JET to EPIK: One JET’s ESL journey from Japan to Korea
Career 
Comments Off on JET to EPIK: One JET’s ESL journey from Japan to Korea
By JET alum Kyle Timmermeyer (Ibaraki-ken), currently teaching English in Korea on the EPIK program. Note: For the past three years I’ve been trying to find a JET alum who also taught English on the EPIK program in Korea to write about some of the similarities and differences of the two programs. So thanks to Kyle for his contribution.
After teaching mostly elementary school English in Japan for 4 years, I decided I needed a slight change of pace. I got JLPT N2 certification, but my idealized vision of translation and transitioning into business or “international relations” had hit a wall in terms of motivation. I was desperately bored, and extremely restless. So, I decided that doing the same (rather easy) job in a different country was the sweet spot. Korea seemed like the obvious choice from the first, and after plenty of additional research and reflection, it won out.
After getting into JET, I figured that acceptance into the Korean equivalent, EPIK would be just as easy. As a bonus, unlike JET which doesn’t cover Tokyo at all, EPIK has a specific subdivision responsible for recruiting teachers into Seoul called SMOE. The names–EPIK/SMOE–tend to turn into consonant salad in my brain, in part because of politics and some corruption in a former iteration of the Seoul division. Naturally, the vague, seedy story made me wary, but piqued my interest at the same time. After total immersion in a rather stagnant Japanese position, I could see the silver lining on a Korean cloud that seemed to be ready to purge itself of the acid rain of corruption. And, regardless of the politics of the situation, I was craving some of that big city excitement. And so, after living in Nagasaki and Ibaraki for 2 years each, this native Kansan set his sights on the big city. Read More
Lars Martinson’s “Kameoka Diaries” e-comic now available on iTunes
Books, Cartoon/Illustration, Celebrity, Humor, Japan Local, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Writers Comments Off on Lars Martinson’s “Kameoka Diaries” e-comic now available on iTunes
*************
Lars Martinson (Fukuoka-ken 2003-2006), author of the graphic novels Tonoharu: Part Two andTonoharu: Part 1, has just announced the “Kameoka Diaries“, Lars’ e-comic about his return to teaching English, this time in Kameoka, Kyoto, is now available on iTunes.
More info here and below: http://larsmartinson.com/my-first-two-e-comics-now-available/
The Kameoka Diaries: Volume One [ Direct iBookstore Link ]
The Kameoka Diaries: Volume One is a humorous (?) account of my experiences living and working in Central Japan, told over eight chapters. It includes an exclusive chapter not available anywhere else!
JETwit Note: I just downloaded a copy onto my iPhone. 250 pages for only $0.99, and I always love Lars’ work. Plus, it’s my first time using iBook which it turns out is pretty nifty. :-)
Job: Secretary to Senior Diplomats, The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (NY) 05.05.12
Jobs, Uncategorized Comments Off on Job: Secretary to Senior Diplomats, The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (NY) 05.05.12
Via Permanent Mission of Japan. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Secretary to Senior Diplomats
Posted by: Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations 国際連合日本政府代表部
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Manage appointment schedules and prepare daily and weekly schedule for senior diplomats
2. Respond to telephone calls, both incoming and outgoing, with efficiency and professional etiquette
3. Coordinate logistics/protocol for conferences, meetings, briefings, receptions, and other official functions
4. Draft and prepare letters and diplomatic correspondence
5. Prepare and mail invitation cards for official functions
6. Prepare and mail greeting cards for senior diplomats
7. Prepare table cards and tray cards for luncheons and dinners
8. Research topics related to the United Nations and Japan as required by the Mission staff members
9. Update and develop contact information including the bio of VIPs as well as invitation list databases
10. Receive and sort incoming mail
11. Assist as a receptionist at official functions
12. Receive guests and serve tea
13. Respond to inquiries
14. Receive dictation from senior diplomats, take accurate and quick notes, and keep records or write up summaries as required Read More
Justin’s Japan: Roland Kelts Makes New ‘Monkey Business’ at Japan Night @ Joe’s Pub
Article/Journalism, Books, Events, Justin's Japan, Roland Kelts Comments Off on Justin’s Japan: Roland Kelts Makes New ‘Monkey Business’ at Japan Night @ Joe’s Pub
JET alum and ‘Monkey Business’ editor Roland Kelts will appear at Japan Night @ Joe’s Pub in New York May 6. (Kaz)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
Regular visitors to NoHo’s St. Mark’s Place are known to enjoy many of the Japanese pubs and eateries that dot the street down to Avenue A. This Sunday (May 6), neighbor Joe’s Pub will host live music and the latest English release of a notable Nippon-centric literary anthology.
Japan Night @ Joe’s Pub, held at the eponymous nightclub a stone’s throw below Astor Place, promises an unforgettable night of transcultural readings, music and live performances. On tap for Sunday: revered Japanese writers Masatsugu Ono, Tomoko Shibasaki, and award-winning author and translator Motoyuki Shibata will arrive from Tokyo to share the stage with American authors Stuart Dybek, Kelly Link, and Canadian translator, scholar and editor Ted Goossen.
The scriveners’ summit will celebrate the second Issue of Monkey Business International, the latest English-language edition of the acclaimed Japanese literary magazine that Pulitzer-winning author Junot Díaz calls “one of the year’s best publications” and Luna Park Review dubbed “one of the seven best literary magazines of 2011.”
Emceeing is JET alum (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), Japanamerica author and Monkey Business contributing editor Roland Kelts (click here for an exclusive interview conducted with Kelts last year), who describes the literary project as “all about dear friends calling upon me to be a bridge between the worlds I inhabit, write about and know best—giving me an enormous opportunity to feel a momentary spurt of self-worth.”
For the complete story, click here.
Job: Tomodachi Summer 2012 SoftBank Leadership Program 05.03.12
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Tomodachi Summer 2012 SoftBank Leadership Program 05.03.12
Via Ayusa. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
———————————————————————————————————
***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Teaching/Mentoring
Location: San Francisco, CA
Position: Part-time (July 23 – August 11, 2012)
Salary: $2,500
Hour: 8:30 AM – 12 PM
http://usjapantomodachi.org/tomodachi-e-softbank-01.html
Program Description:
The Tomodachi Initiative is a public-private partnership supported by the US and Japanese governments to support Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The goal of the program is to foster the next generation, a “Tomodachi generation” of doers, thinkers and creators who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations. The program will support the students to appreciate our two cultures, and to cultivate globally oriented skills and mindsets needed to thrive and make a difference. Led by Ayusa International in partnership with the University of California – Berkeley’s Center for Cities & Schools, students will partake in a unique civic engagement and leadership initiative called Y-PLAN (Youth – Plan, Learn, Act, Now) aimed at preparing a group of 300 Japanese youth to be leaders of change and revitalization.
Responsibilities:
Selected teacher/mentors will each lead a team of 20 -25 Japanese high school students through the unique 5-step Y-PLAN course in community development and leadership. The Center for Cities & Schools will provide teachers with training and a step-by-step manual to guide the students through the Y-PLAN process.
The overall Tomodachi Program design incorporates community service projects, cultural enrichment activities, global skills training, and experiential learning. It promotes civic responsibility and commitment to communities and inspires future leaders to be agents of positive change. Additionally, the program equips participants to take local action on issues of international importance, to empower, inspire and prepare them to work to create a peaceful international community. Read More
Job: Logistic Coordinator (Anshin Technology, Inc.) (MN) 05.01.12
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Logistic Coordinator (Anshin Technology, Inc.) (MN) 05.01.12
Via JETAA Minnesota. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Logistics Coordinator / Assistant Logistics Manager
Posted by: Anshin Technology, Inc.
Type: Full-time
Location: Bloomington, MN
Salary: USD 34,000 – USD 45,000
Start Date: N/A
Responsibilities:
– Handle full set import/export documents, L/C, shipping documents and customs declaration independently.
– Issue Purchase Order, Sales Order, Invoice, Packaging details, Item registration.
– Contact and coordinate with external (customers, vendors, 3PL warehouse, freight forwarder) and internal
parties, and negotiate if necessary.
– Visit 3PL warehouse (Will call / Drop Off / Damage shipment inspection or for anything if necessary.)
Business trip may be required (probably within US domestic trip)
– Update and monitor delivery, adjust if necessary, and keep tracking.
– Handle customer inquiries, complaints, orders follow-up and coordination.
– Prepare summary reports & perform general clerical duties.
– Maintain filling system to ensure easy retrieval of information.
– Check bills from vendors, sales expense sheet & enter them in the system.
– Manage Account Payable & monitor Account Receivable & inquire overdue payment to customers.
– Customer/ Vendor registration. Read More
Job: Seeking a Japanese native-speaker/collaborator on book project 05.01.12
Jobs, Translating/Interpreting, Writers Comments Off on Job: Seeking a Japanese native-speaker/collaborator on book project 05.01.12
Thanks to JET Alum Justin Moy for passing on this interesting opportunity about a unique book project. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Japanese Collaborator for ESL Book
Posted by: Daniel Gauss
Type: Full-time
Location: N/A
Salary: Deferred pay
Start Date: N/A
Author of an ESL book to be published in the Spanish-speaking world is seeking a Japanese collaborator to tailor the book for Japanese English-learners. The purpose of the book is for learners to acquire English idioms and vocabulary through reading English instead of relying heavily on line translations. For more information about the book on Amazon, click on the following link:
Job Responsibilities:
– Write chapter introductions in Japanese
– Add introductions in Japanese to the vocabulary sections
– Write up short explanations or translations of difficult English words in the text
– Aid in changing the main character of the book to a Japanese hero or heroine (Main character is currently
a young woman from Spain studying English in New York.)
– Aid in communication with Japanese publishers to publish book in Japan
Job Requirements:
– At least a bachelor’s degree
– Proficient in written Japanese
– English teaching experience in Japan (preferred)
Compensation:
– Deferred pay (If the book is published in Japan and earns a profit, you will receive 50% of the cut.)
Note: This can be discussed, but a percentage of the profit can be donated to a charity supporting Japan.
Contact: Please send credentials to the author, Daniel Gauss, by e-mailing him at djg51qu@gmail.com.
Job: Contract Administrator (ITOCHU International Inc.) (DC) 05.01.12
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Contract Administrator (ITOCHU International Inc.) (DC) 05.01.12
Via JETAA DC. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Contract Administrator
Posted by: ITOCHU International
Type: Full-time
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Responsibilities:
Provide administrative and business support for our trading group based in
Washington, DC.
Key Responsibility areas:
1. Responsible for the scheduling, operations, and follow-up on deliveries per customer contracts.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: providing notices to suppliers and facilities, customer service, confirming/updating clients on shipping schedule and delivery status, and ensuring payments are made/received in a timely manner.
2. Responsible for the maintenance, filing and retrieval of contracts and correspondence on a daily basis.
Including inventory data, cash flow data, credit line control data, and commodity balance control data.
3. Support monthly, quarterly and yearly budgeting process by preparing expense summaries, forecasting, and consolidating data.
4. Works with the following departments to draft, prepare and submit internal applications: Risk Management, Accounting, Corporate Planning, Legal. Responsible for ensuring the application request is completed accurately and follows up on their approval.
5. Report on customers or vendors volume, price, sales and payments. Read More
WIT Life #199: Young Japanese Politician Power
Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #199: Young Japanese Politician Power
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 currently in DC interpreting for a six-person delegation that is here on a two-week program with the American Council for Young Political Leaders (ACYPL). Group members represent both the DPJ and LDP, as well as one participant from the New Komeito Party. Our other destinations are Tennessee and Washington State, so despite their short stay my group will have the opportunity to experience different parts of the U.S.
Speaking of young politicians, last week the New York Times profiled Japan’s youngest mayor, 31-year old Naomichi Suzuki of Yubari, Hokkaido. Yubari is known for Read More
Prime Minister Noda meets with Taylor Anderson’s parents
JETs in the News Comments Off on Prime Minister Noda meets with Taylor Anderson’s parents
JapanToday has a “Picture of the Day” (plus explanation text) of Prime Minister Noda meeting with Jeanne and Andy Anderson, parents of Taylor Anderson.
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/thank-you
JQ Magazine: Petals Underfoot at Brooklyn’s Sakura Matsuri
Article/Journalism, Events, JQ Magazine Comments Off on JQ Magazine: Petals Underfoot at Brooklyn’s Sakura Matsuri
The view from Sakura Matsuri at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, April 2012. (Preston Hatfield)
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.
In the end I find myself in Cherry Esplanade, sinking to the ground, my back comfortable against the broad face of a cherry tree whose gnarled and mostly barren branches still sported a few late blossoms flitting in the breeze, the petals of those that had come before it strewn across the grounds, specking the meadow in gentle shades of pink. It’s an act of defeat, really; an act of resignation.
I never did find that damn press table.
* * *
I arrived early, as planned, eager to take in the 31st Annual Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It was my first matsuri since moving to New York in January, my first trip to the Garden. I was stoked.
As instructed, I went to the entrance designated for performers, event staff and press and told the man at the front desk who I was. After consulting his clipboard and giving me a skeptical look, he let me in and gave me directions to the tent where I could pick up my press kit and thank the publicist for giving JQ magazine and myself the opportunity to cover the event. I set off, and once inside was instantly struck by how large the Brooklyn Botanic Garden really is. Droves of people had shown up for the event, a fair number of them in costume, though conspicuously, from where I stood just outside the visitor center, it was not readily apparent where the main event was being held. As I continued walking down the path, I was growing more and more sure that either the guy at the front desk either gave me poor instructions, or I was poor at following them (and this would not surprise most people who know me, least of all my mom or some of my elementary school arts and crafts teachers).
Leave it to me to let this bother me, to knock impatiently at the door of my mind so loudly that I was unable to really take in and appreciate my surroundings. Find the press table. That is the first priority. Enjoying myself can come later.
I’ll Make It Myself: Flour Tortillas (Bread Revolution Series)
Blogs, Food & Drink, I'll Make It Myself, Writers Comments Off on I’ll Make It Myself: Flour Tortillas (Bread Revolution Series)
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 Japan: Kanazawa and Discover Kanazawa, 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.
More Bread Revolution and Guide to Flour.
TexMex/Southwestern/Mexican foods were something I purchased from the grocery or at restaurants in the US, missed sorely in Japan, and was convinced I couldn’t make it myself. If I found salsa in a jar, I couldn’t find chips, so what was the point? Avocados weren’t something I could get my town easily, and forget cilantro or jalapeños. I gave up on my dream of enjoying these foods in Japan, but luckily Cheruko didn’t and put together a fantastic fajita spread for an international cooking lesson.
Job: Coordinator for Public Relations, The Consulate General of Japan (SF) 04.28.12
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Coordinator for Public Relations, The Consulate General of Japan (SF) 04.28.12
Thanks to JET Alum Peter Weber for sharing this. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Coordinator for Public Relations
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Type: Temporary
Location: San Francisco, CA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Responsibilities:
The Coordinator for Public Relations works closely with consulate officers and other local staff to promote greater interest in and understanding of Japan and Japanese culture in Northern California and Nevada. S/he also works with the JIC Director to handle Japan-related press and public affairs issues that arise within areas served by this office. In addition, as a staff member of the Consulate, applicants must be willing to work as a part of a team, respecting other team members and sharing responsibilities in the team and office in general.
Please note that the Consulate is unable to provide visa support for prospective employees, and as such all applicants are required to have the appropriate legal permission to work in the United States.
Duties include:
- Monitoring media organizations and keeping Consulate staff informed on a daily basis of press coverage on Japan-related issues in local newspapers
- Contacting both Japanese and American media to attend Consulate events
- Writing and editing press releases in both English and Japanese
- Assisting in the arrangement and coordination of press conferences, seminars, and special programs designed for media contacts Read More
Job: Coordinator for Education, The Consulate General of Japan (SF) 04.28.12
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Coordinator for Education, The Consulate General of Japan (SF) 04.28.12
Thanks to JET Alum Peter Weber for sharing this. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Coordinator for Education
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Type: Full Time
Location: San Francisco, CA
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
The Japan Information Center of the Consulate General of Japan seeks to fill a position for the Coordinator for Education. Applicants who meet the following requirements and who are interested in the position will submit a resume to our office.
Duties include:
(1) Handling education -related issues: Promotion and support of Japanese language. education, the
Japanese Government Scholarship sponsored by the Ministry of Education, studying in Japan,
introducing Japan to local schools etc…
(2) Assisting with various Japan Information Center programs and projects as needed. Read More
Job: Administrative Assistant, The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (NY) 04.27.12
Jobs, Uncategorized Comments Off on Job: Administrative Assistant, The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (NY) 04.27.12
Via Permanent Mission of Japan. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Administrative Assistant in the Social Section
Posted by: Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations国際連合日本政府代表部
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
http://www.un.emb-japan.go.jp/aboutus/job_opportunities.html
Description:
The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations is seeking an Administrative Assistant in the Social Section at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Draft and prepare letters and diplomatic correspondence
2. Assist in logistics/protocol for conferences, meetings, briefings, receptions, and other official functions
3. Edit English in both official/unofficial documents
4. Manage appointment schedules for the section, visiting diplomats, and VIPs
5. Attend meetings/conferences at UN as necessary
6. Respond to inquiries
7. Assist other officers and staff in the section when needed Read More
