JQ Magazine: JETAA UK Launches Careers and Networking Programme
Article/Journalism, JETAA Chapters, JQ Magazine, Networking 
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JETAA UK members Sarah Parsons (second from right) and Rob Gorton of Toyota (second from left) attend the inaugural Careers and Networking Programme reception with guests in the fields of business and academia, Nottingham, Oct. 3, 2013. (University of Nottingham)
By Sarah Parsons (Gunma-ken, 1995-97) for JQ magazine. Sarah is the careers and networking coordinator for JETAA UK and chair of the Midlands Chapter. She also runs her own business called Japan In Perspective, where she facilitates business links between the UK and Japan.
There are a variety of ex-JETs: those who have just returned looking for jobs and hoping to make sense of and use their JET experience, and those who are still interested in keeping in touch with Japan who have been very successful using their JET experience professionally—whether it be directly Japan-related or using it as a catalyst for a new career—but who have not been engaged with JETAA for a long time, if ever. Several things became evident.
First, JET can be a life-changing experience that offers so many potential professional opportunities, but the professional needs of our members are not being formally facilitated within JETAA UK. Secondly, the job environment in the UK is getting more and more competitive and it is very challenging for ex-JETs to stand out, gain more business skills and use their experiences professionally, so there is a demand for helping JETs with their post-Japan careers; and thirdly, in order to achieve any of this, JETAA needs to raise its profile professionally and engage with local business communities.
In this vein, we decided to map out a multifaceted programme within JETAA UK to facilitate these needs and to engage and utilise the expertise of some of our more experienced members. We wanted to organise networking events for local ex-JETs to meet the local business communities (UK companies that are interested in Japan as well as local Japanese companies) so as to offer great opportunities for JETs to develop important contacts and give attendees a chance to keep up to date on what is happening in the Japan-related business world.
Job: Japanese Operations Production Assistant at Golf Channel (Orlando, FL)
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A great JET-relevant job listing shared by JETAA Florida’s Tom Gregorich who works for the Golf Channel. 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: Japanese Operations Production Assistant
Location: Orlando, FL
Type: Full-time
Overview:
Full-time staff position assisting the Japanese commentary staff with research and production of live golf tournament broadcasts. Supporting entire department with additional production and coordination efforts as needed including but not limited to Japanese studio and remote original productions and news. Perform English/Japanese translation and interpretation (if applicable). Read More
Job: [IMMEDIATE] Japanese-speaking Web Designer at APCO Worldwide (DC)
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Thanks to JETAA DC President Leigh Ann Mastrini for sharing this opening at the company 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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Overview:
Below is the strategic brief for a one-off project to design a website for one of APCO’s clients based in Japan. If you are interested, please contact Leigh Ann Mastrini (Hyogo-ken, 2006 – 2008/JETAADC President) with your name and existing portfolio if you have one. Previous experience in designing for Japanese companies and Japanese websites is preferred. Read More
Job: Executive Assistant to the Chief Creative Officer at UNIQLO (New York)
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A great JET-relevant listing received directly from Uniqlo (aka Fast Retail): “The position is Executive Assistant to the Chief Creative Officer of UNIQLO, and requires English/Japanese fluency.” 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: Executive Assistant to the Chief Creative Officer
Location: New York
Type: Full-time
Overview:
The Executive Assistant will provide support and assistance to his/her assigned executives. The EA will create, build and manage the day to day responsibilities. They will assist with managing daily appointments and schedule/calendar, correspondence, note taking, and communication with both overseas and domestic partners. They will help coordinate all travel arrangements and expenses (T&E, samples and courier) and budget management. They will also support multiple, ongoing projects that impact the people side of our business. Read More
Job: Consulate Assistant at the Miami Japanese Consulate
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Deadline: Friday, February 7th, 2014
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: Consular Assistant
Location: Miami Japanese Consulate
Type: Full-time
Overview:
The Consular Section at the Consulate General of Japan in Miami has an opening for a Consular Assistant. Read More
Job: Interpretive Program Assistant at The Bronx Zoo (NY)
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[Steve’s Note: Not Japan-related, but interesting! The position would report to a friend of mine, the one who sent me the 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: Interpretive Program Assistant
Location: Bronx Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society
Type: Part-time
Overview:
- Assist the Director, Graphic Design and Interpretation; the Exhibit Developer/Media
- Coordinator; Exhibit Developer and other EGAD senior staff on special projects.
- Work closely with the Exhibit Developer on exhibit evaluation studies; coordinate production of prototypes and collect data from WCS visitors through observation and interviews.
- Prepare and draft evaluation results reports.
- Assist with exhibit program planning; perform content research and development; draft display copy.
- Participate in photo and video research for exhibits.
- Adhere to schedules, budgets, and priorities for implementation and project reporting schedules.
- Contribute to, enlarge, and uphold the Society’s policies toward the Equal Employment opportunities for women, minorities, veterans, the handicapped, and other protected groups.
【RocketNews24】10 weird and funny things Japanese people do
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Posted by Michelle Lynn Dinh (Shimane-ken, Chibu-mura, 2010–13), editor and writer for RocketNews24. The following article was written by Philip Kendall (Fukushima-ken, Shirakawa-shi, 2006–11), senior editor and writer for RocketNews24, a Japan-based site dedicated to bringing fun and quirky news from Asia to English speaking audiences.
Not so long ago, a friend of mine from the UK came to visit me here in Japan. After showing him around town and making sure to take him to all of the most popular tourist spots, he remarked that quite a few of the subtle behaviours Japanese people exhibit seemed, while in no way offensive, remarkably different to those of our own countrymen. As we worked through a couple of the more unusual customs and behaviours that my friend had noticed, it struck me that at some point during my eight years of living here I had come to accept the everyday quirks of the people around me as entirely normal and not in the slightest bit odd.
Last year, we discussed the 10 things that we love and the 10 things we just can’t stomach about Japan, but today we at RocketNews24 felt it was time to present you with a list of random but genuine observations, from the peculiar to the downright endearing, about the Japanese people themselves. Enjoy!
Kyodo News “JET Alumni” Series: Laura Tasharofi (Kochi)
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News agency Kyodo News has recently been publishing monthly articles written by JET alumni who were appointed in rural areas of Japan, as part of promotion for the JET Programme. Below is the English version of the column from January 2014. Posted by Celine Castex (Chiba-ken, 2006-11), currently programme coordinator at CLAIR Tokyo.
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Laura Tasharofi (Kochi-ken, Yusuhara-cho, 2004-07) hails from Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. After a Bachelors Degree in Japanese Studies from Griffith University, Gold Coast, she joined the JET Programme and was placed as a CIR in a little Shikoku town where she spent the next three years. She currently works as the Student Loan Coordinator for Queensland TAFE and has been the President of JETAA Queensland since 2011.
“I always encourage young people I meet to consider the JET Programme as a life experience, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunities the JET Programme gave me.”
The Town Above the Clouds
Yusuhara: Town Above The Clouds (梼原町：雲の上の町). With a slogan like that, I suppose it should have been obvious, but as my supervisor drove me home from Kochi Ryoma Airport, I couldn’t believe how far we were climbing into the mountains. The deep green pine trees were towering over the winding road, and there were wisps of low cloud around us after the rain on that hot, humid day. The scenery was beautiful. Little did I know, I would spend the next three years becoming part of a wonderful community and making life-long friends.
Yusuhara had a population of a little over 4,000 people at that time. It is famous for being on the route that Sakamoto Ryoma took when he made his crusade to bring about the Meiji Restoration. You can follow the signs and walk the ‘Sakamoto Ryoma escape route’ (坂本竜馬 脱藩の道), through the hills to finish in Ehime-ken. It has a beautiful onsen and hotel, a pretty river and it is a short drive to the Tengu Highlands. Such a picturesque place, but there weren’t many tourists in those days. Some time after I left, NHK ran a TV series about the life of Sakamoto Ryoma, and that put Yusuhara on the map as a tourist destination for fans of the show.
In a small town like that, a tall Australian woman like me really stood out. People quickly came to recognise me. Everyone would say ‘good morning’, or ‘hello’ as I travelled to work or walked around town on the weekends. They knew where I lived and which car I drove. I very quickly learned that everyone knew where I was and what I was doing at any given time. At first I felt like I had lost my privacy, but I soon felt very safe and comfortable living in a small, friendly community where everyone knows each other.
I was quite busy as a CIR. I spent a lot of time visiting schools to do cultural and English lessons with kids from kindergarten up to Junior High School. I taught the kids how to play cricket, how to make rocky road (chocolate filled with marshmallows, nuts and cherries), I arranged a letter and Christmas card exchange between some of the students in Yusuhara and students at the school where my mum works in Tasmania. I assisted with the annual overseas study trip for 10 students from our town to our sister school in Queensland. I helped out at town events like the marathon and the kagura taikai (神楽大会). Read More
Job: Associate for International Relations at Hokkaido and Alberta Govts.
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[Steve’s Note: Just received this from Hokkaido CIR Holly Long (who just received the listing herself and was asked to forward it). A great opportunity for a Canadian with JET-like experience to work in Hokkaido. Hopefully who likes the sport of curling, too. Please note the Feb 9 application deadline.]
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: Associate for International Relations
Posted By: Alberta Government and Hokkaido Government
Location: Hokkaido, Japan (Sapporo)
Type: One-year, full-time internship
Overview:
Alberta Abroad is an international work experience initiative of the Government of Alberta that places talented Alberta post-secondary graduates into short-term work placements (externships) with an international host organization. Alberta graduates will develop their specialized skills and gain international work experience through their externships. Read More
Job: Trademark Attorney at Alprin Law Offices (DC)
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[Steve’s Note: My good friend and JET alum Scott Alprin (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-95) has his own trademark law practice in DC (including a number of Japanese clients) and is looking to hire another attorney. See below for details. If you apply, please indicate that 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: Trademark Attorney
Location: Washington, DC
Type: Full-time
Overview:
Expanding DC-based trademark practice, established in 2005, seeks experienced trademark attorney well versed in all aspects of trademark prosecution, clearance searches, and TTAB litigation and related negotiation. The firm works with an array of international law firms, with a concentration of Japanese clients. Knowledge of Japanese culture and/or language would be valued. The firm is open to telecommuting and flexible work schedules and will consider candidates based outside of the DC area. Read More
Job: Sales Opportunity at Growing Japanese Firm (NYC)
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Via Actus Consulting. Please indicate you learned of the listing from JETwit if you apply. 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: Group Sales Manager
Location: NYC
Type: Full-time
Salary: $40-60,000
Overview:
The Group Sales Manager is responsible for building brand in the New York City area. This includes, but is not limited to actively prospecting and calling on new business, preparing proposals, making sales, managing a sales group, improving internal processes, and ensuring all events/conferences are delivered according to client expectations. The most important task of this position is to reach individual and team monthly US revenue targets. This is the one of the key managerial positions for the Company in the US. Read More
Job: Summer Abroad Leaders – Experiment in International Living (JAPAN)
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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: Summer Abroad Leader
Posted by: Experiment in International Living
Location: Japan
Type: Summer, full-time
Overview:
The Experiment in International Living is looking for exceptional educators to lead our immersive summer programs for high school students in 2014. These individuals will lead groups of typically 15 students on programs in over 20 countries in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
The Experiment’s programs in Japan are some of their most popular programs. They have two Japan programs: “Japanimation – Anime & Manga” and “Language and Cultural Traditions.”< http://experimentinternational.org/programs/find-a-program/japan/ > They run two groups for each of these programs, with two co-leaders for each group – meaning they’re looking to hire 8 Japan leaders!
Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated interest in intercultural and experiential learning, in-depth experience living abroad, competency in the language of the host culture, and experience working with young people. Applications will be accepted through February 15, 2014. For more information on becoming a group leader and instructions on how to apply, please visit http://www.experimentinternational.org
JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Photographer Wei Yuet Wong on ‘The Fukushima Project’
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“Though people have told me no one wants to see disaster photos anymore, I think it’s a good reminder because it’s barely three years, and already people are forgetting. Not only outside Japan, but within Japan itself, people are forgetting. It’s true that people need to move on and rebuild their lives, but there’s still so much more work to be done in Tohoku.” (Courtesy of Wei Yuet Wong)
By Nathalie Ng (Shizuoka-ken, 2010-11) For JQ magazine. A member of JETAA Singapore, Nathalie was an inaka JET and her time in Japan has taught her to appreciate the flowers by the roadside and how to snowboard.
Wei Yuet Wong (Nagano-ken, 2008-10) left his home in Singapore to join JET following a summer homestay in Hiroshima. He went there because of the history as he’d learnt about the devastation during World War II, and he was particularly interested in seeing how the city had progressed since then. The relationship formed with his homestay family inspired him to join JET.
Assigned to three different schools in Ueda City, during his first few months he was often left feeling clueless and dependent on his supervisor due to the language barrier and the office hierarchy, but he soon got better at it by keeping an open mind and adapting. He is particularly proud that he was able to inspire in his students that they didn’t have to speak English with an American accent to be understood, and this has helped them to be more confident, speaking out during and outside of classes. (In fact, one of Wong’s former students even visited him and his family during the Chinese New Year.)
Since returning from Japan Wong has been working as a corporate warrior, but since last year he has finally taken the leap to pursue his photography interests. His work is now on display in a new exhibition called The Fukushima Project, which runs through 14th February at Select Books in Singapore on 51 Armenian Street. Through special postcards available for sale, visitors can write messages to the people of Hisanohama in Iwaki, which will then be collected and sent to them to let them know that their story has not been forgotten.
In this exclusive interview, JQ spoke with Wong about his visits to Fukushima before and after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, and the relationships he’s made with the locals through his numerous community activities.
You were posted to Nagano-ken and you lived there before the quake happened. What was your motivation for this exhibition?
I felt awed and hopeless when I first looked at the videos of the earthquake, perhaps like so many people around the world. Then why Fukushima? I think there may be three explanations. One, I first visited Fukushima in 2009 to visit friends, so I got to see Fukushima before the disaster. It was quite a different place.
Two, I have friends in Fukushima, and they live in Koriyama city, about 45 km away from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. I was concerned about them. I was curious to know how they felt on the day of the earthquake, and then during the subsequent confusion about the nuclear power plant. I also wanted to see how they are doing when most other parts of the world, and Japan, starts forgetting about them.
Lastly, I wanted to experience how it would be like to venture into the disaster zone. I have a need to see things for myself. To touch the soil. Walk on the sand. Smell the salty air on the Japanese east coast, and try to imagine how people felt that day.
Why did you choose this particular town of Hisanohama?
It was by chance that I discovered this town. It’s quite a story, one thing leading to another, with some fortunate chance encounters. But, the best summary is: I met a friend at Koriyama Station to listen to her account, and her experiences. After that I wanted to visit the coast, so she told me that Iwaki is where I should go. With my ticket bought, I hopped on the bus for the 1.5 hour journey to Iwaki. Once at Iwaki, I went to the local tourist office, and asked for directions to the coast. The person at the office looked quite surprised, and she pulled out a map, studied it for a moment, and said, “Maybe you shouldn’t go. We used to have nice beaches, shrines, and attractions. But now, nani mo nai (there’s nothing).” I was not put off, and she finally realised that I would still go no matter what, and she suggested why don’t I go to Hisanohama, where I can have a nice walk, and just look around. So, there I went.
In the international media, most people know about Kesennuma, Rikuzentakata and Minamisoma, but Hisanohama remains unknown. So, I think it’s nice that I visited Hisanohama. It’s a town just 31 km south of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, along the Pacific Coast, and has suffered great damage in the tsunami.
Justin’s Japan: Nippon in New York — ‘Dragon Ball’ in Color, Lolita Fashions, ONE OK ROCK’s Debut
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Dragon Ball Full Color makes its English-language debut in print and digital Feb. 4. (VIZ Media LLC)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
Stay warm this winter with some hot local events, from the debut performance of one of Japan’s most successful live acts, another performance from one of the country’s biggest crossover stars, and an annual showcase that brings the sights (and tastes) of Japan to vivid life.
This month’s highlights include:
Saturday, Feb. 1, 6:00 p.m.
Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue
Free
The final entry of the film series Vengeance Is Shohei Imamura! Yasuko was exposed to black rain, the radioactive fallout from the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Years later, she and her townsmen continue to rebuild their life and endure the aftermath. At an age ripe for marriage, Yosuko has been rejected by man after man for fear of radiation, even though she has shown no signs of any illness. The film juxtaposes present-day struggles with flashbacks to scenes of wartime devastation. A departure from Imamura’s usual interest in bawdy human behavior, this film brings him closer to his early mentor Ozu, who is known for his restrained and subdued study of quiet dignity and for whom Imamura acted as assistant director.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Dragon Ball Full Color, Volume 1
$19.99 MSRP
Akira Toriyama’s epic manga series—one of the most popular of all time—makes its English-langage debut in full color, graphic novel-size in print and digital editions! Son Goku is the greatest hero on Earth. Five years after defeating the demon king Piccolo, he’s grown up and has a family. But what is the real reason for Goku’s incredible strength? A visitor from outer space arrives bearing terrible news—Goku is an alien, and the visitor, Raditz, is Goku’s brother! When Raditz turns out to be a ruthless killer, Goku must fight his incredibly strong brother to save his family and the entire human race. A surprising alliance may be Earth’s last hope: Goku will team up with his old enemy Piccolo to save the world!
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette Street
$30 reserved, $35 premium
Akiko Yano returns to Joe’s Pub with her longtime New York friends/virtuoso musicians Will Lee and Chris Parker, answering overwhelming demand from the fans who caught their previous go-round in November 2012. See the pop and jazz chanteuse whom Jon Pareles of the New York Times calls “a world class songwriter with a clear, gentle, wide-ranging voice. She is also an accomplished, endearing performer who might be a Japanese Carole King, Joni Mitchell or Meredeith Monk…”
For the complete story, click here.
Job: Security Command Center Specialist at iJET (Chicago)
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[Steve’s note: Saw this on the JETAA DC Google Group, posted by a JET alum, Andrew Kudlick, who works for iJET (which despite it’s name has no relation to the JET Program.) PS Fringe benefit: If you get hired there, you and Andrew could start an iJET Alumni Association. (oyaji gyagu da ;-) ]
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: Security Command Center Specialist, Japanese Language
Location: Chicago
Type: Full-time
Overview:
We are currently seeking a Security Command Center Specialist to join our team in Chicago, IL. Under the general supervision of the Senior Command Center Specialist, the Security Command Center Specialist will perform a combination of monitoring, response coordination, and communication duties. The Specialist contributes as a part of a team to provide 24/7 monitoring and intelligence support. The Specialist will be responsible for monitoring global events and providing timely, comprehensive intelligence products to enable decision-makers to detect risks from actual or emerging threats to personnel, facilities, product and technology. This position requires shift work, including nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Extended hours may be required. Read More
