JCIE Special Report on Giving to Japan and the Current Status
Earthquake Tsunami, Japan Trends, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment 
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Thanks to Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94), Executive Director of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA), for sharing this uniquely informative and eye-opening report from his organization on what’s been going on in Japan with regard to recovery and donations.
From a JET perspective, it’s very useful information as a point of reference with regard to the strength of US / Japan ties in the areas such as sister city / state, and JET alumni efforts. It also really highlights the depth of the linkage between the two countries extending beyond the security and economic relationships to the personal level connections that are, for the most part, not simply based on having a large immigrant community. Additionally, it notes the state of the nonprofit sector and volunteerism in Japan and to increasing awareness of how that sector would benefit from developing further.
US Giving for Japan Disaster Exceeds $710 Million
Record Amount for Overseas Disaster in a Developed Country
http://www.jcie.org/311recovery/usgiving3.html
Intro Paragraph: In the two years since Japan was struck by an earthquake and tsunami of apocalyptic proportions, Americans have donated $712.6 million to help with relief and recovery efforts. These figures, which come from a survey conducted by the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE), indicate that the outpouring of US giving is the largest ever for a disaster in another developed nation, and the fifth most generous US response to any disaster in history.
JET Reference: In many instances, fundraising campaigns were driven by people who had connections to Japan through overseas study or from working in the country through programs such as the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, and for others it came from their affinity for Japanese anime, sports, language, or traditional culture.
On the Non-Profit Sector in Japan: In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, a handful of American commentators with limited knowledge of Japan advised against donating because Japan is a rich country. However, they overlooked the fact that, while Japan is a rich country, its nonprofit sector is relatively poor and underfinanced. US donations ended up having an outsized impact precisely because the funding base of Japanese nonprofits has traditionally been so limited and because these nonprofit organizations play such a crucial role by performing services that government agencies cannot manage, thus filling the gaps in the disaster response.
CLICK HERE to read the full report.
Mid-South JETAA changes name to jetaaNOLA
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Originally posted to jetaaNOLA’s Facebook page by Flora Williams:
Welcome to the Facebook page for jetaaNOLA, formerly Mid-South JETAA. Any and all JET alumni living in Arkansas, Louisiana, or Mississippi, this is the group for you! Friends and supporters of Japan are also welcome!
jetaaNOLA’s mission is to help foster positive US-Japan relations, to raise awareness locally of Japan-related issues, and to support the success of the JET Program.
Here’s the new jetaaNOLA Facebook page new address: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jetaaNOLA
Job: Actus – Business Development@ Japanese Chemical Company (Westchester, NY)
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Via Actus Consulting. Posted by 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: Please make sure to indicate that you learned of the listing from JETwit if you apply for the job. ***
Position: Business Development at Japanese Chemical Company
Posted by: Actus Consulting
Type: Full-time
Location: Westchester, NY
Salary: $40K (entry-level)~ 70K (some experience)
Start Date: N/A
Company Information:
- Company Address: White Plains, NY
- Well established Japanese international trading company specializing in advanced materials for various industries including, semiconductors, LEDs, Biomedical, Photovoltaics, Electronics, Adhesives, Parylene Polymers, thickening agents, and much more.
- Company founded: 1970
- Has worldwide network – Asia, Europe, and South America Read More
Job: PA to the Consul General (Edinburgh, UK)
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Via JETAA UK. Posted by 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: PA to the Consul General
Posted by: The Consulate General of Japan
Type: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh is the representative office of the Japanese Government in Scotland and North East England. The Consul General is the head of office.
Applications are invited for the post of PA to the Consul General. This is a varied role within a small office. The post would suit a confident, adaptable and conscientious individual with an interest in Japan.
The ideal candidate will have:
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Excellent organisational skills and good attention to detail
* Good interpersonal skills
* Advanced knowledge and experience of Word, Excel and Outlook
* At least two years’ experience in a similar role
* An awareness of political and current affairs, and an understanding of Scottish and British society and culture Read More
Job: Assistant Correspondent – The Chunichi Shimbun Group (also Tokyo Shimbun) – London
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Via JETAA UK. Posted by 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: Chunichi Shimbun Group
Type: Full-time
Location: London, UK
Salary: £21,600 (plus reasonable travel up to London zone 5 and half yearly bonuses of £500)
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Chunichi Shimbun Group is looking to recruit an Assistant Correspondent for our European Bureau based in London. Working in a team of two Correspondents and two Assistant Correspondents, you will assist the Correspondents in preparing articles to be published in Japan and handle bureau administration.
The European Bureau covers political, economic, cultural and sports news from the UK, Northern Europe, European institutions and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The group’s newspapers, The Chunichi Shimbun and The Tokyo Shimbun, are published twice daily in Japan, in Japanese, with a readership of over 4 million.
Flexibility is essential as although you will work mainly during office hours, you will occasionally be required to work overtime. You should also be willing to travel within Read More
Scholarship for Japanese University Students to intern at Carter Center (Atlanta)
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Thanks to JET alum Jessica Cork Kennett for sharing this interesting opportunity. Posted by 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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Scholarship for Japanese University Students to intern at Carter Center in Atlanta, GA
Overview:
If you know of any Japanese college students who might be interested, please let them know.
Do you know a Japanese college student who would like to like to spend 9 months (September 2013 through May 2014) working as an intern at The Carter Center in Atlanta? The Carter Center is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter and works to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering. The Yoshida Scholarship provides interns with round trip airfare from Japan to Atlanta and a monthly stipend for living expenses. The deadline to apply is April 19, 2013. Details in Japanese can be found at http://www.ysf.or.jp/news/article_detail.php?newsId=24&countCate=2
JQ Magazine: Film Review – ‘Live Your Dream: The Taylor Anderson Story’
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“Laced with emotional reflections, vivid photos and jovial home movies, the film walks the viewer through Taylor’s 24 years on earth and untimely end caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011.” (Global Film Network Inc.)
By Renay Loper (Iwate-ken, 2006-07) for JQ magazine. Renay is a freelance writer and associate program officer at the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership. Visit her blog at Atlas in Her Hand.
Directed by renowned filmmaker and founder of Global Film Network Regge Life, Live Your Dream: The Taylor Anderson Story is Life’s first documentary about a loss.
Best known for his features like Doubles (about Japan and America’s intercultural children), After America…After Japan (about the migration of Americans to Japan and Japanese to America) and Struggle and Success: The African American Experience in Japan, Life opens the window for the viewer to glimpse the life of Taylor Anderson (Miyagi-ken, 2008-11) through personal accounts from her loved ones. Laced with emotional reflections, vivid photos and jovial home movies, the film walks the viewer through Taylor’s 24 years on earth and untimely end caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011. In light of the tragedy, the film sends a message of hope, optimism and encouragement for all to follow their hearts.
The film is divided into chapters, beginning with the first, “She Took Her Time.” Jean Anderson, Taylor’s mother, reveals how in everything Taylor did, she did it at her own pace, including her birth: she was 11 days late. According to her father, Andy Anderson, Taylor grew up inquisitive, interested and easygoing, never letting anyone influence her decisions. Julia Anderson-Kerr and Jeffrey Anderson (Taylor’s sister and brother, respectively) shared what it was like to grow up with such a peaceful and patient sibling.
From as early as they could remember, Taylor was into reading, exploring and having fun. Growing up near Richmond, VA, she was first introduced to Japanese at Millwood Elementary School. Her teacher exposed her to the language, artifacts and clothing of Japan at an early age, and from that point on she was hooked. Unfortunately, when she moved on to St. Catherine’s High School, Japanese was not an option, so she continued to study on her own.
It wasn’t until her college years at Randolph-Macon College in nearby Ashland that Taylor had the opportunity to visit Japan. She traveled to Tokyo for a January course designed to expose students to the history of the city. Later that summer, Taylor taught at a Japanese language academy, where she was adored by all. It was because of Taylor’s contagious zeal for Japan that her childhood friends and classmates became interested in the country and culture as well. She exposed them to anime, manga and the films of Hayao Miyazaki, inspiring some of them to travel to Japan and explore it for themselves.
Japan Society of NY announces 7 new recovery grants
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Via Japan Society of New York. Dated March 7, 2013:
New York, NY – Approaching the second anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Japan Society announced today seven new grants from the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund (JERF) totaling $1,779,694. Of the funds that have been donated so far, the Society has earmarked a total $11.1 million to 33 organizations in support of 41 projects on the front lines of relief, recovery and reconstruction in Tohoku.
“The earthquake and tsunami of 2011 has had a profound effect on Japanese society that will be felt for many years to come,” said Motoatsu Sakurai, Japan Society President. “We have seen tremendous progress since the triple disasters, but the hard work continues. Through the Relief Fund, Japan Society is committed to areas where support can have long-term impact: economic and community revitalization, healthcare, including mental healthcare, and youth initiatives.”
The latest JERF grant recipients are:
Ashoka Japan’s Tohoku Youth Venture provides opportunities for junior high, high school and college students who have creative and innovative ideas for revitalizing the Tohoku region to pitch their idea as part of Tohoku Youth Venture initiative, and potentially receive seed funding to put their ideas into action.
ETIC, a leading organization in Japan that trains young social and business entrepreneurs, is using its third grant from the Relief Fund to nurture and support “hubs” that emphasize human resource development to promote self-sustaining economic and community revitalization. This grant builds on previous grants to tap into ETIC’s extensive network of a younger generation of business and social entrepreneurs to identify the most vulnerable (the elderly, disabled, those with special medical needs) and match them with the critical services, as well as to match fellows with specific expertise, to small businesses, entrepreneurs and NPOs in an effort to help revitalize local economies. Read More
JETAA mentioned on NPR’s “What D’ya Know”
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JETAA Wisconsin subchapter rep Joette Bump recently organized a JET alum outing to NPR’s “What D’ya Know” quiz show, and it resulted in JETAA being mentioned on the program in the quiz B segment. Have a listen:
http://www.notmuch.com/wyk/
WIT Life #227: Sakura season!
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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 together with her own observations.
I am down in DC for my latest interpreting assignment, and the whole city seems to be getting ready for its cherry blossom festival due to start in exactly two weeks. Of course nature doesn’t always abide by man’s schedule, and some sakura are already starting to bloom. This makes me wonder whether there will be any blossoms left for the duration of the festival, as last year most were long gone by the end. At any rate, although today’s slushy snow makes it hard to believe, spring is just around the corner. 
I recently returned from my annual pilgrimage to Japan for the Tokyo Marathon (as well as the Kumamoto Marathon again this year!), and over there everyone is gearing up for sakura season. At Starbucks (one of the few places with free Wi-Fi so a frequent stop for me) I enjoyed the Sakura White Chocolate latte, a drink that comes in a cherry blossom adorned cup and is decorated on top with sakura white chocolate shavings. This beautiful creation has a taste that is just the right Read More
2013 Nakasato Exchange (Kumejima and Tokamachi)
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Posted by Benjamin Martin, a 5th year JET on Kume Island in Okinawa, publisher of the blog MoreThingsJapanese.com and author of the YA fantasy series Samurai Awakening (Tuttle).
Japan is _____________.
Japanese people eat ____________.
In Japan, everyone wears ___________.
When you hear “Japan” what do you think of? What images come to your mind? Before I began studying Japan, I thought of swords, anime, rice and green mountains. Like many people, I thought of Japan through the stereotypes I picked up from television and books. Anyone who doesn’t specialize is bound to think of another country by the most easily recognizable differences from their home culture.
Yet Japan is diverse. Most of Japan’s long history, during which all its unique culture developed, happened before cars and easy transportation. That fact, plus its island geography has created many opportunities for difference that NHK (Japan’s national television and radio broadcaster), trains, and the internet have yet to make fully disappear. NHK has had a huge impact on language, dress, and some social customs, yet one thing is still beyond its reach.
The weather.
Japan’s geography has created some vastly different climates given the relatively short distances between most places in Japan. This great difference is at the core of an exchange program between two towns in Japan. Every year, Kumejima-cho and Tokamachi City trade students so that they can experience the vast difference in climate and the changes in culture it imposes on local life. As with every exchange program, its goal is to create more aware youth and stronger ties between the local people and wider world.
Tokamachi
Since Tokamachi is located in Niigata Prefecture on the western side of Japan, it gets a lot of rain, and in the winter, a lot of snowfall. The high mountains and rough weather have led to small towns, yet the heavy snowfall also means rich farmland and other local resources. The heavy snowfall leads to mineral rich soil when the snow melts. The soil then lets farmers produce some superior crops.
One of the crops is carrot. I know. A carrot is a carrot is a carrot. Then you go to Niigata and eat something that looks like a carrot, smells like one, has the firm texture of one, but tastes far sweeter and has more flavor than any carrot you’ve ever tasted before. Seriously.
Then there’s the rice. Rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine. And in a country where rice can be as diverse as coffee, the region has become famous for its delicious rice. Rice is a heavy water consuming plant, which also means its easier to farm there where water is plentiful. Not only is rice exported considered delicious, but locals will tell you it is even better eaten locally due to the quality of the local water when boiling the rice.
Rice and the quality of water are also the two most important ingredients in a traditional drink so well-known that much of the world knows the Japanese word for sake. In Niigata’s case, Nihonshu or rice wine is produced by several companies in the region and is highly regarded.
Despite those claims to fame, the snow beats out the rest by sheer popularity, if not by the locals who have to shovel it, then by the thousands of tourists who trek to the region to snowboard, ski, and sled. Japan’s train system and many domestic airlines makes it surprisingly easy to travel, which means Tokyoites can pop over for a weekend of skiing at any number of resorts throughout the long winter season.
The huge quantities of snow have also led to the Tokamachi Snow Festival.
Unfortunately, not all the snow can be turned into art. There is so much each year that pipes run through most streets and parking lots. These pipes shoot out warm salt water to melt snow and keep the roads clear through the night. This was perhaps the biggest surprise to me as someone who grew up in a desert. The ‘waste’ of water is so huge that it boggles my mind, though I’m sure they deal with it in an effective manner.
The huge quantity of water and large elevation changes even mean that hydroelectric generators can produce much of the area’s power needs in a relatively environmentall
All of these Tokamachi features has led to students who speak the same language as other Japanese students, still play in much the same way and wear some of the same clothes, but whose lives in the winter are far different from those far to the south.
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Checkout the second part of this articleon www.morethingsjapanese.com, with more pictures, video, and things Japanese.
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Job: Bloomberg seeks Japanese translator (E>J) for NY office
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Thanks to JET alum Angela Perrone for passing on this listing. Posted by 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: Bloomberg seeks Japanese translator (E>J) for NY office
Posted by: Bloomberg Recruiting
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Bloomberg LP is seeking a Japanese Translator for our NYC office.
The individual in this role must understand how economy and markets work and will be translating major news from English to Japanese with utmost accuracy and speed.
In addition, the person in this role will have to be able to write in properly-styled Japanese. They must have up-to-date news judgment and flexibility.
Interested applicants should contact:
Jennifer Shapiro
Bloomberg Recruiting Research
jshapiro99@bloomberg.net
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershapirobbg
Job: Paid Fellowship Opportunity for Japanese Nonprofit Leaders
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Via the JETAA DC Google Group. Posted by 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: Paid Fellowship Opportunity for Japanese Nonprofit Leaders
Posted by: Atlas Corps
Type: Full-time
Location: N/A
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Atlas Corps seeks nonprofit leaders from around the world to apply for Fellowships in the U.S. and Latin America.
They are particularly interested in rising leaders from Japan in 2013. Profiled as a “best practice” in international exchange by the Brookings Institution and featured in the Washington Post as a model social entrepreneurship program, Atlas Corps engages leaders committed to the nonprofit sector in 12-18 month, professional fellowships at organizations to learn best practices, build organizational capacity, and return home to create a network of global leaders.
Fellows serve full-time at Host Organizations such as Ashoka, CARE, the Grameen Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, UNICEF, and the UN Foundation. Read More
Job: Director, Intensive English Program, Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
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Via Indiana University . Posted by 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: Director, Intensive English Program
Posted by: Indiana University Department of Second Language Studies
Type: Full-time
Location: Bloomington, IN
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Intensive English Program, Department of Second Language Studies, at Indiana University announces a search for the Director of the Intensive English program (IEP). We are looking for director-candidates with previous experience as directors or assistant directors of university-based programs. Previous UCIEP and/or CEA affiliation is preferred. Candidates are expected to hold a PhD in Second Language Studies, Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or related fields and should have a significant professional portfolio in the field in addition to administrative experience. Areas of expertise may include a profile in student services, curriculum development, language assessment, publication of teaching materials and/or textbooks, research in second language acquisition, teacher development, or other relevant areas. The Director will have a 12 month appointment and the rank of academic specialist. Read More
Job: English Language Officer: accepting applications: Deadline is April 24, 2013
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Via USAJobs. Posted by 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: English Language Officer
Posted by: U.S. Department of State
Type: Full-time
Location: N/A
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
We are pleased to inform you that we are accepting applications for Foreign Service English Language Officer positions. Click here (http://careers.state.gov/specialist/vacancy-announcements/elo) to view the vacancy announcement, and to start the online application process through Gateway to State via USAJobs. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is April 24, 2013.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 20 years old to apply and at least 21 years of age to be appointed, able to qualify for a top-secret security clearance, and able to obtain all necessary medical and suitability clearances. Applicants must also be willing to serve worldwide. All potential applicants are strongly urged to read the entire vacancy announcement to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this position
before applying.
We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State. Visit our forums if you have any questions, or to search for topics of interest. The forums can be found under Engage on The careers.state.gov website. You can also search our FAQs for more information. U.S. citizenship is required. An equal opportunity employer.
