Job: Asian Studies Program- Kansai Gaidai University (Hirakata, Japan)
Jobs 
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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: Candidate Lecturer in Business and Japanese History (2 positions)
Posted by: Kansai Gaidai University
Location: Hirakata, Japan
Salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications. Free housing can be provided under certain conditions.
Type: full time
Kansai Gaidai University:
Established in 1945. Based at the cultural center of Japan, 25 minutes by train to Osaka and 35 minutes by train to Kyoto. Enrollment: 13,000. Long recognized as one of Japans most international universities, with ties to approximately 330 universities and colleges around the world. About one third of our faculty is non-Japanese. Nearly 1,700 of our Japanese students study abroad through various long and short-term study abroad programs, and about 700 non-Japanese come to our campus every year.
Asian Studies Program:
We attract about 600 international students annually from more than 40 countries. Courses are designed for undergraduate students in their last two years of study and concentrate on topics related to Japan and the Asian region. All courses are taught in the English language. For more information on the Asian Studies Program, please visit our website at: http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/
Job: Education Abroad Coordinator – Ferris State University (MI)
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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: Education Abroad Coordinator
Posted by: Ferris State University
Location: Big Rapids, MI
Salary: DOE
Type: full time
Overview:
The Education Abroad Coordinator will educate the campus community about international education programs through social media and internationalization efforts. The Education Abroad Coordinator will also advise students on semester-long study abroad and international internship opportunities, expand current portfolio of opportunities for students, and provide theoretical foundations for the development of a minor in International Education.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in International Education or related field or at least two semesters of coursework completed in a Master’s Program in International Education or a related field with degree conferred by August 2014.
- One year of foreign language study.
- Experience studying or working abroad.
Additional Information:
For a complete posting or to apply, access the electronic applicant system by logging on to http://employment.ferris.edu.
Justin’s Japan: J-LABO Brooklyn Opens in Park Slope
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Click image to read story
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Shukan NY Seikatsu. Visit his Examiner.com Japanese culture page here for related stories.
Since its launch in 2008, social network J-COLLABO has been working with numerous artists to make innovative Japanese-themed collaborations accessible to the public. Now it has taken the next step in its evolution with J-LABO Brooklyn, which had its pre-opening party in Park Slope last month.
“J-LABO is a place where the conventions of intercultural chemistry are challenged and the possibilities of creative collaboration and experimentation are deeply explored as a unifying effort between Japanese culture and the cultures of the world,” explained John Figueredo, marketing and PR supervisor for J-COLLABO. “Artists who gather under J-LABO can collaborate, create and implement Japanese-themed works.”
The organization now seeks to raise $40,000 to renovate J-LABO Brooklyn through crowdsourcing funds and events.
“When it is complete, J-LABO will provide a dedicated exhibition/performance space, an artist residency program, classes, and a design lab,” Figueredo said. “With these facilities as a base, J-COLLABO will provide a venue for learning and cultural exchange as well as a generator of new art and design.”
The names of all donors will be carved on a plate for display inside the venue. J-LABO’s next event is an opening reception on Dec. 7 featuring live painting by Fukuoka-based calligrapher and artist Sugita Koki preceding his newest exhibition entitled Kotokama, which will be on display through Dec. 20.
For more information, please visit www.j-collabo.org.
Job: Sales Representative at Sake Distributor (NYC)
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Via Actus Consulting. 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: Sales Representative
Type: Full-Time
Location: NYC
Salary: up to $40K
Benefits: $500/month expense allowance, Medical Benefits
Overview:
They are hiring a Sales Manager in New York City to grow their business in this major market. They are looking for someone who can grow with the job and become a regional Manager, as well. As a work environment, they value passion for their category and products, self-motivation, resourcefulness, intelligence and professionalism. They are breaking new ground in the beverage industry and in the sake category. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who has sales experience in the industry, or a related industry and wants a high-growth career opportunity. Read More
Japan Times article on ALTs and discipline in the classroom
JETs in the News Comments Off on Japan Times article on ALTs and discipline in the classroom
Thanks to AJET Chair Kay Makishi for bringing this to JETwit’s attention. Notably, in addition to the current JET who is quoted, Aaron Miller (Ehime-ken, 2002-04) is also quoted in connection with his recently published book on discipline in the Japanese education system and the writer of the article is a current JET. On a related note, a really good book on discipline in the classroom is Discipline with Dignity, though not sure how it works cross-culture:
When it comes to discipline in class, leave it to the locals
BY PATRICK ST. MICHEL
SPECIAL TO THE JAPAN TIMES
Aaron Joseph remembers the email Interac sent him regarding his school placement in Sakai, Osaka, in August 2012.
“There was a line that said, ‘It’s kind of a rough school, but we are sure you can handle it.’ ”
It didn’t take long for the Nashville-born Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) to see the company wasn’t kidding about Otori Junior High School.
“My first day teaching — my very first class — one kid asked me, ‘Are you a miserable f-ck?’ I did a double take — it was perfect pronunciation.” He says the next six months at Otori were filled with disinterested classes, instances of students smoking inside and fights — some nearly breaking out between students and teachers.
Although his situation was extreme, Joseph faced a challenge shared by many ALTs in Japan: how to deal with misbehaving students. Not every ALT has to stare down scrappers and smokers everyday, but most have dealt with loud, inattentive or disruptive classes and students, sometimes frequently. How does a non-Japanese teacher approach discipline in these scenarios?
For Joseph, it was clear: don’t engage. “Interac made it pretty clear at orientation that discipline was not our business,” he says. “Don’t get in a battle of wills with a teenager — if you get mad at them, you can’t do anything.”
Private dispatch companies tend to be direct about discipline; in their teaching manuals, businesses such as Interac or Aichi Prefecture-based Altia Central strongly advise ALTs to leave matters of discipline to fully licensed teachers.
For teachers working through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, or those tasked with leading classes by themselves, disciplinary procedures aren’t so straightforward. The JET handbook for ALTs never explicitly states that a foreign teacher should avoid discipline, offering up only strategies to stop students from becoming disruptive. [The Japan Times contacted the education ministry about official procedures, but did not get a response in time for publication.]
Daniel Nicholls, a JET ALT based in Mie Prefecture, says he has never been told by JET, his board of education or his school not to discipline students. Read More
AJET launches “JET Community Service Tracker 2013-14”
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I’d heard about this great idea from AJET Chair Kay Makishi a little while ago, and now it’s up and running! A really innovative way to show another form of Return On JET-vestment:
JET Community Service Tracker 2013-2014
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QzQif7qeluJBzfnCgQuseZ4FVJlnMETaN65mEBYh6cA/viewform
This year, National AJET has set some very ambitious goals for JET community involvement: 1,000,000 yen raised for charity, and 10,000 volunteer hours of community service. For any volunteer event, charity event, or fundraising campaign, large or small, please fill out this form. Whether you raised 100,000 yen, or 1,000, we’d love to hear about it. Whether 100 people volunteered for 10 hours, or two people volunteered for one hour, we want to hear about it!
JET Community Service Tracker:
AJET proudly introduces JET Community Service Tracker! This form is designed to collect data on volunteer hours served and charity money raised by JETs around Japan. You can enter figures for the entire JET-year: August 1, 2013 through July 31, 2014. The information allows AJET to share the positive impact JETs make in their communities with the Japanese Ministries that support JET and with the Japanese public, and help other groups increase the success of their own volunteer and charity efforts.
Race to the Top Challenge:
AJET also proudly presents the Race to the Top Challenge. This challenge will run for six months, from November 1, 2013 through April 31, 2014. Fill out the JET Community Service Tracker and win up to 60,000 yen to support your next volunteer or charity event!
How to Win:
That’s easy! Just be the most caring, dedicated, AJET Chapter you can be! Then, log all of the awesome things you do in the JET Community Service Tracker from November through April. For any questions regarding how to record your community service (what counts/what doesn’t) please contact exec@ajet.net
The Prizes:
One prize of 30,000 yen will go to the prefecture with the largest number of community service hours. A second prize of 30,000 yen will go to the prefecture with the largest amount of charity money raised. The winners will be determined on a percentage basis in order to account for the differences in JET population from prefecture to prefecture.
Who is Eligible to Win?
Any official AJET Prefectural Chapter is eligible to win one or both of these categories for a total of up to 60,000 yen. The winning prefecture(s) will be announced in the May issue of Connect Magazine.
Disclaimer:
The AJET National Council reserves the right to revoke prize money in the case of misconduct including but not limited to inaccurate recording, intentional lying, and unethical actions as determined by the Council. This contest is sponsored by the AJET National Council, a volunteer organisation of current JET participants elected and appointed by current JET Programme participants to represent the JET community nation-wide.
Job: Cultural Centre Staff at Embassy of Japan (New Zealand)
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Originally posted by Jessica Tisch to the JETAA South Island, New Zealand FB group. 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: Cultural Centre Staff
Type: Full-Time
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Overview:
The Embassy of Japan is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for a position in the Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC). This position will be responsible for a wide range of general office administrative duties, including organizing Japanese cultural events, as well as various exchange programs conducted by the Japanese Government. Read More
Job: Copy Editor for The Japan News (Japan)
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Application due Nov 15! Thanks to both JET Alum Tom Baker and current JET Taylor Wettach for passing this on. 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: Copy Editor
Type: Full-Time
Location: Japan
Salary: Monthly salary is ¥480,000～ including tax and benefits.
Overview:
The Japan News is seeking a full-time copy editor. Starting date will be Jan. 1, 2014. Read More
【RocketNews24】10 things Japan gets awesomely right
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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.
At the end of our recent article listing the 10 things that we think Japan gets horribly wrong, we assured you that we’d be back soon to focus on some of the positives and introduce the things that we really, truly love about living in Japan. True to our word, we sat down and decided on what we as (mostly) foreigners most love about this great little collection of islands, and it turned out to be a lot of fun.
Although Japan is not without its faults, it is nevertheless an incredibly efficient and easy-to-live-in country, and we’ve discovered that there are numerous things that the Japanese get not just right, but awesomely right.
Join us after the jump for our top 10 things we love about Japan.
Let’s Talk Japan, Episode 17 – Temple University Japan
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Let’s Talk Japan is a monthly, interview format podcast covering a wide range of Japan-related topics. Host Nick Harling (Mie-ken, 2001-03) lived in Japan from 2001 until 2005, including two great years as a JET Program participant in Mie-Ken. He practices law in Washington, D.C., and lives with his wife who patiently listens to him talk about Japan . . . a lot.
In this episode, Nick speaks with Bruce Stronach, the dean of Temple University Japan, the oldest and largest foreign university in Japan. Together they discuss the unique undergraduate and graduate opportunities available at Temple’s Tokyo campus as well as recent trends and the future of higher education in Japan.
Nick
If you have not already done so, be sure to “Like” the podcast on Facebook, and follow the podcast on Twitter @letstalkjapan. Additionally, please consider leaving a positive rating and/or review in iTunes.
JET alumni from JETAANY meet Kumamon and Governor Kabashima at the Consul General’s residence
By Mark Frey (Kumamoto, 2002-2006), mark.frey@jetaanc.org
Updated with media coverage of the visit.
Boston and New York had the honor of hosting Kumamon’s North American debut last week! Who is Kumamon you may ask? The rosy-cheeked, sack-shaped bear is the official mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu. Voted the top “Yuru-kyara” (cuddly mascot character) in Japan, he has taken Japan by storm and sold more than $300 million worth of merchandise in 2012 alone.
Kumamon’s remarkable success in promoting his rural prefecture across Japan–there is even an exclusive “Kumamon Goods” store in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza neighborhood–is being studied in government offices and marketing departments across Japan. In fact, no less than the Wall Street Journal has published no fewer than three articles about the phenomenon.
If you’d like to learn more about Kumamon, including what he does every day, I recommend checking him out online:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kumamotodiary.en
Home page: http://kumamon-official.jp/
Kumamon accompanied Kumamoto Governor Kabashima during his visit to Boston on Novermber 12-13, which included giving a lecture at Harvard on “The Political Economy of Kumamon: A New Frontier in Japan’s Public Administration.”
Kumamon spent time with the Boston Red Sox’s mascot, Wally the Green Monster, for what was surely an important, high-level diplomatic meeting. The full itinerary of their Boston visit can be found here, here, and here. Media coverage of their visit includes:
Kumamon meets Boston Red Sox’s Wally the Green Monster at Fenway Park
The lovable bear and Governor Kabashima made their way down to New York on November 14, where they paid back the compliment with a visit the Wall Street Journal. Later they visited the Consul General’s residence, as part of a special reception to promote Kyushu. JET alumni from the New York Chapter of JETAA representing all of the prefectures of Kyushu were invited to the reception. In addition to presentations on Kyushu travel, tourism and shochu, Governor Kabashima introduced Kumamon. Guests dined on Kumamoto oysters and “ekiben” prepared by the chef from Hataka Tonton, and sipped shochu from the region. Kumamon and Governor Kabashima’s full New York itinerary can be found here. Media coverage of their visit includes:
Photos of JET alumni at Kyushu Promotion event at Consul General’s residence
Governor Kabashima is an interesting person. He was an “at-risk” student who grew up poor in Kumamoto. Against all odds, through hard work and dedication he ended up earning a PhD from Harvard and becoming a political science professor at University of Tokyo. His launch of the Kumamon public relations campaign is one of the great local promotion success stories of recent times.
Kabashima has also gotten a lot done in Kumamoto, including making some real headway in repairing Kumamoto’s troubled finances (he started by cutting his own salary), trying to resolve remaining issues related to Minamata disease, and blocking Tokyo’s plans to build a huge dam in the prefecture. A very good article about his life can be found here in the Asahi newspaper. The governor introduces himself and his views in two videos, here and here.
From the start, Kumamoto Prefecture and local communities have been dedicated supporters of the JET Program. Year after year, the prefecture has been near the top of the list in hosting the most JETs, hosting around 100 this year. I myself was a Kumamoto JET. I grew to love the prefecture while I lived there, and now consider it to be my “second home.”
Aso-Kuju National Park, Kumamoto
I encourage everyone to take some time to visit Kumamoto while traveling in Japan. The prefecture boasts some of the best onsen hot springs in the country. Aso-Kuju National Park is one of the natural wonders of the world, with its giant ancient crater that is so large that an entire volcano and six towns exist inside of it (I lived in one of them!). Kumamoto Castle is one of the three finest castles in Japan. Beautiful parks and gardens, beaches and mountains, history and culture, Kumamoto has it all!
If you are a JET alum from Kumamoto, I encourage you to join the LinkedIn Group for Kumamoto JET alumni here. In fact, I encourage all alumni to join their prefecture’s LinkedIn Group. You can find yours here. It’s a great way to stay connected with other alumni from your prefecture.
I’m glad JET alumni had a chance to welcome Governor Kabashima and Kumamon to the U.S. Congratulations on the great success of their first U.S. tour together!
“The Wind Rises is a combination of everything that makes Studio Ghibli as we know it today. It also adds several new elements which make this film dynamic and, some say, controversial.” (Touchstone Pictures)
By Alexis Agliano Sanborn (Shimane-ken, 2009-11) for JQ magazine. Alexis is a graduate of Harvard University’s Regional Studies—East Asia (RSEA) program, and currently works as an executive assistant at Asia Society in New York City.
Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, The Wind Rises is like no Studio Ghibli movie I have ever seen. No. Wait. It’s like every Ghibli movie I have ever seen. You want fantasy? You got it. You want airships à la Castle in the Sky or Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind? You got it. You want deliciously portrayed food? You want nostalgic scenery from bygone days of Tokyo or picturesque European towns? You got that, too. The Wind Rises is a combination of everything that makes Ghibli as we know it today. It also adds several new elements which make this film dynamic and, some say, controversial.
One of the most differentiating factors is that The Wind Rises is the only full-length feature to focus on an actual historical figure—Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A5M, a fighter aircraft of World War II. Granted, Miyazaki used his artistic license to embellish the narrative—but he does that only to make things more beautiful and fantastical. (And that’s why we love Miyazaki, right?)
Watching The Wind Rises, you feel repeatedly—and indeed the entire plot more or less focuses on—Japan’s desperation to achieve modernity according to “Western standards.” But modernization was not a smooth road, and Miyazaki makes that message clear. Despite the beautiful veneer, the crux of this film lies in the frustration of a country and its people. Economic deflation, poverty, and limited resources repeatedly arise as roadblocks. (This may explain part of the reason for its amazing popularity in Japan. Frustrations, impatience and desperation exist within every generation.) Yet, as Jiro is reminded, even with setbacks and disappointments, one must live on and progress despite it all.
Job: International Account Rep – Japan & Korea – at Nova Tech Engineering (MN)
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Just received this very JET-relevant listing 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: International Account Representative – Japan and Korea
Type: Full-Time
Location: Willmar, MN
Overview:
Rapidly growing engineering firm located in central Minnesota seeking individual for installation and maintenance of NTE’s innovative automated poultry processing equipment, end-user training, and process validation. Read More
Job: JETAA Chicago Career Workshop
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Via the JETAA Chicago website. 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:
JETAA Chicago Career Workshop and Networking Event – Saturday, 11/09/2013
http://jetaachicago.com/archives/annual-career-development-workshop-november-9
On Saturday, November 9, 2013, JETAA Chicago will host its annual Career Workshop and Networking Event. The event will be held at the Japan Information Center (737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60611). The event will start at 2:30 PM.
We’ve lined up a few great speakers to talk about a range of topics for job-seekers, mid-career professionals, and anyone looking to hone valuable skills including: resume and professional writing, networking and effectively utilizing LinkedIn.
First up is Charlotte Weeks, an executive career coach and resume writer who specializes in helping leaders find their passion and land at the top. As a featured author of “101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career” and “I Want a Job in an Association – Now What?? A Guide to Getting a Job in a Professional Association, Membership Organization, or Society,” she regularly gives presentations and conducts career development training sessions.
The second session will feature experts R. David Rahn and Larry New with their presentation “LinkedIn, What’s That Noise?” Mr. Rahn and Mr. New will walk us through discovering, learning and understanding how to best utilize LinkedIn. They will share their strategies for using LinkedIn to leverage your professional network for professional development, job seeking, and networking.
A wine and cheese networking reception will immediately follow the presentations. The event is free of charge and all are welcome to attend. Put your networking skills to good practice by meeting other professionals and members of the community.
For more information, contact JETAA Chicago President Wesley Julian at president @ jetaachicago.com.
Hope to see you there!
Job: University Relations Coordinator, Middlebury College (VT)
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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: University Relations Coordinator
Posted by: Int’l Prog & Off-Campus Study, Middlebury College
Location: Middlebury, VT
Salary: $38,341 minimum
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2013.
Overview:
The University Relations Coordinator recruits students for and markets the C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad, Middlebury Language Schools, as well as Middlebury School of the Environment and Bread Loaf School of English, whenever possible; maintains and cultivates relationships with staff and faculty from sending and partner institutions; represents Middlebury College, the C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad and Language Schools at various conferences and international opportunity events.
