Jul 21

Job: News Asst/Staff Reporter at Asahi Shimbun (SF)

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Overview: 

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Jul 21

Job: Project Coordinator, PR & Marketing Dept at JETRO (SF)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Project Coordinator, PR & Marketing Dept at JETRO (SF)

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Overview: 

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Jul 19

JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘A True Novel’

Article/Journalism, Books, JQ Magazine, Reviews Comments Off on JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘A True Novel’

“A True Novel remarkably depicts the sense of isolation that anyone who has lived abroad or moved to a new place experiences. It captures the very human and conflicted desires to simultaneously fit into a society while also desiring to rebel against its impositions.” (Other Press)

By Julio Perez Jr. (Kyoto-shi, 2011-13) for JQ magazine. A bibliophile, writer, translator, and graduate from Columbia University, Julio is currently working at Ishikawa Prefecture’s New York office while seeking opportunities with publications in New York. Follow his enthusiasm for Japan, literature, and board gaming on his blog and Twitter @brittlejules.

This is the story of a poor boy that had the misfortune to fall in love with a rich girl. A classic Gothic tale of romance transplanted and re-imagined in postwar Japan.  If you like your lovers star-crossed and your antiheroes of the rags to riches variety, then you’re in for a treat with Minae Mizumura’s A True Novel. Winner of the Yomiuri Literature Prize in 2002, A True Novel is a book filled with familiar themes executed in interesting new ways. It is a re-imagining of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights in postwar Japan, with parallels among some characters, but different enough to be original and uniquely Japanese.

A True Novel is a unique and engrossing tale that brings together three seemingly unrelated characters who are united not only by a resigned sense of isolation from their surroundings but also united in their encounters and fascination with the book’s protagonist, Taro Azuma. The focus of the novel is the story of his tragic youth, a poor boy who falls in love with a rich girl, and his growing awareness that he would always be incompatible with her in the eyes of others. He flees to America, where he claws his way up from the dregs of society and overcomes the obstacles of class and wealth to become one of the richest Japanese men of his time. While we learn about his fascinating life through the three different viewpoints of the characters with their sometimes humanly biased perspectives, the book also gives insight into the complex identities of the uprooted lives of immigrants and refugees both in Japan and in America, as well as how attitudes toward them have changed over time. A True Novel remarkably depicts the sense of isolation that anyone who has lived abroad or moved to a new place experiences. It captures the very human and conflicted desires to simultaneously fit into a society while also desiring to rebel against its impositions.

Mizumura has masterfully brought to life narrators and characters from different generations, countries, and social classes, and provides fascinating insight into their lives during different periods of Japanese history. From the bleak years of Imperial Japan’s home front during the Pacific War, and the humbling postwar period, through its modern economic success, and finally to the bubble burst and recent events, Japanese modern history comes alive in an intimate and immediate way that inspires new appreciation and curiosity for the human side of history.

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Jul 19

JETAA Chapter Beat 19th of July 2014

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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 on her email or  Linkedin profile. Ashlie helps to keep you up up to date with JETAA happenings around the world.

With all the new JETs headed my way very shortly JETAA chapters worldwide have been busy getting their 2014 JETs ready for the experience of a lifetime. Let’s see what there is to look forward to after the 2014 JETs say sayonara to their local JETAA chapters.

JETAADC

Screening of documentary Kokoyakyu: High School Baseball– Tuesday, July 22nd
JET Talks officially kicks off its 2014-2015 season with an examination of Japanese high school baseball through a screening of the ground-breaking documentary Kokoyakyu: High School Baseball, followed by a discussion with two of the film’s producers.

JETAA Chicago

Sento-duction @ King Spa-Saturday, July 19th

JETAA Chicago will host a “Sento-duction” for the new JETs at King Spa, welcoming them to experience sento with JET alums and learn more about onsen, sento, and Japanese bathing customs.

JETAA Portland

Annual Edgefield Gathering & Golf outing – Saturday, July 19th!

The 9th Annual golf outing at McMenamins Edgefield. It is said to be a lot of fun for everyone, even those who don’t usually golf. In fact, golf is only the excuse to hang out and have fun! Don’t want to play golf? That’s okay, join everyone for lunch and fun.

JETAA Minnesota

Saints Game SeigoPalooza-Tuesday July, 22nd
Join JETAA Minnesota to have fun with their friend, Seigo Masabuchi, for SeigoPalooza at the Saints versus the Sioux Falls Canaries baseball game.
Tailgating will begin from 6 pm.

JETAA Ottawa

Ottawa’s Natsu Matsuri- Saturday, July 19th
JETAA Ottawa reminisce on the good times at various Summer Matsuri’s in Japan. This is the 10th year of Ottawa’s very own Natsu Matsuri! Enjoy the fantastic fireworks displays, Japanese food stands, traditional music and dancing.

Jul 18

JET-alum owned Chin Music Press opens in Seattle’s Pike Place Market

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Thanks to JET alum David Jacobson, who works for Chin Music Press, for sharing this press release.  Chin Music Press is a Seattle-based publisher owned and run by Bruce Rutledge (Monbusho English Fellow, Chiba-ken, 1985-87) with a reputation for noteworthy cover art.

Indie Book Publisher Opens Office/Retail Space in Seattle’s Pike Place Market
Press Release
July 16, 2014

Local independent book publisher Chin Music Press today opened a new office and retail/exhibit space in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market. The retail space, open from 11am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, will feature all Chin Music titles as well as related posters, zines, chapbooks, stationery, broadsides and other artwork.

“It’s a great privilege for a small publisher like us to be able to obtain space at Pike Place Market,” said Chin Music Press Publisher Bruce Rutledge. “We now have room to give all of our titles the shelf space and attention they deserve. But more importantly, we can add to the literary ecosystem in Seattle. We look forward to connecting with other presses, bookstores, artists and lovers of literature to make our space a vibrant part of the community.”

“The Pike Place Market is very pleased to have Chin Music Press join the market community,” said Kelly Lindsay, director of programs and marketing for the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority. “We believe the Seattle community, as well as visitors from around the world, will enjoy Chin Music’s first retail store and the opportunity to directly engage with featured artists, writers and photographers. Now home to five independent bookstores, the Pike Place Market is a destination for people who love to read. ”

Chin Music Press is best known in Seattle for such titles asShiro: Wit, Wisdom and Recipes from a Sushi Pioneer,Yokohama Yankee and A Commonplace Book of Pie. It has won awards and accolades for its books, with one NPR reviewer saying the press provided “a triumphant kick in the pants for anyone who doubts the future of paper-and-ink books.” Read More

Jul 18

JET Talks Film Screening – “Kokoyakyu High School Baseball” Documentary and Q&A Panel

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JETAA DC is proud to present the launch of JET Talks– a speaker series modeled after TED Talks that will feature dynamic and interesting individuals to inspire innovative ideas and conversation on Japan within the DC community.

Upcoming Events: Kokoyakyu Documentary and Q&A – Tuesday, July 22

Play Ball! On July 22, please join JETAADC at the Japan Information and Culture Center (1150 18th St NW #100, Washington, DC 20036) as it presents its first “JET Talk” of the 2014-2015 season: a screening of the award winning documentary Kokoyakyu: High School Baseball, followed by a discussion with two of the film’s producers.

Kokoyakyu is the first English-language film to examine high school baseball in Japan, in particular, the annual summer high school baseball tournament. The film follows one team as it seeks to play in the prestigious tournament, and along the way demonstrates why high school baseball has become a national rite of passage for many of Japan’s youth.

Following the film, Nick Harling (Mie-ken, 2001-03), JET Talks Co-Chair and creator of the Let’s Talk Japan Podcast, will lead a discussion with Kokoyakyu’s Producers Alex Shear and Takayo Nagasawa as they discuss the making of the film and the differences between the U.S. and Japan when it comes to the “National Pastime.”

Click here to register for Kokoyakyu.

Light refreshments will be served. Identification will be required to consume alcoholic beverages. Admission is free, but you must preregister.

If you have an interesting and dynamic speaker you’d like to hear speak on anything related to Japan, email us at jet.talks@jetaadc.org.

Jul 17

Job: HarperCollins – Senior Production Editor (NYC)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: HarperCollins – Senior Production Editor (NYC)

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Overview: 

HarperCollins Children’s Books is currently seeking a Senior Production Editor to manage titles in the HarperTeen, Harper, Balzer + Bray and Katherine Tegen Books imprints, with an emphasis on high profile YA authors, some middle grade, and heavily illustrated nonfiction.

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Jul 17

Job: Temp translator position at Japanese TV Co (NYC)

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Overview: 

Industry: Japanese Television/Media
Position: Translator
Hourly Pay: DOE
Temp Period: July 21st-July 29th (excluding Sat. and Sun.)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: NYC, NY

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Jul 17

Job: Student Services Rep at Embassy English (NYC)

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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 Rep
Posted by: Embassy English
Location: New York, NY

Overview:

Manage student housing options including student residences and homestay hosts. Allocate students to appropriate accommodations. Assist students with accommodation-related issues. Perform other Student Services tasks as required.

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Jul 16

【RocketNews24】Emotional anime short celebrates Tokyo Station’s 100th birthday【Video】

Article/Journalism, Writers 100th anniversary, japan, RocketNews24, Tokyo Station Comments Off on 【RocketNews24】Emotional anime short celebrates Tokyo Station’s 100th birthday【Video】

It’s been 100 years since the opening of Tokyo Station. For many people, it’s more than just a rail hub, it’s a symbol of the city and the lives of those who live in and around it.

With just about everyone in Japan’s capital passing through sooner or later, Tokyo Station serves as the backdrop for a lot of nostalgic memories, not to mention some life-changing events for workers and travelers alike. So it’s fitting that the anime made to commemorate Tokyo Station’s 100th birthday is filled with both comforting looks back at the past and hopeful expectations for the future.

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Jul 15

Job: Assistant Director, Study Abroad – Marquette University (Milwaukee)

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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: Assistant Director, Study Abroad
Posted by: Marquette University
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Overview:

Marquette University, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is accepting applications for the Assistant Director, Study Abroad position. This position is responsible for the oversight and management of administrative functions of the overall study abroad program, including but not limited to: advising and student learning, planning and program development, and public relations and marketing, personnel and budget management. The Assistant Director reports to the Director of the Office of International Education (OIE) and supervises two study abroad coordinators, one administrative assistant and 3-4 student workers.
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Jul 15

Job: International Program Coordinator, Bard College (Annandale, NY)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: International Program Coordinator, Bard College (Annandale, 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: International Program Coordinator
Posted by: Bard College
Location: Annandale, New York

Overview:

The International Program Coordinator is based at Bard College in Annandale, New York and reports to the Associate Director of the Institute for International Liberal Education (IILE). The IILE, home to Bard Abroad, manages the study abroad programs at Bard’s network of international partners in Germany, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Russia, and New York City.

The Program Coordinator works with the Bard Abroad Recruitment Manager to set and meet enrollment goals for recruitment and to promote Bard’s programs through:  meeting with faculty, students, and administrators, and networking and representing Bard Abroad at conferences and fairs. The focus of the position is on the maintenance and development of institutional relationships with colleges and universities in North America. The coordinator will also provide significant program development, management, and assessment support to the Associate Director. Read More

Jul 15

Job: Program Coordinator- Off Campus Studies: The College of Wooster (OH)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Program Coordinator- Off Campus Studies: The College of Wooster (OH)

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-  (OH)
Posted by: Off Campus Studies: The College of Wooster
Location: Wooster, OH

Overview:

The College of Wooster is pleased to announce the opening of a new Program Coordinator position within Off Campus Studies. The Program Coordinator position assists the Director of Off Campus Studies in the advising, coordination, and promotion of semester-long domestic and study abroad programs at The College of Wooster. This position assists in the effective administration and marketing of off-campus study programs as well as works closely with students in all phases of the off-campus study process, including promotion, outreach, advising, orientation, and reentry. Bachelor’s degree with two to three years’ work experience in a study abroad office is required. Knowledge and use of a secondary language; familiarity with website design and social media outreach; and knowledge of exchange programs and partnerships a must.
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Jul 14

CLAIR Magazine “JET Plaza” Series: Patricia Bader-Johnston (Yokohama)

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Each month, current and former JET participants are featured in the “JET Plaza” section of the CLAIR Forum magazine. The June 2014 edition includes an article by JET alumnus Patricia Bader-Johnston. Posted by Celine Castex (Chiba-ken, 2006-11), currently programme coordinator at CLAIR Tokyo.

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Patricia Bader-Johnston (Yokohama-shi, 1989-91) was one of the first CIRs on the JET Programme. She currently is the Representative Director and CEO of Silverbirch Associates K.K; and is a retained Advisor to Tokyo Business Development Center, as well as a Partner in Thurlestone Capital (a leading clean energy investment firm in the UK). Before founding Silverbirch Associates in 2008, Ms. Bader-Johnston held senior roles in leading companies including Goldman Sachs, BAT and IBM, over a span of 25 years in Japan. She is an active speaker, writer, panel moderator and university lecturer on topics related to CSR and sustainability, globalization trends, and doing business in Japan.

Patricia Bader-Johnston emceeing the Entreprepreneur Business Awards Ceremony 2013 (courtesy of Ms. Bader-Johnston)

I was a CIR in Yokohama City government between 1989 and 1991. It was the year of YES 89, an international expo involving over 60 countries that ran throughout that first year, and set the tone for many of the experiences I had in my early days in Yokohama. It also no doubt helped set a path for my future career in Communications. Working as a member of Yokohama City Hall – City pin in my lapel and all – I not only received the gift of a Key to the City when I left, but also a host of memories and formative experiences that remain with me to this day.

I had already been in Japan for two years before becoming one of four of Canada’s first CIR’s on the (then) brand new and completely unknown JET programme. Because the program was so new, we no doubt benefited from a fair amount of attention and special care in that first year. I had a chance to personally interview Prime Minister Nakasone a few years after I left the programme, and he told me how JET had been meant to emulate the US Peace Corps. He had wanted to bring young foreigners into Japan to “cause positive friction” to force Japanese to internationalize more quickly. He called this programme “Kokusaika.”

In order to have the foreigners live in the country long enough to create this “friction”, they needed to be given something to do over a longer term, so they came up with two types of jobs descriptions: the AET to influence educators and young people, and the CIR to influence local governments.

As a CIR I was exposed to many various experiences that ranged from working in the International Press Center for YES 89 to assisting at UN conferences. I mc’ed an ASEAN conference, interpreted for the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Kaifu when they met the International Director of the Red Cross, helped play host to numerous foreign delegations that ranged from the Vice President of the United States to the Mayor of Vancouver Canada and the Vancouver City Police Pipe Band among others! It was an amazing collection of experiences for a young foreigner in Japan. As the resident Canadian CIR in the Yokohama International Communications and Exchanges Division, I introduced the name that stuck to the Maritime Museum in Yokohama, raised a flag with Mayor Takahide and actress Agnes Chan when the Pacifico International Conference Center opened, and even had the great honor of being named celebrity “Postmaster for the Day” (complete with carrying out his duties for one full day). It was also a great honor to be asked to judge the Horseback Archery competition in Kamakura one year! Through these combined experiences I met many influential people who continue to be a help to me in my career today.
Had I not met officials from the Canadian Embassy in Yokohama through YES 89, I would not have been invited to apply for my next role in Communications and Culture at the Embassy in Tokyo. I was the first non-Japanese to take on a local senior program officer role for them. My network gained through the JET programme made me an asset to the embassy that allowed me to participate in a far greater range of projects, and my Japanese ability, honed through countless formal meetings with Japanese government colleagues, was polite enough for me to represent the embassy at official events. I planned and hosted every Canadian JET welcome event that took place in the eight years I was with the embassy, so have met many Canadian JETs over the years and have even hired some of them since then! Read More

Jul 14

Job: Operations Asst Mgr for Japanese rental conference room management firm (NYC)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Operations Asst Mgr for Japanese rental conference room management firm (NYC)

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Overview: 

The hiring company is a pioneer in an event and venue management industry in Japan. They are seeking a Sales staff to add a value to their new operation in the US. The hiring company has a beautiful venue that has just opened in the heart of Manhattan. They give you an exciting opportunity for you to be part of expanding their US operation, to contact with elite companies and their executives, and learn business in the growing industry.

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