Jun 23

Job: Director of Education at Japan Society (NY)

Via the Japan Society website:

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

http://japansociety.org/content.cfm/employment

Reporting to the President, the Director of Education oversees all aspects of Japan Society’s Education Program. Key programs include the recently launched Japan Society Junior Fellows Student Exchange Program and Going Global, a social networking program connecting students in Japan, the United States, and additional nations, as well as a rich suite of professional development programs, online curriculum development, and student and family programs. The Director is responsible for all aspects of the program, including fundraising. The position requires travel to Japan and extensive communication with Japanese partners. For more details regarding the Education Program, please visithttps://www.japansociety.org/page/programs/education_family.

Essential duties include:

Read More


Jun 22

Jobs: Program Coordinator positions available at the Japan Foundation (Sydney, AU)

Thanks to Sharon Van Etten for sharing this posting. 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: Program Coordinator (3 available positions)
Posted by: Japan Foundation
Type: N/A
Location: Sydney, AU
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A

Overview:
There are currently 3 Program Coordinator positions available at the Japan Foundation in Sydney. See their website for details.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/jetaanswgroup/?ref=ts&fref=ts


Jun 22

WIT Life #237: Cincinnati chili and sister cities

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 together with her own observations.

My current work brings me to Cincinnati, Ohio for the first time, so of course I sought out what Japanese connections exist.  During my morning run along the Ohio River, I passed through the waterfront Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park.  Its entrance is marked by a colorful sculpture announcing the name of the park in various languages, but unfortunately the Japanese one reads 「フレンドシッ」, missing its final プ.

It’s divided into different sections for each region of the world, so while there is not one for Japan itself, there is one for all of Asia.  In this area, the walkway is marked by 菊 (kiku or chrysanthemum) and what looks like various crests.  From what I could see on the website, it seems like there are sakura that Read More


Jun 21

JET alum finds culinary success with Ramen Shop in Oakland, CA

Thanks to JETAA Northern California Vice-President Mark Frey (Kumamoto-ken, 2002-06) for sharing the following:

At our JETAA Northern California Oakland Ramen Nite tonight, I found out that Jerry (“JJ”) Jaksich, one of the owners/chefs of Ramen Shop, was a JET! (possibly Ebestsu, Hokkaido)

Ramen Shop is getting a ton of buzz in the Bay Area because three alumni of the legendary Chez Panisse started the restaurant. Wait times for table are often an hour. Here are some recent articles about Jerry and Ramen Shop:

Review/overview of Ramen Shop:
http://www.sfgate.com/restaurants/diningout/article/Ramen-Shop-a-hot-spot-in-Oakland-4301369.php

Interview with Jerry about his “ramen epiphany” experience in Japan:
http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/2012/09/06/ramen-shop-guys-talk-epic-bowls-japan-experiences-and-local-ramen/

A newsletter with an interview Jerry did with a local izakaya master in 2007, while on JET I assume (scroll down):
http://www.city.ebetsu.hokkaido.jp/kokusai/files/Everyday%20Ebetsu%20No.3.pdf

Blog about the Japanese noodle maker they use:
http://umamimart.com/2012/10/richmen-ramen-shops-noodle-making-machine-from-japan/


Jun 19

Thanks to JET alum Josh Moore (Kagoshima-ken, 2010-12 for sharing this posting. 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: Business Development Agent-Asia
Posted by: The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KCED)
Type: N/A
Location: Frankfort, Kentucky
Salary: N/A
Start Date: August 15, 2013

Overview:
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KCED) is seeking an experienced and qualified individual who can promote Kentucky as a location for business investment to firms throughout Asia. The candidate will be expected to perform the services outlined in this Request for Proposals (RFP).  The selected individual will report to the Commissioner of the Department for Business Development, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development or his designee and will have a primary office based in Japan.

Purpose and Background
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KCED) is seeking an experienced and qualified individual who can promote Kentucky as a location for business investment to firms throughout Asia. The candidate will be expected to perform the services outlined in this Request for Proposals (RFP).  The selected individual will report to the Commissioner of the Department for Business Development, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development or his designee and will have a primary office based in Japan. Read More


Jun 19

Job: Japanese Consulate in NY seeks Japanese national staff member

Via The Consulate General of Japan in New York. 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: Consular and Visa department staff member (Japanese national)
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Type: N/A
Location: New York
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A

Overview:
The Consulate General of Japan in New York is looking for a Japanese national to work in our consular and visa department.  Please refer to our website for further details: http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jp/html/index.html.


Jun 19

Job: Study Abroad Program Assistant for Japanese Students (Seattle)

Via PNW JETAA. 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:  Study Abroad Program Assistant for Japanese Students
Posted by: ICC (International Cross-cultural Committee)
Type: Part-time
Location: Seattle Downtown
Salary: $13-15 per hour (DOE)
Start Date: N/A

Overview:
International Cross-Cultural Committee (ICC) is an international study consulting company, with headquarters located in Tokyo, offering an array of international exchange programs. ICC’s commitment to excellence and unique approach to exchange study programs earns the trust of over one thousand participants annually.

Essential Functions
– Provide academic, non-academic, immigration and career advising to Japanese students (high school, college and professionals)
– Lead student orientations and workshops for Japanese students
– Provide student activity support for various short-term programs
– Provide general office support Read More


Jun 19

World’s Only 50kw OTEC Plant in Okinawa

Posted by Benjamin Martin, a 5th year JET on Kume Island in Okinawa, publisher of the blog MoreThingsJapanese.com and author of the award-winning YA fantasy series Samurai Awakening (Tuttle).

IMG_8812_1June 16th marked the beginning of power generation at Kume Island‘s Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Power Plant with a ceremony and visiting dignitaries from around Japan and the world.  The newly completed OTEC power plant will be able to generate up to 50kWs of electricity from a turbine driven by the difference in warm surface sea water and cold deep sea water.

IMG_9149This station is the only power generating OTEC facility of its kind in the world.   While OTEC is not a new idea and different countries are now studying its possibilities, this is the first step towards creating an effective market for the future.  In addition to power, the mineral rich deep-sea waters used by the plant can be used in a variety of industries, making the entire process more efficient and beneficial.  The station is part of the Okinawa Prefecture Deep Sea Water Research Institute, and as the goal of the institute is to research the deep-sea water, the power plant’s primary role will be as a research and educational tool. Its construction has been part of a continuing dialog on clean energy between Kume Island, Okinawa, and the National Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority and their OTEC project, but was designed and built under advisement from Saga University’s Institute of Ocean Energy.

IMG_9225

The ceremony marked the official start of power generation after initial testing and the first power generated in March of this year.  Starting at ten in the morning, visitors were invited to the Research Institute Grounds to view the OTEC plant, sample some of the many products made with deep-sea water, and enjoy entertainment by artists from local to abroad.  The open fair was followed by a half-hour ceremony with speeches and messages that ended with the pushing of the ‘start’ button. Special guests included:

  • Aiko Shimajiri – Parliamentary Secretary of Cabinet Office and Ministry of Reconstruction from the House of Councilors
  • Akikazu Shimoji – Okinawa Commerce and Labor Department Industrial Development Supervising Officer
  • Yoshihisa Kawakami – The Okinawan Vice-Governor
  • Alfred Mageleby – Consul General form the American Consulate General Naha
  • Nonaka Tomoyo – Director of the Gaia Initiative 
  • Mark McGuffie – Managing Director of Enterprise Honolulu
  • Gregory Barbour – Executive Director of NELHA

IMG_9707These guests were all involved in different aspects of promoting the OTEC project on Kume Island in communicating with the Hawaii OTEC program.  This historic achievement will have an important role in the local economy and development of Kume Island and will be a key test of this clean energy technology for institutions around the world.

IMG_9463The official events ended with a reception before the nearby visitor’s center where more performances took place and several speakers were invited to share their thoughts on the OTEC start and future of the program. Keynote speaker Nonaka Tomoyo surprised Kume Island Mayor Taira with a proposal for creating free WiFi on the island, which the mayor was just able to avoid commenting on.  Though it was a positive proposal, the Mayor is limited in the ways he can promote growth on the small island.  Luckily, organizations like Gaia Initiative and the sister-city partnership with Hawaii County are providing knowledge and political support to help Kume Island grow technologically and economically.

The celebration will continue Monday with talks by people involved with OTEC.  The continued dialog between interested parties promotes new ideas and the sharing of vital information.

For the future, project supporters hope that the power plant will justify the creation of a new deep water pipeline and expanded capacity generators which will allow for more industries and power.  Both Hawaii and Kume Island will continue to communicate and share information that will help the different projects create new opportunities for efficient use of the deep-sea water and OTEC power.

Visit MoreThingsJapanese.com for more pictures from the event and more on OTEC power.


Jun 19

JET Alum Journalists: Restaurant Profile — Sakagura in NYC

Below is a link to a piece on New York’s storied sake bar Sakagura  in today’s Village Voice. Written by JET alum James Foley (Fukushima-ken, Iwaki-shi, 2007-10).

http://www.villagevoice.com/2013-06-19/restaurants/sakagura/


Jun 19

Job: Part-time opening at Boston University CELOP

Thanks to Boston-based JET alum Spencer Hitchner for sharing this posting. 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: Administrative Assistant
Posted by: Boston University
Type: Part-time
Location: Boston, MA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A

Overview:
We are looking for a part-time administrative assistant at Boston University CELOP to work for approximately 6-8 months. The position requires about 30 hours per week.

For information about CELOP, here is our website: http://www.bu.edu/celop

The Admissions Administrative Assistant is a part-time position that provides support to CELOP’s Admissions department. Key responsibilities include processing applications, responding to emails, providing customer support to students, and answering phones. This person will need to become familiar with certain immigration policies, document regulations, CELOP program information, and general BU information. This position works extensively with Filemaker Pro, Microsoft Office suite, and CELOP’s online application. International experience or experience working with international students is preferred.

Anyone interested can contact me, Spencer Hitchner, for more information at hitchner@bu.edu  and I will help pass along resumes for anyone interested.


Jun 19

JQ Magazine: Kyushu Battenkai – Sharing a Common Love of Japan with the JETAANY Community

At right, Governor Hodo Nakamura of Nagasaki Prefecture with Kyushu Battenkai members in New York, September 2012. (Mark Flanagan)

At right, Governor Hodo Nakamura of Nagasaki Prefecture with JET alumna Christy Jones and Kyushu Battenkai members, New York, September 2012. (Mark Flanigan)

 

By Mark Flanigan (Nagasaki-ken, 2000-04) for JQ magazine. Mark is a program director with The Japan ICU Foundation in New York. Prior to his current position, he was a Rotary Peace Fellow at International Christian University in Tokyo.

The JET Alumni Association of New York is fortunate to benefit from the diversity of such a major metropolitan area like greater NYC. As JET alumni, the members also have the pleasure of joining in with various events and activities with other Japan-related organizations. One of the most active of these organizations over the past few years is the Kyushu Battenkai. JETAANY members have been fortunate to be able to enjoy many get-togethers with them here in the city.

What is Kyushu Battenkai? It’s a very friendly and casual New York civic-based organization that was founded in 1997. Unlike many more formal Japanese organizations, they have no membership fee or official application process. They communicate with their approximately 150 members primarily by email as well as with updates on their website, which was launched in 2007.

The organization was started by a small group of New York-based Japanese people primarily from Nagasaki and Saga Prefectures. They later expanded to include people from all over Kyushu, and have added more activities over the years. They used to celebrate with just the Bonnenkai and Shinnenkai events, but now include about five events throughout the year, including festive spring and summer festival parties and, more recently, exciting jointly planned events with JETAANY.

Read More


Jun 18

Job: Program Coordinator for High School Exchange Program (Seattle)

Via PNW JETAA.  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: Program Coordinator for High School Exchange Program
Posted by: NorthWest Student Exchange
Type: Full-Time
Location: Seattle
Salary: DOE
Start Date: N/A

Overview:
NorthWest Student Exchange is looking for a capable and dedicated person to work in NWSE’s headquarters in the University District of Seattle as part of a team supporting international high school student exchange.

NWSE is a non-profit organization that sponsors high school exchange students from all over the world to study in America, primarily on J-1 visas. NWSE also supports American students studying abroad.

For more information on NWSE, go to http://www.nwse.com/

For more information on the job and to apply, follow the instructions below:
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Jun 17

Job: Executive Assistant – Fujisankei Communications International

Via JETAA UK. 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: Executive Assistant
Posted by: Fujisankei Communications International (FCI)
Type: N/A
Location: Central London
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A

Overview:
Fujisankei Communications International (FCI) is a subsidiary company to Fujisankei Communications Group, the largest media company in Japan. It is perhaps best known for its TV network, Fuji TV, Japan’s largest commercial broadcaster.

The PA position at FCI is a unique role, in which aside from your administrative duties, you have opportunities to assist in various media projects.

The PA’s main responsibility is to assist the General Manager with his daily needs, which includes briefing him on current affairs, booking appointments and organising his expenses.

You will also have the chance to work with the Business Development manager and one of our production’s executive producers. With experience, you will have the chance to work as a production assistant and filming coordinator on a range of projects.

Personal specifications

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • High level of accuracy, organisation, flexibility and attention to detail
  • Candidates must be able to take the initiative and be good self-starters with a strong interest in the media
  • Advanced Japanese language ability, both spoken and written, is essential.

If you have not heard from us within 14 days of applying for the position, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Application Requirements: Please send CV and covering letter
Closing Date: Friday 21 June 2013
Contact Name: Jane Burdekin jane@fci-london.com


Jun 17

Let’s Talk Japan, Episode 12 – Japan Summer Reading Recommendations

 

Let’s Talk Japan is a twice 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.

Looking for a good summer read?  Check out Episode 12 of the Let’s Talk Japan podcast to hear recommendations from members of the J Book Club of Washington, DC.  Enjoy!

Nick

small dot

 

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.


Jun 16

Welcome to JET Talks, by JETAADC – Live Your Dream Q&A

JETtalks

 

 

JET Talks is a brand new speaker series organized by the JET Program Alumni Association of Washington, DC.  JET Talks is modeled after the TED Talks concept and will feature dynamic and interesting speakers with the goal of inspiring innovative ideas and conversations on Japan-related themes.  Although JET Talks audio files will be accessible via the Let’s Talk Japan podcast subscription feed, the two are separate entities.  However, our goals are the same – to get people talking and thinking about Japan.

Shauna Tischler, came up with the idea of JET Talks and currently serves as JETAADC’s Thought Leadership Chair.  From 2000-2003, Shauna worked as an Assistant Language Teacher on the JET Program in Gifu Prefecture.  Special recognition is also owed to Leigh Ann Mastrini, the current President of JETAADC, and the Japan Information and Cultural Center of Washington, DC, for hosting the first JET Talks event.

Regular listeners of the Let’s Talk Japan podcast will recall that in Episode 11, host Nick Harling spoke with Regge Life about making the film Live Your Dream, chronicling the lives of JET Program participants Taylor Anderson and Montgomery Dickson, who passed away in the March 11, 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Regge was recently in Washington, DC, along with Taylor’s father, Andy Anderson, and Montgomery’s sister, Shelly Frederickson, to speak at the first JET Talks event – a screening and panel discussion of the film Live Your Dream.  More than 120 guests were in attendance and the event was a huge success.

For anyone who has not seen Live Your Dream, I encourage you to listen to Let’s Talk Japan episode 11, as it provide a good overview of the film.

In this JET Talks, you will first hear introductory remarks from the event organizers and panelists, followed by the panel discussion, which followed the screening.

You can listen to this first installment of JET Talks by subscribing to the Let’s Talk Japan podcast in iTunes or by clicking HERE.

 


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