Jul 27

Job: Program Officer for Japan International Cooperation Agency (D.C.)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Program Officer for Japan International Cooperation Agency (D.C.)

Thanks to the JETAA DC Google Group for passing this along. Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), 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
Posted by: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Location: Washington D.C.
Type: Full-time 

Overview:

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) USA Office based in DC is seeking an individual who is self-motivated, flexible and a team player for the position of program officer.

JICA is the Japanese government’s bilateral aid agency, whose mission is to promote international cooperation and inclusive development. The JICA USA Office functions as a liaison, information gathering and outreach arm for our agency to engage with the international development community.  Read More

Jul 27

JETwit Job Hunter Profile: Valerie Ho

Uncategorized Comments Off on JETwit Job Hunter Profile: Valerie Ho

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 will soon return to the job market herself.  She’d like to put her four years of experience in Japan to good use in future employment.

Job Hunter:  Valerie Ho (Toyama-ken, 2008-13) is a JET alum who lived in Uozu, Toyama.  She is currently based in  New Jersey.

Objective:  Valerie is seeking employment in Entertainment, Publishing, or within a Creative industry in the NY tri-state area, with a preference for NYC or Central NJ.  She has prior work experience editing manga for the English-language market.  She also has experience in casting in the talent industry.

Areas of Interest: 

• Entertainment
• Publishing
• Creative Agencies

Job Hunting Strategies:

• Website postings
• JETwit and JET-related websites
• Bilingual placement agencies

Challenges:  Valerie has found that many employers do not seem to understand the value of JET or how much experience those who have worked on JET have gained while working in Japan.  She believes that many employers who are unfamiliar with JET “assume we have no office skills.”  Although she has had some positive feedback with several job opportunities, she is still searching for a creative-related career that will allow her to thrive while using the skills she gained on JET.

She is seeking any leads and/or advice in relation to creative sector jobs.

Web Presence:

• To contact Valerie Ho visit her LinkedIn Profile.

To help this JETwit Job Hunter, post your comments below, or contact Valerie Ho 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.

Jul 26

JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Harry Hill, Chairman of CULCON

Article/Journalism, Cultural Outreach, JQ Magazine, Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Harry Hill, Chairman of CULCON

“My advice to the JETs is, don’t be afraid to take center stage and be memorable (of course in a respectful way), because these seemingly random relationships or encounters can be the source of great opportunity.” (Courtesy of Culcon.jusfc.gov)

By Alexis Agliano Sanborn (Shimane-ken, 2009-11) for JQ magazine. Alexis is a graduate of Harvard University’s Regional Studies—East Asia (RSEA) program, and currently works as an executive assistant at Asia Society in New York City.

As a martial artist, Monbusho Fellow, JET, consultant and CEO, there seems little that Harry Hill (Gifu-ken CIR, 1987-88) has not done or experienced when it comes to U.S.-Japan relations.

Now, Hill can add another feather to his cap: last February, the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission and CULCON (the Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange) in Washington, D.C. appointed him has their new chairman. For those familiar with Hill and his history, this appointment comes as no surprise: Hill knows Japan as intimately as he knows America. He began his career there as a Monbusho English Fellow in the mid-’80s and then served as a JET in Gifu Prefecture, experiences that helped him to tap into hitherto unexplored entrepreneurial sectors, in particular sports-related infomercials.

Since 2006, his company, Oak Lawn Marketing has been the largest infomercial brand in Japan. If you’ve seen Billy’s Bootcamp advertised there, you have Hill to thank for. Now back stateside, Hill uses his broad background in education, culture, business and non-profits to further strengthen interpersonal understanding between the U.S. and Japan. JQ caught up with Hill at his new digs—asking about life, opportunities and the risks that inevitably lead to his success.

Could you explain your background with Japan?

I developed a passion for martial arts, budo, and Shorjinji Kempo, in particular, during my time at college.  This passion creates a curiosity and interest in Japan. During the summer of my sophomore year, I spent several weeks imagining my future. One of the books that influenced me at the time was Japan as Number One by Ezra Vogel. Looking around my immediate peers and acquaintances, I knew very few people who knew about Japan or could be considered Japan experts. Yet, many smart and respectable people were stating that Japan and Asia was the next land of opportunity. So I decided to start Japanese language training in my junior year with the intent of finding opportunity in Japan.

How did your time as a Monbusho English Fellow and JET lead to a career as an entrepreneur?

I was an MEF in Gifu Prefecture from 1985-1987 and the first CIR in Gifu during the first year of the JET Program from 1987-1988. As an MEF, I worked at both the kencho and kyoiku center. At the kyoiku center I helped put together teacher training programs for English teachers. In my two years in Gifu, I probably met and helped with training probably almost every junior high school or high school teacher in Gifu. I was also essentially a one-shot teacher. During my two year stint, I visited something like 230 of about 240 junior high schools and high schools, hence my job was more of a cultural ambassador who offered exposure to the English language and U.S. culture.

In 1988, Gifu hosted a regional exposition “Mirahaiku.” Since I also had a desk at the kencho, I was asked by the general affairs division to make the English name for the expo, which I named “Future Watch ’88.”  The English name received a significant amount of press coverage, more from local media and to a lesser extent English language media, but inspired the organizers that the expo should have an international flavor. As a CIR from 1987-1988, some of my main responsibilities was to work for the planning organization for the expo, which was a hybrid of individuals seconded from both business and government. The expo was a great success, and the network of business leaders and government leaders with whom I worked side by side gave me the confidence that I could do business and open doors if I started my own business.

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Jul 25

Justin’s Japan: ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ ‘Naruto’ Come to the Big Screen

Article/Journalism, Film, Justin's Japan Comments Off on Justin’s Japan: ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ ‘Naruto’ Come to the Big Screen

Click image to read story

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

This August will be a hot month for anime fans, as the latest feature length entries for two of the world’s most popular series debut at Village East Cinema.

First up (Aug. 5 and 9) is “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods,” the 18th animated feature of author Akira Toriyama’s massively popular martial arts adventure series “Dragon Ball,” which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The plot focuses on the dessert-loving God of Destruction Beerus, who awakes from a decades-long slumber to challenge Goku, the strongest fighter in the universe.

“‘Dragon Ball Z’ has been a gateway for me personally. Growing up watching Toonami in the ’90s, the series influenced me as a kid to become obsessed with Japanese animation,” said Maj Mack, founder and CEO of GoBoiano, a fast-growing anime startup with over 300,000 social media followers worldwide.

Another long-running series (fifteen years and counting), “Naruto,” premieres Aug. 31-Sept. 1 with its ninth feature film, “Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie.” Set in an alternate timeline in which its characters have different origin stories and personalities, and featuring the theme song “Sore de wa, Mata Ashita” by the J-rock band Asian Kung-Fu Generation, “Road to Ninja” became the highest grossing “Naruto” movie to date within two months of its release in Japan.

For tickets, visit www.fandango.com.

Jul 25

Job: Vice President , Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WI)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Vice President , Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WI)

Thanks to JET alum George Rose, a friend of JET alum Lora Klenke, who is leaving this position.  Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai.  Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Position: Vice President – International Business Development
Posted by: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Location: Madison, WI
Type: Full-time 

Overview:

The WEDC is currently seeking a dynamic professional for our open Vice President of International Business Development position located at our MADISON, WISCONSIN headquarters. 

The Vice President of International Business Development is responsible for leading a team and initiatives that will accelerate Wisconsin exports by expanding international markets, enhancing export assistance resources in the state and by promoting Wisconsin as a destination for foreign investment. 
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Jul 24

CFR 2014–2015 International Affairs Fellowship in Japan, sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd.

Academic, Career Comments Off on CFR 2014–2015 International Affairs Fellowship in Japan, sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd.

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Overview: 

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Jul 23

Jobs: Admissions Counselor – CAPA International Education (Boston)

Jobs Comments Off on Jobs: Admissions Counselor – CAPA International Education (Boston)

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

Position: Admissions Counselor
Posted by: CAPA International Education
Location: Boston, MA
Type: Full-time 

Overview:

CAPA International Education is an established leader in the development and administration of quality international education programs. For 40 years, CAPA has partnered with colleges and universities across the country and around the world, providing a full range of programs and integrated services designed to support all aspects of international education. A strong worldwide network, professional expertise, and demonstrated success in the field make this international education organization the preferred resource for a growing number of US institutions of higher learning. CAPA is recognized for rigorous and quality programs that integrate academic and experiential learning opportunities at our Global City centers and specialized custom programs that are specifically designed to meet an institution’s needs.  Read More

Jul 23

Jobs: Alfa Fellowship Alumni Association (AFAA) Assistant – Cultural Vistas (NY)

Jobs Comments Off on Jobs: Alfa Fellowship Alumni Association (AFAA) Assistant – Cultural Vistas (NY)

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

Position: Alfa Fellowship Alumni Association (AFAA) Assistant
Posted by: Cultural Vistas
Location: New York, NY
Type: Part-time 

Overview:

Assist the Alfa Fellowship Alumni Association (AFAA) executive board and Alfa Fellowship Program staff in planning, implementing and promoting AFAA activities. Read More

Jul 23

Job: NYU Study Away Positions in Washington D.C.

Jobs Comments Off on Job: NYU Study Away Positions in Washington D.C.

Via JET alum Carleen Ben.  Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), 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 and Program Coordinator of Academics

Posted by: New York University Study Away Program
Location: Washington D.C.
Type: Full-time 

Overview:

New York University, Washington DC has two open staff positions for our study away program. Both positions are based in Washington DC.
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Jul 23

Job: International Student Advisor – Special Programs at Northeastern University (Boston)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: International Student Advisor – Special Programs at Northeastern University (Boston)

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

Position: International Student Advisor
Posted by: Special Programs at Northeastern University
Location: Boston, MA
Type: Full-time 

Overview:

Provide immigration advising and support services to international students in non-immigrant visa classification who are enrolled in “Global Pathways”, “American Classroom”, USPP at CPS as well as non-degree seeking programs, including J-1 EV, at University. Serve as a primary resource/contact for these special programs at CPS and support ISSI admissions processes related to other Colleges within the university and regional campuses. Read More

Jul 22

WIT Life #272: Japan Cuts

Events, Film, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #272: Japan Cuts

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.

This weekend wrapped up Japan Society’s annual film festival Japan Cuts, and all of the films that I caught out of the 28 presented this year were wonderful.  I particularly enjoyed the opening film on the first Friday of the festival, The Snow White Murder Case (白ゆき姫殺人事件).  This movie made its U.S. premiere, and told the story of the murder of a beautiful young office worker.  The prime suspect is her plain co-worker who has disappeared following the murder, and in the online world the case is made for her guilt before the official investigation takes place.  As interviews are carried out with others at the company and the truth is gradually revealed, viewers come to realize how culpable we are in automatically convicting suspects based on hearsay and popular opinion.  This film skillfully highlights just how pernicious social media can be in stringing people up before they have the opportunity to defend themselves.  Although this sounds like a dark story, it also has comic moments that serve to lighten the mood.

Two kid-centered films that I liked more than I expected were Maruyama, the Middle Schooler (中学生円山)  and Hello! Junichi (ハロー！純一), both of which use dance and humor to great effect.  The former focuses on a 14-year old in the height of puberty who uses his active imagination to Read More

Jul 22

Job: International Admissions Counselor – University of Michigan (Flint)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: International Admissions Counselor – University of Michigan (Flint)

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Jul 22

Job: Student Services Coordinator, Duke University (NC)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Student Services Coordinator, Duke University (NC)

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

Position: Student Services Coordinator
Posted by: Duke University Global Education Office for Undergraduates
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Type: Full-time 

Overview:

The Global Education Office at Duke University is currently accepting applications from qualified candidates for the position Student Services Coordinator with regional responsibilities in the Americas, Spain, Africa, and Turkey. This is a new position that will also take the lead in coordinating GEO’s marketing efforts. Successful candidates will have a strong background in both marketing/communications and student advising for study away opportunities. Please refer to the vacancy announcement below. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume or CV, and the names of three references to globaled@duke.edu. We will not contact references without first checking with you. Please use “Student Services Coordinator” in your subject line. In addition, applicants will need to apply through the Duke HR system (http://hr.duke.edu) using the requisition number listed: 400857605. This position is based in Durham, North Carolina. No phone calls.
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Jul 21

Job: Lecturer Position at Kanda University (Chiba)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Lecturer Position at Kanda University (Chiba)

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Overview: 

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Jul 21

Job: Japanese Speaking Program Trip Leader (Boston)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Japanese Speaking Program Trip Leader (Boston)

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Overview: 

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