Job: Japanese-speaking Media and Marketing Assistant Manager (Sydney)
Jobs 
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Via JETAA Oceania. 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 Officer, Global Exchange Operations
Posted by: Advantage Professional
Location: Sydney, Australia
Type: Full-time
Overview:
Job: Kakehashi Project Coordinator – Japan Foundation (NYC)
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Thanks to Susannah Davidson (Shimane-ken, CIR, 2010-2013), Project Coordinator for the Japan Foundation’s Kakehashi Project, for sharing this great JET-relevant listing. 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: Kakehashi Project Coordinator
Posted by: Japan Foundation
Location: New York, NY
Type: Full-time
Overview:
The Japan Foundation, New York seeks a Kakehashi Project guide to assist with the logistics and planning of the Kakehashi Project exchange program. Native level fluency in Japanese and English is required. Please review the original job posting (in Japanese only) for more information.
Here is the direct link to the job posting:
http://www.jfny.org/files/doc/Kakehashi.pdf
Job: Program Coordinator – Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (Del Ray Beach, FL)
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Thanks to JETAA Florida’s Wendy Lo, who works at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens for passing this on. 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 Coordinator
Posted by: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Location: Del Ray Beach, FL
Type: Full-time
Overview:
The Youth and Outreach Program Coordinator will be responsible for the creation and implementation of educational programming for children (K-12) activities and outreach programs. This includes children’s activities at our annual festivals, special events, and Summer Tour Plus program. Must be able to work evenings and weekend events. Read More
Job: Economics and Foreign Affairs Associate Producers – NHK TV (D.C.)
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Received directly from NHK. 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: Economics and Foreign Affairs Associate Producers
Posted by: NHK TV
Location: Washington D.C.
Type: Full-time
Overview:
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) currently has two openings in its Washington bureau. We are seeking:
(1) Economics Associate Producer
(1) Foreign Affairs Associate Producer
These entry-level positions are fantastic opportunities for those who are early in their journalism careers – you won’t get this kind of access anywhere else. Read More
JETwit Job Hunter Profile: Jonathan Parsons
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JETwit Job Hunter is a feature started by Autumn Widdoes (Okinawa-ken 2010-14) where we share the profile of a JET or JET alum currently seeking work and invite JETwit readers to share any advice, suggestions, or perspectives. Autumn is a writer with a focus on performance and film who is actively on the job market. She’d like to put her four years of experience in Japan to good use in future employment.
Job Hunter: Jonathan Parsons (Akita-ken, 2011-14) is a JET alum who just completed three years teaching in Odate, Akita Prefecture. He is originally from Kentucky but is currently relocating to the West Coast and is seeking job hunting advice for the California, Oregon, and Washington areas.
Objective: Jonathan is seeking a position in international exchange within higher education, a non-profit organization, or within government. Because he has experience as a freelance writer for games, he is also interested in pursuing positions in writing and narrative design/community management in the gaming industry.
Areas of Interest:
- Higher education
- Non-profit and government
- International exchange
- Writing for publications
- Narrative design
- Community Management
Job Hunting Strategies:
- Applications to positions in international education at universities.
- Applications to game companies.
Challenges: Jonathan and his wife are currently living in Kentucky, so he is facing the challenge of searching for jobs on the West Coast while living far from his target region. He feels that “many schools and companies overlook applicants who do not reside nearby or within the state.” In addition to this challenge, he is seeking advice on how to market himself in the US without any major work experience prior to his JET tenure.
He has done extensive research on various cities and industries located on the West Coast, and would like to reach out to fellow JET alumni located in California, Oregon, and Washington for advice on job hunting and leads in the above industries.
Web Presence:
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Website
- To contact Jonathan visit his LinkedIn Profile.
To help this JETwit Job Hunter, post your comments below, or contact Jonathan Parsons directly.
If you’d like to be profiled, click here to submit your information through the JETwit Job Hunter Google Form.
Reminder that there are a number of JET Alum professionally oriented LinkedIn groups set up to help you. By joining groups in fields that interest you, you can find and connect with other alums in that field.
Justin’s Japan: Interview with James Rolfe of Cinemassacre on ‘Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie’
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James Rolfe, left, on the Angry Video Game Nerd movie with co-writer/co-director Kevin Finn: “To me, it’s the ultimate fan-film. It’s made by fans, for fans. It means dreams can come true, with a lot of hard work and personal sacrifice.” (Justin Tedaldi)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
An Internet sensation that debuted as the Angry Video Game Nerd ten years ago, filmmaker James Rolfe has taken millions of YouTube visitors back to the past with his hotheaded, foulmouthed alter ego, who gleefully tears down some of the most notorious titles and accessories (the Power Glove, anyone?) from the golden age of retrogaming. (If you’ve ever thrown a controller across the room, you’ll understand.)
As the creative linchpin of his website and production company Cinemassacre, the AVGN legend culminates with this year’s release of Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie, a feature-length, years-in-the-making collaborative effort between Rolfe and co-writer/co-director Kevin Finn. A satisfyingly silly sci-fi/adventure hybrid in the Troma tradition, the film enjoyed a sold out 16-city North American screening tour earlier this summer, and makes its Vimeo on Demand debut today (Sept. 2), with a DVD/Blu-ray release planned for the holiday season.
In this exclusive, wide-ranging interview, I spoke with Rolfe about everything from the film’s New York premiere last month, the Nerd Renaissance we’re currently living in, and the most “Japanese” (i.e., insane) game he’s ever played.
It feels like we’re living in some kind of Nerd Renaissance—even “Weird Al” Yankovic’s last album went to number one. How do you feel about all this?
Nerds were big in the ’80s. It’s all coming back now. I feel there’s a much broader definition of “nerd” now, and it’s something to be proud of.
What are your thoughts on the live appearances you’ve had promoting the film so far? Which moments have been the most memorable?
Since July 21, we’ve been touring this movie around, city by city. It’s been amazing. The energy from the crowd is fantastic! There’s nothing like watching the movie with live reactions. The best moment is during the opening credits. Everyone cheers. Sometimes they clap along with the music. You can really feel the hype building up to the AVGN title screen. Then it explodes, and everyone goes nuts.
What can you share about the back-to-back screenings held for the New York premiere?
It was a rowdy crowd. Especially the second screening. I loved it, though it was exhausting. Under normal circumstances, I would be sick of looking at this movie, but the fans make it exciting every time. It never gets old.
Mount Fuji and Godzilla movies play a prominent role in the film. If you were to ever visit Japan, what would you most want to see and do there?
I’ve always wanted to go. There isn’t one thing in particular. I’d just like to see all around the major cities like Tokyo. Just normal tourist things.
What are some of your favorite moments of “Japaneseness” in video games that you’d like to give a shout-out to?
Hmmm. Not sure. Probably Ninja Baseball Bat Man! That game is insane.
For the complete story, click here.
Justin’s Japan: Nippon in New York — J-COLLABO Fall Fest, Craft Beer, The Joy of Sake, Akiko Yano
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Osaka-based Geisha Kikuno comes to J-LABO Brooklyn for two performances with multimedia director Kenji Williams Sept. 7. (Courtesy of J-COLLABO)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
As the summer winds fade into fall colors, the weeks ahead are shaping up with these exciting events, ready to be enjoyed after Labor Day.
Sunday, Sept. 7, 1:00 p.m.
J-COLLABO Fall Festival feat. Geisha Kikuno
J-LABO Brooklyn, 300 Seventh Street
Suggested donation: $20
The history of the geisha spans over 300 years. Their beauty and grace is legendary as is their exceptional skill in music, dance and entertainment. In spite of a near worldwide fascination, the number of geisha is decreasing year by year. Geisha Kikuno is a unique Geisha from Osaka. She is dedicated to finding new approaches to promote this unique history to the next generation, and will come to New York for two performances to demonstrate this ancient art form in collaboration with multimedia director Kenji Williams.
Friday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Kampai! The World of Japanese Beer
Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street
$28, $23 Japan Society members/seniors
Pull up a stool to Japan Society’s annual beer lecture and tasting, featuring unique and rare brews from Japan’s emerging craft beer industry. Mark Meli, professor at Kansai University and author of Craft Beer in Japan: The Essential Guide, delves into the culture, history and innovative brews coming out of Japan’s beer scene during the lecture. At the tasting reception, enjoy the opportunity to sample many unique and hard-to-come-by brews. Must be at least 21 years old.
Sept. 12-Oct. 10
Japan — An Island Nation: 1870-1890
Resobox Gallery, 41-26 27th Street, Long Island City
Free
An exhibition of entrepreneurial class culture from the Burns Archive. Japan — An Island Nation showcase the best of Japanese photographs that were made to show the perceived exotic nature of Japan to the West. Photographers, under government supervision, documented the artisans, shopkeepers and workers that made up the bulk of the Japanese middle and working class entrepreneurial society. It was critical for Japanese “public relations” of the era to put a face on Japan’s people and products, and through international fairs and expositions the world was introduced to Japan. A free opening reception will be held Friday, Sept. 12 from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
For the complete story, click here.
WIT Life #273: Cleveland’s Japanese culture
Food & Drink, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #273: Cleveland’s Japanese culture
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.
I can’t believe it’s been over a month since I’ve last written here and that we are already welcoming the new school year. I spent a large portion of my summer interpreting for clients on a project in Cleveland, Ohio. I didn’t have high hopes for Japanese connections in this small city, but was determined to find them where they existed. Due to being busy with my job and returning home on weekends, I wasn’t able to explore much outside of the downtown area, but that was enough to find some Japanese influences.
First was the restaurant Noodlecat, said to be “inspired by Tokyo noodle worship and New York City noodle houses.” There is a restaurant downtown as well an outpost at the West Side Market in Ohio City, but I opted for the former to get the full experienc
e. I got the Smoked Tomato Coconut Curry Udon with poached tofu, kohlrabi, potato, scallion and coconut curry kombu broth, as it sounded like a really unique combination of ingredients. Unfortunately, both the udon and its companions were disappointing. The noodles had a strange chewiness and even the texture of the tofu was off. Sure enough, when I told my clients that I was surprised the quality of the food had been so poor, they all agreed and said they had Read More
I’ll Make It Myself: Taste Test: Baked Kit Kats (焼きキットカット)
Blogs, Food & Drink, I'll Make It Myself, Writers Comments Off on I’ll Make It Myself: Taste Test: Baked Kit Kats (焼きキットカット)
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.
These Kit Kats may be old news in Japan, but I finally got my hands on some in Seattle at Uwajimaya and tried them!
Via nestle.jp
Donate to help disaster victims in Hiroshima!
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Donate to help disaster victims in Hiroshima!
The death toll from mudslides in the city of Hiroshima jumped to 71 recently, with at least 15 people still missing. Nearly 1,000 people out of about 1,300 evacuees are sheltered in nine local elementary schools:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/08/27/national/hiroshima-slide-toll-rises-66-dead-21-missing-mayor-admits-delayed-alert/#.VAAfDPldV8E
Hiroshima Kenjin Kai of Southern California has formally joined the efforts of Hiroshima Prefecture and various Hiroshima-based NGOs and NPOs in the effort to raise funds in support of the victims of the disaster that befell the local community and residents of northern Hiroshima.
Anyone interested in joining in this effort, please send donations to:
Hiroshima Kenjin Kai of Southern California
(payable to “Hiroshima Kenjin Kai of SC”; write “JET Program Alumni – Hiroshima Relief” in memo)
Attention: Mr. Takami Igawa – HKSC President
712 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
This fundraising drive will be carried through the end of September (September 30, 2014).
All funds collected in this drive will be sent to Japan Red Cross Hiroshima Office for distribution to the disaster victims.
For any inquiry, please contact Dr. Charles Igawa, HKSC Secretary via email at <icigawa@gmail.com> or via (562) 818-7857.
Job: Program Officer, Global Exchange Operations – Institute of International Education (NYC)
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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 Officer, Global Exchange Operations
Posted by: Institute of International Education
Location: New York, NY
Type: Full-time
Overview:
Carry out and advise colleagues in Foreign Fulbright Program divisions on various operational aspects of Fulbright Programs including tasks related to J visa sponsorship, grantee placement process, grant renewal process, and review of documentation for all Fulbright participants upon arrival and continuation of participation. Read More
Job: Intern- U.S.-Japan Council & Tomodachi Initiative (Tokyo)
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Thanks to JET alum Mya Fisher who works for the US-Japan Council for passing this along.
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: Intern
Posted by: U.S.-Japan Council & Tomodachi Initiative
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Type: Full-time
Overview:
The U.S.-Japan Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt organization in the United States which has recently incorporated in Japan as a koeki zaidan hojin. The Council administers the TOMODACHI Initiative, a public-private partnership forged after the Great East Japan Earthquake in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo with the support of the Government of Japan. TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. We seek to foster a “TOMODACHI generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world. Read More
Job: Program Manager – U.S.-Japan Council & Tomodachi Initiative (Tokyo)
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Thanks to JET alum Mya Fisher who works for the US-Japan Council for passing this along.
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 Manager
Posted by: U.S.-Japan Council & Tomodachi Initiative
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Type: Full-time
Overview:
The U.S.-Japan Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt organization in the United States which has recently incorporated in Japan as a koeki zaidan hojin. The Council administers the TOMODACHI Initiative, a public-private partnership forged after the Great East Japan Earthquake in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo with the support of the Government of Japan. TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. We seek to foster a “TOMODACHI generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world. Read More
Let’s Talk Japan, Episode 25 – Making the Most of Your JET Program Experience
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Let’s Talk Japan is a monthly, interview format podcast covering a wide range of Japan-related topics. Host Nick Harling (Mie-ken, 2001-03) lived in Japan from 2001 until 2005, including two great years as a JET Program participant in Mie-Ken. He practices law in Washington, D.C., and lives with his wife who patiently listens to him talk about Japan . . . a lot.
It’s late summer, and that means hundreds of new JET Program participants have recently started their new life in Japan. In this episode, I share my thoughts on what steps they can take to have an enjoyable and memorable Japan experience.
If you have not already done so, be sure to follow the podcast on Twitter @letstalkjapan and leave a positive rating/review in iTunes.
JQ Magazine: JQ&A with John Gaunter on ‘Sake Confidential’
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“Sake is so deep and varied that one could never stop talking about it. Every day is full of surprises. Not major ones, but usually surprises related to the attention to detail that goes into sake and the interesting stories behind it.” (Courtesy of John Gauntner)
By Eden Law (Fukushima-ken, 2010-11) for JQ magazine. Eden is a JETAA New South Wales committee member, who would like it to be known that if it wasn’t for getting involved with JETAA, he wouldn’t know what to do with his spare time after hours. JET: It’s like the Illuminati, except less about the world domination and more about the fun denomination. Got feedback on this article? Leave a comment below.
If ever there was a prize for most unexpected job opportunity spin-off from the JET Program, the career of John Gauntner (Kanagawa-ken, 1988-89) would be hard to beat, especially after a few rounds of nihonshu. A longtime resident of Kamakura and the world’s first (and only) non-Japanese to hold certification as both a Master of Sake Tasting and Sake Expert Assessor, Gauntner has come a long way since a drinking session with a buddy from The Japan Times led him to this series of fortunate events.
Proving that this beverage continues to be an infinite font of inspiration, Gauntner has recently added a new book to his growing stable of literary output, Sake Confidential: A Beyond-the-Basics Guide to Understanding, Tasting, Selection, and Enjoyment. In it, he covers all aspects of the precious drop: from what it is, how it is made, and how it is meant to be enjoyed (spoiler: any way you like it), to the inside story of its politics, marketing, and the industry itself. But this is no textbook: Like a true sake evangelist, Gauntner enlightens beginners and insiders alike, pairing clear and simple language with confidence and unabashed passion.
In this exclusive interview, Gauntner discusses the state of sake’s popularity in its own country and abroad, what it means being a non-Japanese sake evangelist with his unique qualifications, and what the future holds for him.
What was the reason behind writing this book, and who is its audience?
I wanted to show the depth and breadth of the sake world, to show it has as many avenues for exploration as wine does.
How is this book different from the others?
This book goes beyond the basics and more into depth about many interesting side topics of the sake world.
Is this book designed to replace or update your previous books?
No, it is intended to augment them. This one introduces less sake and is light on the basics,
What’s the market like for these books?
So far it is selling well, but ask me in two years!
What’s left to be said about sake? Are there any surprises left in the industry?
It is so deep and varied that one could never stop talking about it. Every day is full of surprises. Not major ones, but usually surprises related to the attention to detail that goes into sake and the interesting stories behind it.
