JQ Magazine: Book Review – ‘Cool Japan: A Guide to Tokyo, Kyoto, Tohoku and Japanese Culture Past and Present’
Article/Journalism, Books, JQ Magazine, Reviews, Travel/Tourism 
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“Cool Japan focuses on giving an inside look into the enduring and captivating qualities of Japan’s culture and history and how it can be discovered by visiting Kyoto, Tokyo, and the Tohoku region.” (Museyon Guides)
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 http://brittlejules.wordpress.com and Twitter @brittlejules.
When was the last time you picked up a non-fiction book and felt like you were escaping to a faraway land? Cool Japan (Museyon Guides) is the special kind of guidebook that does just that.
The author, Sumiko Kajiyama, is a journalist and scriptwriter residing in Japan. Her other books include Ghibli Magic, The Man who Changed Animation Business, The Way of Work by Top Producers, and Important Things to Enjoy Your Work and Life.
In any bookstore you will find Frommer’s, Lonely Planet, and Fodor’s travel guidebooks. You may own a few already from trips you have taken in the past. While these guides are meticulously researched and written to suit a traveler’s needs, there is an inherent problem that they all have in common: over a relatively short amount of time, prices for services or goods can change, hostels can move or go out of business, and new ones can pop up in yet undiscovered places. For these reasons, and many that need not be mentioned, the Internet has become an invaluable tool for anyone planning a trip. Many digital communities of travelers have evolved for the exchange of current information. Furthermore, smartphones allow today’s travelers to access all of this information on the go.
So you may be wondering, why buy a guidebook at all? There are many reasons to buy the ones listed above, despite the weakness of having an ever-decaying reliability of information. Cool Japan is a special because it does not squander space listing information that may no longer be relevant by the time it gets into your hands, but instead Cool Japan focuses on giving an inside look into the enduring and captivating qualities of Japan’s culture and history and how it can be discovered by visiting Kyoto, Tokyo, and the Tohoku region.
I’ll Make It Myself!: Honey Cream Scones with Nuts
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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.
Here’s an easy and delicious recipe you can make in your oven range in Japan!
I had extra cream from the Sailor Uranus cake, so I decided to try a cream scone recipe. Cream scones use heavy cream in place of the egg and butter, which makes them light and airy–and there’s no need to deal with cutting flour into cold butter. Very easy.
Job: Education Associate – Japan Society (NYC)
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Thanks to JETAANY’s Christy Jones, who works for Japan Society, for passing along this JET-relevant job listing. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Education Associate
Location: NYC
Overview:
The Education Associate, working in cooperation with the Education Program team, helps organize, develop and administer programs and websites for families and K-12 teachers and students. Read More
Job: Assistant Japan Business Manager at Under Armour (Baltimore, MD)
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Thanks to JETAA Florida’s Tom Gregorich (himself an Associate Producer for The Golf Channel in Orlando) for passing along this highly JET-relevant listing from a colleague of his. The position reportedly involves working with Under Armour’s Japanese partners and requires strong Japanese skills. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Assistant Business Manager
Location: Baltimore, MD
Overview:
It’s an entry level position really good for someone coming out of school, or still young in their career that is looking to get into the sporting goods/apparel industry. The position works directly with several cross functional teams at Under Armour, and will have a strong focus on meeting interpretation, Japanese email communication, and supporting Japanese guests when they are at our head offices in Baltimore. We really need someone who has strong Japanese and English communication skills, and preferably someone who has spent some time in Japan. Read More
I’ll Make It Myself! Kickstarter: Amy’s Mochi (Seattle)
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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.
Look at these luscious hand-made mochi! I found this Kickstarter via Have You Nerd? and, readers, I need this in my life. Amy’s Mochi is fundraising to cover the costs of starting up in Seattle – kitchen equipment, website, marketing, research and development – with the intent to sell them at weekly events (farmers’ markets) and/or pop-up shops. Kickstarter here: Amy’s Mochi by Amy Eam — Kickstarter. Ends March 28, 2014!
Job: 3 Positions at NYU Wagner School of Policy (NYC)
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Thanks to JETAANY Vice-Pres Pam Kavalam for passing on these higher ed openings from the office at Wagner where she works. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Positions: Director of Alumni Relations, Database Administrator, Program Administrator
Location: NYC
Director, Alumni Relations:
Working closely with the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, the Director of Alumni Relations will develop and implement comprehensive fortification and expansion strategies for Wagner’s Alumni Relations. The Director of Alumni Relations will oversee program development, logistics planning, web-based content management, data integrity, and marketing of new and existing alumni programs to foster engagement. In addition, the individual in this role will lead the NYU Wagner Alumni Working Group, serve as Wagner’s liaison at university-wide alumni meetings and activities, and enhance giving to the annual fund. Read More
Jobs: Multiple Openings at VIA (Palo Alto, CA)
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Thanks to JETAA Northern California‘s Cerell Rivera for passing this on. VIA (formerly Volunteers In Asia) is affiliated with Stanford University. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Overview:
Job: Convention Manager @ Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) (NYC)
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Thanks to JETAANY President Monica Yuki for passing on this very JET-relevant listing which she received directly from JNTO. (BTW, I think the position was previously held by a JET alum as well.) Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Convention Manager
Posted By: Japan National Tourism Organization
Location: NYC
Salary: 3,650 USD per month (Gross)
Overview:
Convention Manager is responsible for promoting Japan as a business, event and convention destination to the North American convention market. The position is subject to a three-month probation period. The candidate’s skill and ability will be assessed during this time. The employment to the full-time position will be decided upon the end of the probation period. Notwithstanding, employment is at will and either party may terminate employment at any time upon two weeks’ notice. Read More
Job: Assistant Director of Study Abroad at Southern Methodist Univ. (Dallas)
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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 of Study Abroad
Posted by: Southern Methodist Univ.
Location: Dallas, TX
Type: full-time
Overview:
The Assistant Director of SMU Abroad will assist the Director in promoting the strategic goals for study abroad and international programs. In coordination with the Associate Director/Finance Officer in the International Center, this position will support faculty on the development and delivery of SMU Abroad programs, as well as coordinate the review and approval processes for programs, and develop marketing plans.
Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Oversee approval, review and evaluation processes for all SMU approved programs according to policies established by the Education Abroad Council;
- support projects assigned by EAC involving research and benchmarking with peer institutions.
- Supervise the Academic Records Coordinator, the streamlining of course approval processes, and the updating and use of the database and other advising tools.
- Deliver reports on undergraduate travel abroad and support Director in implementation of tools to track study abroad learning outcomes.
- Coordinate the approval and registration process for individual undergraduate travelers and groups traveling abroad across campus.
- Manage peer advising group (6-8 students) and coordinate peer advising with SMU Abroad Advising team.
- Implement and oversee SMU’s Abroad marketing and social media strategy across a variety a platforms and in coordination with other university units.
Job: Economic Staffer at Embassy of Japan in Ireland (Dublin)
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Thanks to CLAIR London for passing this along. Application due March 18th. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Economic Staffer
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Overview:
The Embassy of Japan in Ireland is seeking a local staff employee (full-time position) for its economic section. Read More
Intern: Individual Giving at Japan Society (NYC)
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Thanks to JET alum Lana Kitcher (who works at Japan Society) for passing this on. FYI, she mentioned that it’s not up on the website yet but will be by next week. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Individual Giving Intern
Location: NYC
Overview:
Japan Society’s Development office seeks a 2014 summer intern to assist with daily operations related to Individual Giving. Working with the Director of Individual Giving and Individual Giving Associate, this is an excellent opportunity to gain firsthand experience in individual fundraising at an internationally-recognized nonprofit cultural organization with a distinguished history of more than 100 years. Read More
Job: Convention Manager (NYC)
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Application deadline is March 21th
Via Actus Consulting. If you apply, please make sure to indicate you learned of the listing via JETwit. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Convention Manager
Location: NYC
Salary: $20/hr
Overview:
Attract MICE from North America by promoting Japan as a MICE destination. (MICE stands for meetings, incentives, conferences/conventions, and exhibitions.) The position starts with the three-month probation period. The candidate’s skills and ability will be determined during this time. The employment to the full-time position will be decided upon the end of the probation period. Read More
Job: International Admissions Coordinator – Rennert International (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: International Admissions Coordinator – Asia, Eastern Europe, Turkey
Posted by: Rennert International
Location: New York, NY
Type: full-time
Overview:
Rennert International, a leading ESL provider based in New York and Miami is looking for a dynamic, talented individual to join our International Admissions team. The position is based in New York City, and is a great opportunity for someone interested in starting out in the field of International Education or ESL. The job description is below and any interested candidates should contact Dorina Zaharia at dzaharia@rennert.com.
Job Duties:
- Process and screen admissions applications and determine admissions eligibility
- Act as DSO, verifying required documents and issuing necessary visa documentation for F-1 visa students
- Establish and maintain excellent partner relations with overseas recruiting agents based in countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and Turkey
- Have in-depth program and housing knowledge and be able to counsel agents and prospective students on program and housing options available in New York and Miami
- Respond quickly to inquiries and requests and be able to problem-solve in urgent situations
- Filing: collect necessary pre-arrival documentation for issuance of F-1 visa paperwork, maintain complete and thorough files for incoming students
- Verify payment collection for pre-arrival students/agents
- Provide Director with weekly reports on registrations and insights into country/regional market promotions and trends
- Coordinate with Director and company President on agent database maintenance and agent activation, email blasts and agent visit follow-ups
- Weekend emergency-phone rotation
Job: Supervisory Academic Exchange Specialist – U.S. Department of State (D.C.)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Supervisory Academic Exchange Specialist – U.S. Department of State (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: Supervisory Academic Exchange Specialist
Posted by: Office of Global Educational Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: full-time
Overview:
A position opening for a supervisory academic exchange specialist (GS-14) or “chief” for a new U.S. Study Abroad branch, located within the Office of Global Educational Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. This position is described below and the full job announcement, including how to apply, is available at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/364303100. The job will close on Friday, April 4. Please contact our HR officer, Chartrina Andrell – email: AndrellCA@state.gov or tel: 202-632-9477 – with any questions regarding this position.
The Supervisory Academic Exchange Specialist directs the U.S. Study Abroad branch, located in the Office of Global Educational Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), at the U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. The U.S. Study Abroad branch (ECA/A/S/Q) administers the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (Gilman) Program, and related exchanges and activities to support study abroad by Americans. In addition to program management, the Branch Chief will provide knowledge and expertise on a wide range of programmatic and policy issues affecting ECA programs that support U.S. study abroad and guidance on the promotion, expansion and diversification of U.S. study abroad overall.
WIT Life #264: Campaign
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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.
Yesterday I went to see director Kazuhiro Soda’s documentary Campaign (選挙) at Japan Society, being shown as part of Richie’s Electric Eight: The Bold and the Daring (part 2 of the film series honoring Ritchie that I talked about in a recent post). It came out in 2007 and was screened at the Berlin Film Festival that year, and was loved by Ritchie who introduced it at a preview at Tokyo’s Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan. This fascinating, self-funded film follows Soda’s Tokyo University (東大) classmate Kazuhiko Yamauchi in becoming the LDP candidate in a by-election for a seat on the Kawasaki City Council, after relocating there from Tokyo for that purpose. Campaign tells the story of how Yamauchi is groomed as a promising newcomer for this well-established conservative party. The LDP is killing it with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his reform platform on the national level, but engaged in a close battle with the DPJ on the local level.
Yamauchi’s education extends to his wife Sayuri, a particularly interesting character in the film. He is instructed to refer to her as his “housewife” (「家内」 or kanai) as opposed to “wife” (「妻」 or tsuma), a term they both take umbrage against but become resigned to using. In addition, Yamauchi’s supporters within the LDP’s well oiled local political machine later encourages her to quit her job to focus on her husband’s political career, an idea that outraged her. Yamauchi urges her to Read More
