I’ll Make It Myself!: Kitchen Library: What I Ate on New Year’s Break, Part 1
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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 and web administrator for The Art of Travel, ze also writes I’ll Make It Myself!, a blog about food culture in Japan, and 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.
New Rice Cooker Chronicles submissions always welcome. Just e-mail it to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
We stayed local with friends for the New Year, and after we exhausted our list of our favorite cafes one by one as they closed for the holidays, we holed up in the apartment and cooked up a storm. [Featuring korogaki, fuku-ume, nabe and more delicious Japanese dishes!]
CLAIR Magazine “JET Plaza” series: Matthew Fuller (Aichi)
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Each month, current and former JET participants are featured in the “JET Plaza” section of the CLAIR Forum magazine. The December 2011 edition includes an article by JET alumn Matthew Fuller. Posted by Celine Castex (Chiba-ken, 2006-11), currently programme coordinator at CLAIR Tokyo.
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“Often, you are the only foreigner that people will ever get to know, and so you are truly an Ambassador to Japan from the outside world – and that’s a powerful platform.”
Matthew Fuller (Aichi-ken, Toyota-shi, 1997-99) is originally from Austin, Texas. He came to Japan on the JET Programme and lived and taught in the rural village of Shimoyama which later merged to be part of Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture. After a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of the University of Texas, he joined the US Department of State. Matthew Gardner Fuller is currently the special assistant to the US Ambassador to Japan John V. Roos in Tokyo where he has served since 2009.
What was one the most positive aspects of your experience on the JET Programme?
One of the best things for me was the lifelong connections I made with the people in my community. What started out as sharing an occasional drink with some people in Shimoyama, ended up growing into long-term friendships. In fact, one of the friends I made during my time on JET has continued to keep in touch with me by calling every month to chat. He even continued to check in on me while I was on assignment in Baghdad. It’s these connections that really made my time on JET special. And these ongoing connections have provided numerous opportunities to go back and visit Shimoyama. For example, I was recently invited to and attended the wedding of a former student. I also had the chance to accompany Ambassador Roos to Shimoyama to help provide a firsthand look at the long-lasting grassroots exchange that the JET Programme is capable of fostering. Read More
Kyodo News “Rural JET alumni” series: Marion Lagan (Okayama)
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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 January 2013. Posted by Celine Castex (Chiba-ken, 2006-11), currently programme coordinator at CLAIR Tokyo.
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I hope I will have another chance to spend time there so, to the question “How is it to live in Tokyo?” I can finally answer “It’s good, but not as good as it was living in Okayama.”
Marion Lagan (Okayama-ken, Soja-shi, 2007-09) was born in the Southwest of France, then lived in many different places throughout France until she graduated high school. She moved to Paris where she studied French literature and Japanese. Once she got her teaching certificate, she applied to the JET Programme in order to get a first experience working abroad as well as furthering her knowledge of Japan and its culture. She spent two years in Okayama Prefecture teaching French and English and eating peaches. Once back in France, she got an MBA from HEC Paris. She is now working for L’Oréal as brand manager. In her spare time, she likes watching movies, making movies, reading novels as well as essays and planning her next trip to Japan.
All roads lead to Japan
When people learn I’ve spent two years in Japan, their first question always is “So, how is it to live in Tokyo ?” and the reaction I get when I tell them I don’t know since I lived in Okayama is, at best “What, you mean Hiroshima ?” or at worst “Is that even in Japan ?”. Yes, Okayama is in Japan. To me it is Japan.
From 2007 to 2009, I taught French and English to high school students whose age ranged from 15 to 19 year-old. I was a teacher in France and JET was a great opportunity to experience another lifestyle as well as work-style. I saw –and helped, I hope, students grow up and they definitely made me grow up too. It has been three years now I have left Japan and the more important memories seems to have sharpened so I will recount the ones that impressed me the most. Read More
“J-Boys is a historical lesson for readers of all ages. Although the story takes place 20 years after World War II, Japan is still very much scarred by the war and Oketani mentions how it affected the mindsets of the country’s people.” (Stone Bridge Press)
By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata-ken, 2008-2010) for JQ magazine. Rashaad worked at four elementary schools and three junior high schools on JET, and taught a weekly conversion class in Haguro (his village) to adults. He completed the Tokyo Marathon in 2010, and was also a member of a taiko group in Haguro.
The 1960s were a decade of enormous change around the world. Although Japan didn’t experience the upheaval some other countries did during that period, for one teenager, the mid-1960s were shaping up to be a different era.
Shogo Oketani’s novel J-Boys: Kazuo’s World, Tokyo, 1965 takes readers into the lives of young Kazuo Nakamoto and, to a lesser extent, his friends—younger brother Yasuo, his friend Nobuo, Nobuo’s older brother Haruo, and Kazuo’s classmate Minoru. As steeped in tradition as Japan is (and continues to be), Oketani paints a picture of a society beginning to be seriously touched by foreign influences. Inspired by the 1964 Olympics in their hometown, Kazuo and Haruo usually head to an empty lot after school to emulate 100-meter champion Bob Hayes (It was Kazuo’s dream to be an Olympic sprinter). And like many young people across the world, Haruo went crazy for a quartet from Liverpool, often singing “A Hard Day’s Night.”
Essentially, J-Boys (which was based on Oketani’s childhood)serves a journey through the ups-and-downs of adolescence while introducing younger readers to Japanese culture and the changing landscape of the country. Kazuo’s father speaks about the rise in TV’s popularity with an air of sadness, blaming it for the loss of a nearby cinema. Likewise, Kazuo feels the new Tokyo (much of it fueled by Olympic-related construction) he sees during his Saturday afternoon walks is not necessary an improved one. Kazuo develops a crush on a girl he’s known for quite a while, but sees a couple of close friends move just prior to the start of a new school year. So he realizes he’s about to embark on an unpredictable journey.
New Facebook groups for Wisconsin and Indiana JETAA subchapters
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Originally posted by JETAA Chicago President Rob Corder to the JETAA Chicago Facebook group:
Hi everybody! As most of you all know, JETAA Chicago serves not only the Chicago region, but all of Illinois as well as Indiana and Wisconsin. In our ongoing effort to reach out and grow the JETAA community, two new Facebook groups have been set up: JETAA Chicago Badger State Subchapter and JETAA Chicago Hoosier Subchapter. If you live in Wisconsin or Indiana and are interested in connecting with other JET Alums in your area, check them out. The hope is that these communities will grow and that we will be able to do some events in Wisconsin and Indiana.
Wisconsin: JETAA Chicago Badger State Subchapter
http://www.facebook.com/groups/329244980520254/
Indiana: JETAA Chicago Hoosier Subchapter
http://www.facebook.com/groups/410478425701096/
JET Alum Artist Beat: Joshua Powell, Book Designer and Illustrator
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******* JET Alum Artist Beat is a periodic feature organized by Jessica Sattell (Fukuoka-ken, 2007-2008) intending to share the wide scope of creative work that JET alumni are pursuing as artists, designers, and/or craftspeople. She is interested in interviewing and providing exposure for artists and arts professionals, and welcomes links to online portfolios, stores and businesses. Feel free to email Jessica at hello (dot) jessicasattell (at) gmail (dot) com with suggestions.
Joshua Powell (Saitama-ken, 2005-2007) is a Seattle-based book designer and illustrator. He has designed and produced a number of books for Japan-focused (and JET alum run) independent publisher Chin Music Press, including Shiro: Wit, Wisdom and Recipes from a Sushi Pioneer, which was a 2011 Washington State Book Award Finalist and won First Place in the Quality Paperback category at the 2012 New York Book Show. NPR called another title that he designed, Oh! a mystery of mono no aware, “a triumphant kick in the pants for anyone who doubts the future of paper-and-ink books.”
Josh graciously took the time to discuss his JET tenure and how his experiences in Japan influence his design sensibilities.
A spread from “Shiro: Wit, Wisdom and Recipes from a Sushi Pioneer” featuring one of Joshua’s original illustrations (image courtesy of Joshua Powell)
Tell us a little about your background. How did you decide to apply to JET and live in Japan?
From the ages of 9-17 I practiced traditional Japanese martial arts, training under a Japanese teacher who had relocated to my home state of Virginia. His two sons as well as other Japanese sensei would visit and teach at the dojo for extended periods of time.
When I was fifteen I was lucky enough to travel to Japan for a karate competition. I never really sought out Japanese culture. I just kind of fell into marital arts and by virtue of that, Japan became a pretty central part of my childhood and teenage years. The trip I took to Japan lasted two weeks, and after it was over I always had this feeling that I wanted to get back and live there – I wondered what it would be like to have things become more familiar, to feel comfortable there. It was a thought that just stuck in the back of my mind, and then when I found out about the JET Program years later, I didn’t think twice about applying.
Were there any experiences while you were on JET that you found particularly meaningful or memorable?
My two years on JET are very important to me – a consistently rewarding and meaningful time. There are many things that contributed to the experience being so great, but it really came down to the people I met and the places I visited while in Japan. I felt extremely lucky with the school I worked at – Omiya High School in Saitama-ken. I had great co-workers, some of whom I considered close friends, and so many enthusiastic and positive students. Outside of work I had some really great friends, other JETs as well as Japanese friends who I mainly met while traveling. There were so many opportunities to get out and explore the country. Unlike many JETs, I only left the country once during my two years. I almost exclusively spent my time off exploring Japan. Coming from the U.S., the ability and ease with which I could explore the country never ceased to amaze me – just hop on a train and you’re off on a new adventure.
One of the things that I came away from Japan with was the knowledge that you don’t need a lot of things to be happy. You can live in a tiny apartment and have few material possessions (no point in buying a lot of stuff when you aren’t staying somewhere permanently), but as long as there are good people in your life and you’re able to get out and experience new things, life can be very fulfilling.
As you mention in your interview with One A Day, you’re trained in printmaking. Has that influenced your work as a book designer?
Photograph highlighting the design of “Otaku Spaces” with book jacket removed (image courtesy of Joshua Powell)
Yes. I’m mostly self-taught when it comes to design, so of course I’m building off of the visual language I learned through making art, and particularly printmaking. And of course bookmaking is a form of printmaking – making an edition of ink on paper objects. So naturally, my enthusiasm for the physical book is greatly influenced by my background in printmaking. I’ve always worked with commercial printers – none of which were in Seattle. So in a way that’s very odd, that I’m giving up the actual printing aspect of the whole process to someone else. Nonetheless, since I’m not only doing the design but also handling the production aspect of the process (preparing files, choosing papers, communicating with the printer), I still have a hand in it. If I were to print the books myself or to work closely with a local printer, Read More
AJET Connect Magazine survey of JET Alumni
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A request from James Kemp (Ehime-ken, 2nd year), AJET Online Publications Manager and Editor for AJET Connect Magazine:
Are you a former JET? Then AJET Connect Magazine wants to hear from you! We’ve got a short five question survey we’d love for you to answer ahead of next month’s After JET Conference in Yokohama. The best answers will be printed in AJET Connect Magazine and distributed at the Conference, so if you fancy having your voice heard and helping hundreds of current JETs, please do get involved!
The survey can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YL3HCNX
If you’ve any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Job: Visual Web Designer (Fluent Japanese) at Amazon Japan (Seattle, WA)
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Via PNW JETAA. 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: Visual Web Designer (Fluent Japanese)
Posted by: Amazon
Type: 2 Month Contract
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: ASAP
Overview
· Amazon is looking for a visual web design contractor with a background in retail websites to work on Amazon.co.jp (Amazon Japan).
· We are looking for a person who has Japanese language skills (speaking, writing, and reading) to communicate with Japanese business team in Tokyo through emails and phones on a daily basis.
· Candidate must have web design experience in the Japanese market with full knowledge of Japanese typography, trends and culture to deliver strong visual solutions unique to the Japanese customers. The position is based in Seattle.
· We need a highly motivated, self-directed, enthusiastic person with a sense of humor and a sharp mind who works well under pressure and can thrive in an atmosphere of rapid development.
· Candidate must be comfortable working within existing style guide conventions, and be willing to work collaboratively, but also have a strong individual sense of aesthetics and be able to bring tasteful, stylish, high-class ideas to the table.
· Successful candidates will provide a strong portfolio, and demonstrate excellent web interface and visual design skills. Read More
AJET Survey: The JET Alumni Experience
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A request from AJET for JET alumni to participate in a survey:
“Every spring and fall, we run surveys on JET Programme aspects in order to create reports to present to CLAIR and the three ministries who cooperate to run the JET Programme. Our Spring 2013 Surveys are officially live and are open until Sunday, January 27th. This time, there is one specifically for JET alumni. We’d appreciate it if you could take a moment of your time to fill it out by this coming Sunday, January 27. Thank you!”
The JET Alumni Experience
The JET Alumni Experience: This survey will ask questions about the reappointment process and the retention of JET Programme participants. Your responses will help us assess which aspects of JET Programme participants’ lives were satisfactory and which areas are in need of improvement within the context of the JET Programme. We hope to explore responses within the reappointment and retention section to suggest improvements for the reappointment process.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/jetalumnisurvey
JET Alum Author Beat 1.20.13
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Gemma Vidal (Okayama-ken, 2010-12) is a recently returned JET seeking work in product licensing and copyright (if it’s within the publishing industry, even better!). You can usually find her in her little web spaces Gem in the Rough and Peachy Keen (her JET adventures) or training with San Jose Taiko. If you know of any authors/aspiring writers you’d like to see featured in JET Alum Author Beat, just contact Gemma at gem.vidal [at] gmail.com.
- It’s less than a month until Robert Weston’s (Nara-ken, 2002-04) release of his new book, Prince Puggly of the Spiff and the Kingdom of Spud, and to mark the countdown he posted some of the artwork for the book. Victor Rivas is also behind the illustrations of Robert’s previous book, Zorgamazoo. Speaking of Zorgamazoo, it seems like we might be seeing this on the big screen! By the producers of Shrek no less! Congratulations on the film option Robert!
- What’s going on in the Japanese pop culture arena? Take a look at Roland Kelt’s (Osaka-shi, 1998-99) blog on his brief picture post on Japan’s Comiket, the mecca of all things self-published. Looking at his website made me realize that it was Hayao Miyazaki’s 72nd birthday this month. Shame on me, I know.
- Ari Kaplan, JET Alumni and author of Reinventing Professional Professional Services: Building Your Business in the Digital Marketplace, recently had his book translated into Japanese, which is under the title ハスラー プロフェッショナルたちの革新 . The translated book can be found at the publisher’s website. Here is what Ari had to say about his book being translated:
The publication of the Japanese edition offered me the opportunity to express my gratitude for the remarkable experience I had almost two decades ago. I dedicated this version to the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education, Kobe Kohoku High School (where I taught), and the head of the English department at my school, among others.
Until next time JET alumni!
NEW JETAA Chicago “Daily Life In Japan” 2013 Calendars!
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NEW JETAA Chicago “Daily Life In Japan” 2013 Calendars!
Exclusive this year, JETAA Chicago is showcasing the amazing photos submitted by the community for our charity event, “Daily Life in Japan – Photos for Soma,” in a 12-month wall calendar. Every image is a celebration of Japan’s natural beauty and rich culture. Share your love of Japan with friends and family while supporting a great cause; all proceeds benefit the Soma City Tsunami Orphan Scholarship Fund.
Here’s the link to purchase a calendar: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SLGJQUHFXYPU6
Job: Assistant Correspondent at Kyodo News (Los Angeles)
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Thanks to JET alum and Kyodo News journalist Jody Godoy. 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: Kyodo News
Type: Full- time (occasionally requires overtime)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
Kyodo News, the largest Japanese newswire, is currently seeking an assistant correspondent for its Los Angeles bureau. Journalism experience and Japanese language skills are not required, but some
level of interest and knowledge of international affairs and Japanese culture and language is desired. Duties include assisting Japanese correspondents by researching political, cultural and international
issues, attending press briefings and other events (award ceremonies, criminal trials, sporting events, etc.) as needed. Occasional out-of-state travel is required. Byline and other writing opportunities are regularly available for Kyodo News International, an English-language wire service, and they may be published by leading English newspapers in Japan and around Asia. Administrative tasks will include writing correspondence, planning logistics, and transcribing, arranging and conducting interviews.
This is a great opportunity for someone who is thinking about pursuing a career in journalism. Read More
Job: Fluent Japanese (Speaking and Writing) Call Center Agent (Mt. View, CA)
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Via Randstand USA. 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 let them know you learned of the job listing via JETwit. Thanks**
Position: Call Center Agent
Posted by: Randstand USA
Type: 4 to 6 month temporary assignment
Location: Mountain View, CA
Salary: $19.00/hrly
Start Date: N/A
Duties & Responsibilities:
· Provide phone and email support to resolve user problems.
· Helping customers work systematically through technical problems, help customers understand the
features, and benefits of new products.
· Follow pre-defined (as trained) support procedures and policies.
· Support a wide-variety of types for products such as: mobile hardware, payments, digital media, etc.
· Work in a fast-changing, fast-paced workplace.
· Work with fellow agents to solve difficult customer issues.
· Effectively and judiciously escalate issues with clear communication.
**Must be able to pass a criminal background check**
Skills & Experience:
· 2 years of strong customer support experience with the ability to work flexible hours.
· Enthusiastic consumer digital technology/media user — prefer personal use of Android products and strong
Android knowledge.
· Specialized experience may be required, based on products supported at the time of hire such as:
technical hardware support/installation, financial transaction support, etc.
· The technical knowledge (knowledge of Android) to successfully troubleshoot with first call resolution
where possible or to know when to escalate to another member of the team.
· Ability to resolve billing and payment queries.
· Enjoy the challenges of working with a wide variety of people.
· Strong desire to learn continually and grow professionally.
· Driven to master the products they’re supporting/offering.
· Comfortable communicating non-technical solutions to technically complex matters.
To Apply For This Position, Please Click On The Following Link: https://interview.harqen.com/interviewnow/9054/6311
Or E-mail resume to monica.calderon@randstadusa.com
Job: Curator of Education at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, FL
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Thanks to JET alum Wendy Lo 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: Curator of Education
Posted by: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Type: Full-Time
Location: Delray Beach, FL
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Position Overview:
The Curator of Education will report to the Museum Director and be primarily responsible for the creation and implementation of educational programming at the Morikami Museum. This includes working closely with curatorial and exhibitions staff, developing and maintaining school and group tours, programs and activities, evaluating and developing potential educational programs, and assisting in the sponsorship and marketing of educational programs. The Curator of Education will also be responsible for training and scheduling docents. Read More
Job: Seattle Area Job Opportunity- Hyogo Business and Cultural Center (Seattle, WA)
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Thanks to JET alum Ben Erickson. 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: Cultural and Educational Project Manager
Posted by: The Hyogo Business and Cultural Center
Type: Full-time
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: 30,000 + DOE (Medical + Dental Insurance)
Start Date: Position Immediately Available, Preferred start day February 1st, 2013
Overview:
The Hyogo Business and Cultural Center is looking for an energetic, focused and committed person to take on the job of Cultural and Educational Project Manager.
Major responsibilities:
1. Event Management & Coordination
The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and executing events, Recruiting/ managing volunteers, fundraising, generating event content, producing/ distributing marketing materials, etc. Some examples of event related duties include:
- Hyogo-Washington 50th Anniversary Celebration Events: Liaise with Government officials, business leaders, and committee members to coordinate multiple events, including but not limited to Japanese performing arts group tours, government commemorative ceremonies, and craft product exhibitions.
- The Washington State High School Japanese Speech Contest: Organize and execute this event by arranging facilities, funding, and contest prizes in addition to coordinating judges, event MCs, VIPs, volunteers and contest committee members. Candidate must also develop contest guidelines, oversee participant applications, and event promotion.
- Local Community Japan-Related Events: Coordinate HBCC participation at Japanese cultural events such as, Cherry Blossom Festival, Aki Matsuri, Sakura Con and others. Read More
