JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘Up from the Sea’
Books, Earthquake Tsunami, JQ Magazine, Reviews 
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“If you’re interested in new perspectives of March 11, Up from the Sea is an easy read that might open eyes to the perseverance and strength of Tohoku’s residents.” (Crown Books for Young Readers)
By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata-ken, 2008-10) for JQ magazine. A former head of the JETAA Philadelphia Sub-Chapter, Rashaad is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University with a master’s degree in responsible tourism management. For more on his life abroad and enthusiasm for taiko drumming, visit his blog at www.gettingpounded.wordpress.com.
The afternoon of March 11, 2011 brought unprecedented destruction along the Tohoku coast and challenges that many locals have struggled to overcome even up to this day. The survivors’ stories have been told many times since then. Now, young readers get another glimpse into that day and life in the disaster-stricken area.
Inspired by a young boy she met in the disaster zone, Leza Lowitz pieces together the events of that fateful Friday to create Up from the Sea, a fictional story (although based on the events of March 11 and its aftermath) about Kai, a teenager who uses soccer to rally his community. Up from the Sea also includes a trip Kai and others made to New York to commemorate the tenth anniversary of September 11.
Lowitz writes Up from the Sea as a verse novel instead of in prose, which makes the story a much quicker and easier read. It’s divided into three major chapters—each titled after a season of the year—that document the journey from the havoc caused by Mother Nature to an enormously successful soccer game organized in the disaster-stricken community. Kai is the narrator of the story and early on, you get the feel he is setting the stage for a documentary as he provides a brief introduction to his life and the morning of March 11— until 2:46 p.m., when Japan changes forever.
4 Jobs in International Education
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Via Carleen Ben (Oita). Posted by Sophia Chan (Sapporo-shi, 2009-2014). If interested in more job listings, join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
(1) (SF) Manager of Operations – Diversity Abroad
The Manager of Operations position is a tremendous opportunity for an entrepreneurial minded leader to leverage their skills to develop and enhance the internal operations of a growing, highly respected and mission driven organization. Qualified candidates will have a proven track record of excellent fiscal, operational, and project management as well as interpersonal skills. The Manager of Operations is a full-time position that reports directly to the President. Preference will be given to candidates based in the San Francisco Bay Area, however, remote candidates will be considered. Relocation is not required.
For the complete job description and instructions on how to apply please visit: http://jobs.diversitynetwork.org/jobseeker/job/26329705/ <http://jobs.diversitynetwork.org/jobseeker/job/26329705/>
Job: Executive Assistant/Researcher – International Access Corporation (VA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, curriculum and content developer for a real estate school based in Virginia. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Executive Assistant/Researcher
Posted by: International Access Corporation
Location: Tysons Corner, VA
Contract: Full-Time
We are a Washington, D.C. employer, International Access Corporation, that is Japanese-owned and serving primarily Japanese clients with research and management consulting since 1991. Executive Assistant/Researcher needed immediately for new U.S. subsidiary of a Japanese transportation technology company in Tysons Corner, VA located near Greensboro and Tysons Corner Metro stations. This is an exceptional growth and career-building opportunity. At this nascent stage in a fairly small office, the candidate will benefit from maximum visibility to senior management and thus be well-positioned to advance as the company expands. We are currently interested in reaching out to U.S. based professionals who have prior experience and interest in Japan.
Requirements:
- Have excellent English grammar, writing and speaking ability;
- Hold a Bachelors degree (minimum); Masters degree desirable;
- Be familiar with and comfortable in a Japanese-speaking setting;
- Be organized, detail-oriented, and able to quickly assess and follow up on administrative challenges as they emerge;
- Understand cash management. Prior bookkeeping and/or QuickBooks software experience is desirable, but in its absence the candidate must be willing and able to very quickly master these requirements;
- Bring a flexible, cooperative attitude to this position and a high level of energy and commitment to the goal of growing this company.
- Japanese language ability is helpful but not required, as the duties rely primarily on a U.S. native-level understanding of English and the U.S. cultural and business environment.
JETAA Chapter Beat- January 7th, 2016
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Ashlie O’Neill (Hyogo-Ken, 2013-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations. Ashlie is in her second year on the AJET National Council as the Director of Alumni Relations. She works alongside Ryan Hata (National AJET Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs and Japan. Please feel free to contact her email at ashlie.oneill@ajet.net or her Linkedin profile. Ashlie helps to keep you up up to date with JETAA happenings around the world.
Welcome to the very first chapter beat for 2016 and a big Happy New Year to everyone around the world.
Let’s see what JETAA has coming up in January.
Monthly Board Meeting and Second Sunday Social Meetup
When: Sunday January 10th, 12-4pm
Where: Coffee at The Point, 710 E 26th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80205
JETAA Rocky Mountains will host their monthly board meeting and Second Sunday meetup this Sunday, January 10th.
Any interested JET alums are invited to join the board meeting from 12-2pm. Then from 2-4pm, kick back and relax, reminisce about teaching, living in Japan, practice Japanese, or just catch up with friends.
2. JETAA Northern California
SF Networking Nomikai
When: Thursday January 7th, 5:30-7:30pm (PST)
Where: Crystal Jade San Francisco.
4 Embarcadero Ctr, Ste e, Lbby Level San Francisco, California
Join alumni and friends at our San Francisco Networking Nomikai (happy hour)! Ring in the new Year of the Monkey together!
Come out, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. This is a great chance for networking.
Heartland JETAA January Meeting
When: Thursday January 14th, 6:30pm (CST)
Where: Blackdog Coffee House
12815 W 87th St, Lenexa Kansas 66215
Join Heartland JETAA at their January meeting to discuss upcoming events,ask questions and share ideas.
When: Sunday January 24th, 6-8pm (EST)
Where:Michael Maloney’s House in Tampa (email for RSVP and directions)
Join Florida JETAA for their Annual Shinnenkai celebrating the start of 2016.
When: Tuesday January 12th, 5-7pm
Where: Laughing Man Tavern, 1306 G St.NW
Join members of JETAADC at their first networking event of 2016. For those interested, there will be trivia starting at 7pm and JETAADC are planning on forming a JETAADC team (or 2 depending on numbers)!
When: Throughout January 21st to February 25th
Where: Birmingham’s MAC Arts Centre
This January, JETAA Midlands are hosting tailored Japanese lessons every Thursday evening from January 21st to February 25th at , mac Birmingham in Cannon Hill Park.
Lessons will be with other ex-JETs enthusiastic about learning Japanese again. The class size will be small at 8 students which will allow you the teaching time you need to get started learning Japanese again or get help to improve weaker areas and take your Japanese ability to the next level.
Job: Short-Term Documentary Researcher – Fusion (Japan)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, curriculum and content developer for a real estate school based in Virginia. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Short-Term Documentary Researcher
Posted by: Fusion
Location: Japan
Contract: Short-Term
An American media firm called Fusion (http://fusion.net/) is looking for a “short-term paid researcher” to help with a documentary on hikikomori in Japan. The job would include finding hikikomori to interview.
For more details and information, email: mandana.mofidi@fusion.net
Job: Part-Time Test Prep Instructor – American University (DC)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, curriculum and content developer for a real estate school based in Virginia. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Part-Time Test Prep Instructor
Posted by: American University
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Part-Time
American University is seeking experienced GRE, GMAT, and/or LSAT Test Prep Instructors to teach sessions on the Analytical Writing, Verbal, Quantitative, and Integrated Reasoning sections of the GRE, GMAT, and/or LSAT exams during the fall semester on American University’s Campus with possible opportunity to teach spring and summer sessions as well. The purpose of the preparation course is to provide a high-quality learning experience designed to improve preparation skills for the GRE, GMAT, and/or LSAT exam, build test-taking confidence, and achieve desired results for students. Instructors are sought for summer and fall sessions.
Educational Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree or enrollment in a graduate program is preferred.
Minimum Requirements:
- Ability to provide expert guidance on the quantitative, verbal, and analytic writing sections of the GRE, GMAT, and/or LSAT exams
- Familiarity with GRE, GMAT, and/or LSAT exams
- Skills in teaching
- Ability to provide meaningful feedback, enhance optimal pacing and student confidence
Additional Information: Courses are offered over 8-weeks in the Spring, Summer, and Fall terms , with classes held once a week in the evening for a 3-hour block. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter detailing your familiarity with the exam and experience teaching or tutoring, and a copy of your GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores if available.
Application Process: Please click here to apply.
Job: International Policy Analyst – MUFG (DC)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, curriculum and content developer for a real estate school based in Virginia. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: International Policy Analyst
Posted by: MUFG
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Full-Time
Join a financial group that’s as committed to your future as you are. At MUFG, we share a vision for our future, we share our successes, and we strive to bring out the best in each other in everything we do. Our 14,000 diverse colleagues are connected by a common ambition to create change for the better—from forging more dynamic career paths, to driving progress in our communities, to continuously reshaping the standards of global financial services. Positive impact starts here; see the change you can make as we strive to become the world’s most trusted financial group.
Major Responsibilities:
- Research and regularly report on U.S. political trends and events and/or U.S. foreign policy using electronic, written and verbal sources. Areas of focus could include Latin America and China/East Asia.
- Attend relevant think tank and other DC-area events to develop a professional network, build knowledge of issue areas, and incorporate this information into reports.
- Work with office leadership to implement key bank priorities, including events surrounding the annual IMF/World Bank Meetings, supporting the visits of senior bank executives, and contributing to the bank’s corporate social responsibility goals.
- Provide briefings and seminars on U.S. political trends and/or foreign policy to bank colleagues and clients upon request.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Infrequent domestic and international travel required.
- For candidates who possess appropriate Japanese language skills, assist with the translation of reports from English to Japanese and vice versa.
- Typically, requires a 4+ years of experience or an advanced degree
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with a highly positive attitude and collaborative approach
- Bilingual a plus (Japanese, Chinese, or Spanish)
- Strong research and analytical writing skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Advanced Microsoft Office
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Application Process: Please click here to apply online.
Job: Univ of New Mexico, Entry-level International Advisors (2 positions)
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Via Carleen Ben (Oita). Posted by Sophia Chan (Sapporo-shi, 2009-2014). If interested in more job listings, join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
The Global Education Office at the University of New Mexico has a current opening for two entry level international student and scholar advisors (position title is “International Program Advisor”).
If you are interested, you must apply on line at: unmjobs.unm.edu and search for the posting # 0833003 or the Job Title: International Program Advisor
Full position description:http://jobdescriptions.unm.edu/detail.php?id=7168&posn=International+Program+Advisor
Summary
International Program Advisors provide individual advisement to international students regarding regulatory/administrative issues such as maintenance of legal status while holding a student visa, travel outside the US, extensions/changes of status, and bringing family members into the country. International Program Advisors prepare and process official government documents pertaining to incoming international students and scholars; communicate with departments regarding these documents and regulatory requirements; and assist with U.S. Department of Homeland Security tracking and reporting requirements, to include data entry and collecting and analyzing data.
In addition, International Program Advisors play an important role in the development, implementation, and marketing of international student and scholar orientation programs and other practical, social, or cultural activities and workshops. Under supervision, may recommend and process student work authorizations. International Program Advisors will perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements of the position:
· Candidates must be available for flexible work hours to include occasional evenings and weekends.
· A position-specific pre-employment background check is a requirement of the position.
· Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Prospective Employee page for a more complete explanation of UNM benefits.
WIT Life #293: 良いお年を！
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WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.
In a follow-up to the comfort women story in my last post, NYT columnist Nicholas Kristof re-shared his 1995 story about Japanese comfort women who served US soldiers post-war. They were encouraged by the Japanese government to perform this patriotic duty in order to save Japanese women from being raped by marauding American soldiers. Initially they were primarily working prostitutes, but as time went on war widows and other women signed up as it was their only way to feed their families. Of course, these little known Japanese comfort women were different from the overseas ones who were mostly Korean teenagers dragged away from their homes and forced into front-line brothels to serve Japanese troops.
On a nice note to close out 2015, the recently aired Kennedy Center Honors honored composer Seiji Ozawa as one of the five recipients along with Carole King, Cicely Tyson, George Lucas and Rita Moreno. The Honors are presented to performing artists who have made a lifetime contribution to American art and culture, and Ozawa was the first Japanese recipient. Yoi otoshi wo and see you in the year of the monkey!
WIT Life #292: 今年の漢字
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WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends along with her own obse
rvations.
Well, it’s the end of the year already, and if you’re like me you’re wondering where 2015 went. The last time I checked in here was four months ago, which was pre-Paris attack and pre-Presidential candidate madness so a bit of a different world. We’ve certainly had our share of recent turbulence, and there is a big question mark as to what 2016 will bring. All of this uncertainty is part of why 安 (an or peaceful/cheap) was picked as 2015’s 今年の漢字 (kotoshi no kanji or kanji of the year) at Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple earlier this month.
It could refer to the 安 in 安全保障 (anzen hoshou or security), since the controversial 安全保障関連法 (anzen hoshou kanren hou or Security Related Bill) was approved back in September. It could also be reflecting the unstable environment in which we find ourselves experiencing information leaks and terrorist attacks, expressed by the word 不安 (fuan or anxiety/insecurity). 安’s selection could also be touching on Read More
4 Jobs in International Education
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Via Carleen Ben (Oita). Posted by Sophia Chan (Sapporo-shi, 2009-2014). If interested in more job listings, join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
(1) (VA) Education Abroad Advisor at Shenandoah University
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> Under the general direction of the Director, the Assistant Director plays a prominent role in designing and managing programs and services contributing to comprehensive internationalization at UW-Whitewater, as well as overseeing day-to-day operations and supervising staff in the areas of education abroad, international student and scholar services, international admissions and recruitment, and an intensive English program.
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> For a full position description and application information, please see https://my.uww.edu/employment/jobs/AD11222.html.
>
> For full consideration, please apply by February 1, 2016.
A successful candidate will have at least a bachelor’s degree and some experience working in SEVIS.
If any questions, feel free to contact:
Jennifer Cornwell
International Education Coordinator
Cottey College
1000 W Austin Blvd
Nevada, MO 64772
jcornwell@cottey.edu
For more information about the Junior Programs, please visit our website: https://www.elc.edu/english-courses/summer-junior-programs/
During the weekdays, students will take English classes in the mornings and be able to choose one of three activity programs. On the weekends, students participate in optional Saturday activities and a full-day excursion on Sunday.
ELC is looking for enthusiastic employees who want to gain valuable experience in international education and staff these exciting programs. We have several positions open at all levels of the hierarchy, from the Campus Director, who oversees all elements of the program, to Resident Counselors and ESL Teachers, who are an integral part of the success of the program.
This link <https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9eratEkPjqoLXpqdkYzWWZsTlk/view?usp=sharing> will display the full range of positions available, as well as their responsibilities, commitment level, and availability at each campus. It also lists qualities that “ideal candidates” would possess.
All successful applicants will be subject to a CORI check. Please send a cover letter and resumé to Julia Gueron at juniorprograms@elc.edu and make sure to specify how you found the posting and the position you are interested in. Please also send along any questions.
Job: Bilingual Coordinator – Fuji TV (VA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, curriculum and content developer for a real estate school based in Virginia. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Bilingual Coordinator
Posted by: Fuji TV
Location: Richmond, VA
Contract: Part-Time
Georgia Gallavin (CIR in Yamaguchi from 2007-2008) informed us of an opportunity with Fuji TV in the Richmond area. They are looking for a bilingual coordinator to help with a story in the Richmond, Virginia area. The crew of 2-3 people will need a Japanese-English translator to help with logistics and interviewing. The crew will need a coordinator from mid-January for approximately one week. Please reach out to Georgia Gallavin at georgia.gallavin@gmail.com for more information.
Job: Executive Personal Assistant – S&R Foundation (DC)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, curriculum and content developer for a real estate school based in Virginia. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Executive Personal Assistant
Posted by: S&R Foundation
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Full-Time
Foundation president seeks an experienced Executive Personal Assistant to assist with the day-to-day responsibilities of running office, personal, and philanthropic endeavors. Job requires incredible organization for an ever-changing business calendar and complex schedule. Position is based in the CEO’s private office and requires a savvy, proactive, and dedicated candidate to best assume the role. The Executive Personal Assistant will be engaged in every aspect of day-to-day life and thus will need to be highly trustworthy and confidential. Superior client relationship management and incredible customer service skills are a must. This is a full time position that does require limited evening and weekend availability. Read More
JQ Magazine: NHK World, Your 24-Hour Guide to Japan
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Pop singer and model Yun*chi and DJ Taku Takahashi of m-flo with Domo, NHK’s mascot, at Waku Waku +NYC in Brooklyn, Aug. 2015. The performers are frequent guests of NHK World’s J-MELO, Japan’s only music program recorded entirely in English. (Jason DeCrow/AP Images for NHK WORLD TV)
By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata-ken, 2008-10) for JQ magazine. A former head of the JETAA Philadelphia Sub-Chapter, Rashaad is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University with a master’s degree in responsible tourism management. For more on his life abroad and enthusiasm for taiko drumming, visit his blog at www.gettingpounded.wordpress.com.
You surely watched NHK while you were living in Japan. Whether you understood the content was another story, of course. But with the right cable provider, you might be able to enjoy Japan in a way that you were unable to during your JET days, thanks to NHK World.
NHK World serves as the organization’s international broadcast service and features English-language programming devoted to Japanese news, sports, cuisine and culture. Even if your cable provider doesn’t have NHK World, the network streams all of its programming around the clock on its official website, and you can also download their apps to your smartphone or tablet.
What might you see on NHK World? Here are five programs that could tickle your fancy:
Hosted by Ayako Kisa, Sports Japan has profiled not only sports traditionally associated with Japan, such as sumo and kendo—and those not-so-traditionally associated with Japan, like beach soccer and unicycling. Episodes of Sports Japan broadcast highlights from a certain competition in the featured sport while Kisa interviews a journalist or prominent figure in that sport, such as Alexander Bennett (the coach of New Zealand’s national kendo team and editor-in-chief of Kendo World) in a recent episode devoted to kendo. The program is a fascinating look into what sports are practiced in Japan and who could emerge as the country’s next elite athletes.
8 Jobs in International Education
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Via Carleen Ben (Oita). Posted by Sophia Chan (Sapporo-shi, 2009-2014). If interested in more job listings, join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
(1) Hiring 3 Study Abroad International Coordinators at Arizona State University
> The Arizona State University (ASU) Study Abroad Office is growing! As part of a five-year strategic plan to increase the number of students who participate in study abroad, we have a need to add additional team members to our team. We are hiring three International Coordinator positions. All three have a close date of January 11 with a max starting salary of $40,000 and a desired start date of late February to early March 2016. These positions are found on the ASU Human Resources<https://cfo.asu.edu/hr-applicant> website with Req ID #s: 19034BR and 19033BR.
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> Our faculty-directed programming continues to increase in student popularity and we currently have 75+ programs on the books for summer 2016 (a jump from 48 programs in summer 2015). As a result, we are hiring for two International Coordinators (both with Req ID #19033BR) to manage summer faculty-directed programs. One of these positions is a brand new one to support our growth in faculty-directed programming, while the other one is to replace a team member whom we are transitioning to manage our newly developed semester faculty-directed programs. These two positions will join our team of four International Coordinators within our Faculty-Directed Unit.
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> We are also hiring an International Coordinator (Req ID#19034BR) to manage our partnership and exchange programs in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. This position is replacing a team member who has decided to relocate. The role is essential as the region is popular among ASU students. This individual will join our team of three other International Coordinators who manage programs within our Partnership and Exchange Unit. Read More
