JET alum publishes new book on corporal punishment and discipline in Japan’s schools
Academic, Books, JET Alum Author Beat, LifeAfterJET, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Writers 
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Thanks to AJET Chair Kay Makishi for passing along info about this interesting new book by Aaron Miller (Ehime-ken, 2002-04).
About the Author (via Amazon.com):
Aaron L. Miller, PhD is Assistant Professor and Hakubi Scholar at Kyoto University, affiliated with the Graduate School of Education, and Visiting Scholar, Stanford University Center on Adolescence. His academic research explores the relationships between education, sports, discipline and culture. His website is www.aaronlmiller.com.
About the Book:
This book is about the many “discourses of discipline” that encircle the issue of “corporal punishment” (taibatsu). These discourses encompass the ways that people discuss discipline and the patterns of rhetoric of what discipline should be, as well as what discipline signifies. By scrutinizing these discourses of discipline, this work disentangles the allegedly intimate ties between culture, discipline, and pedagogy in Japanese schools and sports.
For more information on this monograph, including how to order it,please visit http://ieas.berkeley.edu/publications/jrm17.html
Full IEAS catalogue: http://ieas.berkeley.edu/publications/catalogue.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Discourses-Discipline-Anthropology-Punishment-Monograph/dp/1557291055
Reviews (via Amazon)
Corporal punishment of children by teachers and coaches is a widespread practice in many countries, but especially in Japan, where it has become a front-page issue involving Olympic athletes. Miller explores this issue both historically and in contemporary practices and analyzes how various discourses regrading disciplinary actions have shaped Japanese understandings of their ‘educational reality.’ To understand this phenomenon, Miller rejects Ruth Benedict’s culturalist theory and, instead, places physical discipline (taibatsu) in the contect of Michel Foucault’s theory of violence and power, offering an incisive analysis of a complex issue. —Harumi Befu, professor emeritus, Stanford University
An intriguing and well-written analysis on molding character in Japanese schools and sports through the widespread use of corporal punishment. Miller frames his discussion in the contexts of Japanese cultural ideals about discipline, toughness, and self-improvement, as well as in Japanese perceptions of such forms of discipline as something uniquely Japanese. This book is an important contribution to understanding the social and cultural dynamics of core institutions in contemporary Japan. —Theodore C. Bestor, Harvard University
Corporal punishment as a discipline of pain and an abuse of adult authority is a troubling presence in Japanese classrooms and sports fields. This is an insightful and wide-ranging analysis that overturns simple judgments with a nuanced exploration of the historical development, sociocultural locations, and heated national discourse on corporal punishment in modern Japan. It is a significant contribution to our understanding of Japanese education and sports, and it is an original anthropological perspective on how we might theorize power in Japanese society. – —William W. Kelly, Yale University
Let’s Talk Japan Podcast, Episode 16 – It’s all about the sake´ at Seattle’s Sake´ Nomi
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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 Johnnie Stroud, the owner of Sake´ Nomi, a premium sake´ shop and tasting bar in Seattle, Washington. Together they discuss how Johnnie discovered sake´, what motivated him to open a business specializing in sake´, and why you should be drinking more sake´, preferably bought from Sake´ Nomi!
Kanpai!
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.
I’ll Make It Myself: New Resource: Food Substitutions for Cooking and Baking in Japan
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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 also 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.
Throughout my four years in Japan, I had to figure out solutions to issues with ingredient availability and cooking equipment to be able to eat the food I wanted. I’ve just started a new resource with some of my tips for what to substitute and what to make at home. Some of them seem really obvious, but they weren’t to me at the time.
Job: Executive Director for World Boston (Boston)
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Thanks to New England JETAA‘s Jason Currier and Christina Omori for passing in this very interesting opening. It seems that the World Boston Executive Director position is vacant because JET alum Bill Clifford (Shizuoka-ken, 1987-89) has left it to take a new position as President of the World Affairs Councils of America in D.C. According to Jason and Christina, Bill had participated in a number of events with NEJTAA and the Boston Consulate over the years. 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 Director
Posted by: WorldBoston
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Type: Full-Time
Salary: Commensurate with Experience and Ability
Overview:
This position, a highly visible platform in Boston, reports directly to the Board of Directors. The successful candidate will be entrepreneurial, energetic, and a strategic thinker – one who will provide vision and creative leadership to advance the mission of WorldBoston. The successful candidate will: expand WorldBoston’s programming and outreach to the organization’s members and the public; strengthen its civic presence and brand; cultivate relationships with local, national, and international stakeholders.
Requirements:
- Leadership: 7+ years as Executive Director/CEO, COO, or Development Executive with strong record of providing leadership to complex organizations that serve people with interests in international and current affairs. Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors and leading strategic planning efforts strongly preferred. Collaborative, inclusive team-based management style. Talent for mentoring younger professional staff to develop them as leaders.
- Fundraising: Demonstrated ability to grow organizational revenues by identifying and securing private support as well as increasing public funding. Experience in grant writing, annual fund campaigns, corporate and foundation gifts, fundraising events, and planned-giving efforts.
- Fiscal management:High degree of business and financial acumen. Experience in effectively managing annual operating budgets of $500K+ and expanding organizational capacity. Solid understanding of federal grant funds, including their management, reporting, and compliance requirements, is preferred. Read More
Job: Sales and Marketing Position at Actus Consulting Group (NY)
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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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Posted by: Actus Consulting
Location: White Plains, NY
Type: Full-Time
Salary: 40-50K with Benefits
Overview:
The candidate will be involved in the sales and marketing activities of plastics additives and resins, mainly for North American. There’s also a possibility for some South American exposure. He/she will be required to travel 35% of the time to visit clients and find new customers.
Requirements:
- Recent college graduates with less than 2 years of experience.
- Chemical/ polymers background is a BIG plus.
- Japanese language skill is not required but a plus.
Application Instructions:
(If you apply, please make sure to indicate that you learned of the listing via JETwit.)
【RocketNews24】Ninja language skills: Boost your Japanese with the power of onomatopoeia
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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.
There are in fact three distinct types of onomatopoeia in the Japanese language: 擬声語 giseigo, 擬音語 giongo and 擬態語 gitaigo.
It rarely appears in beginner or intermediate textbooks, but spend a day with any native Japanese speaker and you’ll soon realise that onomatopoeia is a vital part of the language. Utterances such as, “The rain fell like ‘pssshaaaa’” and, “My heart was going ‘boom boom boom’ the whole time!” may come across as a little ineloquent when said in English, but in Japanese these kinds of mimetic words are not only considered perfectly acceptable, but pop up absolutely everywhere.
So if you’ve ever wondered what sound a Japanese pig makes, how best to describe a rolling boulder as opposed to a tiny marble, or would be perplexed if a doctor asked whether the pain you’re feeling is more shikushiku than kirikiri, now’s your chance to hone your language skills and add a few new words to your Japanese vocabulary!
Posted by Albert David Valderrama (Ibaraki-ken, 2010-present), JET Programme ALT/PA, co-founder and National Co-Representative of API AJET, and Editor of @API.
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Issue #003 of the Asian Pacific Islander AJET special interest group’s webzine, “@API“, is out now! Click the image below to read the full issue.
@API Issue #003
What is “@API“?
“@API” is a web-based magazine put together by contributors and members of the Asian Pacific Islander Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching (API AJET).
What is “API AJET“?
Asian Pacific Islander AJET (API AJET) was created during the summer of 2012 following many talks about the specific issues the API community faces.
This special interest group (SIG) aims to create a supportive environment for all APIs living in Japan. We also hope to increase awareness about API issues and incite dialogue among curious JETs and non-JETs. Furthermore, API AJET hopes to act as a tangible resource for anyone interested in understanding an API’s unique perspective (as a foreigner) in Japan.
The group is open to all. Join to share, discuss, and learn about the API experience. Membership is free!
For more information go to our website at api.ajet.net, email us at api[at]ajet.net, or find API AJET on Facebook and Google+.
Life After JET: Food for Thought by James Foley
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Recently posted to the JETAA Oceania Facebook group by Eden Law:
The JET Programme has lead to many opportunities and careers, sometimes rather unexpectedly. This is part of a series of articles by former JETs about their lives after participating on the programme, and how it has shaped their careers and paths. We hope that it will prove useful as an insight for potential applicants into what we as ex-JETs got from our experience, and maybe provide some nostalgic memories for others. Please feel free to contact us if you want to write about your own experience!
Our next article in our Life After JET series comes from James A. Foley. A former Iwaki-shi, Fukushima-ken JET (2007-2010), James met his wife (who was also a JET) on the JET Programme and has successfully carved out a career as a reviewer and critic of New York’s Japanese food scene for the famous Village Voice publication. James is also quite handy with the camera, and his blog contains his writing, articles and photography. A little known fact is that he’s totally metal on the shamisen.
This August marks the third year since I finished my time on JET; I have officially been gone from Japan for as long as I was there. Looking back now over my time on JET, the connections between the Japan experience and my work as a professional journalist are abundantly clear.
Prior to packing up life and moving from the middle of America to Iwaki City on the coast of Fukushima, I worked as a news reporter for a daily newspaper in suburban Kansas City, Mo. While I was in Japan I continued to write and hone my journalism skills, but mainly just for a blog I kept for my own records.
Towards the end of my JET tenure I had no life plan or job prospects. Read More
Life After JET: Take Pride in Your Choices
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Check this excerpt from blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12)!
Decision-Making
Two years ago I made a choice. Having to choose can suck.
I was working a comfy teaching gig overseas. The good was good. I didn’t have any problems with my co-workers. In my third year, the kids were probably the best I’d ever seen. I remember there was a point in time I even thought I loved my job. But as time went on something felt “off.”
Some people talk about a “calling.” Well, I felt something along the lines of moving on to “bigger and better.”
Read the rest at BostonUrbanNews.com
WIT Life #249: 小東京
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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.
Marugame Monzo’s insanely rich uni cream sauce udon!
My interpreting travels find me in Los Angeles, where of course I made a stop at 小東京 (shou Toukyou, or little Tokyo). I enjoyed the legendary umami-packed uni cream sauce udon at Marugame Monzo, which opened this past spring. It is located right by the ever popular ramen joint Daikokuya and specializes in sanuki udon from Shikoku, handmade at the restaurant. The menu features traditional items as well, but its appeal lies in more unconventional offerings such as vongole udon and quattro cheese udon.
I am a huge uni fan but not so much of cream sauce, so wasn’t sure how I would take to the dish as it seemed excessively creamy. But you only live once so I decided to give it a try. Surprisingly, it was just the right amount of creamy! Certainly not something you would want to eat every day or even every week, but there was a nice balance between the uni and the cream and it was not as heavy as you might think. I somehow managed to finish the whole thing, a feat I didn’t think was possible upon first glance. Bottom line: if you are an uni lover and can deal with something relatively creamy, I think you will enjoy it.
My hotel is actually in Santa Monica this time, and I was excited to find about the existence of Read More
Job: Assistant Director – University of Cincinnati Univeristy Honors Program (Ohio)
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Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Assistant Director
Posted by: University of Cincinnati
Type: full time
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Application open until position is filled.
Job Summary:
Coordinate UHP faculty-led short-term study abroad and study tour programs (11 currently planned for 2013-14); collaborate with faculty; manage all aspects of planning and implementation, including (but not limited to) travel arrangements, marketing, application and enrollment processes, financial processes, etc.
Manage enrollment and other statistics for the UHP; liaise with Institutional Research; compile a variety of statistics and reports as needed, including annual profile report; conduct student surveys and program evaluations; run complex reports in BI-query as needed.
Assist in management of UHP admission process; liaise with the Office of Admission to coordinate the freshman admission process (while Admissions manages the process, this UHP staff member serves as the liaison and works closely with the Assistant Director in Admissions who oversees the process); manage all aspects of the UHP transfer and transition student admission processes.
Collaborate with UCIT to manage the development of the UHP student database. Teach sections of Gateway to University Honors as needed. Other duties as assigned.
Job: Time sensitive! Program Assistant at George Washington Univeristy Study Center (Washington D.C.)
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Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Administrative Assistant
Posted by: GW Study Center
Hours: full time
Location: Washington D.C.
Salary: $36,000 – $38,000
Application Deadline: 19 September 2013
Overview:
Founded in 1821, George Washington University (GW) is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia, to include ten academic units, with a full-time equivalent enrollment of a little over 20,000 students and approximately 11,000 full-time and part-time employees (faculty and staff). The George Washington University is a community dedicated to learning, communication,respect, service and teamwork. As one of the largest private employers in the District of Columbia, the university seeks employees who support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the university.
Job Duties:
- Application processing, transfer credit, and maintenance of student files
- Provider liaison and Study Abroad Fair and Week organizer
- Communication and outreach
- Pre-departure orientation; Deliver pre-departure presentations
- Update content on website and StudioAbroad as necessary
- Performs other work related duties as assigned
Job: Intensive English Program Director position, University of Kentucky
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Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Director
Posted by: Center for English as a Second Language, University of Kentucky
Contract: 11 month, indefinitely renewable
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Salary: nationally competitive salary and benefits
Starting Date: 1 January 2014
Overview:
The Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) at the University of Kentucky seeks a dynamic, creative, and visionary director for the Intensive English Program (IEP). Successful candidates will have leadership experience in university-based intensive English programs; experience with CEA accreditation or review processes preferred. Candidates will hold an MA in TESL, Applied Linguistics, Language Education, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred but not required). The ideal candidate will have established expertise in curriculum development, language assessment, and teacher professional development.
Benjamin Martin at the Japan Writers Conference
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Benjamin Martin (Okinawa, 2008-13), author of the award-winning YA fantasy series Samurai Awakening (Tuttle) and blogger at MoreThingsJapanese.com, will be among the presenters at the 2013 Japan Writers Conference to be held Nov. 2-3 in Okinawa. Here’s the official description of his presentation, titled “Getting Published When You Live On An Island”:
This will be an overview of my experience getting published while living on an island with a total population of 550 people, and what I learned along the way that will help perspective authors and those still finding their way while living in Japan.
I will outline my journey into the publishing world while living on Kitadaito and Kumejima Islands in Okinawa, including the successes and pitfalls I found along the way. I will talk about the processes I used to write, the friends and resources that helped me refine my work, and things I wish I had known back then. I will touch on the predatory tactics of companies and resources for avoiding them, and also on the benefits of contests such as the ABNA. I will delve into my experience working without an agent, the pros and cons, and the opportunity I found with Tuttle Publishing, the benefits and trials of working with a smaller press. Finally, I’ll cover marketing from Japan, with ways I found to connect with the writing community. I will end with time for questions and/or discussion.
For details on the Japan Writers Conference, visit http://www.japanwritersconference.org/
To learn more about Benjamin, visit http://samuraiawakening.com/author/
Postings from Idealist.org 9.15.13
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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.
Community Manager, Travel and Tourism
Posted by: World Economic Forum USA
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Not Specified
Application Deadline: November 8, 2013
The World Economic Forum’s Aviation & Travel Industry Partnership Programme is seeking a Community Manager, responsible for growing the hospitality and tourism sub-sectors of this industry community for content development and for maintaining relationships with senior executives in the industry. Master’s degree in economics, development, international relations or MBA.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/7DJzXKj6tJNp
Publications and Public Relations Coordinator
Posted by: Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Not Specified
Application Deadline: Not Specified
The Publications and Public Relations Coordinator is responsible for overall communications and public relations for the Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University. The incumbent reports to the Director and Executive Director of the Institute. B.A. or equivalent required; M.A. in public affairs/East Asian studies highly preferred. Must have at least two years experience in related work in publishing/marketing and in administration.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/BsjJzWjBKc2D
Events and Administrative Associate, Education
Posted by: Asia Society
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Competitive
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Asia Society, a prestigious, global, educational and cultural non-profit seeks an Events and Administrative Associate, Education, to develop youth to be globally competent citizens, workers, and leaders by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world. The right candidate will have demonstrated passion about Asia Society’s purpose of building capacity and understanding of people and institutions to foster creativity, innovation and well-being; specifically in education s/he will be highly interested in working to close the achievement gap and create college-ready, globally competent students.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/34nKwcw8BFW8d
(Click on the “Read More” link for more job descriptions)
