Posted by Tom Baker

JET alum and prolific author Suzanne Kamata will discuss the art of blurbing — how to get good blurbs for one’s own books and how to write them for others’ — at this year’s Japan Writers Conference. The conference, which is free, will take place in Nagoya on Oct. 14-15.

Here’s the official description of her talk:

Suzanne Kamata
“This is the Best Book I’ve Ever Read”: Some Thoughts on Endorsements
Short Lecture with Q&A
Keywords: nonfiction, fiction, endorsements, blurbs, promotion, career

Endorsements — typically words of praise from an established author — are often deemed an essential marketing tool. However, well-known authors are often besieged with requests for such blurbs, and beginning authors may find approaching them to be intimidating. In this session, I will discuss the importance — or lack thereof — of blurbs, how to get them, how to use them, and how to write them, using examples from my own experiences and those of others.

Suzanne Kamata is the author of editor of many books including, most recently, the poetry collection Waiting (Kelsay Books, 2022), the IPPY-award-winning novel The Baseball Widow (Wyatt-Mackenzie Publishing, 2021), the middle grade novel, Pop Flies, Robo-pets and Other Disasters (One Elm Books, 2020), and the Hi-Lo novel romantic comedy Bake Sale (Gemma Open Door, 2022). She is an associate professor at Naruto University of Education.

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Part-Time Assistant Director
Posted by: Kobe Trade Information Office (KTIO)
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Contract: Part-Time ; No visa sponsorship; Starts at $20/hour and increases to $23/hour after 90 days.

Thanks to Kobe Trade Information Office (KTIO) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:

• Perform secretarial duties including answering phones, scheduling meetings, responding to inquiries and emails, managing payroll, tax filings, and bookkeeping, and assisting the Director with any events, exchanges, or domestic business trips.
• Facebook, Linkedin, email newsletters, website updates for articles and contact information.
• Work duties are not very difficult.
• Work within 20 hours per week.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kobe-trade-information-office_job-recruitment-seattle-activity-7099907894329966592-r5lE/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Client Services Associate
Posted by: Preqin
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time; No visa sponsorship

Thanks to JET alumnus, Andrew James (Miyazaki-ken, 2015-2018) for passing along the following job opening.

Description: Our Client engagement strategy involves close and consistent relationship building with our clients, to have a deep understanding of their work processes and requirements and from there ensuring they have access to the best and most suitable tools on our platform.

We are seeking an analytical and organised individual with knowledge of the financial markets, client-facing experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Microsoft Excel). Our ideal candidate would have a strong consultative approach to effectively engage with clients in these markets.

We are continuing to invest in our customer-oriented strategy and this role will report to the Head of APAC Client Services. The position is an important part of implementing Preqin’s client-focused approach.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Travel Consultant (Japan Specialist)
Posted by: Inside Travel Group
Location: Broomfield, CO, USA
Contract: Full-Time ; No visa sponsorship

Thanks to Inside Travel Group for passing along the following job opening.

Our Values: In everything we do at Inside Travel Group, we strive to deliver a Quality and Friendly service with Integrity, Determination and Passion using our collective Knowledge. This is at the heart of the organisation, and the company looks for every individual to demonstrate this daily. Each member of the team is expected to exemplify the company values through their work and professional conduct. We expect everyone to set an example to those around them and to be conscious that they are representing the company when working with customers and partner organisations.

Our Culture: You’ll be part of a fun, friendly team of employees, all of whom share a passion for our destinations, a belief in our brands and a strong collective sense of values and purpose. Our work culture is supportive, creative and dedicated, and it’s at its best when we all try to lead by example; the more you put in, the more you and the team get out, and it’ll be important that you play your part.

Job Purpose: As a Travel Consultant, you will be responsible for converting as many suitable enquiries to bookings as possible, creating fantastic trips and offering customer service that exceeds client expectations to ultimately maximise repeat business and personal recommendations.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Part-time Event Manager
Posted by: Fever
Location: Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe, Nagoya or Sapporo, Japan
Contract: Part-Time

Thanks to Fever for passing along the following job opening.

Act as the main point of contact onsite for Candlelight events and staff; communicate directly with Fever Originals manager. See more at the link below.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://careers.feverup.com/jobs/4105181101/event-manager-part-time/

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Sales Team Leader
Posted by: Inside Travel Group
Location: Broomfield, CO, USA
Contract: Full-Time ; No visa sponsorship

Our Values

In everything we do at Inside Travel Group, we strive to deliver a Quality and Friendly service with Integrity, Determination and Passion using our collective Knowledge. This is at the heart of the organization, and the company looks for every individual to demonstrate this daily. Each member of the team is expected to exemplify the company values through their work and professional conduct. We expect everyone to set an example to those around them and to be conscious that they are representing the company when working with customers and partner organizations.

Our Culture

You’ll be part of a fun, friendly team of employees, all of whom share a passion for our destinations, a belief in our brands and a strong collective sense of values and purpose. Our work culture is supportive, creative and dedicated, and it’s at its best when we all try to lead by example; the more you put in, the more you and the team get out, and it’ll be important that you play your part.

Job Purpose

To maximise the performance of your team of Travel Consultants, driving them to hit individual and team targets in productivity, sales, service and profit.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Project Manager
Posted by: Fever
Location: Osaka, Japan 
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Fever for passing along the following job opening.

As a Project Manager, you will work with your team lead to develop, launch and manage your events, from A to Z. Together with the other departments, you will define the way to scale this event to new cities across Japan.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/project-manager-at-fever-3641791637/?originalSubdomain=jp

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Career Development and Graduate Support Coordinator
Posted by: Ashinaga Foundation
Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time; Visa Sponsorship

Thanks to Ashinaga Foundation for passing along the following job opening.

Salary/Hourly Rate: Annual contracts start between 4,123,200 yen and 4,842,000 yen, depending on the experience level, commensurate with experience.

One-year contract: The contract may be renewed upon discussion.

Other benefits:

• Economy class flight to/from Japan from/to the country of residence (at the beginning and end of your employment with Ashinaga).
• Language lesson budget support (Japanese, English, French and Portuguese), up to JPY20,000/month.
• Work-related travel expenses.
• Inclusion in an employee insurance program.
• 20 paid holidays per year (excluding national holidays and weekends.

Start Date: mid-October 2023

Responsibilities

We are hiring a Career Development and Graduate Support Coordinator to join our international team to support Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Scholars and Graduates. The position has two roles: (1) to work with the Professional Network and Career Development team (PND) to support AAI Scholars in navigating their career journey through their university life and (2) to work with Graduates and Alumni team (GAT) to facilitate positive engagement of AAI Graduates. This role also requires collaboration with other team members within AAI and Ashinaga regional offices (US, UK, France, Brazil, Uganda, and Senegal). Your duties would entail the following:

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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: JET Program Coordinator and Educational Affairs Specialist
Posted by: Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Contract: Full-Time; $19-$27 per hour; No visa sponsorship

Thanks to the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle for passing along the following job opening.

The consulate is seeking a well-qualified individual with excellent communication skills to serve as JET Program Coordinator and Educational Affairs Specialist. This position will be responsible mainly for supporting the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program in addition to Japanese government (MEXT) scholarships and other tasks related to public outreach and culture.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/11_000001_00495.html

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Multiple Positions
Posted by: DSA International
Location: Multiple Cities in the USA & in Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Emi Tanaka from DSA International (a Japanese recruiting company) for passing along the following information.

Japanese/American Companies seeking candidates nationwide & international. All of our positions are direct-hire with company benefits!  Please see the below partial listings, we also have many other positions available! 

• Entry Level Management Trainee and International Trader (Los Angeles, San Jose, Arizona, Tennessee, Alabama, Pasadena, Detroit, New York, Chicago, Hawaii, San Diego, Alabama, Ohio, North Carolina, Torrance, Orange County/CA) $40k – $90k/y
• Translator/Interpreter (Bilingual Japanese/English Language) (remote/CA/TN) $55k-$80k/y
• Engineers (California and Michigan locations) $100k – $130k/y
• Senior Level Accounting (Assistant Accounting Manager and Controller positions) (Torrance/Los Angeles, CA. Tokyo, Japan, and San Jose, CA) $90k – $130k/y

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Temporary Admin Support
Posted by: JUSFC/CULCON
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Full-Time; Temporary

The below job was requested to be posted to the JET community. If you are in DC and need a short-term position with a Japan-related organization, this is an opportunity to jump in and explore. 

JUSFC/CULCON are seeking temporary administrative support, 30 hours/week @ $25/hour on a contract basis. The position has an immediate start date mid-August to mid to late November.

The position requires in-person work in downtown Washington DC on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week, with remote work possible on Thursday and Friday of each week. Requirements include fluency with MSWord, Excel, Outlook, Sharepoint, PPT, scheduling Zoom/MSTeams meetings, with an ability and willingness to function with accuracy and timeliness in a fast-paced office environment, where there may be competing priorities.

As a highly impactful small agency, all JUSFC staff are expected to work collaboratively in support of the agency’s mission. The temporary administrative support specialist position is critical to the success of the agency, and the candidate will be expected to carry out administrative and customer service responsibilities.

Application Process: Please email pfields@jusfc.gov for more information and to apply.

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: RAD (Rare & Distinctive) Reading Room & Research Services Specialist
Posted by: The University of Colorado
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Contract: Full-Time

hanks to JETAA USA Country Rep, Adam Lisbon (Kobe-shi, 2004-2007) for passing along the following job opening where he works:

CU Boulder Libraries encourages applications for a RAD (Rare & Distinctive) Reading Room & Research Services Specialist!

The Specialist provides cross-team reference services to support access, discovery, and use of RaD’s rich and diverse collections, including archives, government information, maps, and rare books. This position supports the RaD Reading Room service point, develops knowledge of all of RaD’s collecting areas, and supports reference services throughout the University Libraries. This individual hires, trains, and supervises student employees to support the RaD Reading Room service point. They support instruction, outreach, and collection-based services.

In particular, they will support collection and reference services in the Government Information collection. This position reports to the RAD Research Services section lead and is housed in the Government Information collection. Most importantly, this position will cultivate and advocate for an environment of diversity and inclusion at all times.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, click here – https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/RAD-Reading-Room-Research-Services-Specialist/50794

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Executive Director
Posted by: Japan America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW)
Location: Mercer Island, WA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to PNWJETAA for passing along the following opening:

The Japan American Society of Washington State is seeking a new Executive Director.

About Us:

The Japan America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW) is celebrating our 100^th Anniversary in 2023.  We are based in Seattle, dedicated to promoting friendship and understanding between the people of the State of Washington and Japan. We strive to pursue this objective through programs and events which foster our mission. With a small team of dedicated professionals and a strong network of volunteers, we work tirelessly to make a positive difference in the lives of stakeholders.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as the Executive Director.

 As the Executive Director, you will be responsible for carrying out the goals and objectives set forth by a 45-member board by overseeing all aspects of our organization’s operations, including strategic planning, program development, fundraising, grant writing, financial management, and team leadership. You will report directly to the Board Chair and work collaboratively with the leaders of the board of directors, staff, and community partners to ensure the organization’s continued growth and success.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Japanese Educator
Posted by: Denver Center for International Studies at Baker
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alumna, Cathy Ishida Fukuoka (’95-98) for passing along the following job opening from her network:

The Denver Center for International Studies is looking for a certified Japanese educator to take over our Japanese language and culture program. This is a thriving program with investment and connections created by our outgoing Japanese educator, Yoshiko Dolbear. This is a 1.0 position, well-supported by our instructional leadership team at a school with compassionate staff, students, and community.

Application Process: Please contact Marisa Vasquez, Principal, at marisa_vasquez@dpsk12.net or by cell phone at 303-522-2460 if you have any questions.

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Project Coordinator
Posted by: IRIS USA, Inc.
Location: Surprise, AZ, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Below’s a job received directly from the company:

The Project Coordinator provides executive-level support and serves as a translator to the president. The incumbent will promote the corporate image by representing the president internally and externally; serve as a liaison between the president, key executives, employees, and outside vendors; while providing overall administrative support critical for the effective and efficient functioning of the president’s office.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Excellent communication skills in English and Japanese (Read/Write/Speak) 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience 
• Available to accompany the president to participate in business trips, and/or exhibitions frequently. Business travel involves nationwide. 
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Ability to deal with (or be willing to learn) a wide range of business aspects. 
• PC skills (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)

Application Process: Those interested should send a resume to Hiromi Rozell <hiromir@irisusainc.com>.