Sep 10

JENESYS 2.0: What’s It Like?

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The Australian and New Zealand batch of JENESYS 2.0, June 2014

Posted by Eden Law (Fukushima-ken, 2010-2011), JETAA NSW committee member and a JENESYSTS, apparently. He even has the certificate to prove it! This piece went out in the Sydney Japanese Consulate newsletter in August. If you are considering volunteering for the JENESYS programme and would like more information on what it’s like, he’s happy to have a chat.

This year I was fortunate enough to be selected as a supervisor of the Australian contingent for the JENESYS programme, a youth exchange programme administered by JICE (Japan International Cooperation Center). Made up of 19 participants (or Jenesysts, as the JICE director dubbed us at the end of our tour) between the ages of 18 to 24, and hailing from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, our packed, 9-day schedule (June 23rd – July 1st) covered Tokyo and various places in Hokkaido. Accompanying us were the smaller New Zealand group, and also our guides from JICE. As JENESYS 2.0 covers different themes for each group, the theme for ours was Mass Media (General – Journalism, Multimedia, bloggers).

Our programme schedule was quite eclectic and packed, travelling extensively on buses from one location to the next, which required an early morning start (sometimes at 5am) in order to get through it all. In Tokyo we got behind the scenes at NHK Studio’s English language department newsroom, as well as the more publicly accessible NHK Studio Park News, where visitors can observe how various television programs are produced. We also visited Edo Tokyo Museum, with its wonderfully elaborate scale models, and Senso-ji in Asakusa on the second last day of the programme. Hokkaido’s programme was focused more on technology, with a tour of Bibai city’s “snow technology” facilities (a scientific and rather detailed description of the principles is available here) and a visit to the Hokkaido Institute of Technology, with a stop for lunch at Arte Piazza Bibai, a peaceful sculpture park containing artworks by Kan Yasuda. But the definite highlight for everyone was the homestay with local Sapporo families, where many participants enthused about their individual experiences that included food, culture and traditions – or “authentic Japan”. Lastly, participants were then asked to formulate and present a plan on how they would use their experiences on the programme to promote Japan, and to contribute generally to a deeper interest in the country at a local level.

Travelling with a young and especially energetic group of youths and young adults certainly made for a lively (and busy) trip. As the majority had never been to Japan before (and some had left Australia for the first time), it was very interesting and enjoyable to see Japan through their eyes and perspective, and re-discover what had sparked my own love for Japan, and to share my own thoughts as well. And I was quite impressed with the overall quality of the participants who were chosen: quite a few spoke a second, even third language, and there were writers, musicians and artists. Of course, they were rambunctious as can be expected (the phrase, herding cats comes to mind), but they displayed a high sense of curiosity and adventure about their environment. As the Australian group were university students who were involved in arts, communications and online media disciplines, it would have been a great opportunity to have included in a “Mass Media”-themed programme, greater exposure to things that were related to their background. For example, introducing them to journalists, artists or students studying the same disciplines, and who utilise the online social media environment to communicate and facilitate cultural ideas and modern Japanese culture. As young adults, our participants used their free time to not just shop and have fun, but to experience Japan and its culture through all their senses, which they will report and disseminate back home to their friends and family. Every aspect of Japanese life is interesting – from the smallest details of crossing the street, to wearing a yukata for the first time. The best publicity is to allow them to have fun and communicate that enjoyment and fun to the world. More people will then be attracted to Japan, and will come to experience this for themselves.

As for my duties as a supervisor, much wasn’t known beforehand, as information was scant (on all aspects – a detailed schedule was not available until the start of the trip), but I was certainly kept busy with performing numerous tasks during the day, which would include daily temperature checks of participants (to catch impending illness), marshalling the group (or locating stragglers distracted by the Japanese retail wonderland), and helping our JICE guides, who had more responsibilities and worked far harder than us supervisors. It would have been desirable to have some information upfront, such as crucial details like the gift exchange ceremonies, which caught us shorthanded as this was only revealed to us the day before the event – luckily our Tokyo hotel was next to a supermarket that sold Australian wines. Adaptability and resilience are definitely required of a supervisor, as there can be changes and last minute information that one has to respond to quickly. Both myself and my NZ counterpart certainly came to appreciate Japan’s very reasonably priced alcohol after hours!

All in all, it was quite a packed and enjoyable trip, especially the aspects where the participants were able to enjoy interacting with local people: from chatting to a group of elementary students on excursion at the Edo Museum, and being part of the lives of families during home stays. Japan’s most easily recognisable asset, its culture and traditions, were also highly popular, and the all-too-brief introductions left us wanting more. Acknowledgement must be made of our JICE guides who work tirelessly and were endlessly helpful and generous with their knowledge and time, and who ensured we got to our next appointments, and whose patience we must have tested time and time again. Of course our host families and all the friends we made on the trip, who truly made Japan come alive beyond what we see and read, are remembered with warm regard. And finally, many thanks and appreciation goes to the Japanese government for creating this incredible opportunity for others to come and experience their country. The potential of the JENESYS programme is great, as it focuses on building a relationship with youth of Asia Pacific, and as JENESYS 2.0 continues to improve and develop, positive things lie ahead in the future.

Sep 7

Job: Japan Studies Assistant, Japan Foundation New York (NYC)

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Thanks to JET alum Susannah Davidson (Shimane-ken, CIR, 2010-13), who works for the Japan Foundation, for sharing another opening there.  

Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai.  Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Position: Japan Studies Assistant
Posted by: Japan Foundation New York
Location: New York, NY
Type: Part-time 

 Overview:

Established by the Japanese government in 1972, the mission of The Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other nations. The Japan Foundation’s activities consist of three major programs: 1) Arts & Cultural Exchange; 2) Japanese-Language Education Overseas; 3) Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange, including The Center for Global Partnership (CGP). For more information, please visit The Japan Foundation, New York office and CGP websites at www.jfny.org and www.cgp.org. The Japan Foundation, New York has an opening for a part-time Assistant in Japanese Studies. The Japanese Studies program provides grants designed to enhance Japanese Studies in the US primarily at the university level and is overseen by an American Advisory Committee (AAC). Read More

Sep 7

Job: Programme Support Assistant at the UN University (Tokyo)

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Via Idealist. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai.  Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Position: Programme Support Assistant
Posted by: UN University
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Type: Full-time 

Overview:

Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, and under the direct guidance and supervision of the Project Director of the Water and Urban Initiative (WUI), the Programme Support Assistant shall perform the following tasks: Read More

Sep 7

Job: Japanese Bilingual Sales Assistant, Lighting Manufacturer (NYC)

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Via Actus Consulting.  If you apply, please indicate that you learned of the job listing via JETwit. 

Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai.  Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Position: Japanese Bilingual Sales Assistant
Posted by: Lighting Manufacturer
Location: Midtown NYC
Type: Full-time

Overview:

Japanese company who specializes in LED lights and special lighting design. Most of the clients are museums and retail stores including high-end fashion brands Read More

Sep 7

Job: 2 positions at Morikami Museum (Del Ray Beach, FL)

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Thanks to JETAA Florida’s Wendy Lo, who works for the museum and recently sent another opening there, for sharing these two new openings. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai.  Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Position: 1) Volunteer & Docent Coordinator; 2) Institutional Advancement Director
Posted by: Morikami Museum
Location: Deal Ray Beach, FL
Type: Full-time 

Sep 7

Job: Program Asst, Teachers Program – American Councils for International Education (D.C)

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Via Idealist. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-2014), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai.  Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Position: Program Assistant, Teachers Program
Posted by: American Councils for International Education
Location: Washington D.C.
Type: Full-time 

Overview:

Based in Washington, DC, the Program Assistant for the Teachers Programs assists in the implementation of intensive international exchange program for U.S. and international educators from a number of countries in Middle-East, and South-East Asia. The Program Assistant will work closely with a dedicated team of Teachers Program staff members and report to the Senior Program Manager. Read More

Sep 7

Job: Program Associate for Africa at ISEP (Virginia)

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Posted by Sean Pavlik (Fukui-ken, 2010-12), International Programs Officer for the DC-based Congressional Study Group on Japan. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email

ISEP is currently seeking a full-time Program Associate for Africa located in our central office in Arlington, VA (10 minutes from Washington DC). Founded in 1979, ISEP is a nonprofit membership organization with over 300 partner institutions in 50 countries around the world. ISEP provides exchange and study abroad opportunities to over 3,400 students annually.

Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Director of Africa and Middle East Programs, the Program Associate for Africa serves as program assistant for both the Africa and Asia Pacific Regional teams and provides administrative support for the placement process and program implementation including data entry and processing of online applications. The Program Associate for Africa works jointly with the Regional Director in administering student exchange between U.S. ISEP member institutions and member institutions in Africa and implementing the Africa Region Strategic Plan. The program Associate assists the Regional Director in outreach to designated US members; conducts outreach and engagement activities with students and coordinators for recruitment and retention of applicants. Read More

Sep 7

Job: Academic ESL Program Specialist – Adult & Continuing Education in Queens

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Posted by Sean Pavlik (Fukui-ken, 2010-12), International Programs Officer for the DC-based Congressional Study Group on Japan. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Academic ESL Program Specialist – Adult & Continuing Education in Queens New York United States

Sep 7

Job: Adelphi University Project Coordinator, Mastering English Program

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Posted by Sean Pavlik (Fukui-ken, 2010-12), International Programs Officer for the DC-based Congressional Study Group on Japan. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Title Position Reports To: Director of Learning and Writing Centers

JOB SUMMARY:

This Project Coordinator oversees the Mastering English Program which seeks to develop intercultural competence and idiomatic fluency in English designed for English as a Second Language (ESL) and other English Language Learning (ELL) students, particularly international students.  The Coordinator will:

Liaise with cooperating schools, departments, and divisions on campus

Support Learning and Writing Center tutors in ELL issues

Conduct non-credit class meetings

Chaperone local trips when needed

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

1.   Meet with program participants in class; be available to answer questions.

2.   Enter program participants’ data into assessment tools.

3.   Plan and arrange for program related travel, including required University paperwork.

4.   Contribute to Learning and Writing Center training programs on working with international, ELL, and ELS students.

5.   Represent the Program at University functions and Orientations.

6.   Contribute to any relevant grant proposals

7.   Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

1.   Experience living and working abroad, particularly in a dual language context is particularly sought; TESOL degree or equivalent experience.

2.   Strong computer skills for using Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel and E-mail.

3.   Strong interpersonal, presentational, and intercultural skills.

4.   Ability to be organized and pay attention to detail.

5.   Ability to prioritize workload according to volume, urgency, etc.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

A TESOL Degree or comparable experience is highly desirable.

Sep 6

JQ Magazine: Book Review – ‘Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage’ by Haruki Murakami

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“Tsukuru Tazaki is more akin to a collection of related experiential pieces on existentialism rather than a straightforward story, which is why sometimes it can feel incomplete and unexplained. But there is a certain pleasure to be had from reading Murakami’s descriptive text, as he unhurriedly takes his time in building a backdrop by utilizing bits and pieces of asides and ephemera.” (Knopf)

By Eden Law (Fukushima-ken, 2010-11) for JQ magazine. Eden hails from the JETAA New South Wales chapter in Sydney, Australia, aging one hour at a time, his soul still empty, on the slow gentle slide to the eternal sleep of the grave. With the wind in his hair and a song in his heart, of course.

Haruki Murakami is a rare, superstar author who can engender the kind of excitement and anticipation more often seen with pop and movie idols. His latest novel, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, sold over a million copies in Japan in the first week, and overseas, the reception has been no less enthusiastic, with its release celebrated by midnight openings of bookstores with breathless fans queuing with anticipation.

Since its debut in English, the novel has topped the New York Times best sellers hardcover fiction list. As befitting such a book, it comes in a handsome dust jacket and cover designed by Chip Kidd, heavy with symbolism in blocked color bars and Japanese train routes peeking through plastic windows. Not all international covers for the book were created equally—check out this Tumblr gallery of all its international permutations, if you’re curious. It would seem that one doesn’t just read a Murakami novel; one experiences it.

I fully intended that last sentence to be facetious, but having finished the book, I’m not so sure I’m too far off the mark. In Tsukuru Tazaki, the author skillfully creates a world where characters are connected to each other by the most tenuous of relationships, gossamer-thin and fragile. For our eponymous protagonist, the most important relationship of his life—that with the only group of friends he has ever had—is suddenly and inexplicably severed, and he finds himself banished without explanation, causing a kind of spiritual trauma.

Read More

Sep 5

Recent Updates from Andy Anderson

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The Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund Continues to Contribute to Ishinomaki

Here’s a quick update from Andy Anderson on the TAMF’s activities, made possible in part by the generous donations of the JET alumni:

“The Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund had its second board meeting in Tokyo in early July and approved four new reading initiatives in Ishinomaki including a book club and reading groups for local volunteers. We also committed to “Hope for Tomorrow” to support twenty Ishinomaki students who need help to obtain college admission. I met with the Tokyo YMCA to plan the return exchange of seven 2012 Richmond host family students to stay with Ishinomaki host families. We are very grateful to the Tokyo YMCA for planning and paying for the Japan itinerary and ANA for discounted airline tickets! The exchange was very successful and you can see posts on our Facebook page about the trip. I also visited Ishinomaki High School to view the new Taylor Bunko with 541 new books and meet with faculty and former students of Taylor’s. We met with Ishinomaki Senshu University (ISU) to plan for a new Taylor Bunko there. The University is located close to temporary housing and the library is open to all in Ishinomaki. We have begun to plan a unique research exchange program with ISU and Taylor’s alma mater, Randolph-Macon College. We worked with Project Yui and Team Watahoi to bring a Sports Onigokko Tag (www.onigokko.or.jp) day to Watanoha Elementary School on August 19th. We appreciate all of your support and are very grateful to Global Giving for offering to double donations this week! Please continue to check our Facebook page for updates!”

2014 JET Memorial Invitation Program

Andy also let us know about the initial batch of essays that have been posted from the 2014 JET Memorial Invitation Program, which you can access on the Japan Foundation website at http://jflalc.org/pub-breeze83.html. More essays are posted every month, so remember to check regularly. You’ll need to scroll down the page a ways to find the links, but they’re well worth the search.

Sep 5

WIT Life #274: Air K in U.S. Open Semis!

Events, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #274: Air K in U.S. Open Semis!

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.

The U.S. Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slams held right here in Queens, is one of my favorite annual events.  This year’s tournament is even more special due to the advancement of 24-year old Japanese player Kei Nishikori to the semifinals!  In doing this he became the first Japanese man to reach the U.S. Open semis in almost a century.  Tomorrow afternoon he will face Novak Djokovic in this match, and a win would give him a potential meeting with Roger Federer in the finals (the other semi features Federer vs. Marin Cilic).  In less than two days apart, Nishikori played two grueling 5-set matches in both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals.  The former concluded at 2:26 a.m., tying the record for the latest finishing match at the Open!

One would expect Nishikori’s huge total match time to have taken a toll on his fitness, but his energy level still seems to be high, as is his confidence.  When recently interviewed by the Japanese press, his comment was along the lines of him saying he’s unbeatable at this point, and I hope his words prove to be true.  I wrote here about his showing in previous U.S. Opens, but his chances look the best this year.  Ganbare Air K!

Sep 4

Job: Coach/Corporate Trainer and Translator (2 Positions) – “Own the Room”

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Sep 4

I’ll Make It Myself!: Recipe Redo: Rosemary-Orange Ricotta Muffins v2.0

Blogs, Food & Drink, I'll Make It Myself, Writers breakfast, muffin, recipe Comments Off on I’ll Make It Myself!: Recipe Redo: Rosemary-Orange Ricotta Muffins v2.0

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.

An improvement on the first version–incredibly fluffy muffins that can be made in Japan with homemade ricotta.

Click HERE to read MORE.

Sep 4

JETAA Chapter beat-September 4th

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Ashlie O’Neill (Hyogo-Ken, 2013-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations. This is a new position to help strengthen the relationship between JETAA/AJET. 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.

Let’s see what is coming up in September in JETAA Chapters .

JETAADC

Okinawan Performing arts at the Kennedy Center

Enjoy Performances by

• Creative Eisa –Shishi-mai (Dance of Japanese lion）
• Traditional Karate –Breathing methodologies, Kata, Sanchin-kata
• Ryukyu Buyo （Classical Dance） –Yotsutake, Kasekake, Hatomabushi

If you are interested in going with JETAADC please send a message to social@jetaadc.org with the number of people in your party and where you will meet them.

JETAA New York

Yukata Hop in Astoria-September 6th

Summer’s not over until September 21st (at least according to the official calendar)- so in order to keep the summer going JETAANY is having a Yukata Hop in Queens! Meet JETAANY at the Strand Smokehouse in Astoria and then head out to a couple other bars in the area (TBA soon). If you don’t have a Yukata, you are still welcome to join! Please feel free to wear other festive garb (happi coats, jinbei, etc.).

JETAA Music City

Japan Summer Fest-13th of September

Join JETAA Music City for games, delicious food, Japanese culture, and of course some great performances, including taiko, kendo and more at Japan Summer Fest! For a list of performances and activities, visit:http://www.jask.org/festivalevents

JETAA Pacific Northwest

PNWJETAA booth at the 17th Annual Aki Matsuri presented by the Eastside Nihon Matsuri Association – 6 & 7th of September

Every Fall, ENMA presents “Aki Matsuri (Fall Festival)”, a 2-day program of Japanese cultural, educational, and fun events for all age groups.The Aki Matsuri is a celebration of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. A large number of local artists and craft persons practicing Japanese-style arts and crafts (including the performing arts and martial arts), and Japan related businesses & organizations will be participating during the entire two day event activities.
PNWJETAA will have a booth where they will have volunteers sharing their experiences in Japan.
If you are interested in volunteering for the both please contact Jennifer at vicepresident@nullpnwjetaa.org.

JETAA Toronto

Support JETAA Toronto while they compete in a Dragon Boat Race

Ever wanted to see a dragon boat race? Or even better – Ever wanted to see your fellow JETAA members race for glory and for good food? Then join JETAA Toronto this weekend at Marilyn Bell Park on Saturday or Sunday and cheer them on!