

"'Live Your Dream' is principally about Taylor, but it is actually the story of all the JETs who come to Japan, so I really want to look at what the experience is for a variety of people and how that experience changes both the teacher and the students they interact with."

By Renay Loper (Iwate-ken, 2006-07) for JQ magazine. Renay is a freelance writer and associate program officer at the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership. Visit her blog at Atlas in Her Hand.

Live Your Dream: The Taylor Anderson Story is the latest work by filmmaker and Global Film Network founder Regge Life, who has been making groundbreaking films for over two decades including the acclaimed Doubles: Japan and America’s Intercultural Children, and most recently Reason to Hope, which chronicles the events surrounding the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Live Your Dream not only shares the story of JET alum Taylor Anderson (Miyagi-ken, 2008-11) who tragically lost her life in the 2011 tsunami, but it also seeks to celebrate the lives of those who live their dreams and inspire others to make a difference. JQ caught up with Life to discuss the film, which is being prepared for a November release.

Your relationship with Japan spans over two decades. What stirred you to first go there, and how has this relationship grown over time?

This is a question with a very long answer, so let me try to be brief and to the point as possible. Japanese film has always intrigued me, so as a young filmmaker I would watch marathons of Japanese films at a cinema on Eighth Avenue called the Elgin. After years and so many movies, I was introduced to the Creative Artists Program of the NEA and Bunka-cho, and that is how I went the first time to witness the making of Tora-san #43.

How has it grown? Well, leaps and bounds. Four completed films, almost four years in residence in Tokyo, and a current feature project in development for almost 10 years.

What inspired you to make this film and document Taylor’s story?

Like most people, watching what was happening [during the time of the tsunami and earthquake] was mind-boggling and devastating. I have never been to Ishinomaki before, but I have been to Hachinohe, Morioka, Ichinoseki, and other parts of the region; so when I saw water rushing over rice fields like that and trucks and cars being carried—I just couldn’t believe it. It was devastating [to watch] for someone who has never been there before, but when you have been there, you [can better understand] the magnitude of what was happening. So at that time I’d just finished the film about Haiti, and from my work there, I realized there was probably going to be a story that needed to be told: something that no one would cover.

I don’t remember where I saw the fist e-mail about Taylor’s story or how it came to be, I just remember reading about her online. I made a few calls and one thing lead to the next, and slowly but surely, I was able to get in touch with Taylor’s family. And even still, it was all about timing. As a parent, I would have completely understood if no one got back to me. Then suddenly, I got this email from Andy, Taylor’s father. Giving him credit, he did his due diligence and did some research on me and became familiar with my work. [This all happened] at a time when they were swarmed by the media, so I took my time and we worked as they were comfortable.

Every step of the way, I checked in. Andy connected me with some of Taylor’s friends from Ishinomaki, so when I went back to Japan, I carved out some time to spend with them. One of her friends picked me up from the train station and that’s when it really hit me. At that time [the devastated area] was pretty much cleaned up—but even still, there was a lot to be done. Visiting Ishinomaki and meeting [Taylor’s] friends solidified it with me. I knew I needed to share her story.

Since this is a documentary about a JET participant, what cooperation did you receive from JET Program itself for the making of the film?

The CLAIR office in Japan was very generous to the film and made a remarkable pledge. We also received support directly from one of the people on staff! The JET alumni chapter in New York City (JETAANY) was also very generous, as well as JETs from all over the U.S. and even abroad.

What is it about Taylor’s story that is different from any other story or any other JET participant?

Not taking anything away from anyone else or any other JET participant, but everyone who speaks about her talks about what an unbelievable kind of person she was, about her passion for life, her passion for Japan. For instance, the story behind one of the photos we’ve used for the website is inspiring. Earlier that day, she and all her friends had done a huge bike ride scavenger hunt where they had rode their bikes all around Ishinomaki finding different things just for fun. It was summer, so you know it was very hot!

When it was done, everyone was tired and all they wanted to do was go back home, take a shower and chill. Taylor wouldn’t allow it. She told everyone that one of her kindergarten classes was having a summer matsuri and they all were going! So she made them all put on a yukata and go over to the school. Apparently, this is what she did. She just grabbed people and said, “come on, this is what we are doing’” and “let’s do this and let’s do that.” That passion and zest for life, that “let’s not waste a moment of this precious thing called life”—that’s just inspiring to me!

It reminds me of not only my time in Japan, but also my first time abroad when I went to West Africa. I realized the meaning of being in the “present”…that it really is a gift. It also makes me think about how much we take for granted. Think about if you find yourself somewhere where nothing is taken for granted, it makes you really look and appreciate life, every moment of it. That’s the impression I get of Taylor. That’s the kind of stuff I want to celebrate and let people know about.

Also, I am trying to build the Monty Dickson (Iwate-ken, 2009-11) story as well—it’s proven difficult because there’s nobody that can really talk about his experience in Rikuzentakata, so I am still looking. Though, the more I learn about Taylor and Monty, the more I am learning that these are two kindred spirits. Whether they knew each other or not, they both were living a dream. Taylor’s happened for her early on when she was a little girl: she just knew this is where she had to be. There was nothing that was going to stop her. For both of them, you realize something really clicked; and it was something about Japan and their life there. After all these years working with Japan, I have a deep appreciation for that, for people who can connect with the country more than the superficial level. I want to celebrate that.

Both Taylor and Monty had this philosophical side to them—they had sayings and expressions that they shared with friends. Without giving it all away, I think these are two people who kind of knew they weren’t going to be here much longer. You will see in the film that their friends have since started to make sense of their pieces of advice and little sayings. It all now has a new resonance; it is starting to come back up. And it makes you begin to wonder, “what did they know?”

It really makes you stop and think, you can’t live life at 30 mph, you have to live at 60 mph.

U.S.-based production starts in June, and you’ll be going to Japan this month. What are your plans there?

In Japan, I am doing more interviews with friends of Taylor and some of the companion stories about the experience of other JETs during the crisis. I am also hoping to get to Rikuzentakata to meet someone who knew Monty Dickson and can speak about his life and times there.

What else do you want to include in the film?

As I just shared, Live Your Dream is principally about Taylor, but it is actually the story of all the JETs who come to Japan, so I really want to look at what the experience is for a variety of people and how that experience changes both the teacher and the students they interact with.

As we know, you were running a campaign on Kickstarter and I see that you have surpassed your fundraising goal, congratulations!  Moving forward, what can people do now to continue to support the film?

Kickstater is great, because it does just that, kick start. It is not the entire budget for the project—the goal was about 70% [of the total budget] and was what was needed just to shoot the film. It did not take into account original music, making a Japanese version, and of course all of the things that have to be done to promote and disseminate the film after it is made. The next phase is editing. So if anyone would like to be a part of contributing to the dissemination and distribution of the film, that would be great! For making the Japanese version, helping to see that this film is distributed widely in both the U.S. and Japan, contact me at www.thetaylorandersonstory.com and liveyourdream1 [at] earthlink.net.

You mentioned dissemination. What are your plans?

First, we are going to try and get it distributed as widely as we can, for example through organizations such as the American Association Teachers of Japanese. We would also love to see this get into the Monbusho in Japan. We would love to see this introduced into the Japanese educational system. I think this would be an invaluable tool to help kids to really think outside of the boundaries.

After 20-plus years that I have spent coming and going [in Japan], the thing that I have noticed that still plagues Japan is that it is so insular; and a lot of it [has to do with] the educational system. The educational system is not teaching kids to look outside. We feel this film can be a step in the right direction; a needed step, I feel.

How do you think this film will help kids to look outside?

I think they need a role model in a way. They need somebody from the outside who came to their country and interacted with them, and became a part of their community. I am learning more about Monty, but I know for sure that’s what Taylor did in Ishinomaki. Her mission was to really become part of the fabric of the community. And I think if Japanese kids see that, this whole thing of us and them—the Gaijin and the Nihonjin—will start to break down. To me, the power of the [JET] Program is being able to go out and explore Japan, find out what’s going; not just being the “gaijin on display.”

What about your dissemination plans here in the States?

Most of my films up until now have been in higher ed, so I have to admit this is kind of a new world for me. I am really looking to get into the secondary school world.

You have mentioned tons of takeaways from the film, but for the JET community in particular, what do you hope we walk away with?

I am not saying everyone should try to be Taylor or try to be Monty, but everybody, particularly now, needs to be more open and in some respects humbled at the opportunity of being a JET and an ambassador between two countries and two cultures. Don’t limit the assignment to merely being the gaijin on display. See it as an opportunity, a real chance to be and do more; to leave something behind when you go and encourage those who you may meet, or have met, while in Japan to follow your path in America. Maybe even one day you, would get a call from a kid you taught in a far-off place in Japan or someone you interacted with, saying they are now in America because of you, because of what you showed them.

It’s about reaffirming the mission of the JET Program and the encouraging the new generation of JETs to become the generation that builds the new relationships for “a brave new world.” We know the world is changing. The U.S.-Japan relationship is going to change, too. We can’t do what we did 10, 15 years ago. Times have changed. There is something new going on. The JETs of today and tomorrow have to be part of that newness and part of that change.

To me, the story of Live Your Dreams is not so much what happened to Taylor, but more about the good works. Yes, her story is in it and she is not here with us in the physical sense anymore, but Taylor’s mission is still very much alive.

Live Your Dream premieres Nov. 9, 2012 at Saint Catherine’s School (Taylor’s High School) and CenterStage in Richmond, VA. For news and additional screenings, visit the film’s homepage at www.thetaylorandersonstory.com.

Job Position: Dormitory Supervisors
Location: Westchester, NY
Position: Full-Time (Direct-hire)
Salary:  Around 30K
Hour:

Job Description:
Educational Institution is seeking Dormitory Supervisors for immediate hire.
This will be a great opportunity for those who want to seek a career in educational field. Entry level is welcome.

Must have bachelor’s degree. Must reside on campus. Several years of experience at educational institutions preferred. Education, Counseling or Psychology background is a plus. Understanding of Japanese culture is a big plus.

Job Preference:
English: Business Level

To apply to this position, email your resume and a cover letter as an MS Word attachment to mokumura@actus-usa.com. Thank you!

New Rice Cooker Chronicles submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to Leah at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.

Early May means fresh bamboo shoots are in season again here in Ishikawa, and I received not one but three lovely shoots from my friends and coworkers this year! 2012 is apparently a bumper year for bamboo in the forests and in my kitchen.

Whether you purchased or received fresh bamboo, one large shoot can seem like a lot to cook up. The best English-language resource for cooking bamboo is, in my opinion, Makiko Itoh’s Just Hungry. The reason why I have only one bamboo recipe on this site is because I always use hers! What I do have to offer is how to cook raw bamboo, my master list of bamboo recipes, comments, and my own photos. Enjoy!

Click HERE for more.

I’m here in Seattle wrapping up the last leg of my ACYPL interpreting trip.  After recently reading Jamie Ford’s “Hotel On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet”, I was compelled to visit the Panama Hotel which plays a pivotal role in the book.  Located in the International District close to the Japanese supermarket Uwajima and bookstore Kinokuniya, this hotel with a rich history is still operating today.

It contains the only remaining Japanese public bathhouse (sento) intact in the U.S.  In addition, the basement where the baths are located also houses the possessions of Japanese-Americans who were imprisoned in internment camps during WWII.  The owner of the hotel offers tours of this basement, but they are limited so I was unfortunately unable to join one without a reservation.  Instead I enjoyed catching up with a college friend in the tea house, whose walls are decorated with artifacts from pre/post WWII that tell the stories of Japantown at the time.

The Panama Hotel is a must visit for anyone looking to learn about Japanese American history, and I look forward to staying the night the next time I’m in town.  The beautifully decorated rooms with an Asian flair are reasonably priced and come complete with yukata to sleep in!

***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Export & OEM Sales Coordinator
Location: Laureldale , PA
Position: Full-time

Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate the movement of products in and out of the country in accordance with company procedures while complying with relevant country and international laws.
2. Effectively communicate with import and export authorities, customers, and suppliers.
3. Manage sales inquiries, price quotes and other sales activities.
4. Maintain excellent business relationships.

Preferred Experience and Skills:
1. 4-year college degree.
2. Customer-focused, individual seeking career opportunity.
3. Proficient working knowledge of MS Office Suite with advanced Excel skills.
4. Motorcycle or powersports enthusiast not a requirement but a plus.
5. Japanese skill is NOT required, but a big plus.
6. Must be THOROUGH and DETAIL-ORIENTED.

Company Information:
-Is the leading manufacturer and distributor of powersports batteries to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket distributors in North America .

-Has leading share in motorcycle battery market. Their powersports batteries are used in motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile and personal watercraft applications.

-Headquartered in: Laureldale , PA. Has 30 employees in the PA office, 200 in the factory.

Your Role with the Company:
-As the primary contact for our export and Japanese OEM accounts, this person will coordinate internal resources to successfully satisfy customer requests and inquiries. They are seeking an individual who is thorough and committed to getting the job done for the customer.
-Prior import and export experience is not mandatory. This role is very important to our continued profitable growt

Other notes:
$40~50K (DOE)
Benefit: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Paid Vacationh.

Please forward your most recent resume and cover letter to stakeda@actus-usa.com as an MS WORD attachment. Make sure to mention which position you are applying to in your cover letter. We will contact qualified candidates to have a preliminary interview. We are a Japanese staffing agency and currently searching for candidates for the above position at one of our client companies. We look forward to your application. Thank you!

JETAA Chicago’s Bingo Nights with Japanese Senior Living Facility

By JETAA Chicago Treasurer Thomas Osugi (Hokkaido, 2005-07)

I believe that one of the missions of JETAA is to volunteer and to help out the community at large. As much as I love eating sushi and singing karaoke, it’s always great when JETAA Chicago can give back to the community, and I just wanted to say that our alumni here in Chicago have been doing a great job!

Every month, we regularly help out at a local retirement home called Heiwa Terrace on the north side of Chicago. This place was created by a group called JASC (Japanese American Service Committee) whose mission is to help out the Japanese and Japanese-American communities. (I should mention that Heiwa Terrace is HUD-certified and abides by the rules of equal housing opportunity.)

About the event: Bingo is on the third Thursday of every month, and usually a few of us come in and help call out numbers. It’s very regular and short – in a very Japanese fashion, it promptly starts at 7 and ends at 8. When I first started, I was surprised to see so many residents – 20 or so mainly Japanese, Koreans and others, and how passionate they were about the game. There are always prizes to be won, usually very small things such as a cans of green beans, soap, shampoo, picture frames, but the most popular item is toilet paper! During the game, extra volunteers usually chit-chat, walk around and help out those who are hard of hearing. At the end a few minutes before 8, we play for a grand prize which we call “super” bingo. In order to win “super” bingo, players have to match both top and bottom row. If you can imagine, there is a fair amount of tension in the room to see who is the winner.

Volunteering at Heiwa is great because we get a chance to practice our Japanese, and for us working professionals, it’s right after work and very low stress – unless we miscall numbers (then all bets are off). Afterwards, we usually go out for dinner and catch up.

Although small, I think having this kind of regular volunteer event is great for alumni and the community and a gives a sense of reason for JETAA. I’m not sure if something like this is available in other cities, but I think it is a good model for local chapters everywhere.

Via jetaaottawa.ca

JETAA Ottawa will be hosting a charity concert at the Black Sheep Inn on May 24th, 2012 to help raise money for Smile Kids Japan, and the Tohoku Kids Project.

JET Alumnus Jordan Patrick (Aichi-ken, 2009-11) will open the show with his mix of indie and modern folk music. Headlining the event will be the Hornettes who will keep the energy peaked and revive classic Motown, soul and funk sounds that will leave you sweaty and satisfied. The Hornettes formed in Ottawa in 2010, and since then have developed a loyal following of music lovers drawn to their ability to keep the dance floor moving. The band consists of two female front women, Anna and Irina, backed by a hot horn section and the classic trio of guitar, drums and bass.

A shuttle bus will be provided from the corner of York Street and Dalhousie Street at 6:30 p.m. to the Black Sheep Inn, and will return once the concert ends.

Tickets for the show and space on shuttle service are limited!
RSVP: events[at]jetaaottawa[dot]ca

Event: Smile Kids Japan Charity Concert
Date: Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Time: starting at 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)
Location: Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Drive, Wakefield, Quebec
Admission: $15.00 minimum donation (cash or pre-paid donations through JETAA Ottawa or Global Giving only) *bring a printed receipt of all pre-paid donations

Shuttle: $5.00 (cash/pre-purchased tickets only) – leaving at 6:30pm from the corner of York/Dalhousie St.

Hope to see you there!

By Gemma Villanueva (Fukushima-ken, 2008-11), editor for the JETAA Ottawa Newsletter. Visit the Canadian chapter’s website here for more stories. Written and photo submissions are always welcome. Please contact the editors at newsletter[at]jetaaottawa[dot]ca.

The Canadian play “2 Pianos 4 Hands” is giving its farewell performances as creators-performers Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt retire from the show. “2P4H” follows the youngsters “Ted” and “Richard” as they tackle their love-hate relationship with piano lessons, exams and recitals. In January, “2P4H” played at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. The show, which made a three-week stop in Tokyo in 2004, finds itself again in Japan this May.

Colin Rivers (Nara-ken JET, 1997-2000) is now the Theatre Producer/Agent for Marquis Entertainment, which produces “2 Pianos 4 Hands.” I had the chance to ask him about his time on JET, life as a producer and bringing 2 Pianos 4 Hands back to Japan.

What is it like to be a producer?

“A Producer manages the business behind the show. A General Manager does the same thing, but without the risk and the pressure to find the money. A New York theatre blogger sums it up perfectly… “Producers do everything! We are the bank, the therapist, the negotiator, the scapegoat, the creative, and we rarely get credit! I should add it’s awesome. Because I think it is.”

How was your JET experience been relevant to producing?

“The JET experience strengthened my communication skills immensely. It taught me how to adapt my way of communicating with individuals and groups based on the ‘culture’ of the relationship/environment. It taught me that communication is not always about how much you can say in words. In Japan, I produced and directed three community theatre productions that were supported by the Nara Prefectural Government. They involved both JETS and Japanese friends/community members. And they were lots of fun!”

What’s a typical day for you as a producer?

“Every day is entirely different. I start each morning by reviewing my 10-page long ‘to-do list’ and figuring out what the most critical items are – and then do them – the key things that MUST get done for me to be able to leave work satisfied and sane and at a reasonable hour (so that I can enjoy my night with my family). It’s a mix of behind the desk/email, working in the theatre/venue, and being out having meetings/communicating with people.”

 Any memorable anecdotes?

“I still remember the afternoon 2002 when I reached out (through the cold medium of an email) to a very respected translator of English plays into Japanese and asked him if he had ever heard of a play called “2 Pianos 4 Hands.” He replied within 10 minutes with great enthusiasm, and from there he went on to work with me to broker the tour partnership with one of Japan’s largest theatre companies (Shochiku) for a 2004 tour. And here I am, answering these questions from a hotel in Tokyo in 2012 as we prepare for a revival tour to Tokyo and throughout Japan later this spring. Sometimes you just have to ask…”

Could you tell us about the revival tour of 2P4H to Japan?

“My hope is that it’s a big hit again and that through this opportunity, we’ll be able to continue working with Shochiku to develop a Japanese team who can perform the show again in the future. I would also like to see the show be produced commercially in China and Korea with new performing teams.

I still remember the opening night in 2004. The audience responded politely, but was very reserved compared to what the performers of 2P4H are accustomed to. After the show, the two actors were very concerned that the show wasn’t received overly well, but then our Japanese co-producer came bounding backstage saying that he’d almost never seen such an enthusiastic response to a show. And that’s when we learned it was a hit and that Japanese audiences, as with all different cultures, will respond in their own way.”

Any advice for aspiring producers?

“Just get out there and produce a show – something within your community or at a fringe festival. Figure out what’s involved by working on as many projects as possible that requires mostly time and energy (as opposed to financial risk) and develop your own process.”2 Pianos 4 Hands

Tickets, tour dates and more info can be found on www.2pianos4hands-japan.com. Watch a show in Tokyo, Sendai, Nagoya and Osaka this May.

http://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/wilson-center-seeks-japan-expert-for-associate-position

Responsibilities:
The Asia Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. is seeking a new associate, who will work primarily on North East Asia. The program associate will be responsible for planning and developing conferences and seminars primarily related to Northeast Asia, including Japan, China, Taiwan, and the Korean peninsula, but secondary responsibilities will also include Southeast Asia, including Australia and New Zealand.

Primary responsibilities include identifying and selecting appropriate speakers for public events, designing formats, publicizing events, and producing meeting reports. The associate will also: edit and oversee production of Asia Program publications and manage content on the program web site; write articles to be published on the Internet and for Wilson Center publications; conduct research on Asia Pacific affairs required for the planning and coordination of Asia Program activities; stay current on developments in East Asia, and U.S. policies in the Asia Pacific region; assist with preparation of proposals for funding; and prepare narrative reports at the conclusion of the grant period(s). The associate will also be called upon to assist in the administration of the various fellowship and visiting scholar competitions by reading and evaluating proposals and identifying peer reviewers and performs other related duties as may be assigned.

Applications close May 14.

Extensive knowledge of contemporary Japanese politics, economics, history, culture and public policy, as well as experience in Japan, are considered requirements for the position.

Saturday, June 16, 2012
SCBWI Tokyo Translation Day 2012:
Bringing Japanese Teen Literature to the World

A day of presentations, critiques, and conversation for published and pre-published translators of Japanese children’s literature into English, with a focus on young adult (YA) literature.

This event is made possible by Yokohama International School and a Regional Grant from SCBWI.

Time: Saturday, June 16, 2012
Registration 8:30 a.m. | Sessions 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Place: Yokohama International School, Yokohama
Sessions to be held in the Loft, 2F Pauli Building.
Access information and maps

Fee: Advance registration
3,000 yen for SCBWI and SWET members
4,000 yen for nonmembers
At the door
4,000 yen for SCBWI and SWET members
5,000 yen for nonmembers.
Advance registrations and translations of workshop texts
(see below) due by Saturday, May 19, 2012.

Speakers will include translators Juliet Winters Carpenter, Deborah Iwabuchi, Holly Thompson, Hart Larrabee, Sako Ikegami, Lynne E. Riggs, Alexander O. Smith, and Avery Fischer Udagawa. This event will be in English.

For more information, speaker bios, and to register, go to http://www.scbwi.jp