Apr 10

Job: International Japanese English Translation Conference

Via JETAA UK. Posted by Mia Nakaji Monnier (Prospective JET, 2015-2016), freelance writer and Online Editor of The Rafu Shimpo, a Japanese American daily newspaper based in Los Angeles. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


Registration Now Open for The 26th International Japanese English Translation Conference, IJET-26!

June 20-21 2015, York St John University, York, UK

Click here for further details of how to register.


Apr 10

Job: JET Program Coordinator — JET Program (DC)

Via JETAA DC. Posted by Mia Nakaji Monnier (Prospective JET, 2015-2016), freelance writer and Online Editor of The Rafu Shimpo, a Japanese American daily newspaper based in Los Angeles. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


Position: JET Program Coordinator
Posted by: JET Program
Location: Washington, DC (Japanese Embassy)
Status: Full-Time

About the JET Program and the JET Program Office:
The JET Program seeks to help enhance internationalization in Japan by promoting mutual understanding between Japan and other nations. The program aims to enhance foreign language education in Japan, and to promote international exchange at the local level through fostering ties between Japanese youth and foreign youth. The JET Program Office at the Embassy of Japan is responsible for the application and selection process for U.S. candidates as well as orientation and training for participants selected from the DC-MD-VA area.

About the Position
Title: JET Program Coordinator
Salary: Commensurate with experience; call JET Office for details

Read More


Apr 8

Job: Associate Director of Fellowships, Internships and Exchanges @ Weslayen University

by Sophia Chan (Sapporo-shi, 2009-2014). As an employee of the City of New York, Sophia works with the IDNYC program, a free ID card for all New Yorkers. In her free time, she writes about  food, design, photography and TV on her blog, Sophia said. If interested in more job listings, join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


Please find below an announcement for a new position in Wesleyan University’s Center for Global Studies.

TITLE:

Associate Director of Fellowships, Internships, and Exchanges

DEPARTMENT:

The Center for Global Studies

POSITION DETAILS:

Reporting to the Director of the Center for Global Studies, the Associate Director has primary responsibility for identifying, promoting, and managing international fellowships, internships, and exchange opportunities for Wesleyan undergraduates, recent alumni, and faculty.
The Center for Global Studies is a new unit that integrates the Office of Study Abroad, the Language Resource Center, and academic and faculty development in the area of global studies (including the International Relations Certificate) in order to foster creativity and intellectual growth through cooperative work by staff, faculty, and students.
The Associate Director will develop this key range of opportunities for the purpose of advancing Wesleyan’s global studies objectives.  He or she shall do so by providing strategic support to the Wesleyan faculty and administration and by working closely with staff colleagues, with academic departments and programs, with students, and with colleagues at partner institutions. Some travel expected.
·       Assist students in availing themselves of fellowship, internship, and exchange opportunities and advise them regarding the relevance of these opportunities to their specific interests and abilities; recruit and cultivate viable candidates for competitive options.
·       Coordinate and oversee the international fellowship application processes for the range of programs for which Wesleyan students regularly apply, including but not limited to the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Luce, and Watson fellowships.
·       Assess, develop, and coordinate internship opportunities abroad.
·       Oversee the academic internship credit-granting process.
·       Assess, develop, and coordinate undergraduate, graduate student, and faculty exchange opportunities with global partner institutions.
·       Develop and implement a comprehensive program of international fellowship, internship, and exchange informational meetings and workshops.
·       Work closely with the Career Center, the Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life, the Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship, University Relations, the Wesleyan Alumni Association and other partners in coordinating internship information, including taking a lead in developing a combined information-sharing system.
·       Interact as needed with other administrative offices, such as Student Affairs, the Registrar, and Financial Aid.
·       Maintain and develop the relevant sections of the Center for Global Studies web site.
·       Participate in networks of relevant professional organizations in order to further Wesleyan’s global interests and to represent Wesleyan in the professional community.
·       Act as a key member of Wesleyan’s risk management team, to include emergency response and mitigation activities and develop emergency action plans.
·       Perform similar duties and carry out related responsibilities as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and three-plus years relevant experience in a similar program or setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and work experience
Demonstrated knowledge of MS office, web, and social media technologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in relevant discipline.   Work experience in an academic setting.  Experience in international program management.  Experience in advising students.  Experience in running fellowship processes. Prior experience studying, living, and/or working abroad.  Knowledge of a second language.

COMPETENCIES:

Action oriented, Flexible/receptive to change, Integrity and Trust, Planning/priority setting, Presentation skills, Project management, Respects diversity,  Teamwork/Collaboration,

Qualified Candidates are invited to apply online at http://careers.wesleyan.edu/postings/4830
Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and welcomes applications from women and members of historically underrepresented minority groups. Wesleyan recognizes the value individual and group differences contribute to the learning environment and to scholarship. Wesleyan University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or age in its programs and activities. Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator: Antonio Farias, Chief Diversity Officer, 860-685-2764. – Affirmative Action Office.


Apr 7

3 jobs in International Education

by Sophia Chan (Sapporo-shi, 2009-2014). As an employee of the City of New York, Sophia works with the IDNYC program, a free ID card for all New Yorkers. In her free time, she writes about  food, design, photography and TV on her blog, Sophia said. If interested in more job listings, join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


(1) Global Campus Recruiter @ Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT)

The Global Campus Recruiter will serve as the primary recruiter of external and incoming first-year students for the semester study abroad programs at the University’s global campus in Dingle, Ireland. S/he will assist the Director of SHU in Dingle in developing and maintaining external institutional partnerships that support the global campus in Ireland and in developing, deploying and managing marketing and recruiting strategies focused on increasing SHU in Dingle semester program enrollments. In addition, s/he will assist the Director of the Office of Global Affairs with the recruitment of incoming first year students to the fall semester program at the University’s global campus in Rome, Italy. S/he will also provide some assistance to the Director of SHU in Dingle and the Office of Global Affairs in the recruitment of students to the “Heart in Ireland” pre-fall program and short-term SHU in Dingle programs.

Duties and responsibilities include:

-Research potential domestic institutional partners; assist with the development of partnerships; recruit students from approved institutional partners.
-Represent the University through external campus visits, study abroad fairs, regional and national NAFSA meetings and other recruitment event.
-Working with the Office of Global Affairs, oversee the application and enrollment of all external and incoming first year applicants to the University’s global campus programs.
-Assist the Office of Global Affairs with pre-departure orientations for external and incoming first year students.
-Maintain contact with external students enrolled in the University’s global campus programs, monitor their progress and assessing their experience.
-Communicate effectively with external students, SHU applicants, parents and Sacred Heart University partners about important deadlines, requirements and other relevant information before, during and after their study abroad experience.
-Oversee and update social media and web presence related to the recruitment of external and incoming first year students to the global campus study abroad programs.

A minimum of bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least two years of experience in study abroad or international education is required. Experience studying/living abroad and experience in a professional setting of developing and deploying marketing and recruitment strategies related to study abroad or international education are highly desirable. Additional skills such as effective written, oral communication and oral presentation skills, effective social media and web design skills in a professional setting, and strong cross-cultural communication skills are essential.

Work on some evenings and weekends is required. Frequent regional travel is required; occasional national and international travel is also required.

Application Information Job posted here: https://www.higheredjobs.com/details.cfm?JobCode=176045155

Contact:

Gerald Reid Director of SHU in Dingle
Email Address:  reidg@sacredheart.edu

Read More


Apr 7

Jobs: Travel Consultants — InsideJapan Tours (UK)

Thanks to AJET’s Sandy Cheng for passing this along. Posted by Mia Nakaji Monnier (Prospective JET, 2015-2016), freelance writer and Online Editor of The Rafu Shimpo, a Japanese American daily newspaper based in Los Angeles. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Position: Travel Consultants
Posted by: InsideJapan Tours
Location: Bristol, UK
Status: Full-Time

“InsideJapan Tours is a Japan travel specialist, and we are currently hiring travel consultants for sales positions in our UK office in Bristol, with start dates in May and August.

As we have several ex-JETs working for us already (including me, Yamagata 2002-03), we know that these jobs make a great next step for those whose time on JET is coming to an end, or recently ended. You get paid for talking about Japan all day – what an opportunity!

We also expect to be hiring travel consultants for our US office in Colorado within the next few months, so would also like to hear from those looking for work in the US.

Details of the roles and application details are on our website: https://www.insidejapantours.com/about-us/jobs/


Apr 7

Jobs: Controller (Finance) and Philanthropy Associate — Nikkei Concerns (Seattle)

Via PNWJETAA. Posted by Mia Nakaji Monnier (Prospective JET, 2015-2016), freelance writer and Online Editor of The Rafu Shimpo, a Japanese American daily newspaper based in Los Angeles. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


Position: Controller & Philanthropy Associate
Posted by: Nikkei Concerns
Location: Seattle, WA
Status: Full-Time

Nikkei Concerns is now accepting applications for the following positions: Controller (Finance) & Philanthropy Associate.

Nikkei Concerns is a Seattle based non-profit which provides health and related services in a traditional atmosphere to primarily elderly Nikkei (Japanese) in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, the organization has maintained a distinctly Japanese American identity while welcoming members of diverse ethnic communities. Our goal in all we do is to provide services that exemplify compassion, innovation and the highest quality of care to elder members of our community and their families.

Controller (Finance)

Application Deadline: March 20, 2015

Nikkei Concerns (NC) is seeking a highly-motivated individual whose core values align with the NC Way to serve as our Controller. See full listing here: http://www.nikkeiconcerns.org/jobopportunities.html#NCCONTR. Qualified individuals should email their resume and cover letter to Jeannette Rivera, HR/Payroll Manager at jrivera@nikkeiconcerns.org.

Philanthropy Associate

Priority consideration given to applications received by March 28th

Responsibilities would include managing gift-processing activities, assisting in planning and implementation of annual giving activities and fundraising events, and providing administrative and clerical support to promote the organizations fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will have experience working with donor management software (i.e. Raiser’s Edge), word processing and spreadsheets, a proven ability to work independently, be a people-person who is detailed-oriented, possesses excellent customer service skills and has a passion for enhancing the lives of our residents and elderly community. See full listing here: http://www.nikkeiconcerns.org/jobopportunities.html#NCPHA.

Qualified individuals should email their resume and a cover letter to Jeannette Rivera, HR/Payroll Manager at jrivera@nikkeiconcerns.org. Riviera may also be reached for questions at 206-726-6525.


Apr 7

Job: HTM – IT Systems Administrator (Tokyo)

This listing comes directly from HTM.  They’re interested in JET alums, and they’ve posted to JETwit previously with success. Posted by Mia Nakaji Monnier (Prospective JET, 2015-2016), freelance writer and Online Editor of The Rafu Shimpo, a Japanese American daily newspaper based in Los Angeles. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


Position: IT Systems Administrator
Posted by: HTM
Location: Tokyo
Status: Full-Time

HTM is a growing firm based in central Tokyo providing finance and administration services to foreign companies in Japan. HTM is a learning organization where people develop their personal skills and learn international business practices. With many projects run by teams, there are many opportunities to practice leadership skills. In addition an hour is set aside every day for team learning. HTM provides an excellent opportunity to start your career and develop your personal and business skills in a friendly and international environment.

We are looking for an IT Systems Administrator to provide technical support including installation, configuration, documentation, licensing, monitoring and maintenance for HTM’s systems, networks, computers, and servers. Ongoing training provided. This is a great opportunity for growth and career development.

Read More


Apr 7

Job: Tutors — JET-owned tutoring company (Columbus, OH)

Thanks to JET alum Daniel Stone for sharing this opportunity. Posted by Mia Nakaji Monnier (Prospective JET, 2015-2016), freelance writer and Online Editor of The Rafu Shimpo, a Japanese American daily newspaper based in Los Angeles. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


Position: Tutors
Posted by: Two Birds One Stone Learning
Location: Columbus, OH
Status: Part-Time

If you are or will be in the Columbus, OH area and are looking to supplement your income, tutoring opportunities are available. After reviewing the link below please direct questions to daniel.stone@onestonelearning.com

http://www.onestonelearning.com/employment-opportunities.html


Apr 7

Job: Entry-level sales — Multinational Japanese food company (NYC)

Via Actus Consulting. Posted by Mia Nakaji Monnier (Prospective JET, 2015-2016), freelance writer and Online Editor of The Rafu Shimpo, a Japanese American daily newspaper based in Los Angeles. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


Position: Entry-level sales
Posted by: Multinational Japanese food company
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Status: Full-Time

About the Company: The company is a multinational food provider which is one of the biggest in the industry in Japan. Is is very likely that you have seen their products in the supermarket/ grocery stores in North America.

Responsibilities:
• Visiting customers and placing orders
• Merchandising at customers’ premises
• Participating meetings at Brooklyn office
• Reporting to Sales Manager on a daily basis
• Opening new accounts
• Participating promotional activities
• Collecting money from the accounts when it is needed.
Read More


Apr 7

Job: Sales Rep – International cosmetics brand (NYC)

Via Actus Consulting. Posted by Mia Nakaji Monnier (Prospective JET, 2015-2016), freelance writer and Online Editor of The Rafu Shimpo, a Japanese American daily newspaper based in Los Angeles. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


Position: Sales Representative
Posted by: International cosmetics brand
Location: NYC
Status: Full-Time

Company Information:
• Top quality product: The company provides exclusive PROFESSIONAL haircare brand that is widely used among beauty professionals world-wide. Especially, their straightening perm solution is one of the most used products, with growing number of repeaters.
• Great place to work — Team-work oriented small-size organization; great people to work for and with.
• Fantastic sales incentive plan (up to 20%) -The more you do, the more you will be rewarded!
• Office location: SOHO
Read More


Apr 6

Be interviewed for a book about the JET Program!

JETwit is very excited to share the below message from Emily Metzgar (Shimane-1993-95), Professor of Journalism at University of Indiana who has already published prior research on the JET Program and alumni community. To help Emily with the book, read below and click this link:  http://bit.ly/1Fvjvof
*********************

Dear American JET Alumni,

I’m writing a book about American alumni of the JET Program and the growing influence of this community on the broader US-Japan relationship. I’m a professor at Indiana University and a JET alum (Shimane, 1993-1995). I’ve already published some research  about American alumni of JET and the tremendous potential of this pool of college educated people with on-the-ground experience in Japan. My book will document that influence in a variety of contexts — political, cultural, educational, corporate, etc.

As I work on this book I need your help. I’m interested in talking with American alumni about the various ways they remain involved with Japan after finishing their tenure with JET. Would you be willing to be interviewed for this project?

I’ve set up an online data collection site and am asking that alumni who are willing to be interviewed use that link to provide a few details about themselves so I can determine whom to contact and when, based on my research timeline. This project is authorized by my university’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) and as the first item at the link below indicates, all safeguards associated with such university-approved research are in place.

If you’re willing to share your post-JET experiences and your insights about the growing influence of the American JET alumni community please click on this link (http://bit.ly/1Fvjvof) and provide the requested information (name, contact info, years & position on JET, current job, and nature of continued involvement with Japan). I will follow up with you soon to set up a phone or Skype interview.

If you have any questions about this request or if you’d just like to know more about this book project — I’m always happy to talk about it! — please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Thanks so much for any insights you can share. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Emily

Emily Metzgar, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Journalism
The Media School @ Indiana University
emetzgar@indiana.edu
***************
Note:  Do not post your responses to Emily in the comment field below.  She won’t see them there.  You must click the link above.

Apr 6

2 Jobs in International Education

by Sophia Chan (Sapporo-shi, 2009-2014). As an employee of the City of New York, Sophia works with the IDNYC program, a free ID card for all New Yorkers. In her free time, she writes about  food, design, photography and TV on her blog, Sophia said. If interested in more job listings, join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


(1) Assistant Director of International Programs at Warren Wilson College

Warren Wilson College is currently recruiting for an Assistant Director of International Programs. This position plans and coordinates the logistical needs of the College’s International Programs with staff/faculty and external organizations. The individual guides students interested in study abroad and prepares students, faculty, and staff for international travel and study. Requirements include a minimum of a B.A. or B.S. and two years of experience working in study abroad administration. Training and experience working with computerized study abroad management systems such as TerraDotta is strongly preferred. The candidate should also have a working knowledge of risk management issues and best practices in study abroad. You can read a full position description here.

To be considered for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to hr@warren-wilson.edu. Electronic submission is required.


 

(2) Assistant Director, MBA Global Programs @ the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Position Summary The Assistant Director is a key leadership position in the MBA Program, requiring effective and diplomatic communication skills, strategic thinking and analytical skills in order to develop strategic recommendations for senior leadership. The Assistant Director (AD) reports directly to the MBA Program Director and has significant contact with MBA students. The Assistant Director is responsible for managing key working relationships with global partners, and constituents across the business school, campus, and in the local community. The AD will be responsible for several crucial additions to the MBA Program chiefly related to improving and enhancing global education for MBA students, forming new partnerships to execute these global objectives, enrolling, registering and advising MBA students, and developing program enhancements including benchmarking, analysis of student feedback, and analytical and strategic support to carry out new initiatives. Identify and implement assessment measures for global learning.
Educational Requirements Bachelor’s degree is required, Master’s degree is preferred.
Qualifications and Experience At least 2-5 years of customer service experience in a university setting is required. Skillful, persuasive communication and excellent organizational and time management skills are required. Because of the high level of detail required, keen mental concentration and the ability to manage time and multiple priorities effectively is required. This may be difficult as the nature of the job involves multiple simultaneous programs of equal priority and frequent interruptions in the form of telephone calls, urgent e-mails, and students dropping in that must be handled in a customer-friendly manner. Exceptionally high standards of quality, completeness, attention to detail and timeliness are the norm for this position. This person and his/her work are prominently visible and are highly influential in the satisfaction of various stakeholders. Acutely aware that we teach management, organizational, and cross-cultural skills, our customers (internal and external) rightly expect everything that we do to demonstrate successful application of those principles and techniques in our own operations. Interpersonal skills are critical including two-way communications; sensitivity to the needs and opinions of others; tact, diplomacy, and patience; skill in negotiating and resolving problems; gaining the cooperation of others; diffusing confusions and frustrations; and self-confidence in dealing with students, faculty, program staff, and executives. Motivation and a positive attitude are of paramount importance. He/ she must have the ability to analyze, interpret, recommend, implement policy and procedural guidelines and resolve related problems and questions.
Equal Opportunity Employer The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and welcomes all to apply regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We also encourage protected veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.
Special Instructions In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
Quick Link http://unc.peopleadmin.com:80/postings/72548

Apr 3

Job: Education Abroad Promotion & Outreach Coordinator

University of Kentucky Education Abroad is seeking to fill a newly revised position for our growing office:  Education Abroad Promotion & Outreach Coordinator.  This would be an ideal position for someone with marketing and advertising skills oriented toward higher education contexts.

________________________________________

EDUCATION ABROAD OPERATIONS MANAGER
Founded in 1865 as a land-grant institution adjacent to downtown Lexington, the University of Kentucky is nestled in the scenic heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Recently ranked as one of the safest, most creative, and the brainiest cities in the nation, Lexington is an ideal location to experience the work-life balance that the University strives to provide to its employees. See for yourself what makes UK one great place to work.

The University of Kentucky International Center (UKIC) is seeking a full-time Education Abroad Promotion & Outreach Coordinator to join our professional team of international educators. Located within the UKIC, the Education Abroad office is a thriving part of UK’s ambitious international agenda, and has strong central support. It is currently composed of an executive director, assistant director, four EA advisors, a financial manager, faculty-directed programs coordinator, an operations manager and a data & tech support specialist. In addition, the unit employs several part-time staff and a team of graduate and undergraduate students.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Promotions & Outreach Coordinator coordinates Education Abroad’s comprehensive promotion and outreach strategy to bring greater visibility to education abroad programming at UK. This includes initiating and managing strategic partnerships and communication outlets with other UK offices to align Education Abroad marketing efforts with UK’s overall student recruitment efforts. The Promotions & Outreach Coordinator will represent UK Education Abroad at campus-wide recruiting events and be responsible for coordinating and facilitating Education Abroad’s promotional events. The Promotions & Outreach Coordinator will also implement strategic initiatives for underrepresentation and inclusion within the context of education abroad programming, co-manage the Education Abroad Peer Ambassador (EAPA) program and manage the P&O budget.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY
Successful candidates will have creativity, organization, public speaking skills, familiarity with campus organization, attention to detail and student worker supervision skills. Preferred skills include experience in international education, a working knowledge of Adobe Suite (Photoshop, video editing, InDesign, etc.) Final Cut Pro and MS Office software.

REQUIRED EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree plus one year of experience (or equivalency) is required. Marketing and/or public relations experience, along with experience in international education in a higher education setting, is preferred.

APPLICATION
To apply for the position, a UK Online Application must be submitted at https://ukjobs.uky.edu/ requisition number RE02838 (Marketing Specialist Senior). Questions should be directed to HR/Employment, phone 859-257-9555, press 2. Application deadline is April 19, 2015. The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.


Apr 3

Justin’s Japan: Nippon in New York — ‘Attack on Titan,’ Isamu Noguchi, Mitsuko Uchida, Sakura Matsuri

Escape from the Walled City, a live team puzzle solving challenge based on Attack on Titan, comes to Richmond County Bank Ballpark April 11. Escape from the Walled City, a live team puzzle solving challenge based on Attack on Titan, comes to Richmond County Bank Ballpark April 11. (SCRAP Entertainment Inc.)

Escape from the Walled City, a live team puzzle solving challenge based on Attack on Titan, comes to Richmond County Bank Ballpark April 11. (SCRAP Entertainment Inc.)

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.

Spring has sprung in the Big Apple, and that means one thing: a new season of sounds, colors, and spectacular performing arts to match the blossoming sakura trees throughout the city.

This month’s highlights include:

Now through April 26

Takahiro Iwasaki: In Focus

Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue

$12/$10 seniors/$7 students; free on Fridays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Takahiro Iwasaki creates detailed miniature landscapes using towels, toothbrushes, used clothing, and other found and recycled materials. This exhibition is a part of Asia Society Museum’s ongoing In Focus series, which invites contemporary artists to create new works, often in conversation with the Asia Society Museum’s permanent collection of traditional Asian art.

April 5-May 3 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

East Meets West Brunch

Blue Note Jazz Club, 131 West Third Street

$35

Blue Note Jazz Club and the Japan Foundation present the East Meets West Brunch series to introduce Japanese jazz to New York audiences. This brunch series will take place on five consecutive Sundays this spring, and features food, music and a drink. Performers include Mika Mimura Group (April 5), Hiromi Suda (April 12), Martha Kato Trio (April 19), Sumie Kaneko (April 26), and the Takeshi Ohbayashi Trio (May 3).

Saturday, April 11, 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Escape from the Walled City

Richmond County Bank Ballpark, 75 Richmond Terrace (Staten Island)

$30, $35 at the door

The titans are coming, and they’re hungry. Based on the manga megahit Attack on Titan, the newest Real Escape Game (REG) takes players to a world inhabited by giant, humanoid creatures that live for no other purpose than to make a snack of all of us. The high walls of the stadium are the only thing keeping you safe…for now. Experience the latest edition of SCRAP’s interactive storytelling and puzzle-solving games on a scale never seen before. Join thousands of other players as you decode clues inside a real stadium! Be warned, though: survival isn’t easy, and teamwork will be essential if you hope to survive. After already hosting over 40,000 players in the U.S. to date, Escape requires participants to use their best detective skills as they race against the clock.

For the complete story, click here.


Apr 3

JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘Blade’s Edge’

"While Blade’s Edge features challenges for not just the characters, it is fun to see imagination used to create fantasy in an ancient Japan from long, long ago." (Artemis Dingo Productions)

“While Blade’s Edge features challenges for not just the characters, it is fun to see imagination used to create fantasy in an ancient Japan from long, long ago.” (Artemis Dingo Productions)

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.

A lot of people (former JETs included) probably feel a lot of things take place in Japan because “that’s the way they have always been.”

So it’s not surprising that mindset would permeate throughout a fictionalized version of the country. Virginia McClain takes readers through such a place in her new novel, Blade’s Edge. Although Japan is blessed with a ridiculously long and rich history that many of us are somewhat aware of, 12th century Japan is probably a complete mystery to even most Japanophiles, but that shouldn’t stop us from imagining what it would have been like. Fortunately, McClain lets her creative and imaginary juices flow, providing readers with a glimpse of a fantasy Japan she created, inspired by her experiences living in Yamagata Prefecture and learning about the country’s history and culture.

The main characters of Blade’s Edge are two young girls named Mishi and Taka. They both reside in Gensokai, the kingdom that serves as the story’s setting (the word “Gensokai”—created from the Japanese terms for element and world—was actually coined for the purpose of the story) in addition to being a territory ruled for more than a thousand years by the Kisōshi, an elite group of warriors…who happen to be all-male.

Read More


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