Akita Global Network Blog


Akita Prefecture has been publishing a newsletter for the last few years (which has been posted to JETwit) in an effort to stay connected with the community of foreigners who have lived in Akita. Now it’s a blog, and there’s a way for all current and former Akita denizens to contribute. To learn more contact saito-sayori [at] pref.akita.lg.jp.
Also a reminder you can join the Akita Prefecture JET Alumni group on LinkedIn to connect with other Akita JETs. And here’s the link to see all of the Prectural JET Alumni groups on LinkedIn.
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Akita Global Network Blog
秋田グローバルネットワークブログは、秋田県とゆかりのある外国の方々と継続的なネットワーク関係を維持するために、秋田グローバルネットワークメンバーからの海外情報や、秋田県の旬な情報を共有し発信するブログです!
Akita Global Network aims at maintaining an ongoing relationship between Akita Prefecture and foreign people who have been associated with Akita through international exchange projects, etc. We share information about Akita and foreign countries contributed from Akita Global Network members.
What would doubling the JET Program look like?


A thoughtful post about the implications of an expanded JET Program from the Mutant Frog Travelogue blog. One of the things I like about this piece is that it attempts to concretely think through some of the implications. The other is that it actually factors in different forms of Return On JET-vestment that tend to be brushed aside or ignored in other commentaries or critiques of JET.
What would doubling the JET Program look like?
Here are a few excerpts:
Recent news reports suggest that the LDP is planning to propose doubling the JETProgram in three years and placing JET language assistants in all elementary, middle, and high schools within a decade. There are around 38,000 such schools in Japan, so that’s aLOT of ALTs!
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It also means more “Japan hands,” maybe even double, and this can cut in different ways. I feel like Japan is sorely in need of talented Japanese-to-English translators, so an influx of native English talent that could eventually progress to ace-translator status is a good thing. At the same time, the increased supply in the market could put pressure on prices, and who knows maybe some whipper snapper could come after my job some day.
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From what I gather, the job of an ALT is generally to supplement a Japanese teacher of English by helping with pronunciation and various other tasks. Maybe I just don’t get around enough, but I cannot recall ever hearing someone even try to argue that they are an essential part of the learning process or that what they do has an appreciable benefit to the level of English ability in Japan. I don’t think that is really a problem though because of the program’s other upsides.
On the other hand, what I have heard and experienced is that ALTs can help inspire students to discover the joys and rewards of learning English or encourage them to keep going. I think the value of that should not be underestimated because it is life-changing and the ALTs deserve huge credit for it.
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CLICK HERE to read the full post.
Job: Tokyo Broadcasting System International, Inc. – Associate TV News Producer


Thanks to JET Alum Greg Beck, who works for TBS, for sharing this opening. 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 TV News Producer
Posted by: Tokyo Broadcasting System International, Inc
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: N/A Entry level position with full time and overtime payment
Start Date: As soon as possible
Overview:
The New York News Bureau of Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) is seeking an energetic, professional individual to fill an Associate TV News Producer position. TBS is one of the oldest and largest television and radio broadcasting networks in Japan and broadcasts nationally via 28 affiliate stations. The New York Bureau covers news primarily in the United States for broadcast in Japan. Read More
Job: The Japan-United States Educational Commission – Executive Director


Thanks to JET Alum Carleen Ben for sharing this high level 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: Executive Director
Posted by: The Japan-United States Educational Commission (JUSEC)
Type: N/A
Location: N/A
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Japan-United States Educational Commission (JUSEC) invites applications from experienced American and Japanese citizens for the position of Executive Director beginning on or about March 1, 2014.
Since 1946 over 300,000 people have been awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarships world-wide, which are now offered in over 150 countries. In addition to the Fulbright Program, the Commission administers other exchange activities which align with its core mission. JUSEC operates under a bi-national mission to further educational and cultural exchange between Japan and the United States. Its headquarters are located in Tokyo and funding is provided by the Japanese and United States governments, alumni, and a select group of sponsors. Read More
Job: The Yomiuri Shimbun – Assistant Correspondent


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: Assistant Correspondent
Posted by: The Yomiuri Shimbun
Type: Full-time
Location: London
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Yomiuri Shimbun’s London Bureau is looking for a researcher/assistant for 12 month period.
Job description:
The post involves assisting Japanese journalists with their coverage, including:
* gathering background information and conducting research,
* monitoring breaking news via newswire services and TV/radio broadcasts, Read More
JQ Magazine: JETAA New York Greets Distinguished Guests



Inuyama City Council Member Anthony Bianchi, center, poses with fellow JET alums at the Japan Friendship Festival, Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza, May 2013. (Photo courtesy of Ann Chow)
By Ann Chow (Hyogo-ken, 2007-09) for JQ magazine. Ann is a native New Yorker and serves as the Membership Development Chair for the JET Alumni Association of New York.
On April 17, members of the JET Alumni Association of New York (JETAANY) were invited to attend a reception at the Nippon Club for the Governor of Tokyo, Naoki Inose, who was in New York to drum up support for his city’s bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Among the guests at the reception included Willie Banks, the three-time track and field Olympian, and world record holder from 1985-95 in Men’s Triple Jump. (Cool trivia: Banks speaks fluent Japanese.)
And on May 3, several JETAANY members, along with employees of CLAIR and the Japanese consulate, were on site to help Inuyama City Council Member Anthony Bianchi (Aichi-ken, 1987-91) and B. Bridges participants at the Japan Friendship Festival at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza. The B. Bridges program (short for “Brooklyn Bridge” as well as “Building Bridges” and “Be Bridges”) was created as a cultural exchange program by Bianchi and the administration of Xaverian High School, of which Bianchi is an alumnus.
“The idea for the B. Bridges exchange program was born 10 years ago at an event the Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, held for me at Borough Hall after my first election, so it was great to be able to hold this, our Japan Friendship Festival: Inuyama Day at Borough Hall,” Bianchi said.
The program has sent close to 500 people from Brooklyn to Inuyama City and vice versa. This year, 40 participants came from Inuyama City to stay with families of students attending the school. On a beautiful sunny day, JETAANY members were able to help the group out at various booths which showcased tea ceremony, Japanese calligraphy, and traditional Japanese toys and wares.
“The cooperation of the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, the Japanese Consulate of New York, the Japan Local Government Center, and the JET Alumni Association of New York were crucial to making this event successful,” explained Bianchi.
He added: “I was also proud of our B. Bridges members, as well as our exchange partners at Xaverian High School, who made great use of the opportunity. This, I believe, made the event a great experience for all those in attendance.”
For additional photos from the events, click here and here.
Job: Au pair (NZ)


Thanks to Stella Johnston for sharing this post. 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: Au Pair
Posted by: Au Pair Link
Type: N/A
Location: New Zealand
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
As an Au Pair in New Zealand you will be able to care for children, explore our country and culture and enhance your English. With Au Pair Link you can also have the unique opportunity to teach a world-leading educational curriculum to your children.
Au Pair Link is licensed by the New Zealand Ministry of Education and provides an educational programme which is supported by our fully qualified Early Childhood Education teachers. You will be able to learn about world-leading childcare and education techniques as well as participate in playgroups, fun outings and professional training sessions!
http://www.aupairlink.co.nz/au-pairs/default.aspx
Job: (Junior) Translator Japanese – UK English Nintendo of Europe (GER)


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: (Junior) Translator Japanese – UK English
Posted by: Nintendo of Europe
Type: full time
Location: Frankfurt upon Main, Germany
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Description:
Nintendo of Europe is looking for a UK English native speaker with an excellent knowledge of the Japanese language to take up a full-time position within our software localisation team.
A multi-faceted role within a team of talented colleagues awaits the successful applicant. We look forward to receiving your application through our website.
https://jobs.nintendo.de/main?fn=bm.ext.jobsdetail_engl&refnr=1377021&land=DE
Job Posted On: Tuesday 7 May 2013Contact Name: Helge FriedrichContact Address: Herriotstraße 4Contact Email: makeawish@gmx.fr
Job: International Educational Programs Operator (Seattle, WA)


Via Jetaa PNW. 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: International Educational Programs Operator
Posted by: Azumano International
Type: N/A
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Description:
Northwest-based Japanese travel agency Azumano International has an opening for an International Educational Programs Operator. This position will be full time starting on May 20, 2013.
Job description: Educational program’s planning, estimation, negotiation, operation, financial management at the office in Seattle downtown
We are seeking a bilingual English / Japanese individual to work with high school and college students. The IEP Coordinator will plan and execute cultural exchange programs from start to finish, including working with travel agencies in Japan, local Seattle-area high schools, and vendors throughout Washington State. Read More
Job: Contract Positions at Amazon for Japanese/English bilingual Speakers


Via Jetaa PNW . 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: Commercial Banking Officer;Underwriting;Credit Analysis;Commercial/Investor Real-Estate
Posted by: Stanford Federal Credit Union
Type: 2 month contract with possible extensions (5 openings)
Location:
Salary: DOE
Start Date: N/A
Description:
JAPANESE LANGUAGE SKILLS ARE PREFERRED ***
– Responsibility for protecting and enhancing revenue by ensuring the seamless flow of content to Amazon’s digital stores, monitoring and maintaining operational performance, and working with clients to improve operational performance.
– Responsible for proactive monitoring of digital ingestion and operational systems to identify and address issues that impact revenue generation or service levels.
– Understands and correctly applies a wide variety of software tools to manage digital assets, troubleshoot and resolve issues.
– Consistently improve content provider and customer experience by delivering superior customer support, and by relentlessly advocating for content providers throughout the enterprise.
– Leverage relationships, automation, and new technology to improve cycle time, throughput, and yield of Instant Video titles from ingestion through distribution Read More
Job: Commercial Banking Officer; Underwriting; Credit Analysis; Commercial/Investor Real-Estate (CA)


Thanks to JETAA NC’s John Dzida 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: Commercial Banking Officer; Underwriting; Credit Analysis; Commercial/Investor Real-Estate
Posted by: Stanford Federal Credit Union
Type: Full-time/Part-Time
Location: CA
Salary: Up to $30.60 per hour depending on experience
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Commercial Banking Officer analyzes the degree of risk involved in extending credit to firms or individuals. The duties consist of processing and analyzing financial statements, flood certs, tax returns, appraisals, environmental, and other related documents. This position will also manage and grow a portfolio of Member Business Loans. This growth will come from existing members and new borrowers from outside of the credit union. Additional requirements include working on special projects for MBL department, assist in mentoring junior lenders, attending marketing events and establishing centers of influence are required. Read More
JET alum seeks translators to help with “Rebuilding Tohoku” website project


Thanks to Owen Rosa (Iwate-ken, 1999-2002) for sharing info about his project. If you’re interested in helping, read below and contact Owen by registering on the website:
The Rebuilding Tohoku website is dedicated to providing information about the changes taking place in Japan in the post Great Northeast Tsunami and Earthquake era.
- This website is trying to create a medium that consolidates information for all subjects related to the rebuilding efforts including but not limited to energy, politics, economics, tourism and philanthropy.
- The site allows for people to join as members and submit articles (in both Japanese and English), pictures, videos, or documents on various subjects or projects related to rebuilding Tohoku.
- The site also asks for Japanese language speakers to volunteer with translations of articles or project information from Japanese to English in order to provide information in English usually not available outside of Japan.
- The overall goal of the website is to provide access to articles and promote projects outside Japan to potential philanthropists, foreign investors or others interested in supporting the rebuilding efforts.
I am reaching out to current and former JETs to ask for your support in volunteering to translate from Japanese to English or provide any information you know about projects supporting the rebuilding efforts. Thank you for your consideration and if you are interested please go to the website at www.rebuildingtohoku.com and register, thank you.
The website was created and operated by Owen Rosa, a former JET (1999-2002) in Iwate Prefecture.
Meet Kitadaito Island


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).
Your first question is probably a lot like mine when I got my placement in Kitadaito. Where?
A lot of us on the JET programme end up in interesting locations that we’ve never heard of before. My first JET posting was on a small island, 320km east of the Okinawan mainland with a population of 550 people. I spent three years on Kitadaito and loved every(well pretty much) minute. A lot of what I learned there inspired my first two books Samurai Awakening and Revenge of the Akuma Clan. During my time on the island, I made a video for an event on the mainland.
The video was my first ever and I used school equipment which, combined with my limited experience produced a so-so video. I went back with a bit more practice and re-did the video, upgrading the quality where I could and adding new material from a visit last year. I hope you enjoy this digital look at Kitadaito Island.
Job: Program Coordinator Position – Patsy T. Mink Center (O`ahu, HI)


Via Jetaa Hawaii. 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
Posted by: Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership at the YWCA
Type: N/A
Location: O`ahu, Hawaii
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
I’m going to be giving some online-related workshops at the YWCA and was asked to share this job. If interested, send me a message and I’ll put you in touch with them.
– Posted by Beau Mueller, Web Marketer/Developer, MBA Student, PR Coordinator, Chess Writer via linkedIn
Job description follows:
The Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership (“MCBL”) shall exist under the auspices of the YWCA of O`ahu to provide technical assistance to women entrepreneurs, nascent and established. It shall also provide training and other forms of support, such as coaching and networking to individuals and groups, consistent with the mission and objectives of the YWCA of O`ahu. Read More
Job: International Programs Coordinator and Japan Programs Assistant – 2 Job Openings (Seattle)


Via Jetaa PNW. 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: International Programs Coordinator and Japan Programs Assistant
Posted by: NorthWest Student Exchange
Type: N/A
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
NorthWest Student Exchange, located in the University District of Seattle, has two job openings for those interested in international high school student exchange: International Programs Coordinator and Japan Programs Assistant. One job might be ideal for ex-JETs. The other requires native-level Japanese language skills.
For more information on NWSE, go to http://nwse.com/ For more information on the jobs and how to apply, see below:
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Position: International Program Coordinator: Japan and International Programs
Full-Time (Seattle) Salary DOE
Responsibilities: Coordinate international high school exchange programs with particular emphasis on Japan and East Asia.
As part of the NorthWest Student Exchange team, you will coordinate programs of participants from Japan and other countries in East Asia, as well as from other parts of the world. The Program Coordinator generally will: Read More