Oct 14

Snorlax87: Pumpkin’ Around

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Joshua Small is a First Year JET currently living in Ikaruga-cho, Nara-ken and has been chronicling his experience on his blog Snorlax87.

Because midterms are next week, my JTE and I are taking it easy. I decided this week I would only give minor Conversation assignments and discuss Halloween. The students are FASCINATED by Halloween. In the first lesson, I reviewed Halloween’s origins and covered the traditions in America. The real fun started today when I did my second Halloween lesson…

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.

Oct 14

Kaiju Big Battel to rumble at NY’s Royal Flush Festival

Article/Journalism, Events

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: Kaiju Big Battel at Brooklyn’s Warsaw Oct. 15. (Studio Kaiju LLC)

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.

There’s pro wrestling, and then there’s Japanese monster wrestling.

Kaiju Big Battel brings its unique brand of intergalactic smackdown to Warsaw Friday, Oct. 15 as part of Royal Flush magazine’s annual art, film and rock & roll festival, culminating in their Book 7 release party at Brooklyn’s premiere music venue.

Prepare for sheer drama in the ring and gut busting laughs when the heroic fighters of Kaiju take on the evil monsters of Dr. Cube’s posse in Kaiju Big Battel Presents: Save the Kaiju! This telethon style “fundraiser”—their only New York performance of 2010—promises to demolish at least one city and wipe out some extraterrestrial trash on the side, all for a good cause.

Such epic entertainment fits the Royal Flush Festival perfectly. Running through Oct. 18, showcases included a signing from fellow horror and monster movie auteur Rob Zombie at New York’s Forbidden Planet and a diverse lineup of films and concerts at Highline Ballroom and Knitting Factory.

Read the rest of the article here.

Oct 13

Job: Regional Education USA Advising Coordinator (REAC)

Jobs

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Job posting via Jet alum Gina Anderson. 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: Regional Education USA Advising Coordinator (REAC)

The position announcement for REAC Northeast Asia & Pacific has been posted to the IIE website.
Please pass this announcement along and encourage interested individuals to apply online at http://www.iie.org/en/Careers.

About REAC Northeast Asia & Pacific:

The Regional EducationUSA Advising Coordinator (REAC) fosters student mobility between the United States and the region working with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to oversee and support a network of advising centers. REACs act as a resource on educational systems and exchanges; provide assessment, direction, training and quality control of EducationUSA advising centers; and develop and promote the EducationUSA network.

The REAC for Northeast Asia and Pacific supports centers located in Japan, Korea, Australia, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga.

To review the complete position announcement, please visit http://www.iie.org/en/Careers.

Oct 13

Jobs: Positions available at WSJ

Jobs

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Job posting via WSJ. 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 Positions: There are 6 positions available.

(1) Summer intern (Nov. 1, 2010 application deadline)
(2) Deputy bureau chief, money/policy
(3) Finance reporter
(4) Japanese-language blogger
(5) Senior policy correspondent
(6) Economy/economic policy reporter

Click ‘Read More’ for details about each position and how to apply.

Oct 13

New: JETAA Education Professionals Group on LinkedIn

Academic, Career, Networking, Return on JET-vestment

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Update 10/15/10: It turns out a JETAA Education Professionals group had already been created by JET alum Joshua Flannery (who also serves as Secretary for JETAA Western Japan). Despite some minor initial confusion, this is a really good thing since he’s been doing a great job with an existing group and now we’ll have even more people.

I’ve just set up a “JET Alum Education Professionals Group“ on LinkedIn.

Here’s the updated link to join: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=2973279

The goal is to bring together as many JET alum teachers plus education policy/government/academic folks as possible, as well as any JET alums who are interested in getting into the field or just have an interest in the topic period.

A bigger purpose is that it would be nice if JETAA can start being a source of good ideas for improving the JET Programme. JET alum teachers and other education professionals are a good resource for helping to make that happen. And the first step is figuring out who is out there (since there are no official lists or databases of JET alumni and what they’re doing now).

Of course, another purpose of the group is networking and also a way for established JET alumni to help those getting started or figuring out their path.

So don’t be shy. Step right up and start getting to know your fellow JET alum education professionals around the world.

Note: “I” = Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)

Oct 13

Dear ABA Committee Chair, No, It’s Not That Complicated. Signed, The Legal Profession

Academic, Advice, Blogs, Career, Graduate School

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Matt Leichter (matt [dot] leichter [at] gmail [dot] com) (Saitama-ken 2003-05) is a renegade attorney who plays by his own rules. He operates a think tank of one, The Law School Tuition Bubble, where he archives, chronicles, and analyzes the rising cost and declining value of legal education in the United States. He also maintains the “Bankruptcy Legal Topics,” and, “Bankruptcy Billables,” sections for Steven Horowitz’s Bankruptcy Bill. For further reading regarding JETs and the law, he recommends JETs with J.D.s.

Just how powerless is the ABA in the face of a tuition bubble and legal labor oversupply? Not as much as it believes it is. Check out how it suffers from Stockholm Syndrome here.

Oct 13

Job: Online World Language Instructor – Japanese

Jobs

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Via JETAA Portland LinkedIn group:

The CMA School of Arts and Sciences is accepting resumes for a job opening for Fall 2010. However, part-time employment might be available as early as Summer 2010, and training will be provided prior to then.

Location

Online from any location with an Internet connection. Instructors use Blackboard, Skype, Adobe Connect, and other online tools to work with students in an asynchronous learning environment that is supplemented with live instruction as needed by each student.

The ideal candidate will:

Be a student-centered teacher who believes in personalizing learning to each individual student
Be knowledgeable of learning styles, research, and strategies (including perceptual modalities, Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, environmental needs, personality types, and other influences on student success and motivation)
Enjoy the creative process of tailoring instruction for individual student interests, goals, and needs.
Be a team player who contributes to a positive, proactive, warm, and fun workplace culture
Enthusiastically engage in professional development opportunities, learn new educational technology and approaches, and happily share with colleagues

Application Process Read More

Oct 12

Job: JASK Project Manager Position

Jobs

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Job posting via JET alum Lauren Sethney of the Japan America Society of Dallas Ft Worth. 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: JASK Project Manager

Job Details:
JASK is hiring a part-time project manager.
Application deadline is October 15, 2010.
The position is for 20-25 hours per week, schedule negotiable.

Job Qualifications:

Experience with managing events and programs (i.e., two or more years experience organizing events)

Top-notch business communication skills (preference will be given for bilingual ability)

Excellent organizational skills and project follow-through

Strong interest in Japan/America friendship and building valuable programs for the Japan/America community in Kentucky

Job Duties:

Take full responsibility for some of JASK’s ongoing programs under the supervision of the executive director

Assist Executive Director with website development, membership recruitment, and new program development

Contact members regarding program and event participation

Assist with office management as-needed (mailings, record-keeping, etc.)

How to apply:
Complete the online application form at http://jask.org/pm and e-mail your resume to matt at jask dot org

Oct 12

Future of JET: Reinventing English Education in Japan

Return on JET-vestment, Uncategorized

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A Daily Yomiuri article (“Japan Teachers May Get English Training in U.S.“) reports that as part of an effort to reform the current English education structure in Japan, Japan and the U.S. are considering “a program that would send young Japanese teachers of English to the United States to improve their English ability.”

Here’s the link to the full article: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T101010001858.htm

The idea appears to still in be in the concept stage, and it is unclear whether exposing JTE’s to U.S. education will inherently assist in their ability to deliver English to the Japanese classroom. Also unclear is what form this “training” will take.

The project seems to allow for the inference that the JET Programme will be scaled back and perhaps retooled, with a possibility of outright elimination.

With the possibility of Japanese Teacher of English being brought into local American communities, it would be interesting to contemplate a supporting role for JETAA and JET alums generally to assist recruited teachers.

Oct 11

Job: Position with JTA (Raleigh, NC)

Jobs

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Job posting via JTA. 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: JTA is looking for a energetic candidate to work in their main office in Raleigh, NC.

Company:

JTA is an agency in Raleigh, NC, specializing in travel, staffing, and relocation services for Japanese businesses in the Carolinas and the Southeast.

Job Responsibilities:

High volume of inbound calls servicing and accommodating customers’ requests for air, hotel, and car reservations

Ticketing any necessary last minute requests

Communicating the status on requested tickets to requesting person/s

Must be able to quickly research online tour packages, etc, for clients

Work sometimes requires researching apartment arrangements for clients

Minimum Requirements:

Must speak at least JLPT 3kyu level Japanese

Experience with MS Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop

Customer service experience required

Must be a US Citizen or have valid visa to work in the US

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Sabre preferred but not required (training can be provided)

Experience planning international travel a plus!

Contact:

Please email Kyle at kyle@japantravel.com with your resume and cover letter.
Anticipated hiring date 11/01/2010

Oct 11

Japan America Society Roundup 10.11.10

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…

JAS of Boston

Japanese Buddhist Fire Ceremony — Join a group of Tendai Buddhist monks from Japan as they present sacred chants and perform the dramatic, traditional outdoor goma (fire) ceremony. Discover the meaning behind the ceremony, and participate by writing prayers for sanctification. Curator Anne Nishimura Morse will discuss Buddhist images acquired for the Boston Museum of Fine Arts by three benefactors.
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 24
- Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
- Place: Remis Auditorium, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston
- For more information, click here.

Heart of America JAS

History of Christianity in Japan – This program provides a unique opportunity to learn about the multifaceted history of Christianity in Japan from its beginning until the present. Dr. Leroy Seat, who lived in Japan from 1966 to 2004 and taught at Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka for 36 years, will give a presentation of Christian history in Japan from the time of Francis Xavier’s arrival in 1549 until Dr. Seat’s own last visit to Japan last May.
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 26
- Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
- Place: Loose Park, 5200 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri
- For more information, click here.

JS of the UK

Restless Spirits and Bewitching Transformations! – Get your skin crawling learning about a whole world of Japanese goblins and ghosts. What is that clattering in the kitchen in the still dead of night? Where does she go wandering so mysteriously in the hours of darkness, that beautiful young wife? As Halloween spirits return to their spectral world, this creepy program will explore the Japanese tradition of yokai and yurei.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 2

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Lodge Room No. 11, The Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen St., London WC2

For more information, click here.

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Cetnar Meadows the info.

Oct 11

JETAA Chapter Beat 10.11.10

JETAA Chapter Beat, JETAA Chapters

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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.

JETAA Southern California

Welcome Back / Meishi Exchange – Friday, October 15th, 6:30 – 9:00 at the Los Angeles International Airport Marriot Hotel. Make new contacts, tweak the old resume and join the folks at JETAASC for this year’s welcome back even. Nijikai to follow at Purple Orchid Tiki Lounge.
La Boheme Mixer – Thursday, October 28th, 6:30 – 8:30 at La Boheme. Get to know the returning JETs and the new officers of JETAASC for a fun happy hour mixer.

JETAA Sydney

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.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

Transitions: Career Forum & Networking Event – Saturday, November 6th at Northwest University. PNWJETAA is hosting a day of employment advice with Q&A panels, seminars with representatives from the non-profit, private and education sectors and a networking expo to mingle with local and international recruiters, community organizations and more.

JETAA Canberra

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 New York

Ikebana Class – Saturday, October 16th, 1:00 in Long Island City. Ikebono Ikebana instructor Yasuko Otsue will be giving a history lesson and demonstration of Ikebono ikebana, as well as help offer instruction on a personal arrangement in the moribana style.
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.
Nihongo Dake Dinner: Day of the Dead Feast – Wednesday, October 27th, 7:00 at Mexican Radio. Celebrate Dio de los Muertos(Day of the Dead), Halloween’s Mexican Cousin, with JETAANY and some Japanese speaking fun.

JETAA Florida

Miami Subchapter Karaoke – Saturday, October 16th, 6:00 at the Musa Cafe in Miami. Get your singing voice warmed up for a a night out at the area’s only Asian Karaoke bar.
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.

JETAA Northern California

Joshikai – Thursday, October 14th, 6:00 at 545 Steak Lounge. The next meeting of Joshikai, for women with an interest in Japan, will be a fun networking and girl talk event, with a chance to practice some Japanese as well.
Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival – Sunday, October 17th, 5:30 at Lakeside Park Garden Center, Oakland. Reserve a bento dinner and spend the evening gazing at the moon at this traditional Japanese event.

JETAA D.C.

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.

Oct 11

WIT Life #131: Asian Collaboration

Events, Food & Drink, Japan Trends, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers

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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.

Yesterday I attended the first ever Japan & Korea Block Fair, which was held on Broadway between 93rd and 94th streets. It was sandwiched between other festivals offering your standard street fare of zeppoles and gyros, but the Asian section seemed to be getting the most foot traffic. One side featured Japanese food such as okonomiyaki and yakitori, and the other had Korean food like bulgolgi and kimchi.

My friend and I shared many different samples, but my favorite was Read More