May 29

Tom Baker samples Kagawa Pref. olive curry

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Tom Baker (Chiba, 1989-91) has begun a 47-part weekly series of posts on his Tokyo Tom Baker blog, in which he will sample and comment on a curry from a different prefecture each week. Here’s his second installment, about Kagawa Prefecture:

Kagawa is the smallest of Japan’s 47 prefectures. It has a total land area of about 1,870 square kilometers, making it about half the size of Long Island, New York. Most of Kagawa occupies the northeastern corner of Shikoku, but much of it is scattered across more than a dozen islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The 13-kilometer Seto Ohashi bridge hopscotches across a couple of the smaller islands to connect Kagawa with Okayama Prefecture, on the main island of Honshu.
The largest of Kagawa’s islands is Shodoshima, which boasts two major products: soy sauce and olives. Lots of places in Japan are proud of their local soy sauce, but olives are unusual. In 1908, this island became the first place in Japan to successfully cultivate them. The prefecture even has a local professional baseball team called the Kagawa Olive Guyners.
Ingredients in the olive curry I’ve picked to represent Kagawa include olives, olive oil, and olive leaf tea…

Click HERE to read more.

May 29

Kinjo Town Road

Japan Local, Photography, Travel/Tourism Flowers, japan, Okinawa, photography Comments Off on Kinjo Town Road

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).

Kinjo Town surrounds the Shuri Castle area in Okinawa.  While Shuri is impressive in its own right, there is much to see outside the Castle grounds.   During this past Golden Week, I took a trip to the Okinawan Mainland, and a friend was kind enough to show me a few out-of-the-way spots.  Through Kinjo Town runs the ‘Ishidatami’ or Rock Road,  a walkway paved in history and adorned with interesting and beautiful flowers along the way.  Follow along for a taste of Kinjo Town.

On the way to to our start, we passed one of Shuri Castle’s side gates.  The area is full of steep roads and interesting places.

We also stopped at a nearby soba shop for lunch before beginning our walk.  This Shisa is a traditional statue on Okinawan homes used to protect against evil spirits and bad luck.

The place we ate was very busy so we sat outside in an almost garden-like area where I found this purple flower.

For Lunch, I had soki soba, or noodles in broth topped with rib meat.  It is another traditional Okinawan food.

Right at the start of our walk, we found these Hanging Heliconias.  Conveniently there was a nearby sign that labeled the flowers along the route in English and Japanese.

This is the first of two springs we saw along the route.  These were used for drinking and washing by the people of Kinjo Town.  Spots like these were marked by small tiles with maps of the area.

These white and pink flowers were labeled as Sokei-Nozen, and hung above a wall.

Here is an old style gate with clay tiles of the same kind of construction seen at the Udun Palace.

 
The second spring was below the road level and had a pool in which crabs lived.  In the second photo you can see where the water flows out at times.

About half-way along the path, right before a rather steep slope (or just after if you go the other way) there is a small rest house with tatami mats where you can take a load off.

Here’s a map of the area in Japanese with the various sites around Shuri marked.  Check out part 2 for the walk north through the grounds along the rock road to the pond above Shuri. This article was originally posted on More Things Japanese.

May 28

JET alum Jim Gannon continues his work on behalf of JCIE in support of Rikuzentakata and other areas

Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, Japan Local, Local Government, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on JET alum Jim Gannon continues his work on behalf of JCIE in support of Rikuzentakata and other areas

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Via the Japan Center for International Exchange’s Facebook page.  A nice post about the work that Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94), Executive Director of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA), has been doing in Tohoku on behalf of his organization.  Jim is also a member of JETAA USA’s Board of Advisors and the JETAA USA Disaster Relief Fund Committee:

May 27

Former AJET Chair Announced as Senior Staff of Osaka Prefectural BoE’s New English Education Reform Team

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Former AJET Chair Matt Cook (Osaka-fu, 2007-12) receives his appointment to the Education Reform Team for Osaka Prefecture’s Board of Education.

Former AJET Chair Matthew Cook (Osaka-fu, 2007-12) has been announced as “Shusa” (“Senior Staff”) at the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education.  His role will be working with all levels of English Educational Affairs and working as a member of the new English Education Reform Team.

Matt may be the first ever non-Japanese person to hold a senior level full-time position at a Board of Education in Japan*.  (If anyone is aware of other examples, please post in the comment section.)  Among other things, it is also encouraging to see a JET alum with an opportunity to play a substantive role in English education reform in Japan.

Matt has spent the past ten months working for the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education as a the Program Coordinator for their Native English Teacher (NET) Program (somewhat akin to being a JET Program Coordinator at CLAIR) following his completion of five years as a JET ALT in Osaka-fu and serving one year as AJET’s national council Chair.

Omedetou, Matt-san!  Ganbatte kudasai and yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

Here’s a link to the article about the announcement in the Yomiuri Shimbun (Japanese only):  http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/kyoiku/news/20130522-OYT8T00381.htm  (If anyone readers could provide a short summary in the comment section, by the way, that would be greatly appreciated.)

*Note:  I learned there have been other former JETs and other non-Japanese who worked as advisors and in other roles for the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education.  However, my understanding is that none of them worked at the policy-making level.  Here’s a 2003 article from The Guardian that quotes one in particular who seemed to have some good insights into reform and Japanese language education, Huw Olphant:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2003/jan/30/tefl  Huw currently works as Head of Society and English Education for the British Council in Japan and was apparently mentioned in Importing Diversity, a book about the JET Programme published in 2000.

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Update 06.01.13     

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Thanks to current JET Kevin McCoy for summarizing some of the above Daily Yomiuri article:

このうち、元滋賀県立高英語教諭でハーバード大教育大学院で教育修士号を得た武田浄さん（４６）と、府内で外国語指導助手などを約６年間務めた米国籍のマシュー・クックさん（３４）の２人を、この日、任期付き職員として採用した。他の５人は、英語に堪能な府教委職員で、従来の担当と兼務する。

Two the seven team members, Takeda Kiyoshi (46), a former English teacher at Shiga Prefectural High School, who received his Master’s degree at Harvard University Graduate School, and Matthew Cook (34), an American who worked for approximately 6 years as an ALT for the prefecture, were hired as “shokuin” (staff) with a limited period of appointment. The other 5 members are all staff at the prefecture’s Board of Education with exceptional English skills who will also serve their usual “tanto” (staff) positions.

Kevin also found the following report which is a little more specific with regard to titles:

http://www.nnn.co.jp/dainichi/news/130521/20130521032.html

同チームは７人で構成。これまで英語教育に携わってきた職員に加え、ハーバード大教育大学院で教育修士号を取得し、国内の公立中高で教諭経験がある武田浄さん（46）と、バージニア工科大卒で府教委の外国人英語指導員などに就いてきた米国国籍のマシュー・クックさん（34）を、それぞれ参事と主査で任期付き採用した。武田さんの任期は２０１６年３月末までで、クックさんの任期は２０１５年３月末まで。

The team is made up of 7 members. In addition to staff who have been involved in English education until now, Kiyoshi Takeda (46) […] and American national […] Matthew Cook (34) were each hired as “sanji” and “shusa”, respectively. Takeda’s appointment is until the end of March 2016, and Cook’s appointment will last until the end of March 2015.

May 27

Job: Internship Opportunity available at the Japan-America Society of Hawaii

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Thanks to JETAA Hawaii’s Stephanie Toriumi for forwarding this opportunity. 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: Management Intern
Posted by: Japan-America Society
Type: Internship
Location: Hawaii
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A

Overview:
The Japan-America Society of Hawaii is currently looking for an intern in the fall. You will work closely with every staff member in the office who would be training you as if you were a management-trainee (learning every aspect of their jobs). After this initial period, depending on how well you are doing at the time, they may continue with more in-depth training in these areas or assign you to take over coordination duties for the Japan-in-a-Suitcase program for the remainder of your internship. If interested, please email cover letter & resume to Marsha Yokomichi at myokomichi@hawaii.rr.com.

May 27

Job: Media Relations Coordinator for Kaikai Kiki (NY)

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Thanks to JETAA-NY treasurer Kelly Nixon for forwarding this opportunity. 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: Media Relations Coordinator
Posted by: Kaikai Kiki New York, LLC
Type: Full-time
Location: Long Island City, New York
Salary: Offer will be commensurate with experience and skill-set
Start Date: N/A

Overview:
Kaikai Kiki New York, LLC, Art Production/Management Company, is looking for Media Relations Coordinators to join our team in New York (or Seattle).

• Fluency in English and Japanese a must
• PC and Mac users welcome. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator preferred.
• Experience in the fields of art or shipping a major plus
• Able to work overtime and travel for lengthy periods of time Read More

May 27

Sh*t Gaijin NEVER say

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The sequel to “Sh*t Gaijin Say.”  (Also no JETs involved to my knowledge.)

May 27

Sh*t Gaijin Say

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Just came across this on YouTube. (No JETs involved in this to my knowledge.)

May 24

AJET Connect Magazine: May 2013

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Here’s the May 2013 issue of AJET Connect Magazine:

(Download PDF) http://ajetnet.s3.amazonaws.com/connect/2013_May_Connect.pdf

FYI, Editor Jim Kemp and his team at AJET Connect Magazine have been putting together some really good content along with appealing layout.  In this issue, I particularly recommend Amelia Hagen’s “29 Things I’ve Learned While Travelling On JET.”  But there are also articles on surfing in Japan, the evolution of the kyushoku, and the Tokyo Yamathon among other strong writing about “local” Japan.

May 23

Job: Actus – Boy’s Dormitory Supervisor – Private High School (Upstate, NYC)

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Via Actus Consulting. 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 make sure to indicate that you learned of the listing from JETwit.***

Position: Boy’s Dormitory Supervisor
Posted by: Actus Consulting.
Type: Full-time
Location: NY
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Start Date: N/A

Preferred Experience and Skills:
Must have bachelor’s degree. Must reside on campus. Several years of experience at educational institutions preferred.

Education background is a plus.

Compensation:
Health Insurance 403B Pension Plan benefits

Please contact Chiaki Kurokawa if you have any questions. If you’d like to apply for this position, please email your resume in WORD FORMAT as an attachment to ckurokawa@actus-usa.com. When you apply, make sure you’ll include the below information in the body of email:

・Current（or Last, if you are not currently employed）salary（the base amount and last years bonus amount respectively）
・Reason for change（or reason for leaving the last employment if you are currently unemployed）
・Desired salary for this position

http://www.tweetmyjobs.com/actus-consulting-group-jobs-dormitory-supervisor-japanese-educational-institution-ny-10687178

May 23

Job: Tuck School, Center for Global Business and Government, Program Manager (NH)

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Thanks to JETAANY’s Kat Barnas for sharing to this 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: Program Manger
Posted by: Dartmouth College
Type: Full-time
Location: Hanover, NH
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A

Overview
The Center for Global Business and Government is dedicated to programs that prepare leaders to better understand, shape, and succeed in the dynamic interactions between business and government in today’s global economy. In the wake of the World Financial Crisis, governments are now a factor in most strategic global business decisions, and the leaders of global businesses and national governments struggle to understand each other’s goals, constraints, and methods. The programs at the center are aimed at addressing this knowledge gap.

Position Purpose
To help grow the programs of the Center for Global Business & Government as a member of an energetic and entrepreneurial team. To execute center programs efficiently, effectively, and accurately. To develop relationships with student groups interested in the Center’s mission. To contribute ideas for improving and augmenting the operations and content of the Center’s student-facing programs. Read More

May 23

Job: Full-Time Esl/English Teacher

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Via the Hunter College MA TESOL listserve. 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: Full-Time Esl/English Teacher
Posted by: Keio Academy
Type: Full-time
Location: NY
Salary: Commensurate with education and experience
Start Date: N/A

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required. Valid middle and/or high school teaching certificate and/or MA in English and TESOL required. Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills is desired.

Compensation:
Salary. Health Insurance, 403B Pension Plan benefits

The new teacher will be teaching 12th grade English Literature (Intermediate level) and 11th Language Arts and very low level ESL in the 10th grade

To apply or ask questions:  Email ybendlin@keio.edu or go to http://www.keio.edu/english/

May 23

Study: New Zealand residents – 2014 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Study in Japan

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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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Application for New Zealand residents for the 2014 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Study in Japan!

 Duties And Responsibilities:

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan offers scholarships to foreign students who wish to study at Japanese universities.

To date, some 79,000 students from approximately 160 countries and regions around the world have studied in Japan under the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship program established in 1954. As of May 1, 2009, there were 10,168 foreign students studying in Japan as Japanese government scholarship students.

***Warning: In some countries there are fradulent organisations that offer to help students apply for these Japanese Government scholarships in return for a deposit. The only ways to apply for a Japanese Government scholarships are through the Embassy of Japan in your home country, or through a participating Japanese university. You will not be asked to pay a deposit to apply for the scholarships.*** Read More

May 23

Job: Operations Supervisor at the Shirokiya Ala Moana (HI)

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Via JETAA Hawaii linkedin group by JET alum Beau Miller. 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: Operations Supervisor
Posted by: Shirokiya Ala Moana
Type: Full-time
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A

Duties And Responsibilities:
• Demonstrate leadership skills to meet the company’s objective
• Inventory and cost control and management
• Demonstrate the ability to handle customer complaints and employee management
• Communicate effectively with the upper management about day to day operations and monthly reporting
• Ability to make decisions about pricing and placing orders with different kinds of vendors locally and
internationally
• Management of employee schedule
• Overall-in-charge of the retail area of the store (2nd floor) except for the leased areas Read More

May 23

Around Japan in 47 Curries: Kanagawa

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Tom Baker (Chiba, 1989-91) has begun a 47-part weekly series of posts on his Tokyo Tom Baker blog, in which he will sample and comment on a curry from a different prefecture each week. Here’s his first installment, about Kanagawa Prefecture:

Yokosuka, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is the perfect spot for a naval base. It occupies most of the Miura Peninsula, which forms a natural breakwater protecting the mouth of Tokyo Bay. The establishment of an Imperial Japanese Navy base there in the late 19th century gave Yokosuka an unexpected connection to the nation’s culinary history.
In its early days, the navy was plagued by the painful and often fatal disease beriberi. Food historian Katarzyna J. Cwiertka writes in her excellent book “Modern Japanese Cuisine” that 12 percent of all Japanese sailors were found to be suffering from the condition in 1883. A high-ranking navy doctor named Kanehiro Takagi was aware that beriberi was rare in Western navies, whose sailors more often ate meat. He theorized that a high-protein diet might improve sailors’ health. Efforts were begun to Westernize navy meals by including more meat, and curry was one of the dishes used for that purpose. It became a staple of Japanese navy cooking.

Click HERE to read more.