Japan America Society Round-up 10.19.10
Japan Society Round-up 
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Gail Cetnar Meadows (ALT, Hiroshima-shi 2007-10), co-founder of Hiroshima JET webzine the Wide Island View, shines a light on some of the upcoming events of various Japan America Societies…
The Horse in Japan Exhibit Tours – If you love horses and Japan, this program’s for you. Berea College will host a symposium and exhibit with artifacts from the Edo and Meiji periods in Japan, including wood blocks (ukiyo-e), examining the cross-cultural meanings of the horse in society. Tours will be available in English as well as Japanese.
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 30
- Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Place: Frost Building, Room 218, Berea College, Berea, Kentucky
- For more information, click here.
- Japanese Home Style Cooking Class – Learn how to make authentic Japanese food in this hands-on, intimate and practical cooking class. Participants will learn easy recipes that don’t require many special ingredients or tools.
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 24
- Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Place: Ryu of Japan, 11101 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas
- For more information, click here.
JAS of the State of Washington
Green Energy Event – This event, titled “Adding‘$Green¥’ to the Bottom Line”, brings together speakers from four companies all involved in some aspect of green energy. Two of the companies have green energy products at different stages of development, the third is responsible for developing an electric vehicle charging infrastructure in a six-state region, and the fourth represents a consulting firm and will provide a broad overview of green energy in both Japan and the United States. Additionally, there will be a demonstration by Canycom of one of their all-electric utility vehicles before the event.
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 27
- Time: 5 to 8:30 p.m.
- Place: PACCAR Hall Seattle UW Campus
- For more information, click here.
Do your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Cetnar Meadows the info.
Job: Executive Assistant at Australian Embassay (Tokyo)
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The Executive section of the Australian Embassy is seeking an Australian citizen who is highly motivated and has proven experience as an Executive Assistant. The position is for a period of 6 to 9 months, starting immediately.
If you have superior organisational skills and the ability to communicate effectively at a senior level please refer to www.employment.australia.or.jp for job description and selection criteria. An English and Japanese CV must be submitted to jobstokyo@dfat.gov.au by 9 a.m. on Monday 25 October 2010.
*A high level of proficiency in Japanese language is a requirement for this position.* Read More
JETs in the News: Shannon Booth
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There’s a nice article in the Block Island Times about JET alum Shannon Booth who taught in Shimoda-shi, Shizuoka-ken, which has a sister city relationship with Newport, Rhode Island. Shannon is now teaching social studies at the Block Island School.
Here’s a link to the article: http://www.blockislandtimes.com/view/full_story/9928738/article-New-Social-Studies-teacher–up-for-the-island-adventure?instance=home_news_2nd_left
Have an example of JETs in the News you’d like to see posted on JetWit? Email jetwit@jetwit.com.
Interview with Japanese indie rockers The Suzan
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Golden Week For The Poco Poco Beat hits stores Oct. 26. (Fool's Gold/Downtown Records)
By JQ magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
The Suzan is a quartet of Japanese indie rock gals who call New York their home. Bounding between gigs in their native Tokyo and NYC, they’re now prepping a new album, Golden Week for the Poco Poco Beat. I caught up with the group (Saori, vocals and guitars; Rie, guitars and keyboards; Ikue, bass; NICO, drums) in advance of the band’s area shows this week for NickyDigital.com’s CMJ Showcase and Pitchfork.com’s #Offline Festival.
How did The Suzan form?
The Suzuki sisters, Rie and Saori, began making tracks in 2003. After they sent their demos to a Japanese indie label and that label released their songs, the owner of the label told them to organize the band to play shows. Then NICO and Ikue joined.
What does your name refer to?
It is the sisters’ nickname.
The band’s music is an eclectic mix of Western styles. Who are your biggest influences?
The Beatles and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Earlier this month we’ve had famous Japanese groups like X Japan, Vamps and Puffy AmiYumi playing New York. Did you and your friends get to see any of these shows? What are your feelings about the warm reception these artists have received in the States?
Ikue: Me and my friends didn’t see these shows. I think what they are doing is a good way to show Japan’s recent musical culture (Visuals, animation, etc.). Their ways to approach this are different from ours, though.
At the same time, it’s been difficult for any Asian band to achieve mainstream success here. What are The Suzan’s goals as a group?
NICO: I don’t believe THE SUZAN is an Asian band. We are a worldwide band that was just born in Asia.
Saori: I think it’s difficult to achieve mainstream success for Asian people. But we can do it! This is our goal.
Read the rest of the interview here.
Job: Purchaser/Assistant Buyer at Korin (NY)
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Job posting via Jet alum Tara Hohenberger. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Job Position: Purchaser/Assistant Buyer
Job Details:
Immediate and exciting opportunity for a purchaser with experience in importing from Asia to assist in buying, shipping and receiving unique product assortment for high volume wholesale/retail operation. Only candidates with strong understanding of retail language and fluency in both spoken and written English and Japanese will be considered. Passion for Japanese cuisine and the culinary industry a huge plus, product assortment includes Japanese knives, kitchen equipment, and tableware lines. As a purchaser you will work closely with our sales team, web team and buyer to facilitate importing Japanese products and grow the business.
Great benefits including health insurance, 401k and profit sharing plan, sick/personal/vacation days, and excellent sales incentive plan.
Job Experience:
Contact:
Email resume, cover letter and salary requirements to careers at korin dot com.
Fax to: Attn: Operations, 212-587-7027
JETAA Chapter Beat 10.18.10
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Tea Ceremony Workshop – Sunday, October 24th, 1:00 at the Furemi-an Tea Room in Vancouver. Learn the basics of attending an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony.
- Career Seminar – Thursday, October 28th, 5:30 at MacMillan Bloedel Room, at the YMCA of Vancouver. Get back into the job market with a little help from JET alumni.
- South Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, October 21st, 6:15 at Tied House Brewery in Mountain View. Happy Hour is happening in South Bay, so stop on by for a drink or a chat with friends this Thursday.
- East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, October 21st, 6:00 at Ippuku in Berkeley. This month’s event will be held at the new izakaya, Ippuku, featuring a full shochu and sake bar, yakitori and more.
- Make Your Own Sushi Session – Monday, October 25th, 6:00 to 9:00 at Coo Izakaya. Learn the ins and outs of proper sushi construction with a Japanese chef.
JETAA Music City
- Nihongo Dake Potluck – Monday, October 25th at 7:00. Grab your favorite dish or drink and join in for a fun night of food and friends.
- Imoni and Curry “Kai” – Sunday, November 14th, 1:00 to 4:00 in Centennial Park Event Shelter. Welcome the fall weather with some hot food and check out Music City JETAA’s imoni and curry party.
- KaiWA – Thursday 21st, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
- Careers Seminar – Tuesday, October 26th, 6:00 at UWA Social Sciences Lecture Room. Get a head start on finding a new job at this year’s career seminar. Delegates from CLAIR Tokyo will be in attendance, so do not forget your resume and business cards.
- JET Returner’s Mixer – Saturday, October 23rd, 6:00 at Tsunami. Welcome back the returning JETs in style this weekend and join in for some karaoke afterwards.
- Career Panel 2010 – Wednesday, November 3rd, 6:00 at the Mark Spencer Hotel. Make connections and get advice on how to find that dream job at this year’s Career Panel. Do not miss this invaluable networking opportunity.
- Career and Networking Night – Friday, October 22nd, 6:00 at the Japan Foundation Chifley Plaza in Sydney. Get together with fellow JET alumni and members in the Japanese community and get started on a new career. Recruiters and university representatives will be on hand to lend their advice, so don’t forget your resume.
- Oktoberfest Happy Hour – Wednesday, October 20th, 6:00 at Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten. Head down to the Lower East side for some German food, biers and fun this October.
- Hiking on Bear Mountain – Sunday, October 24th, 9:00 meetup in Manhattan(details TBA). Get out on the mountain for the annual hike in Bear Mountain. Hike up in the morning for lunch at the top, then come back down to feast on beer and sausage at the Oktoberfest held at the mountain’s base.
- Heart of Florida Asian Festival – Sunday, October 24th, 3:00 at the Historic Thomas Center. Meet up JETAA Florida for a day of Asian-themed fun at this year’s festival, with dinner to follow.
- Happy Hour with Asian Going Out Group – Thursday, October 21st, 6:00 at the Modern Lounge. The 20s & 30s Asian Going Out Group is hosting the new young Asian professionals happy hour for anyone wanting to support the Asian community.
- JBook – Monday, October 25th, 6:30 at Teaism in Penn Quarter. JBook, JETAADC’s own book club, will be meeting this month to discuss Haruki Murakami’s piece, “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.”
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
Japan to expand JET Programme eligibility to Pacific Island states?
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Thanks to JETAANY President Megan Miller for sharing a recent Kyodo News International article titled “Japan, Pacific Island states to boost ties, cooperate on climate“ which mentioned that Japan has discussed the possibility of opening up the JET Programme to residents of the Pacific Island states:
“The two sides also agreed to examine the possibility of expanding eligibility for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program to Pacific island states as a way of boosting people-to-people exchanges. The program aimed at improving Japanese students’ foreign language skills has accepted participants from 36 countries.”
The recent Pacific Islands Forum consisted of Australia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
The below article appeared in the Summer 2010 Issue of the JLGC Newsletter.
“JET Program, JET Alumni Association Vital to the Future of U.S.-Japan Relations”
by Matthew Gillam, Senior Researcher and Chizuko Kawamura, Assistant Director, Japan Local Government Center (aka CLAIR-New York)
JETAA New York hosted the JETAA USA National Conference from August 12 to 15, with 42 representatives from 18 of the 19 US chapters (except Alaska) and the three US Country Representatives participating.
Since a review of CLAIR’s overseas offices and the JET Program was conducted by the Government Revitalization Unit in May, and support for JETAA was among the activities under administrative review by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in June and July, this year’s conference was focused much more than usual on explaining the role of the JET Program and JETAA in efforts to improve the English language ability of the Japanese and to promote international exchange in Japan.
The first main session on this topic took place on the morning of Friday, August 13. Mr. Yasuhisa Kawamura, the director of the Japan Information Center at the Consulate General of Japan in New York, explained the position of the Ministry after their recent review. During his talk he emphasized that the Ministry understands the importance of JETAA’s vital role in the US-Japan relationship and will continue supporting the alumni. However, this support will be strictly limited to activities and events which enable former JETs to be diplomatic assets for Japan, or which improve the quality of future JETs. He concluded his remarks with his “Three Cs” for future relations, “Confidence, Caution and Cooperation”, and asked for pragmatism rather than excessive optimism or pessimism in dealing with the current situation. As to CLAIR’s position, Mr. Matthew Gillam explained CLAIR’s current situation and future support for JETAA, saying that the continuing fiscal difficulties facing local governments make it difficult for CLAIR to promise to maintain current funding levels in the coming years. He concluded by saying it is very important that we gain the support of local governments for JETAA activities. These presentations were followed by a lengthy discussion by attendees on ways to address the issues raised in various criticisms of JET and JETAA in Japan.
The other main session was Read More
WITLife 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.
Many readers probably caught yesterday’s NYT cover story with the headline “Japan Goes from Dynamic to Disheartened.” This article (“Coping with Decline”) is the first in a series called The Great Deflation which will “examine the effects on Japanese society of two decades of economic stagnation and declining prices.” Throughout the article all those quoted mention a “lack of vigor/vitality” (I assume this was a translation of 元気がない (genki ga nai)). Read More
Job: Application Processing Staff Needed in the JET Program Office
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Job posting via JETAADC. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Job Position: Application Processing Staff Needed in the JET Program Office this Winter
Job Details:
Great opportunity especially for new JET returnees who have not found full-time work yet, or other JET alumi whose jobs allow them to work part-time (mornings/afternoons only is possible). Japanese citizens or an FOJ (Friend of JET) living in the DC area, are also welcome to apply.
Job Period:
* Even if you can only work the morning shift or the afternoon shift, we might be able to use your help.
* Individuals who can help full days, Monday-Friday are especially needed!
Compensation: $70/day
Requirements:
* Japanese citizens may apply.
Click ‘Read more’ for more information and how to apply
WIT Life #132: Kwaidan
Events, Film, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #132: Kwaidan
WITLife 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.
Last night kicked off Japan Society’s current “Zen and Its Opposite” Monthly Classic Film Series, which features films from the late ’50s to ’60s that showcase the paradoxical unity of zen and violence. It began with the 1965 film 怪談 (Kwaidan or Kaidan), said to be the most expensive production of its time. It clocks in at a whopping 161 minutes and although the pacing is slow at certain points, the suspense draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat for most of it. Kwaidan is comprised of four separate stories, each haunting in its own way. My favorite was Read More
Life After the B.O.E.: Inappropriate Touching
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Life After the B.O.E. is a comic series about the JET experience by David Namisato (Aomori-ken, 2002-2004), a professional illustrator currently living in Toronto.
Visit David’s website at www.namisato.org.
Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06) is an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE. “Chi-Town Rising” takes a look at the connections between Japan and Chicago, where Dipika will be moving in the coming year.
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The 46th Chicago International Film Festival is currently under way, screening 150 films from 50 countries. First held in 1964, the festival founded by Michael Kutza is one of the oldest of its kind in North America. This year the following Japanese films are being showcased, with cultural support provided by The Japan Foundation.
ABACUS AND SWORD / BUSHI NO KAKEIBO
Director: Yoshimitsu Morita
Reimagining the classic samurai picture, this quiet, elegant drama follows the Inoyama family as they serve their lord not with the sword but with the abacus. With a sense of honor as exacting as any warrior’s and a rigorous ethic of honesty even in the midst of dire poverty, Naoyuki Inoyama (nicknamed “the Mad Abacus” by his rivals) distinguishes himself as a hero for the approaching modern age.
BIG TITS ZOMBIE / KYONYŪ DRAGON
Director: Takao Nakano
A campy, raucous crowd-pleaser that is definitely not for the whole family, this 3-D spectacle pits brassy strippers against a horde of the undead, which the ladies unwittingly revive by reading aloud from an ancient tome. They must battle one of their own in addition to the brain eaters when goth stripper Maria hatches her own ambitious plans to become Queen of the Dead.
CATERPILLAR / KYATAPIRÂ
Director: Kôji Wakamatsu
Horribly maimed while fighting on the Japanese front in China during WWII, a Japanese lieutenant returns home a war hero. But his loss of limbs has not made him any less of a brute, especially to his wife. Required to satisfy his every need, she feels her anger quietly boiling over. Based on a short story that was banned for its extreme subject matter, Caterpillar is a howl of rage against blindness to the atrocities of war.
GOLDEN SLUMBER / GÔRUDEN SURAMBÂ
Director: Yoshihiro Nakamura
In this seriocomic conspiracy thriller, affable deliveryman Aoyagi unwittingly becomes the prime suspect in a hunt for the assassin of the prime minister. As he runs from the authorities and the news media eats up every scrap of incriminating evidence, Aoyagi finds a little help from his friends, including his college sweetheart and a crazy but cheerful youth who’s wanted for serial murder. Together, this motley crew will help Aoyagi navigate the strangest, scariest 24 hours of his life.
SWORD OF DESPERATION / HISSHIKEN TORISASHI
Director: Hideyuki Hirayama
The expert swordsman Kanemi Sanzaemon is a man of principle, first and foremost. His decisive, violent handling of high-level corruption in the court of the local feudal lord landed him in solitary confinement for two years. He has now been released, with one caveat he cannot comprehend: He must serve as bodyguard to the lord he betrayed. This thrilling, masterfully stylized tale of honor combines classic samurai action with a taut story of intrigue and betrayal.
The festival runs from October 7th till the 21st. For a complete schedule and more info visit http://chicagofilmfestival.com/ or call 312-332-FILM.
Job: Internship at literary agency (NYC)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Internship at literary agency (NYC)
Job posting via Jet alum Sharona Moskowitz (Fukuoka, 2000-01). Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
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Job Position: Internship at literary agency (NYC)
Duration: 4-5 hours per week
Compensation: None
Job Details:
We are currently accepting applications for an intern at a boutique literary agency. A number of former JETs have interned here and benefited highly from the experience. The position is unpaid, but the experience gained is invaluable. We are hoping to fill the position ASAP.
The intern will read and recommend submissions, answer the telephone, draft emails and help in various ways around the office, including filing and restocking office supplies. Because it is a small office the intern will have an opportunity to see close up how a literary agency works and become familiar with the book publishing industry.
Qualifications:
Looking for someone with computer skills and some office experience to work 4-5 hours per week. (The days are flexible.) I would hope that the intern was fairly well-read and interested in books.
How to apply:
Please submit a short cover letter and your resume to:
Regina Ryan
reginaryanbooks at rcn dot com
Jobs: Disney English Foreign Trainer and Very Young Learner Trainer (China)
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Disney English uses child-friendly teaching methods to inspire children to become passionate English learners. The Disney English curriculum has been developed under the guidance of an advisory board of world-class academics, including internationally recognized English language learning specialists and early childhood development experts as well as artists, musicians, and Grammy Award-nominated songwriters.
Position Overview Read More
