Jul 2

JQ Magazine: Nippon in New York — Hatsune Miku, JAPAN CUTS, Sailor Moon

Art, Article/Journalism, Events, Film, JQ Magazine, Music Comments Off on JQ Magazine: Nippon in New York — Hatsune Miku, JAPAN CUTS, Sailor Moon

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.

Before and after the outdoor fireworks, enjoy some summer events in the cool indoors, whether it’s catching one of the dozens of films premiering at Japan Society’s annual festival, or enjoying anything from interpretative theater to the latest pop sensation.

This month’s highlights include:

© 2018 Movie Inuyashiki Production Committee : Hiroya Oku : Kodansha

Now through July 15

New York Asian Film Festival 2018

SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street

Walter Reade Theater, 165 West 65th Street

$15, $12 seniors and students, $10 Subway Cinema members

From vicious, life-destroying phone scams to balletic battles between equally corrupt cops and yakuza, NYAFF offers films that reflect on contemporary society while offering extreme genre pleasures. There are self-referential takes on cinematic zombies, existential date nights, and teens finding their own corners of the world despite familial and societal expectations. showcasing the most exciting comedies, dramas, thrillers, romances, horrors and arthouse films from East Asia. Features the North American premieres of Japanese films Blood of Wolves (July 2), River’s Edge (July 3), Liverleaf (July 8), Midnight Bus (July 11), One Cut of the Dead (July 13), and Inuyashiki (July 15).

GKIDS

July 3, 5, 7

Fireworks

E-Walk 42nd Street 13, 247 West 42nd Street

Empire 25, 234 West 42nd Street

$12.50

Producer Genki Kawamura follows up his mega-hit Your Name with another anime tale of star-crossed teenage lovers with a sci-fi fantasy twist. Shy Norimichi and fast-talking Yusuke are goo-goo-eyed over the same elusive classmate, Nazuna. But Nazuna, unhappy over her mother’s decision to remarry and leave their countryside town, plans to run away and has secretly chosen Norimichi to accompany her. When things don’t go as planned, Norimichi discovers that a glowing multi-color ball found in the sea has the power to reset the clock and give them a second chance to be together. But each reset adds new complications and takes them farther and farther away from the real world—until they risk losing sight of reality altogether.

Courtesy of Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda

Premieres Friday, July 6

Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda

Francesca Beale Theater, 144 West 65th Street

$15, $12 seniors and students

From his start pioneering synth pop music with Yellow Magic Orchestra, in the late ’70s to winning an Oscar for his score for The Last Emperor in 1988, Ryuichi Sakamoto quickly established himself as one of the most original and intuitive composers of his generation. But, never content to rest on his laurels, Sakamoto’s life journey eventually led him to find musical inspiration in the unlikeliest of places: the Fukushima nuclear disaster and a personal battle with cancer, both of which gave way to a late-life shift in his artistic process. With Coda, director Stephen Nomura Schible (a co-producer on Lost in Translation) crafts a portrait of the artist as an ageless man, one who can turn the worst news into the most refined and purposeful moment of productivity in an already storied career. Shot over five years, this graceful music documentary is an elegantly observed examination of the creative process, following as Sakamoto builds from nothing the album he must assume will be his swan song. Sakamoto and Schible will appear in person for the 7:00 p.m. (Q&A) and 9:30 p.m. (intro) screenings on July 6 and the 4:45 p.m. (Q&A) and 7:30 p.m. (intro) screenings on July 7. Q&As moderated by Sasha Frere-Jones.

Read More

Jul 2

Job: English Teacher – Elite K12 (China [Multiple Locations])

Jobs Comments Off on Job: English Teacher – Elite K12 (China [Multiple Locations])

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: English Teacher
Posted by: Elite K12
Location: Beijing, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Qingdao, China
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

Opportunity to Teach in China

We received information from a program called Elite K12, part of a larger consortium of private schools located in Beijing, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Qingdao.

Salary: With regards to the salary, we pay based on the teaching tenure of each individuals, say a 5-year-relevant experience int’l teacher would get roughly RMB300,000/per annual.

Benefits: Benefits vary by city but generally include: expatriate medical insurance coverage, visa, work permit and resident’s card sponsorship, family housing allowance, temporary accommodation on arrival for ten days, one-off relocation reimbursement (up to RMB 5,000), One-off excess baggage reimbursement (up to RMB 4,000), Airfare reimbursement in relation to outward travel at the beginning of your period of employment (up to RMB 6,000), Airfare reimbursement in relation to repatriation at the end of your period of employment (up to RMB 6,000) and Airfare reimbursement for annual leave (up to RMB 8,000), and entitlement to enjoy the Staff Children’s tuition benefit plan.

Application Process: Interested parties can contact Michael directly at michael.weyandt@gmail.com to request materials.

Jun 26

Job: Administrative Assistant – Embassy of Japan (Washington, DC)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Administrative Assistant – Embassy of Japan (Washington, DC)

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, Economic Section
Posted by: Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s the last of three jobs sent directly to us from the Embassy of Japan:

Jun 26

Job: Administrative Assistant – Embassy of Japan (Washington, DC)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Administrative Assistant – Embassy of Japan (Washington, DC)

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, Defense Section
Posted by: Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s the second of three jobs sent directly to us from the Embassy of Japan:

The Embassy of Japan is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Administrative Assistant. This individual is primarily responsible for managing the schedules and activities of diplomats in the Defense 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 $3.000 USD.

Please note: Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder. Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Successful candidates will be required to submit their background check information. Read More

Jun 26

Job: Administrative Coordinator – Embassy of Japan (Washington, DC)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Administrative Coordinator – Embassy of Japan (Washington, DC)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Administrative Coordinator, Public Affairs Section
Posted by: Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s the first of three jobs sent directly to us from the Embassy of Japan:

The Embassy of Japan is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Public Affairs Coordinator for the Public Affairs section. This individual is primarily responsible for assisting with cultural events and programs in the Public Affairs Section. This position also produces written materials for public distribution and handles press-related duties. 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 regular weeknight and/or weekend events (paid overtime). Salary is commensurate with experience. The minimum basic monthly salary for this position is 3,200USD.

Please note: Candidates must be either a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder. 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 background check information. Read More

Jun 25

TED JETs: Roland Kelts on “The Core of Cool Japan: Sustainability vs. Stagnation”

Notable JET Alums, Roland Kelts, TED JETs Roland Kelts, TED talk Comments Off on TED JETs: Roland Kelts on “The Core of Cool Japan: Sustainability vs. Stagnation”

Posted by Tom Baker

JETs tend to be interesting people. After all, every one of them has relocated to a different country at least once. It’s not surprising that many of them have also had other interesting experiences, some of which lead to insights that they end up sharing in TED talks.

This is part of an occasional series on current or former JETs who have given TED talks. Here is JET alum Roland Kelts speaking about “The Core of Cool Japan: Sustainability vs. Stagnation.”

Jun 25

Job: Sales Team Leader – InsideAsia Tours (Boulder, CO, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Sales Team Leader – InsideAsia Tours (Boulder, CO, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Sales Team Leader
Posted by: InsideAsia Tours
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s another job received directly from the company:

Sales Team Leader

InsideAsia Tours are now recruiting for a Sales Team Leader for our office in Boulder, Colorado.

The Sales Team Leader is responsible for leading and developing a team of Travel Consultants; creating an environment in which they can perform at a consistently high level, achieving sales and customer service targets, and working in a sustainable, independent and self-motivated manner.

The Sales Team Leader manages a team of up to seven Travel Consultants, ensuring that each team member’s performance in sales and customer service meet company expectations and that company values are being promoted and adhered to. They are responsible for identifying development needs and knowledge gaps; they play a key role in designing and delivering training and support at both team and individual level, and in ensuring its ongoing implementation. They are the first point of escalation for any problems and should authorize suitable action by their team in most cases.

Originating in the UK we also have two offices in Japan, as well as one in Australia. In Boulder we have a team of twenty-seven and are looking for these new Japan travel consultants to help us grow onward and upward. Boulder and the surrounding area is a fantastic place in which to live and work.

For full details of the Sales Team Leader role, please see this link:

https://www.insidejapantours.com/jobs/

If this role is of interest, please apply now by sending an up-to-date resume and comprehensive cover letter showing how your skills and experience match the job description, to: jobs@insideasiatours.com

Jun 24

Just Teaching: Tests are standard, Learning is not

Uncategorized Comments Off on Just Teaching: Tests are standard, Learning is not

Kevin Stein (Ishikawa-ken, 2000-03) has been an English teacher in Japan for 18 years.  He has taught at the university, high school, junior high school, and elementary school levels. He has trained public junior high school teachers, served as a mentor through International Teacher Development Institute, and occasionally blogs at The Other Things Matter.

Kevin is currently seeking new work opportunities at the university level as well as outside of education. Please feel free to contact him directly at kevindsteinELT@gmail.com. His CV is available online at: https://theotherthingsmatter.wordpress.com/curriculum-vitae/.

This year, I am training the teachers in my school system on how to use the standardized test prep curriculum developed for the International Course at my high school in Osaka, Japan. 

While I am not a huge fan of standardized tests as the primary measure of students language ability or for evaluating the effectiveness of a language program, I do think that they have a role to play within English language learning. Perhaps most importantly, students are often highly motivated to take and pass (or attain a high score) on standardized tests. So these tests can be an excellent vehicle for helping develop students’ autonomous study skills or for rapid vocabulary acquisition.

In the program at my school, standardized test prep classes focus on: how to make effective vocabulary lists and word/phrase cards with Quizlet; micro-listening activities to develop decoding abilities around connected speech; and metacognitive skills to help students develop a higher awareness of how they read and correct any habits which inhibit comprehension. A thoughtful test prep program—in conjunction with an extensive reading program and a fluency focused speaking class—has led to an average 3rd year students’ final TOEIC score average of 640 points and has helped over 40% of our 3rd year students to pass the EIKEN pre-1 test.  

While I do believe there are real benefits to including a formal system—whether in the form of specific classes or mandatory language lab time—for helping students prepare for standardized tests, I also think that it is important to remember that just because you have a system, doesn’t mean that students will be able to make use of it effectively.  Pressure around standardized testing goals can also result in high levels of student anxiety, anxiety which can inhibit students ability to concentrate on test materials…or occasionally even process basic instructions. Read More

Jun 22

Job: Associate Director of Communications – The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation (Washington, D.C., USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Associate Director of Communications – The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation (Washington, D.C., USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Associate Director of Communications
Posted by: The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a JET-relevant job forwarded to us:

The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes understanding and cooperation between Asia and the United States, seeks an Associate Director of Communications in its Washington, D.C. office.

The Associate Director of Communications will work with the Foundation’s Washington, Tokyo, and Montana offices to plan and execute the Foundation’s outreach, including its electronic newsletter, social media, website content, reports, and publications.  The Associate Director of Communications will be responsible for ensuring consistent and effective communications with the Foundation’s staff, Board, program participants, funders, and other stakeholders.  Specific responsibilities will include:

Editorial and Writing

Jun 22

Job: USA​ Admissions Advisor & University Partnerships Associate – CRCC Asia (Philadelphia, PA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: USA​ Admissions Advisor & University Partnerships Associate – CRCC Asia (Philadelphia, PA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: USA​ Admissions Advisor & University Partnerships Associate
Posted by: CRCC Asia
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alum Anthony Skedzielewski (Yamagata-ken) for the following job opening:

Company: CRCC Asia currently 8 office locations worldwide supporting admissions, university relations, program development and in country support. CRCC Asia employs a diverse workforce from over 10 different countries working within multiple time zones allowing for cross-cultural collaboration and expertise. The role of USA Admissions Advisor & University Partnership Associate will be based in our Old City, Philadelphia Office.

Role​: This unique position combines initiatives across two departments within CRCC Asia: Admissions and University Relations. In relation to Admissions, the individual will be interviewing, advising, and supporting students in regards to our award-winning internship programs. This will also include some account management duties such as visa processing, placement management, and payment administration.

In relation to University Relations, the individual will visit various universities and colleges to promote our programs, in addition to supporting our University Relations Managers with the business development of new university partnerships. Read More

Jun 19

Job: Director, Education & Community Partnerships – Japan Society (New York, NY, USA)

Uncategorized Comments Off on Job: Director, Education & Community Partnerships – Japan Society (New York, NY, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Director, Education & Community Partnerships
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the organization:

Japan Society seeks an innovative educator and/or non-profit leader to spearhead new initiatives in global education, and raise the profile and impact of Japan Society’s education programs locally, nationally and internationally. The Director will be responsible to:

• Lead strategic planning efforts to evaluate Japan Society’s current education programs, and identify opportunities for new program initiatives;
• Implement new education programs aimed at K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and adult life-long learners;
• Promote the study of Japan as a focus of global education curriculums in K-12 schools as well as on the college and graduate school level in New York City and nationally;
• Initiate partnership arrangements with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, other education institutions, and relevant organizations;
• Promote global education through study-travel tours to Japan for American students and teachers, and to the US for Japanese students and teachers;
• Develop dynamic experiential programs for families with young children to participate in cross-cultural experiences highlighting major Japanese holidays;
• Capitalize on the interest of teenagers, young adults and others in Japanese popular culture to engage these groups with Japan Society’s broader programming, and to expand their interest in Japan’s traditional and modern history, art and culture;
• Identify ways to utilize digital technologies to provide curriculum materials and other educational information on Japan to a wider audience;
• Actively participate in fundraising efforts, and partner with the development staff on raising funds for new and existing education initiatives;
• Recruit, hire and supervise staff;
• Manage departmental budget.

Read More

Jun 19

Job: Japan Travel Consultant – InsideAsia Tours (Boulder, Colorado)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Japan Travel Consultant – InsideAsia Tours (Boulder, Colorado)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Japan Travel Consultant
Posted by: InsideAsia Tours
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

InsideAsia Tours are now recruiting Travel Consultants for our InsideJapan brand in our office in Boulder, Colorado.

You will be responsible for creating, selling and delivering high quality Japan vacation packages. Most of your time will be spend interacting with clients or travel agents over the phone or by email, along with ensuring everything is in place so our clients have the best possible experience.

The role is very varied and requires strong organizational skills with an ability to handle a large variety of simultaneous tasks under strict deadlines. You will work within a team of other Travel Consultants, aiming to reach both individual and team sales targets while providing the highest level of customer service.

This position presents the perfect opportunity to begin a career in the travel industry but we are also very keen to speak to anybody with existing travel industry experience.

Originating in the UK we also have two offices in Japan, as well as one in Australia. In Boulder we have a team of twenty-seven and are looking for these new Japan travel consultants to help us grow onward and upward. Boulder and the surrounding area is a fantastic place in which to live and work.

For more information about the company, role, and great benefits and to apply, please see our website:

https://www.insidejapantours.com/jobs/

Jun 18

Job: Business Development Representative/Researcher – JETRO (Houston, TX, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Business Development Representative/Researcher – JETRO (Houston, TX, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Business Development Representative/Researcher
Posted by: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Contract: Full-time

Here’s a job sent to us directly from the organization:

JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO’s core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.

JETRO Houston is now accepting resumes for the position of Business Development Representative / Researcher. Please see the following link for details.

https://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/contact/jetrohut.html

Jun 18

Job: Program Assistant – Globalize DC (Washington, DC)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Program Assistant – Globalize DC (Washington, DC)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Program Assistant
Posted by: Globalize DC
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Part-time

Here’s a part-time JET-relevant job opening shared with us:

SEEKING SHORT-TERM PROGRAM ASSISTANT FOR

OUR TOMODACHI US-JAPAN YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Globalize DC is currently seeking a short-term Program Assistant to work with us during the DC part of our TOMODACHI exchange (July 14-26).

This summer, Globalize DC, in partnership with American Councils for International Education, will once again offer its TOMODACHI US-Japan Youth Exchange Program, a two-way cultural exchange program for DC and Japanese high school students. This will be the program’s 6th year, thanks to continued funding from the US-Japan Council’s TOMODACHI Initiative. This summer’s group of 6 DC and 6 Japanese students will spend two weeks in DC at the end of July, followed by two weeks in Tokyo and Tohoku, Japan during the first half of August. If you’re not familiar with the program, you can find a lot information at www.usjapanfuture.org.

The Program Assistant will provide back-up support to the Program Director during the two-week DC segment, including real-time program confirmations, scheduling adjustments, meal pickups, social media, and assorted tasks as needed during the course of the program. Our preference (but not an absolute requirement) is for a Japanese speaker for this position, who will also be able to offer some language assistance to those Japanese exchange students who may struggle with understanding or expressing themselves in English. This will be a paid position.

To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here. If you know anyone who might be interested, please pass this information along. It’s really fun and the kids are always great!

Jun 15

Job: Exhibition Production Assistant – Kaikai Kiki (Seattle, WA, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Exhibition Production Assistant – Kaikai Kiki (Seattle, WA, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Exhibition Production Assistant
Posted by: Kaikai Kiki
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Contract: Full-time

Here’s a JET-relevant job passed along to us:

展覧会制作のアシスタント募集 / Exhibition Production Assistant Wanted

シアトルでの国際展覧会の制作とコーディネーションのアシスタントを募集しています。

必要なスキル：

• 米国での労働許可があること
• 日本語と英語の読み書き・会話ができること
• 芸術に対する深い興味があること
• 随時海外渡航が可能であること

理想的なスキル：

• 学士号取得者
• アートのハンドリング経験
• PC&MACスキル（特にMSエクセル）
• チームのコーディネート
• リーダーシップ、フレキシビリティ、学習意欲

カバーレターと履歴書を以下のメールにご送付ください。paatela@kaikaikikiny.net Read More