Job: Administrative Assistant – Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (New York, NY, USA)
Jobs 
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Administrative Assistant
Posted by: Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, Social Section
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-time
Here’s a job received directly from the organization (English below):
現地採用職員の募集について
２０１８年５月
国際連合日本政府代表部では,以下の業務に従事して頂ける方を募集します。
Job: Client Administrator and Client Senior Administrator – MUFG Bank (Chicago, IL, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Client Administrator and Client Senior Administrator
Posted by: MUFG Bank
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Contract: Full-time
Thanks to JET alum and former JETAA Chicago officer, Steve Sundstrom (Shiga-ken) for the following job openings:
Job post: MUFG Bank, the 5th largest financial institution in the world, is welcoming JET alumni for two bilingual positions (client administrator and client senior administrator) in their downtown Chicago office.
Please click here for details.
WIT Life #325: Shogun World
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Written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03), WIT Life is a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.
Hope everyone is enjoying the Memorial Day weekend! I’m out in Colorado, heading into the tail end of a three-week State Department interpreting gig on the topic of disability access and inclusion. This was something I knew very little about before starting, and have come to understand more about the situation both here and in Japan. Our last week will be spent in Seattle, where I’m sure there’s lots more to learn…
The HBO drama Westworld recently entered its second season, and while I am not a regular viewer I tuned in as I had heard it would have a Japan focus. The show tells the story of life-like robots in a Wild West-themed amusement park, and the complications that arise when they become sentient. This time around the series is set during Japan’s Edo Period in a place called Shogun World. Great pains were taken to ensure accuracy, even down to the Japanese that would have been spoken at the time. And it doesn’t hurt that the lineup of Japanese actors includes standouts like Hiroyuki Sanada and Rinko Kikuchi, who play a ronin robot and lead geisha respectively.
For more about Shogun World, check out this Japan Times article.
Justin’s Japan: The World Belongs to Hatsune Miku
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Click image to read article on page 25
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Shukan NY Seikatsu. Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.
Pop idols are everywhere in Japan, but most of them remain there. One particular idol breaks that tradition, with a notable exception: she’s not human.
Hatsune Miku, whose name means “first sound of the future,” is a Vocaloid (machine-made vocals) digital female avatar and creation of Crypton Future Media who currently has over 100,000 unique songs in her voice, which are synthesized tracks reminiscent of Auto-Tune. In Japan, Miku is massively popular and has appeared in numerous hit video games, music videos and ad campaigns, and her appearances with major artists like Lady Gaga and Pharrell Williams has boosted her international appeal.
Miku returns to the U.S. this summer for Miku Expo 2018, her third American tour. Miku Expo consists of live concerts that feature a range of hits from across her career as well as utilizing the latest holographic projection and voice synthesizing technology to create the ultimate Hatsune Miku experience—green onion-colored glowsticks included. For this year’s edition, fans were invited to sample a 39-day trial version of Hatsune Miku V4X software in English to create a new song, with the winning entry to be performed at every show on the North American tour.
True to its name, Miku Expo also presents an exhibition of Miku fan art by artists from Japan and local areas plus workshops and other events held to complement the concert.
The six-date U.S. tour wraps at New York’s legendary Hammerstein Ballroom on July 14th. After that comes Miku’s second appearance in Mexico City, then it’s off to Europe in December for Miku’s first-ever live concerts in Paris, Cologne, and London. The Paris date is set to coincide with the wider “Japonismes 2018” project celebrating Japanese and French relations throughout the year.
For more info and tickets, visit www.mikuexpo.com.
JQ Magazine: Film Review — ‘Isle of Dogs’
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“Isle of Dogs is a fun film and a stylistic ode to legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa about a boy and man’s best friend that’s full of beautiful visuals and is equally enjoyable for both kids and adults.” (Fox Searchlight)
By Andy Shartzer (Shizuoka-ken, 2014-16) for JQ magazine. Andy graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in chemical engineering, and currently works for JETRO New York. He is also the Community Development Chair for JETAA New York.
Isle of Dogs is director Wes Anderson’s first animated film since 2009’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. While it has received mostly positive reviews (with some reservations), it’s still interesting to see Anderson hone his storytelling skills using a colorful and vibrant world created with stop motion animation. The story opens with a prologue titled “Before the Age of Obedience” that supposedly explains how cats became more prominent in Japan. Fast forwarding to “Japan 20 Years in the Future,” the movie cuts to fictional Megasaki City, its residents, and Mayor Kobayashi (Kunichi Nomura), an authoritarian who declares that all dogs must be banished to nearby Trash Island because of the outbreak of dog flu and snout fever. The first dog that arrives on Trash Island is Spots (Liev Schreiber), the personal guard dog of Atari Kobayashi (Koyu Rankin), the ward and orphaned nephew of the mayor.
Atari soon takes matters into his own hands and flies a propeller plane to Trash Island to find Spots. He unfortunately crash lands on the island (in the meantime getting a piece of the plane stuck in his head, ouch) but is rescued by a pack of five dogs: Chief (Bryan Cranston), Boss (Bill Murray), Rex (Edward Norton), Duke (Jeff Goldblum), and King (Bob Balaban). The dogs—except for Chief, who was a former stray—agree to help Atari find Spots and accompany him on his journey to another part of Trash Island.
Though reluctant at first, Chief decides to join Atari and the other dogs after getting some extra persuasion from Nutmeg (Scarlett Johansson), a female purebred dog. Back in Megasaki City, Mayor Kobayashi orders the extermination of all dogs on Trash Island. Tracy Walker (Greta Gerwig), an American exchange student, gets involved and investigates further.
A couple fun Easter eggs in the film include: Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai, Inception) as a head surgeon, Yojiro Noda (lead singer of RADWIMPS) as a news anchor, and Yoko Ono (artist, singer, peace activist) as a medical assistant named…Yoko Ono.
Job: Bilingual Analyst – Apex Systems (New York, NY)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Bilingual Analyst
Posted by: Apex Systems
Location: New York, NY (Up to 75% paid travel!)
Contract: 12 month contract on a W2 basis
Here’s another job opening via JET alum Rebecca Chen (Akita-ken):
Apex Systems, the nation’s 2nd largest IT Staffing organization, has an immediate opportunity for a Bilingual Analyst opportunity to work for our client who is one of the world’s largest and most admired companies.
If you’re looking for an organization that focuses on innovation, social responsibility, and quality, then this is the place for you. Pay is highly competitive and the work is to be completed in Austin, TX.
**CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WHO SPEAK JAPANESE, ITALIAN, CZECH, FRENCH OR GERMAN.** Read More
Job: Mapping Surveyor – Apex Systems (New York, NY)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Mapping Surveyor
Posted by: Apex Systems
Location: New York, NY (Up to 75% paid travel!)
Contract: 6 months
Thanks to JET alum Rebecca Chen (Akita-ken) for passing along the following job opening:
This is a confidential project for our client who is an international leader in the technology industry. This is a ground truth surveying role that will be requiring 75% travel. You will be based out of New York, NY for the time you are not traveling. When you are traveling, you will spend your time performing different tasks collecting data with a provided device.
We are looking for candidates who are:
- Team players
- Critical thinkers
- Have good communication
- Able to follow guidelines and directions, but also ask questions
- “Wants” to travel not “willing to travel”
- Able to travel 75%
- Has a valid passport
To apply email Courtney Bogese: cbogese@apexsystems.com
Job: MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) Coordinator – Kintetsu International (New York, NY)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) Coordinator
Posted by: Kintetsu International
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to JET alum, Tiffany Dyer (Toyama-ken) for the following job opening with her company:
This position is a great introduction to the world of MICE as well as travel management in general, while staying connected to Japan. The position is considered entry level and applicant can expect a salary range of appx $18.50/hr (with some wiggle room depending on the candidate\’s experience). No Japanese language experience necessary (though of course some understanding is helpful).
Job Summary:
This position is responsible for arranging all MICE (including leisure Group) operations and RFP preparation, working with the sales manager/representative to promote our services and increase sales, performing data analysis, and engaging in quality assurance as well as customer service activities.
The ideal candidate will fully understand both the company and departmental goals and assist the manager in achieving them. Responsibilities also include destination research, developing ideas to increase business, and creating promotional ideas to expose our product and services to clients. It also requires selling TCC preferred carriers and other preferred vendors.
Job: Public Relations and Communications Associate – Consulate General of Japan in New York (New York, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Public Relations and Communications Associate
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in New York
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Here’s a job received directly from the Consulate General of Japan in New York:
The Consulate General of Japan in New York is currently seeking to hire a Public Relations and Communications Associate to be assigned to the Japan Information Center, the cultural and public affairs section of the Consulate.
Responsibilities
- Write newsletters, social media posts, emails, and other materials
- Coordinate the activities of government scholarship programs and exchange programs for our office
- Assist with the activities of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program for our office
- Contact people and organizations in an official capacity as needed for various programs including collaborating with grassroots events
- Respond to inquiries from the general public within our jurisdiction
- Study our organization’s objectives, promotional policies, and needs to form effective public relations strategies
- Research and analyze Japan-related discourses and media
- Other duties as deemed necessary
Job: Sales Representative and Sales Assistant – Okaya (USA), Inc. (Raleigh-Durham, NC)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Sales Representative and Sales Assistant
Posted by: Okaya (USA), Inc.
Location: Raleigh-Durham, NC, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to JET alum, Amir Bahrami (Fukushima-ken) for the following job opening at his company:
Okaya (USA), Inc. (http://www.okayausa.com), the US subsidiary of Okaya Kouki (http://www.okaya.co.jp/en/index.html), one of Japan’s oldest trading companies is currently looking for candidates to fill either a Sales Representative and Sales Assistant role at our Raleigh-Durham (NC) branch.
As you will be working daily with a large number of Japanese customers and coworkers, Candidates with medium to high Japanese proficiency are preferred (JLPT N1/2/3 or equivalent).
While experience working for or with Japanese companies is a plus, Okaya has previously hired JETs upon return to the US and currently employs 3 former JETs (including myself). Any familiarity to with the Japanese automotive industry, logistics, or accounting is a huge plus. While inside sales positions are available, outside sales representatives will be expected to travel significantly in their local area, supplying sourcing and logistical support for projects in the automotive field as well as other industries.
Job: Researcher / Assistant Correspondent – Mainichi Newspapers (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Researcher / Assistant Correspondent
Posted by: Mainichi Newspapers, Los Angeles Bureau
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Here’s a job sent to us directly from the newspaper:
The Mainichi Newspapers Los Angeles Bureau seeks a full time Researcher / Assistant Correspondent. The Mainichi Newspapers is a major daily Japanese newspaper printed in Japan with around 3 million readers. It is the oldest national daily newspaper in Japan founded in 1872. Our corporate information can be found at https://mainichi.jp/.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinating with Japanese news correspondents in gathering news and developing articles.
- General proofreading.
- Researching and gathering news, conducting interviews, developing and maintaining news sources, covering press conferences and other events ( such as sporting events, award ceremonies, criminal trials, etc.) in English and Japanese.
- Administrative duties are included.
- No byline opportunities.
JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘A Girls’ Guide to the Islands’
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“While the book is largely a ‘what we did from beginning to end’ odyssey, Kamata’s vivid accounts of her journey with her daughter put you alongside them as they soak up culture.” (Gemma Open Door)
By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata–ken, 2008-10) for JQ magazine. A former head of the JETAA Philadelphia Sub–Chapter, Rashaad is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University with a master’s degree in responsible tourism management. For more on his life abroad and enthusiasm for taiko drumming, visit his blog at www.gettingpounded.wordpress.com.
Exploring local wonders with loved ones can conjure up magical memories—and an enormous sense of satisfaction upon overcoming numerous obstacles.
JET alumna Suzanne Kamata (Tokushima-ken, 1988-90) lived through such experiences, which are recounted in her nonfiction debut, A Girls’ Guide to the Islands. Such a title would indicate a guidebook for female travelers. But a scan of its second paragraph reveals the book is a first person travelogue of the author and her daughter Lilia’s exploration of their corner of Japan. Despite spending most of her life in the countryside, Kamata (author of Gadget Girl and The Beautiful One Has Come) has not just visited some nearby landmarks; she figures playing tourist in several locations would serve as good mother-daughter bonding experiences.
This treats the reader to a journey of art exploration. Lilia loves art and she wants to make a career out of it. Kamata also shares an affinity for art, which makes them perfect travel partners. A Girls’ Guide to the Islands is enhanced by the author’s illumination of the art she sees—such as Yayoi Kusama’s My Eternal Soul, which is painted in vivid colors that are considered unsettling in Japan (the artist’s iconic pumpkin sculpture in the island town of Naoshima also graces the book’s cover)—as well as the works that enthrall her daughter. Fortunately for them (and possibly surprising to some), foreign art from renowned artists was easy to locate in the rural museums they visited. Kamata and Lilia find one of Monet’s most famous paintings and Andy Warhol’s Flowers in Naoshima, as well as other works from other non-Japanese artists.
Job: Executive Assistant – Embassy of Japan (Washington, DC)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Executive Assistant, Congressional Affairs Section
Posted by: Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington DC
Contract: Full-Time
Here’s a job received directly from the Embassy of Japan:
The Embassy of Japan is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Executive Assistant for Congressional Affairs at Congressional Affairs Section. This individual is primarily responsible for secretarial duties for the Minister and diplomats in the Congressional Affairs Section. Please see below for a detailed listing of responsibilities.
The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, paid vacation and sick leave. Working hours are 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with lunch time receptionist duty once a month and the occasional weeknight and/or weekend event (paid overtime). Salary is commensurate with experience. The minimum monthly base salary for this position is USD 3,000.
Please note: Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder or those who are married to a U.S. citizen. Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Successful candidates will be requested to submit their background check information. Read More
Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Content Production Coordinator
Posted by: FunkyCorp
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time (with 6-month probation period)
Thanks to JET alum, Matt Taylor for the current job opening at his company:
FunkyCorp is looking for a Content Production Coordinator with a passion for Japan and travel to join our team. We’re a hardworking creative international team that enjoys a challenge and loves working on new and exciting projects.
The Content Production Coordinator will work closely with the Content Director and other members of the Content Team to create online content and manage tourism-related content production projects. Specific tasks include copywriting, translation, editing, proofreading, content planning, task assignment and project management.
Responsibilities:
- Copywriting and translating travel-related marketing content
- Planning, reviewing, editing and proofreading online content
- Sourcing, handling and monitoring the progress/quality of external translators, writers and other vendors
- Liaising with the design and technical teams to see content through from the planning and production stages to publishing
- Competitor analysis and research Read More
Job: Visitor Services Associate – Japan Society (New York, NY, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Job Title: Visitor Services Associate
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Part-Time
Thanks to JET alum, Carleen Ben (Oita-ken) for passing along this job listing:
The Visitor Services Associate maintains the Japan Society’s visitor service’s desk as an ambassador interacting with the general public. This includes greeting and welcoming visitors, answering questions, providing information about exhibits and programs, selling tickets, memberships, and catalogs.
Responsibilities:
- Process ticket orders and gallery admissions; Sell memberships and catalogs;
- Welcome and assist visitors, trustees, donors, and vendors on the phone and in person; Provide administrative support for related activities and projects.
Requirements:
- Customer service experience; Very good communication skills;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort interacting with the public; Ability to multi-task and to handle multiple phone lines;
- Computer proficiency;
- General office experience;
- Must be dependable and punctual;
- Knowledge of Japanese culture and/or language is a plus.
