Job: Education Coordinator, Korematsu Institute (San Francisco)
Jobs 
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Thanks to JET alum Yi Tan for passing this JET-relevant job listing along. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Position: Education Coordinator
Posted by: Korematsu Institute
Type:N/A
Location: San Francisco, CA
Start Date: August 1, 2012
**Application deadline – July 6, 2012**
Overview:
The Fred T. Korematsu Institute for Civil Rights and Education advances pan-ethnic civil and human rights through education. The Korematsu Institute’s programs include curriculum development and distribution, Fred Korematsu Day outreach, and RightsFest, a pan-ethnic civil rights film festival.
The Korematsu Institute is a program of the Asian Law Caucus, a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. Founded in 1972, the Asian Law Caucus is the nation’s first legal and civil rights organization serving low-income Asian Pacific American communities. Its mission is to promote, advance, and represent the legal and civil rights of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Responsibilities:
- Support curriculum distribution and development;
- Assist with event planning;
- Support fundraising and development efforts;
- Reports to Korematsu Institute director
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks;
- Excellent research, analytical, written and oral communication skills;
- B.A./B.S. or equivalent educational or work experience;
- Major in Ethnic Studies or Asian American Studies a plus;
- Experience working in education and/or community organizing a plus;
- Proficiency with Google Apps and MS Office Suite;
- Ability to work some weekends and evenings
The Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.
JQ Magazine: Book Review – ‘Shiro’ and ‘Otaku Spaces’
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“‘Shiro: Wit, Wisdom and Recipes from a Sushi Pioneer’ and ‘Otaku Spaces’ are enjoyable reads for raw fish enthusiasts and confessed Japanophiles of all ages!” (Chin Music Press)
By Preston Hatfield (Yamanashi-ken, 2009-10) for JQ magazine. Preston moved from San Francisco to New York City in January 2012 and is now accepting submissions from people who want to be his friend. Abduct him from his house in the middle of the night, or find him on Facebook and ask about his JET blog in which he details his exploits and misadventures in that crazy Land of the Rising Sun we all love.
This month, JQ takes a moment to showcase two ambitious literary works and the indie press that brought them to print. As a writer with experience in book publishing evaluating and responding to a variety of unsolicited book proposals (we refer to this as the business of crushing dreams), I have been given the privilege of reviewing these works. Therefore, in consideration for readers who won’t read beyond this paragraph, I’ll begin with a sound bite endorsement: “Shiro: Wit, Wisdom and Recipes from a Sushi Pioneer and Otaku Spaces (published by Chin Music Press in 2011 and 2012, respectively) are enjoyable reads for raw fish enthusiasts and confessed Japanophiles of all ages!” —Preston Hatfield
Shiro is the autobiographical account of Shiro Kashiba, the “Godfather of Seattle Sushi” who first introduced the cuisine to the Emerald City in 1966. His story is one of passion, that inspirational drive that likens a man to a salmon swimming upstream—tireless, blind to distraction, and staunchly determined to reach his destination. It guides him, from his childhood home in Kyoto to his first apprenticeship in a sushi restaurant in Ginza, and eventually, to Seattle, where he now continues to perform and perfect his trade in his own restaurant.
His passion transcends mere desire to practice the honored tradition of Edomae sushi—a tradition whose authenticity he strives to preserve despite America’s penchant for fusion rolls and sauces than are anything but canon—and, indeed, finds its footing in the very earth that lavishes the bounty of ingredients he handpicks to make his exquisite, culinary triumphs. An avid hiker and environmentalist, Shiro is perhaps concerned less about the food than he is in urging people to treasure and protect our natural resources, particularly Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest.
While the narrative and style do not always do Shiro’s experiences justice (he is a renowned chef, after all, and not a writer), they do give a concise and linear account of Shiro’s life, and an overview of the challenges he faced every step of the way. With simple language, a humble tone, and a professional’s knowledge and insight, Shiro holds his reader’s attention throughout the book, leading them at a surprisingly brisk pace. This pace, while gratifying in its ability to usher us through Shiro’s Greatest Hits, does not allow for very as many sensory details and anecdotal detours as some readers might prefer.
Fukushima JET alum sets up Kickstarter fund to support his Fukushima documentary project
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Darryl Wharton-Rigby (Fukushima-ken, Kawamata-cho, 2005-07) has set up a Kickstarter fund to support his documentary project about Fukushima, “Don Doko Don: The Yamakiya Taiko Drum Club Project.” Darryl was also organized a project earlier this year, together with former JETAA DC President Michelle Spezzacatena (Fukushima-ken, Kawamata-cho, 2002-05) that brought the Kawamata taiko group to D.C. for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Here’s a little info about the project from the Kickstarter page:
“Don Doko Don: The Yamakiya Taiko Club Story follows an award winning Japanese Taiko Drum Troop – comprised entirely of kids, teens and 20-year-olds – living in Yamakiya, a small town near the failed Fukushima nuclear power plant. The group is forced to flee their homes and beloved mountain community after the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster wreaked devastation on them.
「どんどこどん」：この映画は、数々の受賞歴のある和太鼓の団体である、山木屋太鼓クラブのドキュメンタリー映画です。山木屋太鼓クラブは山木屋市内の、10歳以下の子供や10代の学生そして20歳の青年から構成されています。メンバーたちは地震・津波そして福島原発事故の影響で、今現在もなお実家や親しんだ地元から避難を余儀なくされている状況にあります。
Living as refugees and scattered around the countryside outside and within the radiation zone, the brave Taiko troop struggles to stay together and practice; trying to keep alive the spirit of their community – and the hope of returning home one day. And then, after facing daily adversity and at their lowest point, they get invited to Washington D.C. to be the honored performer in D.C.’s 100th Cherry Blossom Festival; headlining a climatic performance at the Kennedy Center!
それぞれの地域で避難生活を送っているにも関わらず、いつか実家のある地元故郷に帰ることを願い、山木屋太鼓クラブは離れ離れにならないように共に集まり太鼓クラブの精神を盛り上げて一生懸命活動しています。逆境に立ち向かう中、山木屋太鼓クラブはワシントンD.C.の桜祭百周年記念の演奏者として招待され、ケネディーセンターでは最高の演奏を行いました。”
JETAA Southern Alberta Newsletter – Spring 2012
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Thanks to JETAA Southern Alberta Media Coordinator John Nguyen (Hokkaido, 2008-10) for sharing the Spring 2012 issue of “Express Shinkansen,” the very excellent JETAA Southern Alberta Newsletter:
- Spring 2012 JETAA Southern Alberta Newsletter (PDF): http://jetaasa.ca/newsletter/Shinkansen_Express_v4.1.pdf
- You can find links to all current and past issues of JETAA Southern Alberta’s “Express Shinkansen” at: http://www.jetaasa.ca/media/newsletter/
NY-based dance company to host fundraiser in collaboration with Shizuoka City and Choshi city
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“The Inaka” project: A place for JETs to share their Inaka gems with the rest of the world
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JETwit would like to strongly encourage JETs and JET alumni to post pictures and other information to the website The Inaka (www.theinaka.com). The project is a very cool concept in and of itself. However, it is also potentially a great example of the kind of local Return On JET-vestment that demonstrates the long-term value of the JET Programme to prefectures and towns that hire JETs. Read the invitation and explanation below by The Inaka creator Chris Allison (Oita-ken).
Hi my name is Chris Allison, and I have been living in Oita Prefecture for the past three years as an ALT. Over the past few years I`ve noticed several problems with Japanese travel sights.
- They focus on the prefecture`s best rather than showing sights specific to individual towns and cities.
- They have a focus on text and description rather than pictures.
- Difficult to find and then navigate through.
- Lack of English.
This made it very difficult for me as a first year with no Japanese to find and travel to local sights.
I was constantly wishing that there would be some kind of picture oriented guide to show what was special about each town. Whether it is a tourist sight, a restaurant, an onsen, or a festival, each and every town has something that makes it worth going and seeing. Unfortunately, only the JETs in that town know what that town has to offer. Up until now, that information was essentially disappeared once the ALT returned home.
That`s why I made The Inaka, so that foreigners living in Japan had a place to share their Inaka gems with the rest of the world, in an easy to navigate, picture oriented, English written Inaka travel site.
With The Inaka, we can store our pictures and information about our towns for future generations of ALTs to come. The benefit does not end there though. We will hopefully be bringing tourism to Japan`s less traveled to areas by bringing awareness to the beauty that can be found in The Inaka. We have the power to connect people, whether travelers from outside the country or in, with the beauty that can only be found in Japan`s countryside. In doing this we can connect these people with restaurants and onsen that we recommend, and help build up local businesses. We have an excellent opportunity to give back to a country that has given us so much.
However, the site will not be very useful unless it is filled with information and pictures about everyone`s towns. The Inaka needs your help. The upload process takes less than 5 minutes and could not be easier. Currently, Oita prefecture has the most filled in, so take a look to see what your prefecture could look like once it has more uploaded to it.
Thank you, I cannot wait to see what you have in your side of The Inaka.
Chris Allison
Job: Full-time Preschool Opening at International Academy of Arts & Sciences (IAAS) in Closter, NJ
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Full-time Preschool Opening at International Academy of Arts & Sciences (IAAS) in Closter, NJ
Via JETAA NY. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Position: Preschool Teachers
Posted by: International Academy of Arts & Sciences (IAAS)
Type: Full-time
Location: Closter, NJ
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
International Academy of Arts & Sciences (IAAS) is a preschool dedicated to educating young children about the wonders found in the diverse cultures of this world. They are seeking energetic and responsible teachers with excellent communication skills in our Closter, NJ location.** Reports to Preschool Director, Ms. Yamamoto.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Coordinate and lead instruction that provides experiential learning about world cultures (through music, art, food, and customs)
• Support and reflect the preschool mission, philosophies, values, and goals of:
a. international curriculum
b. bilingual immersion
c. and environment of inclusion.
• Provide appropriate materials and activities which foster social skills and encourages children to think, problem solve, question and experiment.
• Support the staff with administrative and special events
• Lead the school in increasing student enrollment from the local community.
Qualifications:
• Excellent attention to detail
• Early childhood education certification
• Positive and friendly demeanor
• ESL a plus
• Knowledge of Spanish, Japanese or Mandarin a plus
To apply for the position, please provide a summary of your coursework and relevant employment history and your availability and e-mail cover letter and resume to Ms. Yamamoto at iaasnj@gmail.com
For more information about IAAS visit www.iaasnj.org.
Grant: Japan-United States Friendship Commission — Creative Artist Program
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Via JETAASE- NC. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Japan-US Friendship Commission seeking American artists for grant to spend three months in Japan.
A grant award in the amount of $20,000 will be provided to each artist to cover housing, living, and professional expenses. Artists will be responsible for converting their dollar award into yen. Disbursement of the grant and financial responsibilities of the grantee will be outlined when awards are made. Up to $2,000 for round-trip transportation will be provided for the artist.
Receipt Deadline: July 1, 2012 for the 2013 program. Residencies for a three month period may begin any time between January 1 and December 31 of 2013. Notification: by July 31, 2012.
Japan-United States Friendship Commission — Creative Artist Program
The Japan U.S. Friendship Commission offers leading contemporary and traditional artists from the UN…
Jobs: Grant Writers and Managers – Asia Society (NY)
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Via The Foundation Center. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Job Positions: Grants Writers and Managers: Arts & Culture (2 openings)
Posted by: Asia Society
Position: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=290300011
Job Description:
Asia Society, a prestigious, global, educational and cultural non-profit seeks 2 Grants Writers and Managers: Arts & Culture (Code FY 1230) and Policy & Education (Code 1231).
They will be integral members of the Asia Society’s External Affairs Department and work with the Director of Institutional Relations & Program Support on all fundraising activities including grants from foundations and government agencies, in the areas of arts and culture and of Asia Society’s policy institute and education, respectively.
Responsibilities:
– Work closely with the Director to collaborate with the Society’s program staff in Cultural Programs (1230) or Business and Policy, and Education (1231) to research and understand the financial needs of the
institution and of individual programs; communicate grant opportunities and develop ideas for grant
submissions;
– Work as assigned on proposals in additional areas, when necessary.
– Write and prepare proposals, budgets and applications for support from foundations and government
agencies;
– Research and identify new foundation and government prospects to plan strategies to approach them; Read More
Justin’s Japan: Interview with Sake Evangelist/JET Alum John Gauntner
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“It was not one big thing but rather a million coincidences that led me to apply for the JET Program. I never, ever imagined I would stay here very long, much less 24 years (and counting)!” (Courtesy of John Gauntner)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
Known as the Sake Guy or the Sake Evangelist, John Gauntner (Kanagawa-ken, 1988-89) is the world’s leading non-Japanese authority on the nation’s signature beverage, penning numerous books on the subject and touring the world with his popular seminars and speaking engagements.
An Ohio native who currently resides in Kamakura, Gauntner returns to America next week to anchor Rice & Water: The Building Blocks of Premium Sake, this year’s annual sake lecture and tasting at New York’s Japan Society on June 19. The Evangelist will introduce the importance of rice and water in sake brewing, and a special sake tasting reception with more than 30 kinds of premium sake will follow.
It actually was the result of countless coincidences. I did not plan it, really. I just got interested in sake, and after drinking with a friend that worked at the The Japan Times, he asked me to write a piece for them. That led to a column, which led to a book, which led to another. I got involved in the industry so I could study more and that led to my involvement in export and education. I didn’t really choose this path; it chose me.
What attracted you to Japan originally, and how did you get the opportunity to first go there?
Again, I have to say that it was not one big thing but rather a million coincidences that led me to apply for the JET Program. I never, ever imagined I would stay here very long, much less 24 years (and counting)!
As a participant in the early days of the JET Program, what things about Japan and its people do you feel have changed for the better since then?
I was in Kanagawa and participated in JET for two years, ’88 and ’89. But I have been here the whole time, and the changes have taken place so gradually it is hard for me to see them. Certainly, though, a familiarity with people from other countries has changed—for the better!
For the complete story, click here.
Justin’s Japan: Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa Salute 25 Years of Metal Gear at Uniqlo NYC
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Hideo Kojima, director of the Metal Gear video game series, at Uniqlo 34th Street store in Manhattan, June 9, 2012. (Justin Tedaldi)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
Japanese retail clothing giant Uniqlo is commemorating a quarter century of Metal Gear—the classic Konami stealth video game series—with a new line of 10 exclusive UT Metal Gear 25th Anniversary T-shirts. On June 8 and 9, series director and game designer Hideo Kojima and artist Yoji Shinkawa made a special appearance at two off Uniqlo’s New York stores with for a special autograph session to commemorate a quarter century of Solid Snake, Big Boss and the eponymous bipedal tank that started it all.
“There were over 2,000 people who attended the UNIQLO Metal Gear event at both Fifth Avenue and 34th Street,” according to Mary Lawton, a spokesperson for Uniqlo. “This is our second event with Metal Gear and we are always thrilled at the level of support we receive from the Konami team as well as the loyal fans of Metal Gear.”
Kojima has made previous appearances at Uniqlo New York’s Soho flagship store in 2008 and 2010.
Fans attending the event who made a $30 store purchase were allowed to have one game-related item signed by Kojima and Shinkawa. Most of the items were related to the Metal Gear Solid series, which began in 1998 on the Sony PlayStation console. (The original Metal Gear was released in the U.S. a decade earlier for the Nintendo Entertainment System.) Most of the fans in attendance were American, attributing to the international influence and success of the Japanese-created game series.
For the complete story, click here.
JapanLocal: Tottori JET Anthony Lieven’s latest Misasa video – June 2012
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Tottori JET Anthony Lieven has been creating new videos each month as part of a project that introduces his JET town of Misasa to the world. With Anthony’s permission, here is his latest video:
“Hello everyone ! Here is my new video ! For this third monthly video (June) I filmed friends while they where enjoying Misasa ! We had a lot of fun !”
http://vimeo.com/43906925
Job: Postings from Idealist.org 6.11.12
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Via Idealist.org. Posted by Geneva Marie (Niigata-ken 2008-09) Geneva is a contributor to both JETwit and JETAANY. Geneva is on a continuous (epic) search for Japanese-related jobs in the United States. Hire me! :-)
International Program Coordinator
Posted by: Northwest Student Exchange
Type: Full-time
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: DOE
Start Date: ASAP
NSE is seeking a candidate to coordinate NWSE High School Exchange Programs with Latin America, Spain, and France. Experience living, studying and/or working abroad as well as experience working with youth and diverse groups of people, required. 4 year degree preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/ppc9ZswtbZMD/
Job: Tokyo On-Site Coordinator (temp) – FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Tokyo On-Site Coordinator (temp) – FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION
Thanks to Jet alum Emily Golan for sharing this very JET relevant summer position. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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*** FYI, the deadline is Friday, June 15, 2012 ***
Position: On Site Coordinator
Posted by: Ayusa Study Abroad
Type: Full-time temp.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Salary: 1,200 USD
Overview:
Ayusa Study Abroad, part of Intrax Cultural Exchange, is a premier study abroad organization that has assisted more than 60,000 students from around the world to live and study, in the U.S and overseas. We are currently seeking a responsible, dynamic, dependable self-starter for an On Site Coordinator Position for our high school summer cultural exploration program in Tokyo, Japan, July 13, 2012 – August 4, 2012.
The position of the On Site Coordinator directly impacts our participants’ experience and in the larger scope can change lives around the world – a role that offers personal rewards. In this position, the successful candidate will support high school students as they navigate their overseas experience. We are looking for a highly energetic and responsible individual who can perform the following duties for our summer program:
On-site and Pre-Departure Support:
•Assist in program preparations prior to start date, approximately 20 hours
•Escort students on international flights to and from Tokyo, Narita, including airport assistance as
needed
•Participate in pre-departure orientation in the U.S. via webinar
•Conduct arrival orientation in Tokyo in conjunction with our Tokyo staff, focusing on safety,
cultural adjustment, Ayusa support and program rules and regulations
•Provide student support throughout the duration of the program 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
•Be available for regular meetings with students and provide individual support as necessary
including for natural parents
•Facilitate effective communication between students, faculty and on-site staff
•Assist with the mediation of conflicts between students or between students and local on-site staff
if necessary Read More
Students from Taylor and Monty’s high schools to visit the US
Earthquake Tsunami Comments Off on Students from Taylor and Monty’s high schools to visit the US
The below article appeared recently in the US-based Japanese language newspaper Frontline. Thanks to a helpful, bilingual JETwit supporter for sharing this and providing a summary in English:
“It basically says that 1,000 high school kids from 40 schools in the US will visit Japan in three groups from June 10th to the end of July. The group will include students from Taylor and Monty’s alma maters. They will do volunteer work in Tohoku and will visit Ishinomaki and Rikuzentakata (you can see the reference to Taylor, Monty, & JET in the third paragraph). The three main groups will evidently break up into smaller groups of 25 while in Japan and will move around among visits to places like temporary housing and volunteer work sites, and they are planning to visit Fukushima-ken to conduct radiation testing on newly harvested produce (that’s really interesting). They will also visit Kobe to see the recovery there from the Hanshin earthquake.”
★ 米高校生ら1000人、被災地へ 10日から訪日、交流
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東日本大震災からの復興に取り組む日本の姿を自分の目で確かめようと、米国の高校生ら約1000人が10日から７月下旬にかけ、３グループに分かれて訪日する。それぞれ約２週間滞在し、岩手、宮城、福島、茨城４県でのボランティア活動などを通じて被災地の人々と交流を深める。国際交流基金が主催する招待プログラムの一環。2005年の大型ハリケーン「カトリーナ」など、過去に自然災害に見舞われた地域を含む全米の40校が参加者を送り出す。外国青年招致事業（JETプログラム）で訪日中に震災の犠牲となった英語指導助手テイラー・アンダーソンさん＝当時（24）、バージニア州出身＝と、モンゴメリー・ディクソンさん＝同（26）、アラスカ州出身＝の出身校の生徒も訪日し、２人の赴任先だった宮城県石巻市と岩手県陸前高田市を訪れる予定。参加者は25人単位で行動。一部は岩手県久慈市で仮設住宅を訪問し、震災当時や避難生活の話を聞く。宮城県気仙沼市で津波被害を受けた海岸を地元ボランティアとともに清掃したり、福島県天栄村を訪れ収穫した農作物の放射線量を測定したりすることも計画されている。全ての参加者は神戸市にも足を運び、阪神大震災から復興を遂げた街の様子も視察する。（共同）
