JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Marco Lienhard, Artistic Director of Taikoza
Article/Journalism, Interview/Profile, JQ Magazine 
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“I always seem to discover new things and different aspects of the music when teaching people from different backgrounds. When trying to explain some of the music, some things seem to come back to mind that were deep inside myself.” (Courtesy of Marco Lienhard)
By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata-ken, 2008-10) for JQ magazine. A former head of the JETAA Philadelphia Sub-Chapter, Rashaad currently studies responsible tourism management at Leeds Metropolitan University. For more on his life in the UK and enthusiasm for taiko drumming, visit his blog at www.gettingpounded.wordpress.com.
Marco Lienhard has been involved in Japanese music for more than 30 years, first as a member of Ondekoza and then as the artistic director of Taikoza. When building his reputation as a professional taiko player in Japan, Lienhard also mastered the shakuhachi, eventually peforming at four major shakuhachi festivals around the world. He is also the founder of shakuhachi and koto group the East Winds Ensemble.
Lienhard has also released several albums, and his music can he heard on the score of the Nintendo Wii games Red Steel and Red Steel 2. His music has also appeared on ESPN, the History Channel and PBS. In this exclusive interview, Marco discusses his efforts to expand taiko’s global audience, the biggest influences in his career, and his personal highlights among 6,000 performances (and counting).
Where are you originally from and what sparked your interest in Japan and its traditional music?
I originally came from Switzerland, the French part. I went to Japan when I was 18 on some exchange program. I was very interested to go to Japan, but did not know much about it. Once there, I discovered the shakuhachi and the taiko. I had been studying the flute, but that sound of the shakuhachi just was amazing and I decided to study the instrument and master it. The first time I heard it was when I saw Ondekoza. There was taiko, too, and that was just so exciting to see. I did not know that I could play taiko too, but the flute seemed more approachable at the time.
I joined Ondekoza a few months later thinking I would stay just a few months, but it turned into 18 years.
For me, the sound of the shakuhachi was what drew me into it, though I fell in love with the traditional art forms as well. I enjoyed the theater as well as the music. I would go see two to three plays a month, noh or kabuki.
What drew you to taiko in the first place and to become a performer? What are the most important lessons it has taught you?
When I went to Japan, I had been studying piano and flute for many years. To become a performer was just a natural progression from studying with Ondekoza and becoming a member of the group. One thing led to another—studying with them and getting into the whole practice and running aspect of the group.
Marathon running was part of the training, and before long I was running marathons. I joined in August but by November they had me run a full marathon. My first performance was in January for the Imamiya Ebisu Festival on Dotonburi Street in Namba, Osaka. Once I started performing, I got the bug and just wanted to get better at it and study the shakuhachi as well. I was the only one who studied the shakuhachi so I was put on stage very quickly. Taiko has taught me a lot. It is sort of a college or university if not more—a life lesson.
Mr. [Tagayasu] Den, who was the founder of Ondekoza, [influenced] what taiko is now. He was a great influence in the development of modern taiko, though he never really played taiko. He was the brain and the force behind the group. He would lecture us on everything. He would turn a book into lessons for us to learn and apply to stage or performing or taiko. His vision as a director also influenced me on staging of a show
You were a professional taiko player in Japan. How does one become a professional taiko player?
While I was in Japan, I joined Ondekoza and as a member of Ondekoza I studied and later performed professionally with Ondekoza, traveling around the world to perform. At the time, Ondekoza and taiko groups were still not that popular and they did not yet have an apprenticeship system. As a member, you learned the repertoire and practiced with the regular members until you were at their level and were performing among them. It took me about four months before I had my debut on shakuhachi, and taiko drummer Den, the director of Ondekoza, is the person who would decide who was playing and what instrument.
【RocketNews24】Acronyms and in-jokes: The origins of your favourite Japanese video game companies’ names
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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.
As much as we like to think of ourselves as free thinkers and immune to corporate advertising, there’s no denying that brand names have found their way into pretty much every facet of our daily lives. Many North Americans routinely use “Kleenex” in place of the word tissue; in the UK it’s not unusual to hear people say that they’re about to “hoover up” when referring to running a vacuum cleaner; and in its heyday pretty much any portable gaming device was casually referred to as a Gameboy.
The likes of Nintendo and Sony have been household names for years, but did you ever wonder where these names come from and what they might mean in their native language? Author of Japanmanship and game developer James Kay sheds some light on the origins of the names Japan’s biggest video game companies use, from Capcom to SNK, and has generously shared a few snippets of info with RocketNews24 for our enjoyment and nerdy enlightenment.
Find out where those world-famous names really come from after the jump.
Job: Study Abroad Program Advisor- UC Irvine (CA)
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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.
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Position: Study Abroad Program Advisor
Posted by: University of California, Irvine
Location: Irvine, CA
Salary: Hourly $20.67
Work Schedule: Monday-Wednesday, 7 hours per day
Type: This is a 50% contract position. The position will start in mid September 2013 and go through approximately mid May 2014.
Overview:
Under the direction of the Manager, University Programs in International Programs, the Study Abroad Program Advisor is primarily responsible for the advising and monitoring of participants in the undergraduate-level study abroad programs in University Programs which currently include California Academic Program (CAP), Academic Year Abroad Programs (AYAP), and Academic Study Abroad Program (ASAP). The Advisor also assists with inquiry response and admission of University Programs applicants, and all student pre-arrival and arrival arrangements. The Advisor assists in conducting placement testing of new students and recommends their placement in ESL, UCI, and UNEX courses. The Advisor develops and coordinates academic advising plans, advises and tutors assigned participants, and ensures the performance and well-being of participants. The Advisor designs and teaches special courses and workshops on, but not limited to, American & academic culture, and assists in the scheduling and logistics of all program events, courses, workshops, seminars, tutoring, and other program components, including interactions with instructors, UNEX staff, and other UCI and community contacts. The Advisor takes the lead in implementing components of the University Programs portfolio to meet the needs of university-bound and/or visiting international students, such as peer mentoring, tutoring, study groups, Conversation Partners, campus involvement/events, and research opportunities.
Additional Information:
For additional information and to apply, please visit the job listing.
Job: Administrative Coordinator, Columbia University (NYC)
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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.
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Position: Administrative Coordinator (Education and Strategic Initiatives)
Posted by: Columbia University
Location: New York, NY
Salary: DOE
Overview:
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Academic Programs and the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Administrative Coordinator will assist in coordinating the Department’s academic and student activities as well as the department’s digital initiatives.
Responsibilities include: assisting students with course registration; responding to prospective student inquiries; coordinating student and student/faculty events; coordinating financial aid payments with the Department’s administrator; assisting with initiatives related to growing the Department’s digital presence; website management; social network site management and updates (e.g. Facebook); database development; coordinating department announcements, etc. This individual will provide exceptional customer service to students, faculty and other clients and will assume other duties as assigned.
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.
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Position: Study Abroad Advisor
Posted by: Univeristy of South Caroline
Location: Columbia, SC
Overview:
The study abroad advisor is a mid-level position in the Study Abroad Office within the International Programs unit. The advisor performs a variety of duties in support of the recruitment, advisement, placement, orientation and re-entry of USC students interested in education abroad opportunities. The individual also provides support services for students who are intending to go to destinations of high risk overseas. In addition, the advisor conducts workshops, leads curriculum integration activities, manages scholarship programs, and assists in program administration, assessment and development. As a staff member in a multi-function office, position will include additional responsibilities as assigned on behalf of international exchange students and American students who study overseas. For more information on Carolina’s study abroad program, go to www.studyabroad.sc.edu
LifeAfterJET: Transitioning Your Teaching Experience
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This feature comes courtesy of Tammy Wik (Ishikawa-ken, 2007-2010). JET Alums fall into two different camps. Some leave their teaching days behind in Japan without ever turning back. Others are just dying to find ways to keep on with the classroom. In this article, Tammy shows how far you can take the English teaching route.
Posted by blogger, podcaster, and prefectural neighbor Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12).
WIT Life #252: Ivan Ramen
Food & Drink, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #252: Ivan Ramen
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.
I can’t believe it’s been over a month since I’ve written here, but during that time I’ve traveled from Hawaii to LA to NY and then to Japan for various interpreting gigs. Needless to say, there were many adventures along the way! A particular highlight was getting to interpret for my favorite Japanese director, Hirokazu Kore-eda, when his fabulous new film Like Father Like Son (そして父になる) debuted at the New York Film Festival last month. It will have its widespread release here in the States early next year, and I will write more about it and meeting the director then…
It’s always great to be home again, and one of the best parts is being able to enjoy the many events taking place on a daily basis here in th
e city. Last night I was able to check out one at Strand Books, which hosted the author Ivan Orkin to talk about his experiences running a ramen shop in Tokyo, his new memoir/cookbook, and the opening of his upcoming ramen shop here in NY. I was looking forward to meeting Orkin as he graduated from Read More
Job: Program Assistant for Student Activities and International Services (Newton, MA)
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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.
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Position: Program Assistant for Student Activities and International Services
Posted by: Lasell College, Office of International Services (study abroad and international student advising) and the Office of Student Activities
Location: Newton, MA
Type: full-time, 10 month position
Overview:
Job: Study Abroad Advisor (Kansas)
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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.
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Position: Study Abroad Advisor
Posted by: Kansas State University, Office of International Programs
Location: Manhattan, Kansas
Salary Range: $36,000
Type: full time, 12-month contract, eligible for benefits
Starting Date: January 2014
Screening of applications to begin: November 24th, 2013
Overview:
The Study Abroad Advisor provides guidance and outstanding professional service to students before, during and after their educational experience abroad. He or she provides information to students, parents, faculty, and staff regarding various study abroad programs and coordinates with relevant academic and administrative offices. He or she also assists with coordinating program and application processes, and participates in campus recruitment and promotion, as well as participant selection.
The Study Abroad Advisor works with overseas partners to obtain information regarding application processes, course selection, arrival information, accommodation, and other relevant information. Some national and international travel is expected.
This person is a representative of Kansas State University and the Office of International Programs (OIP) and maintains effective working relationships with Study Abroad and OIP staff, the campus community, and international partners. As a member of the Office of International Programs, the Study Abroad Office strives to achieve the goals set forth in the K-State 2025 Internationalization Strategic Action Plan.
Job: Senior Study Abroad Advisor (Houston, TX)
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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.
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Position: Senior Study Abroad Advisor
Posted by:Rice University
Location: Houston, Texas
Overview:
Justin’s Japan: Nippon in New York—The Legend of Zelda, Osamu Tezuka, Dir En Grey, and Hotei
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The JET Alumni Association of New York presents a special screening of Live Your Dream: The Taylor Anderson Story at Columbia University Oct. 30. (© 2012 Global Film Network. All rights reserved.)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
From Nintendo to manga to metal to Tarantino, November is just as colorful as the blowing leaves in the air and on the ground. Add to that a Meiji era throwback exhibition at Resobox, the destroy-all-monsters vibe of Kaiju Big Battel (just in time for Turkey Day), and a world premiere at Japan Society and you’ve got an irresistibly epic rundown.
This month’s highlights include:
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7:00 p.m.
JETAA New York presents Live Your Dream: The Taylor Anderson Story
Columbia University, Uris Hall 301
$7 advance, $10 at the door, students free with ID
Following its New York premiere at Japan Society last July, the New York chapter of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Alumni Association presents an encore screening of this touching documentary film about Taylor Anderson and all the young people who travel the world trying to make a difference. Taylor was an extraordinary American who dedicated herself to teaching Japanese children in the JET program, living her dream right up to the events of March 11, 2011. Includes a post-screening Q&A session with director/producer Regge Life and Taylor’s father Andy Anderson.
Friday, Nov. 1, 8:00 p.m.
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses Second Quest
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
$62.50-$112.50
While F. Scott Fitzgerald famously pooh-poohed second acts, second quests are an entirely different matter. Back by popular demand and presented by Jason Michael Paul Productions, The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses returns to the Theater at MSG with breathtakingly new visuals and music exploring additional chapters from the Zelda franchise as well as the beautifully orchestrated four movement symphony recounting the classic storylines from some of the most popular video games in history. Take up your wooden sword and shield as a live orchestra and the Montclair State University Vocal Accord brings to life the masterpieces of legendary Nintendo composer and sound director Koji Kondo.
Thursday, Nov. 7
The Life & Works of Osamu Tezuka
Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street
$25/$20 Japan Society members, seniors and students
Best known as the creator of Astro Boy, Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989) is often credited as the “Godfather of Anime and Manga” due to his prolific output, pioneering techniques, and reimagining of genres. His work redefined Japanese cartoons, transforming them into an irresistible art form, and incorporated a variety of new styles in their creation. Leaving a lasting impact on literature and film, his work also influenced a range of other artistic genres. In this special lecture, Tezuka’s works are presented by JET alum Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica. This event is moderated by NYC-based cartoonist Katie Skelly. Ticket price includes a pre-event wine and Japanese hors d’oeuvres reception.
For the complete story, click here.
Job:Postings from Idealist.org 10.29.13
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Via Idealist.org. Posted by Geneva Marie (Niigata-ken 2008-09) Geneva is a contributor to both JETwit and JETAANY. Geneva is on a continuous (epic) search for Japanese-related jobs in the United States. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Director of Development
Posted by: Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC)
Type: Full-time
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Salary: Commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, and vacation and sick leave.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2013
he Director of Development will lead the JACCC’s development and fundraising functions. Serving as the agency’s chief development officer, the Director will conceptualize, plan and execute a strategic and coordinated program to identify and tap opportunities to increase financial support through events, major and planned giving, membership, annual fund, direct response/e-philanthropy, corporate and foundation support, and government funding. Bachelor’s Degree required with at least 8 years experience in development and a proven-track record of fundraising. Master’s degree or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/33Cfx4xpN3hSP
Communications Coordinator
Posted by: Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University
Type: Full-time, Temporary
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Not Specified
Start Date: Not Specified
The Weatherhead East Asian Institute of Columbia University is in search of a creative, organized, and marketing-savvy professional to join our team and coordinate our overall communications. The ideal candidate must be comfortable implementing a 360 degree approach to communications, which includes, but not limited to: social, digital, & print media; public relations & press outreach; and strategic advertising. The incumbent will help us disseminate our research in creative and effective ways to position the Institute as a leading global educator and think tank.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/gbs8TzJWStW4
Program Officer II
Posted by: Institute of International Education
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Not Specified
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Purpose of Position: Acts as primary resource for Brazil Scientific Mobility program regarding the processing of immigration documentation and ensuring compliance with J-1 regulations for exchange visitor sponsorship.Work is carried out independently under general supervision. Knowledge of USCIS, ICE and DOS regulations and procedures related to exchange visitors (J-1 and J-2) preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/KgnX2PZbtbfP
Job: Associate TV News Producer/Researcher at Nippon Television Washington DC News Bureau
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Great listing received directly from the company. 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 TV News Producer/Researcher
Type: Full-Time
Location: Washington DC
Overview:
As a producer, you would be responsible for monitoring and summarizing political news and information from around Washington. This would include attending press briefing, monitoring daily news sources, researching throughout various news media outlets for interesting stories, setting up interviews, and in-house recording. You would assist the reporters in creating daily news stories sent to Tokyo for national broadcast, as well as longer term feature stories. Read More
Job: Administrative Program Assistant (APA) – (Oregon)
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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.
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Position: Administrative Program Assistant (APA)
Posted by:Oregon State University International Degree & Education Abroad
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Application Deadline: November 3rd, 2013
Overview:
This is a highly autonomous position, requiring cultural sensitivity and excellent written and verbal communication. The position is supervised by the Senior Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives for International Programs and serves as the key contact to many administrative units at OSU, program and insurance providers, and has daily contact with students and parents.
Job: UCLA Student Affairs Officer (LA)
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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.
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Position: Student Affairs Officer
Posted by:Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars (DCISS) – University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Application Deadline: November 8th, 2013
Overview:
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is seeking a Program Coordinator for the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars (DCISS).
Job Duties:
- Reporting directly to the Assistant Director, Programs, this position is responsible for developing, coordinating, promoting, implementing, and evaluating programs and activities that facilitate enhanced leadership, communication, community involvement, cross-cultural friendships, and adjustment to the US culture and UCLA campus life.
- Provide training and supervision to student staff, Global Siblings Coordinators, and volunteers. Create and deliver professional staff trainings to help staff better serve the international student population.
- Serve as preparer for Bruin-Buy, Express Travel preparer, BAR Account, Purchasing Card and CashNet.
Application Instructions:
Please apply online by November 8, 2013 online at: https://hr.mycareer.ucla.edu
