JapanInfo e-Newsletter September 2010
Uncategorized 
Comments Off on JapanInfo e-Newsletter September 2010
The September 2010 edition of JapanInfo is now available online: http://editor.ne16.com/he/vo.aspx?FileID=2bbd4d99-ee36-41cb-9c27-6ffba6035701&m=c084f6d45dcb1543a1f92db467644006&MailID=13708788 (Click here to subscribe to JapanInfo by email.)
Of note is a feature titled “Alumni Unite to Stress the Value of the JET Program” which describes the efforts at the recent JETAA USA National Conference hosted by JETAA New York. Here’s a quote:
“At this year’s meeting in New York the main focus was the recent Japanese government review of the JET and JETAA budgets. While JET is the most successful public diplomacy program ever launched in Japan, and JETs are recognized as assets to both Japan and the US, there has been criticism of the high costs local governments must bear to accept JETs. Additionally, Japanese tax payers may not be aware of the contributions JETs make to the Japan-US relationship.”
Also of interest to the JET alum community will be the focus on JET and JETAA by Ambassador Nishimiya in the “From the Ambassador’s Desk” feature. Here’s a snippet:
“I had many conversations with JET alumni during the conference and I was encouraged by the fact that so many of them spoke earnestly about how they became big fans of Japan through their participation in the JET program and its alumni activities. Even in Japan there are not many people who could express their deep love for Japan in such a straight forward manner. I truly hope that I will continue to have the opportunity to promote the JET Program, strengthen my ties with JETAA, and aid the program in the future.”
Additional JapanInfo articles of interest include:
- The 65th anniversary of the end of World War II
- Japanese Training Squadron and Ambassador Nishimiya Visits Maryland
- Dr. Hinohara & “Freddie” convey the importance of life
- Friendship through flowers – Ikebana Demonstration
- Izumo: City of Myths and Dreams – A once in a lifetime journey
- The Japanese Embassy of 1860 Visits Philadelphia
- As well as a number of great listings in the Events Calendar!
JapanInfo is published by the Consulate General of Japan in New York/Japan Information Center and is a great source of info for Japan-related things going on in New York and the surrounding area.
Click here to subscribe to JapanInfo by email.
**********
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.
Take a break, and listen to some Rock & Roll!
Job: HR Generalist
Jobs Comments Off on Job: HR Generalist
Job posting via JET alum Connie Sim, (Shimane-ken, 2000-02). 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.
——————————————————————————————————————-
Job Position:
HR Generalist with Native English for a Japanese auto-parts maker client.
Job Description:
Japanese auto-parts manufacturer is seeking a Native English HR Generalist to develop their global operations and expand their base of overseas & foreign employees.
The main responsibilities are
Requirments:
Location: Tokyo
Contact:
If interested, please forward English & Japanese resume and Japanese Rirekisho to connie dot sim at gc-agent dot com
JET Alum Author Profile: Malena Watrous
Interview/Profile, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Writers Comments Off on JET Alum Author Profile: Malena Watrous
Malena Watrous (Ishikawa-ken, 1998-2000), author of the novel "If You Follow Me"
Freelance writer, essayist and blogger Liz Sheffield (Hokkaio-ken, Sapporo-shi, 1993-95) recently came across an article in Writer’s Digest about Malena Watrous, the author of If You Follow Me. The book’s description and the author’s biography made Liz think there was a JET connection. Indeed there was — here are Liz’s thoughts about the novel and her conversation with the author:
Malena Watrous (Ishikawa-ken, 1998-2000) joined the ranks JET alum authors with the recent release of her debut novel, If You Follow Me, published by Harper Collins in March 2010.
Although Watrous admits she didn’t want her novel to become a “Japan weirdest hits” type of book, she does an exceptional job of capturing details and drawing upon common expatriate experiences in Japan. Part of the joy in reading If You Follow Me was having a trip down memory lane. For example: ever receive a handwritten note from your Japanese supervisor admonishing something you did? Check. What about the nasal voice booming over the portable PA system each night as an old man tries to sell his jagaimo? Check. One too many kanpais at the bonnenkai? Check.
Along with these key details, Watrous also weaves together a story that is unique and which is about much more than a gaijin living in Japan. If You Follow Me is the tale of Marina, a young American who moves to Japan with her girlfriend in order to teach English and escape the painful reality of her father’s recent suicide. The cast of characters in the town of Shika includes a quirky co-teacher of English who sings a mean Elvis on karaoke, a silent neighbor boy who is just breaking out of hibernation and the British expat who is attempting to become the next great foreign talent after his stint teaching English in Shika. As is true for many who live abroad, Marina is changed by her experience in ways she never could have anticipated.
“I’d say that the experience made me have a deeper understanding of what it feels like to be different,” Watrous says of the impact the JET Program had on her own life. “It gave me a lasting sense of the value of creating relationships between people of different ages and backgrounds, and made me less afraid of ‘strangers’ of different kinds. It also gave me a greater sense of possibility.”
She notes that she witnessed similar realizations in her students as a result of her presence in their classroom.
“I loved seeing my students become less afraid of the big bad foreigner, which actually happened so quickly and naturally, especially with the elementary school kids, who were just magic to me. I loved those first grade boys with their fuzzy heads, who talked to me like I was another one of them.”
It’s no surprise that the book has received awards and recognition in the United States as well as generous support in Japan. Watrous’ heartfelt and often humorous novel allows readers from any country to experience a journey of sadness and grief that leads to an eventual greater sense of possibility.
So, what can readers expect next from this talented author?
“I’m working on a novel set at least partly in occupied Japan. I hadn’t thought that I’d write another book in Japan, at least not right away, but a character presented herself to me and I’m having a lot of fun with it. Plus–now I’ve got the perfect excuse to make another research trip.”
Go to Motherlogue to hear more about about Malena’s experience writing If You Follow Me.
Contest: Second Annual International Furoshiki Design Contest
Contest Comments Off on Contest: Second Annual International Furoshiki Design Contest
Budding designers are invited to submit designs to the second annual International Furoshiki Design Contest. Furoshiki are traditional Japanese cloths used to wrap small objects.
Design Theme: Designs should evoke a fusion of the United States and Japan
Eligibility: Entry is open to individuals or groups engaged in the study of design or related subjects at a university of vocational school, and reside in the United States (Student of any nationality are welcome to enter the contest).
Deadline: Applications must be received no later than Fridday, October 29
For more information, visit The Japan Foundation, New York’s website at http://www.jfny.org/
Flyer: http://www.dc.jetalumni.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/flyer3.pdf
Guidelines: http://www.jfny.org/userfiles/file/English%20guidelines.pdf
Entry Sheet: http://www.jfny.org/userfiles/file/furoshiki%20English%20Entry%20sheet%20form.pdf
WIT Life #126: Dominance of video games and shared waters
Article/Journalism, Japan Trends, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life Comments Off on WIT Life #126: Dominance of video games and shared waters
***********************************************************************************
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.
Today’s NYT has two articles about Japan’s technology and relations with China. In the former, Hiroko Tabuchi discusses how the country’s once dominance of video games has been overtaken by Western game developer advances. The one exception is Nintendo, who has found great success with its Wii, but other companies are struggling in terms of economic resources and cultural understanding of what appeals to the international market (There is a growing gap in game styles between Japan and the West). Interestingly enough, in order to appeal to a global audience some video games are being written in scratch in English as opposed to relying on awkward translations from the original Japanese. The questions remains as to whether Japan can still produce star characters who can become the next Mario or Sonic.
On the political side, the second article talks about a dispute between Read More
Interview with JET alumna/’Food Sake Tokyo’ author Yukari Sakamoto
Article/Journalism, Books, Interview/Profile Comments Off on Interview with JET alumna/’Food Sake Tokyo’ author Yukari Sakamoto
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.
Tokyo-born and American-raised JET alumna Yukari Sakamoto (Chiba-ken, 1989-1990) is a professional chef, sommelier, and writer who has spent much of her life in both the U.S. and Japan. Released earlier this year, her debut book Food Sake Tokyo is the ideal guide for indulging in the best of Tokyo dining and drinking, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Japanophile foodie keen on discovering new favorites.
How were you approached to write this book as part of the Terroir Guides series?
I contribute to Food & Wine magazine and my travel editor there at the time, Salma Abdelnour, told me about the publisher The Little Bookroom. She praised their travel guides and thought my book would find a good home there. My agent, Lisa Ekus, sent my proposal to The Little Bookroom, and the publisher, Angela Hederman, embraced it immediately. The Little Bookroom has a series of foodie travel guides called the Terroir Guides, and my book was a perfect fit—like Cinderella’s glass slipper. I have heard how difficult it is to find a publisher who will accept a book proposal, and I am blessed to have found the perfect home.
In the introduction to your book, you write that the popularity of the Slow Food movement has created a renewed appreciation for kyodo ryori, or local foods. How long has this movement been going on, and what started it?
The Slow Food movement has been popular for a long time. What has been extremely popular in the last few years are “antenna shops.” These regional shops represent prefectures from around Japan that feature local produce, beverages, and foods. For example, the Okinawa Washita shop in Ginza has a basement filled with awamori (the local shochu), including rare brands hard to find outside of Okinawa. The first floor has tropical fruits and vegetables and local specialties like shimadofu, a dense tofu, and shikuwasa, a citrus juice. I cannot say for sure what started it, but there are several contributing factors. Food safety scares and mislabeling of imported product have encouraged more consumption of local products. Popular food and travel programs promote regional specialties. And, there are an increasing number of ambassadors, like the governor of Miyazaki [Prefecture], Hideo Higashikokubaru, who enthusiastically promote Miyazaki products like wagyu, mangoes, etc. I am always impressed at the number of customers at antenna shops. I often go out my way to shop at antenna shops to pick up rare shochu, hard to find miso, or pickles.
There are more than 100,000 restaurants in Tokyo. How did you pare it down to the ones listed in the book?
First of all, I focused on restaurants that represented a particular cuisine. And then I narrowed down the list based on geography, leaning toward easy to find restaurants, or those included in one of the areas covered by the book. I have lived in Tokyo for eight years and ate out a lot while there. Tokyo is a great dining city, especially for solo diners.
Read the complete interview here.
JETAA Chapter Beat 9.17.10
JETAA Chapter Beat, JETAA Chapters Comments Off on JETAA Chapter Beat 9.17.10
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.
- Kuliouou Ridge Hike – Sunday, September 19, 9:00 at Kuliouou Ridge in Hawaii Kai. Join in on a fun day of trekking and glimpse Oahu from up high with JETA’A Hawai’i. Meet up is at Whole Foods at Kahala Mall at 8:30 or at the trailhead at 9:00. Lunch to follow.
- Reel Anime – Sunday, September 19th, 12:15 Luna Leederville is playing host to this year’s edition of Reel Anime, a mini-festival celebrating Japanese Anime. This year’s feature is entitled Summer Wars.
- 2010 Annual JETAANY Softball Tournament – Saturday, September 18th, 9:00 at Red Hook Brooklyn. Sign up for the team or just come out as a spectator to this year’s slow pitch softball tournament.
- Book Club Meeting – Sunday, September 19th, 1:00 at the Jade Teahouse & Patisserie. This month’s selection is Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.
- Kabuki Club – Saturday, September 18th, 2:00 at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch Paley Conference Room. This month’s selection will be Bando Tamasaburo’s legendary performance in the play Musume Dojoji.
- Camping in Michigan – Saturday, September 18th thru Sunday September 19th in Van Buren State Park on Lake Michigan. JETAA Chicago is packing the car, setting up the tents and spending the weekend at the lake. Spend Saturday on the beach, followed by a cookout complete with ghost stories and marsh mellows.
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.
JET Alum researcher seeks JET Alum respondents for survey on reverse culture shock
Academic, Graduate School, Uncategorized Comments Off on JET Alum researcher seeks JET Alum respondents for survey on reverse culture shock
Smitha Prasadh (Tokushima-ken, 2005-07) is a Master of Design Candidate at Carnegie Mellon School of Design as well as an active organizer of the growing JETAA Pittsburgh Subchapter. She is seeking respondents for a survey she is conducting on reverse culture shock as part of her graduate research:
Hello! I am an alumna of the JET Programme. For my graduate thesis, I am designing a resource to help North American JET alumni cope with reverse culture shock upon their departure from Japan. If you are an American or Canadian JET alum, I would sincerely appreciate it if you could fill out this survey about your overall experiences before, during, and after JET. Your participation would help my research greatly.
The following survey should take approximately 15‐20 minutes to complete. (Should you choose to elaborate on your answers, it will take a bit longer.)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/jet-rcs-thesis
Thank you very much for your time!
Smitha Prasadh
thesis@smithaprasadh.com
Job: Associate Director of International Programs (Occidential College, Los Angeles)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Associate Director of International Programs (Occidential College, Los Angeles)
Job posting via JET alum Clara Solomon, JETAA Student Services. 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.
——————————————————————————————————————-
Job Details:
Occidental College seeks an energetic and articulate Associate Director of International Programs. This is a newly created position augmenting a staff consisting of Director, Assistant Director and Coordinator.
The Associate Director supports the Director in carrying out the mission and the overall management of International Programs including:
How to apply:
Please see the full job listing:
http://departments.oxy.edu/hr/Associate%20Director%20of%20IPO.html
Job: Study Abroad Advisor (University of Texas, Austin)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Study Abroad Advisor (University of Texas, Austin)
Job posting via JET alum Clara Solomon, JETAA Student Services. 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.
——————————————————————————————————————-
Job Details:
The International Office is pleased to announce that we are currently recruiting for the position of Study Abroad Advisor (International Advisor I, #10-09-10-01-3066).
This position will report to the (soon to be hired) Study Abroad Advising Team Leader, and will advise students of varied backgrounds on matters associated with study abroad, with primary responsibility for assigned geographic regions and/or academic units.
For a complete review of the job description, go to this link:
http://utdirect.utexas.edu/pnjobs/pnjobsvw.WBX?comp=0&job_nbr=100910013066
How to apply:
Interested applicants who meet all of the requirements should apply online by uploading the required application materials (a resume, a letter of interest, and three business references) via the HRMS Document Management tool.
Job: Assistant to JET Coordinator (Los Angeles)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Assistant to JET Coordinator (Los Angeles)
Via the JET Alumni Association of Southern California LinkedIn group:
This full-time (temporary) position begins October 1 and ends November 13 (or there about). Unfortunately, the salary is non-negotiable. It does not include social security or parking/transportation. However, it IS a fairly fun and exciting job, and you can help out the Program as well. This is a great way to learn about the ‘inner workings’ of the Consulate and of the JET Program interviewing process.
If you are interested, please e-mail your resume and cover letter to jet@la-cgjapan.org and please type “arubaito” in the subject line. The deadline for resume submission is 9/16, with interviews commencing shortly thereafter.
Desired qualifications:
JET Program alumni (preferably within the past 3 years)
Flexible
Able to “possibly” work on a Saturday
Has reliable transportation
Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite
Trustworthy, reliable, detail oriented, and a self starter
VERY organized
Duties to include:
Data entry
Copious quantities of copying and filing
Information session scheduling
Keeping the Coordinator organized
Mailing out of information
Answering questions regarding the application process
Assisting with other Information and Culture Center projects, as needed
Life After the B.O.E.: Chopsticks
Cartoon/Illustration Comments Off on Life After the B.O.E.: Chopsticks
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.
Study opportunity in Japan
Academic Comments Off on Study opportunity in Japan
Posting via JET alum Eric Korpiel, Liaison to Admissions Counseling at Meiji Universtity. 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.
——————————————————————————————————————-
Meiji University has just opened a new English track course for international students interested in studying in Japan. Application deadline is Oct 15th and scholarships are available.
For those who do not know Meiji, it is one of the Big 6 universities of Tokyo and according to Nipon Keizai Shinbun was recently voted Number 1 by Japanese high school students when asked which university they wish to attend.
Students can learn more about application procedure at http://www.meiji.ac.jp/nippon/english/englishtrack/admissions.html
Specific questions should be sent to gjs at mics dot meiji dot ac dot jp
Job: Graphic Designer III / Amazon / Seattle, WA (3 Month Contract)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Graphic Designer III / Amazon / Seattle, WA (3 Month Contract)
Job posting via Jet alum Stuart Albert. 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.
——————————————————————————————————————-
#4974-1 Graphic Designer III / Amazon / Seattle, WA (3 Month Contract)
Organization: Amazon Corporate LLC
Work Location: The Columbia Center
Desired Start Date: 9/27/2010
Job Description:
********MUST submit an online portfolio with updated resume for this position
Amazon is looking for a visual web designer contractor with a background in retail websites to work on Amazon.co.jp (Amazon Japan).
Click ‘Read More’ for more details
