New academic research published: “Promoting Japan: One JET at a time”
Academic, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment 
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JET alum Professor Emily Metzgar (Courtesy of Indiana University)
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A little over a year ago, we posted a request to the JET alumni community by JET alum Emily Metzgar, Assistant Professor at Indiana University’s School of Journalism, to take part in a survey as part of her research on the impact of the JET Program. (See the original post on JETwit.) Here are the results of Emily’s survey in her paper titled:
“Promoting Japan: One JET at a time” (PDF)
The paper is about trying to measure Return On JET-vestment. In its own words, it “attempts to identify various ways in which participation in JET has affected the lives of alumni and the ways in which this influence may be of benefit to Japan in the medium- to long-term.”
Also, for those interested, there’s a review of Emily’s paper by Dr. Robert Banks on the University of Southern California’s Center on Public Diplomacy website.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and helped in other ways. For anyone who reads the paper, please feel free to share thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Here’s the URL for the paper: http://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/publications/perspectives/CPD_Perspectives_Paper_3_2012.pdf
Justin’s Japan: Kota Yamazaki and Sakura Matsuri Return to New York
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Dance performance Kota Yamazaki/’Fluid hug-hug (glowing)’ will be held at New York's Japan Society April 27-28. (Ryutaro Mishima)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Visit his Examiner.com page here for related stories.
Following a month of concerts from all types of Japanese musicians, New York City bids sayonara to April this weekend with an exciting pair of performances from a Bessie Award-winning performance artist, followed by the 31st edition of one of Brooklyn’s finest annual events.
Kicking things off tonight (April 27) and tomorrow at Japan Society is the performance of Kota Yamazaki/Fluid hug-hug (glowing), the Society’s newest commissioned work by the butoh-trained choreographer. In this new work that will appeal to fans of dance, Yamazaki re-examines the fundamentals of butoh, the form in which he received his training, as six dancers hailing from Senegal, Ethiopia, Japan, and the U.S., perform within a set constructed to evoke the soft lighting and dim interior of a traditional Japanese house, where shadows contribute to a visual atmosphere.
The performance, which made successful stops earlier this month at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and the Painted Bride Arts Center in Philadelphia, draws its inspiration from the world-renowned essay In’ei Raisan (In Praise of Shadows) by the great modern Japanese novelist Jun’ichiro Tanizaki. First published in 1933 and in English in 1977, it has itself been praised the world over, with the Guardian calling it a “hymn to nuance.”
For the complete story, click here.
JET alum creates “Help Japan: Donate Now” video after return trip to Iwate
Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, Japan Local, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Video Comments Off on JET alum creates “Help Japan: Donate Now” video after return trip to Iwate
JETAA Minnesota member Ann Hershberger (Iwate-ken) recently returned to Iwate where she had previously worked as a JET. Following her trip, she created a video to support earthquake/tsunami relief efforts titled “Help Japan: Donate Now“.
To donate, go to http://donate-japan.com.
Job: Postings from Idealist.org 4.26.12
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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! :-)
Student Programs Manager
Posted by: Tourism Cares
Type: Full-time
Location: Canton, MA
Salary: Salary commensurate with experience
Start date: Immediately
Tourism Cares is seeking a talented, self-starter with experience in college alumni programs to expand and enhance student programs. Bachelor’s Degree required. Experience with travel, tourism and/or hospitality companies or university programs preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/Cstc2ZzM2DbD/
Associate Director, Global Study Tours
Posted by: New York University
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: DOE
Application Deadline: June 23, 2012
NYU is seeking an associate director to develop and implement a strategic plan for four week-long Executive MBA global study tours. 3 years relevant experience or equivalent combination. Must include experience coordinating administrative activities including academic advisement, counseling and supervision of staff. MBA or Master’s of Science in a business related subject preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/nwHjT4jPW78d/
Research Associate, Asia Studies
Posted by: Council on Foreign Relations
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Mid thirties, based on education and experience
Application Deadline: Not Specified
CFR is seeking a research associate to work at their New York City headquaters. BA in international relations or Asia studies preferred. Strong command of Mandarin (reading), also preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/gsDcJWsgjBfP/
Documentary maker Regge Life seeks to speak with JETs and others who knew Monty Dickson in Japan
Earthquake Tsunami Comments Off on Documentary maker Regge Life seeks to speak with JETs and others who knew Monty Dickson in Japan
A request from documentary maker Regge Life:
“Filmmaker Regge Life is seeking anyone who can speak personally and sincerely about Monty Dickson’s activities and interactions with the people of Rikuzentakata. Ideally, teachers, neighbors, or friends who lived or worked in the city with him. He will include Monty in the film “Live Your Dream: The Taylor Anderson Story” but has not been able to interview anyone from Rikuzentakata. If you know of someone Regge can speak with, or have any suggestions, please contact him at regge.life@gmail.com. Thank you for your support.”
Job: Assistant Manager, Research and Strategy 04.24.12
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Via Pasona. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Assistant Manager, Research and Strategy
Location: Manhattan , NY
Industry: Mobile/Telecom
Salary: DOE(Depends on experience)
Hour: 9-5/M-F
Salary: 60K
Job Description:
– Conduct mobile/telecom related research by preparing overview memos/presentations to inform
and support Japan HQ’s key management regarding wireless industry related trends and topics
based on predetermined areas of interest. Interpret and analyze research results to offer
strategic directions while adhering to management-assigned report output quantity, quality and type
(scale, topic, etc). Read More
Japanese Education Ministry OK’s textbook written by American
Japan Trends Comments Off on Japanese Education Ministry OK’s textbook written by American
Thanks to JET alums Melissa Chan and Eroll Packard for alerting me to this via Facebook posts:
Ministry OK’s textbook written by American
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120423003701.htm
Sachiko Asakuno / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
An English textbook written by an American teacher in Japan has passed a screening by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry.
Although it is rare to see the publication of a school textbook that was authored by an individual in a core subject, the textbook “Atlantis” is the third such volume Steven Mitchell, 40, has authored since his first was published three years ago.
His previous two textbooks have been adopted by 34 high schools in Miyagi Prefecture. Read More
JETAA Portland: Iron Chef 2012!
Cultural Outreach, Food & Drink, JETAA Chapters Comments Off on JETAA Portland: Iron Chef 2012!
JETAA Portland has been doing this event for 10 years now. They extended an open invite to the Pacific Northwest JETAA folks, so there’s no reason why Texoma, Chicago, and other alums can’t “jet” in for the event, deshou? And if you can’t make it, well then just start your own JETAA chapter Iron Chef event. (Make sure to let JETwit know about it, too.)
(From the JETAA Portland website)
JETAA Portland’s 10th Annual Iron Chef Competition
It’s time to sharpen those knives and dig up your best recipes as contestants, judges, and other hungry mouths gather for one of our most popular (and delicious) events of the year!
Headline from the 2010 Iron Chef event. (Click image to read the article.)
When: Saturday, May 12th
(Judging begins at Noon, prizes awarded at 1:00pm)
Where: Demaree Raveaux’s House
RSVP for directions to Gloria Jung: glo888 [at] hotmail.com
(Please respond by May 2nd and include what you plan to bring)
There are three categories for Iron Chef entries:
- Side Dish
- Main Dish
- Dessert
There will be prizes awarded to the 1st and 2nd place winners of each of the categories.
This year, we will be adding a special event. Marcus Pakiser, sake sommolier, will talk about pairing sake with food and there will be sake to sample.
We are inviting our sister chapter, Pacific Northwest JETAA to join us in this event. This is a great opportunity to meet the members from the PNW chapter of JETAA. They will be traveling from northwest locations such as Seattle to attend our Iron Chef event and using the “Tatami Timeshare” program to stay with Portland-area members. Please e-mail any questions you have.
This is a BYOB event.
Posted by Ashley Thompson (Shizuoka-ken, 2008-2010) of Surviving in Japan: without much Japanese and Lifelines columnist for The Japan Times.
Cherry blossoms are blooming, depending on where you are in Japan, and various other types of trees and flowers are starting to show their spring colors. Graduation ceremonies are being held (or have already happened) all over Japan, as one year ends and another is about to begin.
Then there’s the pollen. Hay fever season in Japan has also arrived. And if you have allergies, it might have already hit you hard (or will…). How do you get through allergy season in Japan? You’ll find some ideas below.
A few words to know:
花粉症 かふんしょう kafunshou hay fever
花粉 かふん kafun pollen
アレルギー arerugii allergy
Now, a few ideas to help you survive hay fever season in Japan:
1. Wear a mask outside. Even if you didn’t wear one in your home country, “do as the locals do” or “when in Rome…” or something like that. I personally can’t stand wearing them, but I know some people who now like wearing them.
2. Use a mask spray. Apparently if you spray your mask with this stuff it makes the mask more effective at keeping unwanted particles out.
3. Try a “nose mask” – (pictured below) It’s basically something that you attach to the underside of your nose and each side goes in a nostril. It acts as a filter for pollen and other airborne particles.
4. Refill those allergy medicine prescriptions. It is possible to get Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec and Flonase (フルナーズ) in Japan – consult a doctor about possibilities. You could also try contacting Japan Healthcare Info if you’re not sure where to look or who to ask. Some possible prescription non-drowsy or “mostly” non-drowsy meds in Japan include: Allegra (アレグラ), Claritin (クラリチン), Alesion (アレジオン), エバステル, Talion (タリオン), and Zyrtec (ジルテック). [Source]
You can get some over-the-counter anti-allergy medication, but most, if not all, are drowsy, and probably not as effective as those you can get by prescription. (Let us know, though, if you’ve found something that works well and isn’t too sleep-inducing). Mmmfruit mentioned Zaditen as an option. David and I have both used Stonarhini (ストナリニ), and while David didn’t get too drowsy, I felt like I had just taken a Benadryl (it knocked me out for hours). It claims to use less of the ingredients that make you drowsy, but it may be best to try it on a day you don’t have to go out and do anything, just to see how your body reacts first. — CLICK HERE to read 11 more ways to defeat hay fever this year.
Australian JET alum Pepi Ronalds (Miyagi-ken, Sendai Shi, 2010-11) recently published an essay on Amazon titled “After Shock: Experiencing the 2011 Japanese Earthquake.” Below is a bit of context from Ronalds along with an extract from the essay:
About Pepi
Pepi is a freelance writer, ghostwriter and researcher based in Melbourne, Australia. On any given day she is found writing, researching and craving sakuranbo soft-cream from the Omiyage shop below Yamadera. While working as an ALT in Sendai Shi, Miyagi prefecture she experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake first hand. She writes about the experience in her long-form article After Shock: Experiencing the 2011 Japanese Earthquake, which can be downloaded via Amazon or Pepi’s website http://www.pepironalds.com.
“After finishing JET I returned to the freelance writing career that I had begun in late 2009. As a writer of non-fiction, I was keen to write about my experience of the triple disaster in Sendai. I knew that many people outside of Japan had a limited understanding of what had happened. – Yes, I was caught up in a natural disaster as a foreigner, and yes it was scary. But there was (and continues to be) so much more to my experience (and those of my fellow JETs and gaijins). I was astounded by the incredible generosity of my Japanese friends and colleagues, and the work they’ve done (and are doing) to rebuild.”
As publishing paradigms change, I there are fewer venues for long-form articles like mine. So in publishing this article I made my first foray into ‘entrepreneurial journalism’. That is, I am selling direct to readers. Below is an extract. If you want to read the whole thing (6,500 words) you can either download the article via Amazon, or buy direct from me using Paypal.”
Extract from After Shock: Experiencing the 2011 Japanese Earthquake
“We started the heaters,” my friend Yuriko writes, “but we are trying not to use them often to save them in case of an emergency.” I know the school in Sendai to which she refers. Winter is marked by a meter of snow on the baseball field. It’s sustained by snowflakes the size of marshmallows that seem to fall horizontally. The winds wheeze and rattle at loose windows. When I was there last year, I was constantly dabbing my nose with a tissue. And when my friend writes this from Sendai eight months after the earthquake, winter in Japan has barely begun.
I read her email and think back to that frigid Friday, March 11, 2011. My students and I were decorating the walls of the school with a mosaic of origami-paper blossoms. It was so cold in the unheated hallway that my fingers seemed to move in slow motion. We worked with a feeling of purpose and excitement. Then there was a long, deep, foreboding yawp. An announcement from the earth beneath us that everything was about to change. Read More
JQ Magazine: JQ&A with JET Alum Kalu ‘Kaz’ Obuka of Meta-Culture
Article/Journalism, Interview/Profile, JQ Magazine Comments Off on JQ Magazine: JQ&A with JET Alum Kalu ‘Kaz’ Obuka of Meta-Culture
"My time on JET bolstered my thinking that we need better institutions and processes for dealing with difference. To its credit, the prefecture I worked in was definitely ahead of the curve."
By Renay Loper (Iwate-ken, 2006-07) for JQ magazine. Renay is a freelance writer and associate program officer at the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership. Visit her blog at Atlas in Her Hand.
Originally from London, Kalu “Kaz” Obuka (Saitama-ken, 2005-08) is currently working as a conflict resolution specialist at Meta-Culture, a conflict resolution NGO in Bangalore, India. Having a unique career fueled by his graduate studies in Coexistence and Conflict at Brandeis University paired with his time on JET, Kaz spent a little time with us to share more.
How did your time on JET influence your decision to take up your particular course of study?
My time on JET bolstered my thinking that we need better institutions and processes for dealing with difference. I think it was seeing the way that the institutions I worked with were absolutely out of their depth when, for example, it came to dealing with pupils with migratory backgrounds. To its credit, the prefecture I worked in was definitely ahead of the curve, and was actively looking to develop mechanisms and services for immigrants to help them navigate what, in some cases, would be a very alien cultural landscape.
Aside from immigration, it was seeing the way politics played out, especially the posturing with which the Japanese and their neighbors engaged one another, and their history.
How did your JET experience help you to secure your position at Meta-Culture?
I think my JET experience helped me to the extent that it bolstered my desire to enter the conflict resolution and consensus building field.
What fields did you work in prior to JET?
Prior to JET I dabbled in the NGO sector with an organization that worked to empower disadvantaged youth in London, as well as PR and some professional modeling.
Job: Postings from Idealist.org 4.21.12
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Postings from Idealist.org 4.21.12
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! :-)
Education Organizer
Posted by: Many Languages One Voice ) (MLOV)
Type: Full-time and Part-time positions
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: $30,000 (full-time) or $15-20,000 (part-time) commensurate with experience. Benefits.
Start date: May 29, 2012
MLOV is seeking an Education Organizer. Must be bilingual. Native level Amharic, Spanish and/or Mandarin speakers preferred. ESL experience helpful, but not required.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/htb9pM4dDK5P/
Development Research and Writing Associate
Posted by: The Queens Museum of Art
Type: Full-time
Location: Queens, New York, NY
Salary: DOE
Start date: Not specified
QMA seeks an experienced writer to assist in the implementation of a fundraising strategy that targets foundations, corporate philanthropies, and government grant making agencies.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/8sxJ97535sP/
Administrative Assistant
Posted by: Polytechnic Institute of New York University
Type: Full-time
Location: Brooklyn, New York, NY
Salary: DOE
Start date: Not specified
Administrative Assistant needed. Bachelor’s degree required and three years experience in a fundraising and/or non-profit or academic institution or a combination of education and professional experience. Experience in working with event logistics, purchase orders or budget reconciliation a plus.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/sTm5W7jbjzMD/
Program Coordinator
Posted by: Polytechnic Institute of New York University
Type: Full-time
Location: Brooklyn, New York, NY
Salary: DOE
Start date: Not specified
BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience. Advanced degree in any field is recommended; though technical, managerial, scientific or engineering areas are helpful. Strong knowledge of Razor’s Edge Database experience is highly preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/gctxs5zX832D/
Part -Time Sales Associates
Posted by: Asia Society
Type: Part-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: DOE
Start date: Positions currently open.
The Asia Society and Museum, a prestigious non-profit cultural & educational institution, is looking for part-time Sales Associates for its store. The AsiaStore is a unique shop focusing on book and gift products related to Asia.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/d4nm7HGt8dbD/
TOMODACHI Instructor
Posted by: AYUSA International
Type: Temporary/Contract
Location: San Francisco, CA
Salary: $1,500-$2,500 (based on experience). Teaching assistant positions may also be available. (Summer 2012)
Start date: April 27, 2012
AYUSA International is seeking individuals with experience teaching/mentoring youth in leadership development or related educational experiences this summer. Japanese language ability and experience/knowledge of Japanese culture a plus. 4-year degree required.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/TgW3wk4SmH8d/
AJET launches iConnect app!
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AJET has launched its new iConnect app! In its own words:
This app was made to make your life in Japan easier and less stressful, whether you’re a JET Programme participant or just an English speaking foreign national living in Japan!
You’ll be reaching for your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch all the time, knowing that this convenient app has all the information you’ll need for useful resource information, ways to Connect to AJET for their magazine, news and peer support, as well as a variety of handy Japanese language tools and phrases that you’ll need on-the-go! You’ll also appreciate the retina graphics on iPhone, iPod Touch and the new iPad!
More info here: http://ajet.net/ios-app/
Job: Senior Program Assistant – Abe Fellowship Program, Japan Program (Tokyo Office) 04.19.12
Jobs, Uncategorized Comments Off on Job: Senior Program Assistant – Abe Fellowship Program, Japan Program (Tokyo Office) 04.19.12
Thanks to JETAA NY member (JETAA NJ subchapter rep) Fernando Rojas for sharing the below job listing. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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***Previously posted on JETwit but the search continues…
***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Senior Program Assistant – Abe Fellowship Program, Japan Program (Tokyo Office)
Summary:
The SSRC seeks a Senior Program Assistant for its Tokyo office. This hire would be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Abe Fellowship Program under the supervision of the Program Manager in the Tokyo Office. The Abe Fellowship Program encourages international multidisciplinary research on topics of pressing global concern. The program fosters the development of a new generation of researchers interested in policy-relevant topics and willing to become key members of a bilateral and global research network. In partnership with the SSRC, the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) established the Abe Fellowship Program as its flagship program in 1991. Read More
2013 Japanese Government Scholarships 04.19.12
Academic, Language Study, Uncategorized Comments Off on 2013 Japanese Government Scholarships 04.19.12
Via JETAA Pacific Northwest. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle is now accepting applications for the following 2013 Japanese Government Scholarships for studying in Japan.
U.S. citizens living in the states of Washington, Montana, and Northern Idaho are eligible to apply at our office.
The application forms are available on our website at: http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/ Read More
