JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘Yurei: The Japanese Ghost’
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“If you like reading about mythology and supernatural horror around the world, or if you enjoy Japan’s unique brand of horror from such films as The Ring and The Grudge, then Yurei: The Japanese Ghost is a must-read.” (Chin Music Press)
By Julio Perez Jr. (Kyoto-shi, 2011-13) for JQ magazine. A bibliophile, writer, translator, and graduate from Columbia University, Julio is currently working at JTB’s New Jersey office while seeking opportunities with publications in New York. Follow his enthusiasm for Japan, literature, and board gaming on his blog and Twitter @brittlejules.
Do not read this review.
If you are foolish enough to read this review to the end…after seven days, you will be followed by a lingering spirit which will slowly, but unrelentingly, press more and more of its weight upon your shoulders. The weight will build to an unbearable breaking point, leaving you weak and overwhelmed by the scent of rotting flesh, driving your mind to unknowable depths of madness and despair. You can avoid this terrible fate by sharing this book review via the social media outlet of your choice or by purchasing Yurei: the Japanese Ghost, a new and excellent nonfiction effort by JET alum Zack Davisson (Nara-ken, 2001-04; Osaka-shi, 2004-06).
No doubt you’ve seen or heard of such films as The Ring and The Grudge, which have served as ambassadors of Japan’s very rich ghost culture (not to mention Halloween staples), but it is likely that there are aspects of these Japanese movies that you may have not been able to appreciate on some level. This book’s purpose is to fill in those gaps and fascinate you with an expertly catalogued evolution of ghost stories in Japan, and how pervasive they remain in pop culture to this day.
What exactly is a yūrei and why is it different from a Western ghost? What’s with the white face and long black hair? Why water? What drives the yūrei to do what it does? These questions and more are answered in this book. In the author’s words, “The goal of this book: to provide this understanding, to allow a clearer insight not only into the popular products of Japan but also the history and culture from which they sprang.” Yurei: The Japanese Ghost is a guided tour of the yūrei, from their appearance, to the rules they obey, to the traditions behind these characteristics. Davisson achieves this goal through the use of highly enjoyable primary choices and sharing the fruits of much academic research.
I’ll Make It Myself!: Pixelated 1-Up Cake (Mario Bros.)
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L.M. Zoller (CIR Ishikawa-ken, Anamizu, 2009-11) is the editor of The Ishikawa JET Kitchen: Cooking in Japan Without a Fight. Ze works in international student exchange; writes I’ll Make It Myself!, a blog about food culture in Japan and the US; curates The Rice Cooker Chronicles, a series of essays by JETs and JET alumni on the theme of cooking/eating and being alone in Japan; and admins The JET Alumni Culinary Group on LinkedIn.
This Nintendo-inspired design is simple to create and works with any round cake–although you won’t want to miss this white-pepper-and-ginger one, which is easily to make in Japan, too.
Japan Local: Aomori 10 City Festival in Mutsu
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Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.
Miss out on the Aomori Summer Festivals and don’t want to wait a whole year for your next chance to see them?
Check out the Aomori 10 City Festival in Mutsu from September 26-27th, 2015!
The Aomori 10 City Festival showcases major festivals, food, products and more from 10 cities around Aomori Prefecture: Aomori City, Hirosaki City, Hachinohe City, Kuroishi City, Goshogawara City, Towada City, Misawa City, Mutsu City, Tsugaru City, and Hirakawa City.
The must-see attraction is the Saturday night festival parade featuring Nebuta/Neputa floats, nagashi odori, etc., but you can also enjoy stage performances, appearances by mascot characters, delicious local foods and more at the event.
Job: Mansfield Fellow – The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation (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: Mansfield Fellow
Posted By: The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
Location: Japan
Status: Full Time, 1-Year
Summary: The Mansfield Fellowship Program is now recruiting for next year’s Fellows to live and work in Japan. If you work in the federal government and have an interest in Japan, this program is for you!
The Mansfield Fellowship Program—named after Mike Mansfield, former U.S. ambassador to Japan, U.S. Senate majority leader, and U.S. congressman from Montana—is a first-of-its-kind program for the United States and Japan.
The Mansfield Fellowship Program has been restructured for the upcoming year to allow ten Fellows to participate in a one-year program in Japan. The shorter program duration is expected to increase the number of Fellows who are able to participate and preserves the principles behind the program and the features that make it a unique professional career development opportunity for U.S. federal government employees. Please click here to see more detailed information in the Mansfield Fellowship Program brochure.
The restructured Mansfield Fellowship Program includes a seven-week homestay and intensive Japanese language program in Ishikawa Prefecture and ten months of professional placements in Tokyo. During the year in Japan, Fellows will develop an in-depth understanding of the Government of Japan (GOJ) and its policymaking process and establish relationships with their counterparts in GOJ and the business, professional and academic communities. After completing the program, the Fellows are required to serve at least two additional years in the federal government, where it is anticipated they will continue to work on projects involving Japan issues.
The Mansfield Fellowship Program is administered by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, with the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, as grantor. The program receives significant in-kind support from the government of Japan and the Ishikawa Prefectural Government. Additional support comes from corporate sponsors and foundations.
Japan Local: B-1 Grand Prix in Towada
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Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.
Interested in trying out local “soul foods” from all over Japan?
Then the 10th B-1 Grand Prix in Towada is the event for you!
From October 3rd-4th, 2015, sixty-two groups from across Japan will gather in Towada (Aomori Prefecture) to promote their respective cities and local “soul foods”. Enjoy soba, udon, ramen, rice bowls, curry, fried foods, grilled meats, and various other dishes originating from Hokkaido to Kyushuu and vote for your favourite group. At the end of the second day, the most popular group–as selected by attendees–will be awarded the Gold Grand Prix Prize (symbolized by giant golden chopsticks :P).
Often misunderstood as standing for “B-grade” (“B級” B-kyuu in Japanese), the “B” in “B-1” actually stands for “brand.” The goal of the B-1 Grand Prix is to revitalize cities and towns through the promotion of their respective local brands. Apart from serving delicious food, participating groups also try to demonstrate their own unique brand of hospitality through performances, etc. This is why attendees of the B-1 Grand Prix are encouraged to vote for their favourite group and not just the best dish.
So if you want to get a taste of many different cities from around Japan, come to Towada for the B-1 Grand Prix.
十和田に愛に行こう！Towada ni ai ni ikou! Come to love Towada!
Official Website (Japanese): http://b-1towada.com/
Click HERE to learn MORE (English)
Job: ESL Teacher – EF English First (Indonesia)
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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: ESL Teachers
Posted By: EF English First
Location: Indonesia
Status: Full Time, 1-Year Contract
Summary: EF English First is a world renowned language institution and we now have ten schools in our group and the newest school no 10 in Bogor started in March 2012.
As one of the largest groups of schools in Jakarta that continues to grow; we employ over 65 native speaking teachers. We are continually looking for EFL teachers with a minimum of ELTA or TEFL certificate. In some cases other qualifications will be considered, depending on the nature and extent of experience. A few of our teachers are continuing to the next contract. Some are completing the contract and we will need replacement for them.
Our team will help you reach your full potential as a TEFL teacher; each school has a standardized induction program, regular training and observations, an extensive TEFL resource library as well as ,of course, constant support from the Director Of Studies and teaching team. Read More
Job: Global Teaching Fellow/Lecturer – Tokyo International University (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: Global Teaching Fellow/Lecturer
Posted By: Tokyo International University
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Status: Full Time, 2-Year Contract
Summary: Tokyo International University (TIU), located in the greater Tokyo area is seeking qualified applicants to teach in the Global Teaching Institute (GTI). The purpose of GTI is to bring undergraduate students in contact with a diverse English-speaking faculty that will engage them in practical English communication skills through a variety of language learning and culture-related topics. Fellows teach a variety of courses including: 1st and 2nd year required skill-based classes, English for academic-purposes (EAP) and English for specific purposes (ESP).
Job responsibilities include teaching 15 hours per week per semester spread across 5 days (9:00am to 5:50pm). Courses are assigned a standardized curriculum with required textbooks. Fellows are also expected to hold three 90-minute advising sessions per week in the English Plaza, develop curricula and materials, and attend departmental and coordinator meetings. Fellows also assist with recruitment including TIU Open Campus sessions and high school visits throughout the year.
Read More
Job: Travel Consultant (Japan Specialist) – Access Appointments Consultancy Ltd. (England)
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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: Travel Consultant (Japan Specialist)
Posted By: Access Appointments Consultancy Ltd.
Location: Central London, England
Status: Full Time
Summary: A small Japanese travel company based in Central London is currently seeking a suitably-qualified and experienced Japan specialist travel consultant who has extensive knowledge of Japan and customer service experience to work in the outbound leisure section. You will essentially be responsible for creating tailor-made, bespoke holidays and tours, mainly to Japan, but also occasionally other Far East destinations.
Main Duties Include (but not limited to):
- Organizing tailor-made tours and managing bookings, both over the phone and via email
- Arrangement and management of the end-to-end arrangements for clients’ bookings, including tours, rail passes, hotels and transfers, and using the appropriate booking systems and account management applications
- Preparing all final documentation for client holidays and following up any queries or concerns.
- Provide customer service in person, and via phone and email to assist with enquiries relating to clients’ tours, or general Japan related enquiries
- Liaising throughout the entire process with suppliers and clients
- Respond quickly and calmly to unforeseen difficulties that may arise on clients’ holidays
- Organize, copy-write, and produce advertising material, as well as in-house proof-reading and editing
- Work competently and efficiently, using initiative at all times without direct supervision
- Revise tour itineraries and prepare new tour itineraries annually as well as cost-calculation to ensure the brand remains competitive.
- Participation in travel events, attending seminars, and client visits where necessary, with very occasional familiarization trips, and attending events as required, to promote and sell Japan as a travel destination
Job: ESL Teacher – Smart Kids American School (Taiwan)
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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: ESL Teacher
Posted by: Smart Kids American School
Location: Taiwan
Status: Full Time and Part Time
Summary: We are looking for someone passionate, outgoing for a full-time position to assist ESL teaching and caring for children. You will be attending kids aged from 3-6 from 8AM to 6PM, MON-FRI, while assisting instructors in pre-class preparation and lesson plan design. Dedicated work ethics, devotion to children and fluent/native English is required for the position. We’re offering a competitive salary which can be negotiated during the interview.
Smart Kids American School offers children a resourceful and liberal English learning environment, while providing our students curriculums that are fun, interesting and inspiring. Our goal is to not only enhance the English abilities of our children through traditional speaking, listening, reading and writing training methods, but to also enrich their learning experience with innovative topic discussions, fun activities and so forth.
Furthermore, we also have a PART-TIME job position open, so please let us know if you’re interested!
Requirements:
- Native English speaker
- College Bachelor Degree
We provide 18 hours a week from MON-FRI (afternoons and evenings), and our pay starts from 600/ hour. If you’re interested in the position, please contact Ms. Dior Yu via email, fax or phone.
Email: dior5776@ms18.hinet.net
Office: (02) 2935-5071
Cell: 0955-682-696
Fax: 2933-7735
Job: Oil and Gas Researcher/Administrator – International Energy Organization (England)
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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: Oil & Gas Researcher/Administrator
Location: Central London, England
Status: Full Time, 1-year Contract (renewable)
Salary: £20K – £24K+ bonus
Starting: End of September or Early October 2015
Summary: International Energy organisation based in Central London are looking for a Researcher/ Administrator.
Requirements:
- Regular reading of industry publications and websites
- Compiling a weekly report on industry-related news for head office (in English)
- Attending conferences in London (1-2 times per month)
- Attending briefings and short seminars in London (1-2 times per week)
- Occasional business trips to attend oil & gas conferences in Europe (2-4 times per year) and Africa (1-2 times per year)
- Ad-hoc research as requested by the head of oil and gas, Tokyo head office and other branch offices, on subjects such as government policy, energy regulation, licensing rounds, pipeline and LNG developments, stockpiling, markets, and exploration project status
- Accompanying the head of oil & gas on meetings with external analysts and advisors, and writing up concise summaries of these
- Relationship-building with industry and government representatives and analysts
- Attendance of daytime and occasional evening briefings and receptions in London
- Note-taking and writing up reports/summaries of key points from seminars and conferences
- Native-checking of papers and PPT presentations from London and head office
Administrative Support:
- Answering the main office phone in English and, when necessary, Japanese
- UK cultural understanding and language support for Japanese expat colleagues
- Correspondence with industry organizations and analysts
- Arranging travel and hotels for own business trips
- Booking restaurants and arranging meetings with external consultants/analysts
- Act as fire warden and one of the office’s first aiders (training provided)
- Occasional support to the main office administrator with tasks such as filing
Skills:
- PC Skills: Intermediate Word, Excel & PowerPoint
- Language skills: Native-level English (Essential), Business-level Japanese, written and spoken (Essential), Familiarity with French an advantage
- Knowledge of or interest in global energy issues, the oil & gas exploration industry and geopolitics is desirable.
Application Process: Please email a CV to teamjapan@people-first.co.uk
Job: English Teacher – Major Education (Vietnam)
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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: English Teacher
Posted by: Major Education
Location: Vietnam
Status: Full Time
Summary: Major Education is an English center based in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City since 2010. Until 2015, we have 3 campuses and over 50 teaching locations, hundreds full time, part time native teachers and thousand students, mostly Vietnamese. Every year, we recruit 40-50 new native teachers from all over the world. We offer flexible long term and short term contracts, a fun and challenging working environment and learning opportunities with excellent compensation packages. Within foreign teacher community, Major Education is known by quality curriculum, professional working environment, stable income, health insurance, paid holidays, generous bonus scheme and supportive Academic staff.Major Education Native ESL teacher team is looking for new members.
Requirements:
- Native English speaker
- 49 years old or younger
- Have Vietnamese work permit or following original documents
- Bachelor degree or equivalent
- Teaching certificate
- Clean background check within latest 6 months
Job Benefits:
- 24 paid holidays a year
- Health insurance
- Monthly punctuality bonus 50 USD
- Contract completion bonus 50 USD/month
- Quota completion bonus 100 USD/month
Application Process: If you want your time in Vietnam safe, enjoyable, please submit your application for a job interview now to nguyenmanhduong@gmail.com
Job: Robert Bosch Foundation Fellows – Robert Bosch Foundation and Cultural Vistas (Germany)
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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: Robert Bosch Foundation Fellows (15 positions open)
Posted by: Robert Bosch Foundation and Cultural Vistas
Location: Germany
Status: Full Time
Summary: The Robert Bosch Foundation and Cultural Vistas invite US professionals to apply for the 2016-2017 Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program. Bosch Fellows work as consultants in their field of expertise at leading public or private institutions in Germany. In addition, Bosch Fellows participate in professional seminars, where they travel to meet and exchange ideas with key figures across Germany and Europe. Fellows are from the fields of business administration, cultural management (ex. museum, theater, orchestra), journalism, law, non-profit, public policy, and urban planning.
Program Highlights:
- High-level work experience in German institutions including the federal government, private corporations, print and broadcast media, law firms and NGOs.
- Travel, seminars and networking events throughout Europe — fellows meet with key decision-makers in the public and private sectors, gaining an in-depth understanding of current issues facing the European Union and Germany.
- 3,000 EUR monthly stipend and compensation package including health insurance and coverage of transatlantic and program-related travel costs; additional funding is available for families.
- Intensive German language training provided as needed in the US and Germany. No German language skills required at time of application.
- Professional networking opportunities with over 530 Robert Bosch Fellowship Alumni.
Salary Information: 3,000 EUR monthly stipend and compensation package including health insurance and coverage of transatlantic and program-related travel costs; additional funding is available for families. Read More
Job: English Language Elementary Teachers – Boston Ivy (China)
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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: English Language Elementary Teachers (3)
Posted by: Boston Ivy
Location: Beijing, China
Status: Full Time
Summary: Boston Ivy has openings for three (3) English language teachers in Beijing beginning this September 2015. These are one semester positions, approximately three (3) months beginning in September with the possibility for renewal for a second semester after the New Year.
Teachers will offer a supplementary English Language Learning Program (focusing on oral language skills) in one of our elementary partner schools in the Daxing district of Beijing, China. Teachers will be working daily with elementary classes (grades 3-6), meeting once per week, offering lessons that reinforce what these children are learning in their daily English Language classes. It will be an opportunity for these young Chinese students to strengthen their oral language skills by engaging with a native (Western) English speaker.
Salary and Benefits:
- Up to $2000/month (Chinese taxes paid)
- Apartment including utilities
- Food Allowance
- Health Insurance
- International airfare
- Assistance and reimbursement with Visa fees
- Airport pickup
- Spouses and significant others are welcome.
Application Process: We are looking for teachers with ESL training and experience and a minimum of 2 years experience. Candidates must be eligible for a Chinese work visa. Candidates must be eligible for a Chinese work visa. Please email a cover letter, resumé, color scans of your passport information page, degrees, and two recent recommendation letters to cbogden@inspiritas.com.
Job: Junior High/High School English Teacher – Thomas Jefferson School (Chile)
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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: Junior High/High School English Teacher
Posted by: Thomas Jefferson School
Location: Central-Southern Chile
Status: Full Time
Summary: We are a mid-sized bilingual school in Central-Southern Chile with small classes (approximately 25 students per class). We are looking to fill a full-time position for an English teacher at the Junior High to High School Levels. Applicants should be native speakers of English, or have a very high level of English speaking abilities, with experience teaching at the Junior High and/or High School levels. We are especially interested in applicants with knowledge and practice in ESL.
Since this teaching position is in Chile, we require candidates who are independent and comfortable living and working abroad in a non-English speaking country. The position requires professionalism, proactivity, creativity, adaptability, good classroom management skills and the ability follow through with instructions and meet deadlines. Speaking Spanish is not required, but intermediate communicating abilities in Spanish are a plus and will make adapting to the Chilean culture much easier.
If you love teaching and are interested in working with us please send your CV to pbilingues@gmail.com
Job: English Teacher – Mortimer English Club (Morocco)
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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: English Teacher
Posted by: Mortimer English Club
Location: Casablanca, Morocco
Status: Full Time
Summary: Mortimer English Club – CASABLANCA International German franchise with over 300 centers worldwide and over 25 years of experience is looking for English teachers with the following profiles:
- Native English speakers (or near-native / fluent)
- Excellent knowledge of the English language & Good English pronunciation skills and grammar skills
- Assertiveness, flexibility, enthusiasm
- Ability / experience working or teaching children
We provide:
- On-going training for all our teaching concepts
- Detailed lesson plans, teaching guides, and material
- Working in a fun loving environment
Interested candidates please send your resume and cover letter to: contact@mortimer-english.ma. If you need more information, please get in touch with us:
Phone: 06-54-32-90-63 / 06-65-88-52-40
Email: contact@mortimer-english.ma
