Justin’s Japan: Japan Society Serves Up Summer Film Festival
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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.
Summer’s here, and that means a new season of JAPAN CUTS: The New York Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema, running at Japan Society from July 11-21.
Now in its seventh year, JAPAN CUTS offers 25 titles, all of which are a mix of New York, U.S. and International premieres. Highlights include the smash-hit samurai blockbuster Rurouni Kenshin, the multi-Japan Academy Prize-winning The Kirishima Thing, and the latest horror film from Takashi Miike, Lesson of the Evil.
“In contrast with the past few years, the selection of titles for JAPAN CUTS is much leaner, and more focused on art house productions and film oddities, though there is still a number of ‘mainstream’ crowd-pleasers in the lineup,” says Japan Society’s chief film programmer Samuel Jamier. “Rather than a ‘best-of’ list, this year’s crop brings a block of dark matter, and provides an unblinking look at the dark side of Japan.”
Co-presented with the New York Asian Film Festival (which itself is now in its 12th year), JAPAN CUTS has attracted over 30,000 filmgoers and presented over 150 feature films—many never before seen in the U.S.—as well as a number of panels, post-screening parties, and exclusive Q&As with filmmakers and actors. Past guests have included Koji Yakusho, Masami Nagasawa, and Sora Aoi.
For a complete listing of films and appearances, visit www.japansociety.org/japan-cuts-2013.
WIT Life #241: The Ravine of Goodbye
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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.
Last night’s Japan Cuts feature film was Tatsushi Omori’s The Ravine of Goodbye, which just received the Special Jury Prize at the Moscow International Film Festival. This movie is based on the book by Shuichi Yoshida (who also wrote the chilling Villain, later made into a 2010 movie), and depicts the life of a couple whose next door neighbor’s young son was found murdered. As the police begin their investigation and reporters start gathering facts for their stories, it becomes revealed that the husband was involved in a gruesome gang rape when he was a college student. As more information is found, the deeper layers are peeled back to reveal the truth of the incident’s aftermath.
There were several scenes that were left a bit vague and I had some unanswered questions while watching, though I have a hunch they could be cleared up by reading the original source material. I thought the movie was really engaging in the first half, but later on as the truth was being uncovered things seemed to slow down almost uncomfortably. I found Omori’s work reminiscent of the recent Sundance miniseries “Top of the Lake,” both theme and pacing wise. Although much of Ravine was disturbing, it is without a doubt a polarizing film that will lead to much discussion, as I heard many disparate reactions from viewers exiting the theater. And for that alone, perhaps it is worth seeing.
WIT Life #240: Japan Cuts 2013: Week 2
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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.
The amazing lineup at Japan Society’s Japan Cuts 2013 continues, and last night I had the chance to catch two films with the themes of loneliness and love. The first movie was I Have to Buy New Shoes, which is set in Paris and features a three-day romance between the main characters Aoi and Sen. The film’s title comes from their initial encounter, in which Aoi tripping over Sen’s passport causes the heel to come off her shoe and his passport to be ripped. She is a longtime resident of France, and he is visiting for the first time with his sister (who has abandoned him to find her boyfriend who is living there). Reminiscent of Celine and Jesse from Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, Aoi and Sen fall into an easy rhythm as they find themselves spending all their moments together.
But with Sen’s departure three days away, there is a deadline to their relationship. Over this short period of time, they become close enough to confide in each other about Read More
I’ll Make It Myself!: Baudrillard and the Food Truck: Dragon Fest 2013
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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.
New Rice Cooker Chronicles submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
One of the aspects I hadn’t anticipated as much regarding my culture shock expectations was adjusting to Americanized- and fusion Japanese food, especially for foods that I encountered for the first time in Japan. This isn’t to say that American-Japanese food isn’t delicious–quite the contrary–but it can be a bit alarming at times to see sushi rolls cooked tempura-style (why?) or cilantro in your temaki (YES). If nothing else, it serves as a reminder of my relative inexperience with the Japanese home cooking when I left to study abroad in university and the problematic nature of the idea of a food’s authenticity.
Dragon Fest is an annual celebration of pan-Asian cultures held in Seattle’s International District.
Job: Relationship Manager, Vice President (fluent in Japanese) (Boston, MA)
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Thanks to Boston-based JET alum Brian Chiappinelli (who works in the asset management field) for sharing this JET-relevant asset management job listing. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Relationship Manager, Vice President (fluent in Japanese)
Posted by: Eaton Vance Corp.
Type: N/A
Location: Boston, MA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Eaton Vance Corp. is one of the oldest investment management firms in the United States, with a history dating to 1924. Eaton Vance and its affiliates offer individuals and institutions a broad array of investment strategies and wealth management solutions. The Company’s long record of providing exemplary service and attractive returns through a variety of market conditions has made Eaton Vance the investment manager of choice for many of today’s most discerning investors.
Basic Purpose:
Responsible for all aspects of assigned existing client and distribution partner relationships with significant focus in Japan as well as Korea and other locales in Asia (and potentially Australia) working in team based model with new business development, consultant relations and other relationship management professionals. Fluency in Japanese and English and ability to cover part of the Japanese time zone is a requirement. While the primary investment focus of this role will be on floating rate loans it is expected that this individual will have the knowledge to represent other focus investment strategies in client, prospect and consultant meetings as well participate in other speaking events such as conferences and industry events in region. Focus will be on developing detailed client plan to ensure revenue retention and expansion of relationship through cross-selling and ensuring that all day-to-day service, investment related and ad-hoc needs are met. Develops internal partnerships within EV and affiliate organizations to add value to client relationships and further enhance and grow firm presence in assigned region. Read More
Job: NYC PR Firm Seeks Fluent Japanese-Speaking Assistant Account Executive
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Thanks to Lucy Siegel who is the owner of Bridge NY, a small PR firm based in NYC for passing on this jet-relevant listing. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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**Note: If you apply, please mention you learned of the posting via JetWit – Thanks**
Position: Japanese-Speaking Assistant Account Executive
Posted by: Bridge Global Strategies
Type: N/A
Location: New York, NY
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Seeking a recent college graduate with about a year of public relations experience or a new college graduate who has had an internship in PR AND speaks Japanese to join our staff full-time as Assistant Account Executive. While perfection in Japanese is not necessary, the individual we hire must be able to speak, read and write Japanese well enough to communicate with our Japanese clients.
This is an entry-level professional position with great potential for growth. It involves writing in both English and Japanese, media pitching, media list building, event planning and coordination and developing media reports and activity reports for clients. Read More
Job: The Japan Foundation – Associate Program Officer, Japanese Studies (NY)
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Thanks to JET alum Grant Tompkins for passing on this jet-relevant listing. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Associate Program Officer, Japanese Studies
Posted by: The Japan Foundation
Type: N/A
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and full benefits
Start Date: September 25, 2013 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Overview:
Established by the Japanese government in 1972, the mission of The Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other nations.
The Japan Foundation’s activities consist of three major programs:
1) Arts & Cultural Exchange;
2) Japanese-Language Education Overseas;
3) Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange, including The Center for Global Partnership (CGP). Read More
Job: Adjunct Instructor, English As a Second Language (Hoboken, NJ)
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Via Indeed.com. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Adjunct Instructor, English As a Second Language
Posted by: Stevens Institute of Technology
Type: N/A
Location: Hoboken, NJ
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Qualified candidates should have a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or a related field with ESL certification and, at least, 1 -2 years of teaching experience at the collegiate level.
Job Description:
The College of Arts & Letters of Stevens Institute of Technology has multiple adjunct openings in our English Language and Communication (ESL) department for the following courses:
- English Communication I
- English Communication II
- English Communication III
See the Stevens Course Catalog for full description.
http://www.stevens.edu/catalog/
The English Language and Communication program is designed to improve English language proficiency, with specific focus on academic writing, presentations, and pronunciation. Qualified candidates should have a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or a related field with ESL certification and, at least, 1 -2 years of teaching experience at the collegiate level. Read More
I’ll Make It Myself!: Raspberry-Almond Mini Baked Oatmeals
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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.
New Rice Cooker Chronicles submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
Note: if you’re in Japan and sans raspberries, never fear! There are plenty of seasonal and local adaptations.
One of my go-to breakfast recipes is Heidi Swanson’s baked oatmeal (via Lottie & Doof). Extremely versatile, you can swap in any seasonal local fruit you like–in Japan, I often used persimmons, apples, or figs instead of bananas on the bottom; diced apples, raisins, or mikan mixed in when blueberries were out of season; and, best of all, it fit in a moven in a 20×20 cm (8×8 in) pan. The recipe will always remind me of my Kanazawa kitchen.
New JETAA UK Mentoring Scheme
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Via the extremely wonderful JETAA UK website:
New JETAA Mentoring Scheme
JETAA UK is keen to find new ways to help returning JETs with their job search if/when they return to the UK. One popular idea is to set up a mentoring scheme to link returning JETs with other ex-JETs that have already established their careers in the UK.
We are looking for mentors from various working sectors with (in principle) five years work experience post-JET. This is a chance for you to build your leadership skills while giving back to the JET community. Please, please get involved, and pass this on to other ex-JET friends that might be interested.
For possible mentors:
You can sign up to the scheme here:
***Please note your personal information will not be used for any purpose other than the administration of the Mentor Program.***
For returning JETs:
We have a separate sign up sheet for you here:
The deadline for mentor sign-ups is August 30th, 2013. We plan to assign mentors and mentees within two weeks of that date.
*****Also from the JETAA UK website**********
Questionnaire for Careers Networking Events
JETAA UK wants to support JETs with their post-JET careers and provide nationwide professional networking opportunities and JET connect events for its members. In order to do this, we want to know what professional and regional areas you would be interested in and whether you would be willing to help out in any way.
Please fill in this quick questionnaire to help us help you!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-Noev_dsw9Q-NeDAcxQPIOJgf_3QsVTUTP02idrQLmc/viewform
Contact Sarah Parsons, National Careers and Networking Coordinator for more info. on careers@jetaa.org.uk.
Around Japan in 47 curries: Iwate cheese
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Tom Baker (Chiba, 1989-91) is writing a 47-part weekly series of posts on his Tokyo Tom Baker blog, in which he samples and comments on a curry from a different prefecture each week. Here’s an excerpt from his ninth installment, about Iwate Prefecture.
The Choshu Five in London, with Masaru Inoue at center (Public domain photo via Wikimedia Commons)
When I first came to Japan, I found some Koiwai cheese in a supermarket and mistook it for an American product. After all, Kiowa – as I initially misread the name – has an American ring. (The Kiowa are a Native American tribe.)
However, I now know the history of Koiwai cheese – and its unusual name – goes all the way back to the adventures of the Choshu Five, a group of young men who secretly left Japan in 1863 to study in Britain. After their return, they became leading figures in the country’s rapid modernization. One of them, Masaru Inoue, is remembered as “the father of the Japanese railways.”
In 1888, Inoue visited Iwate to inspect the progress of railway construction there. According to the Koiwai website, the volcanic soil and barren-looking windswept terrain struck him as a promising area for ranching…
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.
Director Toshiaki Toyoda (center) with Japan Society Senior Film Program Officer Samuel Jamier (left).
Japan’s Society fabulous film festival Japan Cuts is back and better than ever! The 2013 lineup includes 24 films, some new and some older, all depicting Japanese society in the way that only Japanese cinema can. This year’s festival kicked off last Thursday night with the movie I’M FLASH from Japan Cuts favorite Toshiaki Toyoda. This director has attended previous festivals (2010’s Hanging Garden, 2012’s Monster’s Ball), and he was on hand this year as well to receive an award from Japan Society Senior Film Program Officer, Samuel Jamier (who announced this will be his last year with the festival. His unique, witty introductions to each film will be missed).
Toyoda’s film stars Tatsuya Fujiwara, who appeared in the film Parade featured at Japan Cuts 2010, as the leader Rui of a religious sect called “Life is Beautiful.” Rui has inherited the family business but is becoming disenchanted with it, and his bad behavior leads to a wild night with grave consequences. The film takes place in Okinawa, and the presence of the sea is so prominent that it is almost an additional character. Aside from Rui, we get to know Read More
Job: SNYS Editor (NYC)
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Thanks to JET alum Paul Benson for sharing this jet-relevant job listing. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: SNYS English Page Editor
Posted by: Shukan NY Seikatsu (週刊NY生活)
Type: N/A
Location: New York City
Salary: See below
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
JET alum freelance translator and journalist Paul Benson is seeking a replacement for himself at Shukan New York Seikatsu as he prepares to move on to grad school.
New York Seikatsu Press is looking for an English page editor. The Shukan NY Seikatsu (週刊NY生活) paper has broad readership in the United States and Japan. This position is ideal for someone interested in journalism, editing, and Japanese-English translation. The applicant must be able to commute into New York City once per week.
* Prior professional translation and journalism experience is recommended, but not required. Read More
Job: Assistant News Program Director Japanese TV (DC)
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Thanks to JET alum Nancy Ku for sharing this jet-relevant job listing. Posted by Kim ‘Kay’ Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
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Position: Assistant News Program Director
Posted by: Fuji Television
Type: N/A
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Fuji Television, Japan’s largest commercial television network, through its US subsidiary, Fuji Sankei Communications International, seeks an Assistant News Program Director to assist with daily news coverage in our Washington, DC bureau.
The successful candidate will have a keen interest in international relations, US-Japan relations, the domestic politics of both the United States and Japan, and Japanese culture. He/she will also possess intermediate proficiency in speaking and reading Japanese. In addition, we seek a curious, forward-thinking individual who is able to work effectively under deadline, can digest significant amounts of information quickly, and works well with others. Read More
New website for JETAA New South Wales (formerly JETAA Sydney)
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Posted by Eden Law to the JETAA New South Wales (formerly JETAA Sydney) Facebook group:
So, at long last, we’ve redesigned our website, and it comes with a brand-spanking new URL: www.jetaansw.org (it was www.sydneyjetaa.org before). There will be a lot of cross-promotion and sharing of information between our Facebook Group and our website, including some content that’s exclusive only to either.
We’d love to hear what you think and suggestions about what you’d like to see in the future. Thanks!
