I’ll Make It Myself!: Veg* Out in Kanazawa: Aashirwad
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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. A writer, web administrator, and translator, ze also writes I’ll Make It Myself!, a blog about food culture in Japan; 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 in LinkedIn.
New Rice Cooker Chronicles submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
Aashirwad (アシワード)
Location: Kohrinbo, Kanazawa
Type: Indian/Nepalese; lunch, dinner
Veg status: vegetarian friendly
Languages: Japanese and English (menus, staff)
I’ll Make It Myself!: What I Ate in Nagano, Day 3: Matsumoto, Miasa
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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. A writer, web administrator, and translator, ze also writes I’ll Make It Myself!, a blog about food culture in Japan; 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 in LinkedIn.
New Rice Cooker Chronicles submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
On our last day in Nagano, we went to see Matsumoto Castle and drove through Hakuba and Miasa on the way back to Kanazawa.
Kyodo News “Rural JET alumni” series: Darryl Wharton-Rigby (Fukushima)
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News agency Kyodo News has recently been publishing monthly articles written by JET alumni who were appointed in rural areas of Japan, as part of promotion for the JET Programme. Below is the English version of the column from April 2013. Posted by Celine Castex (Chiba-ken, 2006-11), currently programme coordinator at CLAIR Tokyo.
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“I do not know how much of an impact I will have on the people I have met while I have been in Japan but I do know they have had a great impact on mine. Had I not applied for the JET Programme, I do not know what my life would be today.”
Writer, director, and professor, Darryl Wharton-Rigby (Fukushima-ken, Kawamata-machi, 2005-07) hails from a family of poets and storytellers in Baltimore, Maryland. He has earned a BA in History from Ithaca College and a MFA in Film Directing from Chapman University. After being hired by MTV Films to write a screenplay based on the Japanese manga TokyoTribe 2, he moved to Japan and taught English in a small town in Fukushima. He shot his latest short film, Obon, in the town of Natori, which is one of the areas of Japan hardest hit by the earthquake and tsunami. He is now working on a documentary, Don Doko Don: The Yamakiya Taiko Club Story, about a group of young drummers who were displaced due to high levels of radiation in their community from the failed nuclear plant. He has earned awards and grants from the Urbanworld Film Festival, the Maryland State Arts Council, The Painted Bride Arts Center, the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, and the Caucus Foundation for his work. He splits his time between Baltimore, Los Angeles and Japan where he currently lives, and credits his wife and three children as his ultimate muse.
A lifetime of happiness
One of the most satisfying and rewarding jobs in my life was working as an ALT in Kawamata in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan from 2005–2007. I have learned over the years that everything happens for a reason and that sometimes in life we are chosen to be at a certain place at a certain time.
I was 37 years old and living in Los Angeles, CA. I was living the life of a struggling filmmaker and needed a change, a break, from my career in film, television, and theatre. Since my first trip to Tokyo on a business trip for MTV I had been longing to return to Japan, because I knew there was more for me to learn and know about Japan. Applying for the JET Programme seemed the perfect opportunity.
From the moment I got accepted, life has moved at a rapid pace. I was placed in Kawamata, in Fukushima Prefecture, a quiet town with rice fields and rivers surrounded by mountains. My life in Kawamata was an adventure every day. I worked in two junior high schools, several elementary schools and kindergartens. It always brought a smile to my face, when I would hear students call my name, “Dariru-sensei!” I did my best to help the Japanese teachers in the classroom with activities and games. I got to know many of the students and could tell the ones who were enthusiastic towards learning English. Read More
I’ll Make It Myself!: New Resource: Guide to Japanese Kitchen Appliances
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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. A professional writer, web administrator, and translator, ze also writes I’ll Make It Myself!, a blog about food culture in Japan; 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 in LinkedIn.
New Rice Cooker Chronicles submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
On reflecting on four years of cooking in Japan, I wanted to share some of my thoughts about which kitchen appliances were useful and how larger appliances differ from their North American counterparts. If you’ve just moved to Japan and aren’t sure if you’d rather have a food processor or a blender, or if you’re unsure of what is available and where to get it, this is the guide for you.
JET alum’s “Man of Steel” passion project
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An interesting passion project produced by videographer Patrick Lee (Nagasaki-ken, 2010-2012). More of his videos can be seen on his Youtube Channel. He can be contacted through Facebook and Twitter.
Here’s a little background from the WILL & TALE site:
Like many fans, we’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of Man Of Steel since it was announced a few years ago. Taking inspiration from diehard fans who created unofficial title sequences for films such as Adventures of Tintin and X-Men: First Class, we wanted to see how far we could go with this same idea. The result is a passion project – the culmination of many long nights and weekends over the past three months.
The story we developed is a take on our favorite superhero, Superman. We created a narrative of news anchors and eyewitnesses highlighting major events throughout Clark Kent’s life. It was important to have Clark’s story told by the world and show how he has impacted the lives of others.
Nothing in the video has been pulled from a video game or other movie footage. We created all the 2D/3D animations, compositing, articles, voiceover recordings, and more.
Job: ZeroChaos, Inc.- Ads Quality Rater, Japanese Language
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Thanks to JET alum Amy Kawabata. 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: If you apply, please indicate you learned of the job through JETwit.**
Position: Ads Quality Rater, Japanese Language
Posted by: ZeroChaos, Inc.
Type: Temporary, Part-time telecommuting position
Location: N/A
Salary: $15 per hour
Start Date: N/A
Company Information:
ZeroChaos, Inc. is recruiting temporary part-time telecommuters with fluency in Japanese and an in-depth knowledge of current Japanese culture to help with Quality Evaluation for websites for our client, a leading Silicon Valley search engine company. Do you have an eye for spotting awkward language in web ads or ads that are poorly matched with your search results? Have you spent twelve months living abroad in Japan in the past eight years or do you visit there fairly frequently? We are looking for average internet users to help improve the accuracy/relevancy of the ads that are placed with search results and on websites. All work is performed from home, on your computer. Read More
Event: Portland JETAA Iron Chef!
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Via PNWJETAA. 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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Three years ago, PNWJETAA made a fine showing and won “Best Overall” for their Soy Sauce Green Tea Ice Cream!
(Try it, and be surprised by how mellow the garlic is!)
This year, on May 18th, we’ll have a chance to defend the title! If you’re interested in heading down to Portland with some of the JETAA folk, send an email to president@pnwjetaa.org for more information!
When: May 18th (Saturday)
Where: Portland, Oregon
Why: Because we’re awesome and we need to show Portland just awesome we are.
The theme this year is Soybeam Jozo Chickpea Miso – excited? OH YES.
Job: Internship/ Employment Opportunity
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Via Lighthouse Global. 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: Internship and Open position: System Engineer, Programmer, System Operator
Posted by: Information Development Co., Ltd
Type: N/A
Location: Tokyo
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD. (ID) Group offers a comprehensive IT outsourcing service, i-Bos24®, which covers consulting, software development, system operation management, cloud/security, and BPO since 1969. ID Group are currently located in Japan, China, Singapore, United States, and England.
ID is an IT solution company and they are looking for capable individuals who can advance their globalization. Information sessions and interviews will be held on May 4th in Boston. They are also looking for interns for this summer in Tokyo. This is going to be a great chance for those who can speak Japanese and are interested in working in Japan! Read More
Job: Executive Assistant to the Consul General (Atlanta)
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Thanks to Noriko Furuhata at the NY consulate for sharing this posting. 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: Executive Assistant
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Type: Full-time
Location: Atlanta, GA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
The Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is seeking a well qualified individual to provide assistance to the Consul General.
The Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is a diplomatic mission that works to further relations between Japan and the Southeast (Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia). The Consul General acts as the ranking Japanese diplomat in the region. Read More
We are pleased to inform you…
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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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Remember how nervous you were as you read those words in your acceptance letter from the Japanese Consulate and found out that you were going to Japan?! Truly a moment you will never forget.
Those words of acceptance are still fresh for newly appointed JET, Meg Worden, and her Japanese instructor and JET alum Faye Valtadoros. Read more about Meg and Faye here.
Congratulations Meg and welcome to the family!
Job: Research Analyst for MIPRO of Japan (DC)
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Via Jetaa DC. 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: Research Analyst
Posted by: MIPRO of Japan
Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: Depends on Experience
Start Date: Mid-May
Company Description:
Manufactured Imports and Investment Promotion Organization (MIPRO) of Japan is a non-profit public interest foundation established in Tokyo to create mutually profitable bilateral trade and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. The DC office fs primary functions includes researching the US economy, trade and industry; engaging in activities to promote exports and investment to Japan; performing liaison functions for visiting Japanese delegations; and general office administration activities. Read More
Job:Actus – Administrative Assistant (Fort Lee, NJ)
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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: If you apply, please indicate you learned of the job through JETwit.**
Position: Administrative Assistant
Posted by: Actus Consulting
Type: Temporary
Location: Fort Lee, NJ
Salary: $19/hr
Start Date: N/A
Company Information:
Japanese maker company seeks an administrative Assistant. This is a temp position with a possibility of becoming direct hire.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Customer Support
2. Administrative job
3. Accounting Assistant Read More
Japan Times: LDP looks to double JET Program’s ranks in 3 years
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Good news on the horizon for the JET Program. And for the future of JETAA as well.
LDP looks to double JET Program’s ranks in three years
By Ayako Mie, Staff Writer
The number of teachers hired for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program would be doubled in three years under a proposal drafted by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to boost Japan’s global competitiveness and nurture international talent.
According to the draft of a midterm report by the LDP’s economic revitalization headquarters obtained Monday, the number of JET teachers would be increased to 10,000 from about 4,360 in 2012. The teachers also would be dispatched to all elementary, junior high and high schools within 10 years.
The JET Program was targeted for wasteful spending by the Democratic Party of Japan’s “shiwake” government revitalization unit before the young party was kicked out of power in the Lower House election in December.
The LDP views the use of native English speakers as vital to improving English-speaking ability at a time when it is moving toward making a passing score on the Test of English as Foreign Language mandatory for entering and graduating from college.
The proposal is in line with the growth strategies Prime Minister Shinzo Abe mapped out last Friday ahead of the July Upper House election. The strategies include globalizing the Japanese workforce and increasing the number of women in it by extending the length of maternity leave to three years from 18 months.
The proposal will be part of Abe’s real basic economic policies, which are being compiled by the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy for release in June — just a month before the House of Councilors election in July.
Fleshing out Abe’s pledge to fight the nationwide shortage of day-care centers, the LDP’s plan will also propose tax breaks for spending related to housekeeping, including baby-sitting and housekeeping fees.
According to media reports, the LDP will also try to lure back Japanese companies that have moved overseas to escape the strong yen by offering tax breaks for closing any factories built abroad and for building new ones in Japan.
Halting the manufacturing exodus will help prevent the hollowing out of Japanese industry.
WIT Life #232: Gutai at the Guggenheim
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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.
On Saturday I finally had the chance to check out the exhibition Gutai: Splendid Playground (Feb 15-May 8) at the Guggenheim, and it was well worth the wait. Frank Lloyd Wright’s rotunda is filled with Sadamasa Motonaga’s Work (Water), an installation of tubes filled with colored water commissioned by the museum to be recreated for this space.
Gutai (具体) literally means “concreteness” and refers to the way the members of the Kansai-based Gutai Art Association (59 Japanese artists from 1954-1972) sought to directly engage with materials in an experimental way. The group would hold festivals and other events designed to break down the barriers between art, the ordinary public and everyday life.
One interesting aspect of the movement that I wasn’t aware of was its Read More
Job: Actus -CHEMISTRY/PHYSICS Teacher w ESL background – HighScool (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: If you apply, please indicate that you learned of the listing via JETwit.**
Position: High school Chemistry/Physics Teacher
Posted by: Actus Consulting
Type: Full-time
Location: New York
Salary: DOE
Start Date: N/A
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
・Teaching CHEMISTRY/PHYSICS
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Certified high school teacher strongly desired. Uncertified candidate with Master’s degree may also be considered. ESL (English as a Second Language) is also preferred, but not required. A background in Chemistry and Physics in elementary level is a plus. Read More
