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.

Spring has sprung in the Big Apple, and that means one thing: a new season of sounds, colors, and spectacular performing arts to match the blossoming sakura trees throughout the city.

This month’s highlights include:

Friday, April 10, 8:00 p.m.

Yoko Kanno with Seatbelts

Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Avenue (Brooklyn) 

From $99.59

Legendary Cowboy Bebop composer Yoko Kanno takes New York in a pair of spectacular performances presented by Mammoth Live! First, fasten your seatbelts–the original crew is on board. For decades, the music of Seatbelts crossed borders without ever crossing the ocean. Heard, shared, and woven into the lives of listeners around the world, their sound reshaped the very idea of what anime music could be. Raw, unbound by genre, and free, the music continues to live on as the soundtrack to countless lives. Now, at last, Seatbelts arrives in the United States for the very first time, performed as it was meant to be by the original members who created it. This is Seatbelts as it truly is. The guest vocalist is the original voice himself, Steve Conte, an essential part of the Seatbelts legacy. The songs that defined an era will be performed by the very musicians who brought them into existence. This is not a tribute. This is the night the real thing finally lands in America. No destination, just the real sound.

Saturday, April 11, 8:00 p.m.

Yoko Kanno – Piano Me

The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street

From $59.50

As a lyricist, songwriter, arranger, music producer, Yoko Kanno has composed music for movies, TV dramas, commercials, animations, and video games, as well as produced and written for various artists. Her notable works include Cowboy Bebop, Genesis of Aquarion, Macross Frontier, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the film Our Little Sister, and the NHK historical drama Naotora: The Lady Warlord, among others. She also composed the recovery support song for the Great East Japan Earthquake (Flowers Will Bloom – Hana wa Saku), creating several arrangements for it. In the first year of the Reiwa era, she composed Ray of Water, a celebratory piece for the Japanese Emperor’s enthronement, which was performed in honor of the Emperor and Empress at the Imperial Palace. Her recent work includes the music for the Netflix adaptation of Cowboy Bebop and The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House. At Expo 2025 in Osaka, she composed the music for a large fountain art installation. In addition, she also contributed to other pavilion projects at the Expo, including an XR (Extended Reality) production that combined immersive digital visuals with live performance elements, and a haptics-based installation utilizing advanced touch-feedback technology to create new sensory experiences.

Monday, April 13, 8:00 p.m.

Creepy Nuts

Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center, 311 West 34th Street

From $107.33

Japanese hip-hop powerhouse Creepy Nuts — the duo made up of three-time national rap battle champion R-Shitei and world-champion DJ DJ Matsunaga — announce their first-ever North American tour including their debut performances at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2026! Their breakthrough has been driven by craft rather than trend: R-Shitei’s battle-forged lyricism and DJ Matsunaga’s virtuosic turntablism, paired with productions that fluidly bridge hip-hop, pop, and electronic energy. Their 2024 smash “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” went Top 10 on Billboard’s Global 200 chart and ranked prominently on Apple Music’s global charts, while “Otonoke” became the most-streamed Japanese song abroad in 2025 and “Mirage” gained traction on Spotify’s Global Viral chart. Creepy Nuts are no longer just Japan’s leading hip-hop act; they are among the most compelling artists to emerge on the global stage in recent years.

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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.

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Position: Administrative Support Staff
Posted by: Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations is seeking a qualified individual to fill a vacancy of an Administrative Support Staff position. Description and Requirements are below.

Thanks to Jessica Wang (Nara-ken, Tenri-shi, 2011-2014) for passing along the following job opening.

1. Job Description
(1) Coordinate facilities maintenance and repair schedules
(2) Supervise maintenance and repair works
(3) Assist with accounting-related operations and official events

2. Location
The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
605 Third Avenue, 28th Floor, New York NY 10158

3. Requirements
[Required]
US citizen or permanent resident
Business level English proficiency
Proficient in Microsoft Office tools for document preparation

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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.

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Position: Sales Administrator
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: Princeton, IN, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Carlos (Oita, Japan, 2019-2022) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
A Japanese Trading company is currently looking for a full time, Japanese Bilingual Sales Administrator to join their Princeton, IN location.

This position will maintain the highest levels of customer satisfaction through a blend of accounting, sales processing, supply chain, and communication activities.

The role is integral to supporting export operations, inventory management, and customer relations in a fast-paced, international environment.

DOE and skills, the pay range for this opportunity would be between the 50k-60k with great benefits.

Your essential duties would be as follows:

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Posted by Tom Baker

Preparations are underway for the 2025 Japan Writers Conference. If you are a writer who will be in Tokyo in November, this is your chance to speak to other writers and share your tips and wisdom about how to write, how to write better, or how to get published.

Current and former JETs have always been a major presence at the conference, as you can see from this 2023 article in AJET Connect magazine.

If you want to join in, here are the official details on how to submit a proposal for a presentation.

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Submission Guidelines
Deadline: Sunday, July 8, 2026 (18:00 JST). However, submissions for a genre may close earlier when it has reached its quota of 30 (90 submissions in total).

As in previous JWCs, we have three presentation rooms, each for poetry, fiction/nonfiction, and other topics (publishing, translating, marketing, editing, technical, workshops, residencies, communities, or any topics that apply to all genres). During the two-day JWC, each genre would have 10-12 sessions.

To increase your acceptance rate, please READ OUR GUIDELINES below carefully before submitting your proposals.

All published writers, translators, editors, agents and publishers, who are planning to be in Japan during the conference dates, are welcome to submit presentation proposals. We especially encourage proposals from new submitters. One of our strengths has been variety, and the best way to foster variety is to have new presenters each year. Those who have presented at past conferences are (of course) welcome to submit new proposals. But please, in the words of Ezra Pound, “Make it new.” Selected speakers will have an opportunity to sell their books in the exhibition room.

Who can submit?
All published writers, translators, editors, agents and publishers in English. Publications must be in English, either in magazines, literary journals, newspapers, or books.
New submitters are especially encouraged. Those who have presented in the past are also welcome, but make it new.
All nationalities are welcome, but contents must be in English.
2026 JWC is fully in-person. We do not offer online sessions. So, presenters must be able to come physically to the venue.
All presenters must plan their trips themselves. JWC is a free event and does not have the resources to help with travel expenses or to help get a visa to come to Japan.
What are we looking for?
Presentations that focus on the craft of writing, publishing, and marketing our work, since JWC audiences are writers concerned with creating publishable writing. Click HERE to view our past presentations.
Presentations that are NOT ABOUT single author readings, teaching, academic, literary studies, and private self-expression.
Proposals must be written clearly. NO vague description.
The topics are NOT too narrow or NOT too broad. Too limited topics could be difficult to attract audiences, while too general topics will lack focus.
Presentation time is 50 minutes, including discussions. So, prepare topics that can be presented within the allocated time.
One person may submit up to TWO proposals. If you submit more than two, we will only review the first two submissions.
All genres are welcome.
The rooms are equipped with projectors, microphones, and Wi-Fi.
What are the benefits of giving a talk at the JWC?
While JWC is a free event and does not have the resources to provide honorariums, you may expect some benefits by giving a talk in JWC, such as:

An opportunity to sell your books in the book room.
Invite your publishers to market their books in the book room.
An opportunity to share your writing journey with others.
Closer connections with writers at any level.
Expand your network.
Submission deadline
July 8, 2026 (18:00 JST). However, to ensure that our small team can review carefully all submissions, the submissions for a genre may close earlier once it has reached its quota.

Acceptance notification
The decision will be notified to all submitters by late-July, early August 2026.

How to submit?
Each proposal must include up to five keywords, abstract, bio in the third person, and up to seven past published works. Please keep the length of the abstract (150 words or fewer) and bio (50 words or fewer).

All proposals must be submitted through one of the forms below, depending on what you focus on. For example, if your proposal is about how to write a better memoir, please use “fiction/nonfiction” form. But if you will present how to publish or market your memoir book, you should use the “miscellany” button. If your proposal is in between, just use the form that you think is most suitable. One form is for one proposal. So, if you submit two, please submit them separately.

Please note, we DO NOT consider email submissions. Contact us at japanwritersconference@gmail.com if you can’t access the form.

Inquiry
Questions? Contact us at: japanwritersconference@gmail.com

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

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Position: Senior Project Manager
Posted by: Tomokazu Matsuyama Studio
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Tomokazu Matsuyama Studio for passing along the following job opening.

Position Overview
The Senior Project Manager oversees multiple exhibitions and public art projects from concept through completion. This role is responsible for expanding public art opportunities to further elevate and position Tomokazu Matsuyama’s work globally. The position leads and develops a team of three members, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient execution, operational excellence, and the highest standards of quality.

Key Responsibilities
 Lead, mentor, and develop team members, ensuring performance objectives are met and professional growth is supported
 Oversee end-to-end execution of exhibitions, public art installations, and commercial collaborations, including planning, design coordination, and deployment
 Develop and manage comprehensive project timelines, ensuring milestones and deadlines are consistently achieved

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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.

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Position: Assistant Director of Admissions and Program Administration, International Studies, Duke Law
Posted by: Duke University School of Law
Location: Durham, NC, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Steven Horowitz (Aichi, 1992-1994) for passing along the following job opening.

Be You.

At Duke University School of Law, we value global perspectives and the individuals who bring them to life. As the Assistant Director of Admissions and Program Administration, International Studies, you will be a trusted leader within the International Studies Office, supporting a diverse community of students and scholars as they pursue advanced legal education. In this role, you will bring sound judgment, cultural fluency, and operational excellence to advance Duke Law’s international mission and uphold the highest standards of student service.

Be Bold.

This is a highly visible leadership role that shapes the future of Duke Law’s international programs. You will provide strategic oversight of admissions and matriculation processes, steward complex visa and compliance activities, and collaborate across the Law School and the broader University to deliver a seamless, high-impact student experience. Your work will directly influence global recruitment outcomes, program quality, and Duke Law’s reputation worldwide.

What You’ll Do

• Provide leadership and end-to-end oversight of admissions, enrollment, and matriculation for the LLM, SJD, and international exchange programs.

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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.

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Position: Library Assistant
Posted by: Temple University, Japan Campus
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Temple University, Japan Campus for passing along the following job opening.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is hiring a full-time Library Assistant. We are looking for a service-oriented individual with strong library skills to assist with daily library operations and provide high-quality service to students, faculty, and staff.

The position supports circulation services, collection management, technical processing, and general library operations. The duties listed below are representative of the work typically performed in this role.

The Library operates across TUJ’s City Campus (Sangen-jaya station) and the newly established Hillside Center (Mizonokuchi station), and staff members work between both locations to support university operations.

Circulation & Patron Services

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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.

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Position: Associate Corporate Liaison
Posted by: Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for passing along the following job opening.

Serve as CEOs Liaison/Translator/Interpreter converting written (translation) and spoken (interpretation) information between English and Japanese, ensuring accuracy, tone, and context are maintained. Responsibilities include facilitating real-time verbal communication, translating documents, managing terminology databases, and adhering to confidentiality protocols, typically requiring high fluency in these two languages. This liaison role must be detail-oriented and have the ability to convert written materials from one language to another while preserving the original meaning, tone, and format. You will work with diverse documents.

Responsibilities
• Translation (Written): Translate documents (emails, reports, legal documents) while maintaining the original style, format, and technical terminology.
• Interpretation (Spoken): Provide consecutive or simultaneous interpretation for meetings, conferences, interviews, or phone calls.
• Accuracy & Context: Ensure precise conversion of messages, ensuring that cultural nuances are accurately communicated.
• Confidentiality: Strictly adhere to ethical standards and confidentiality agreements.

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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.

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Position: Volunteer English or Spanish Language Teacher – Voyage 124
Posted by: Peace Boat – GET Universal
Location: Takadanobaba, Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time; Unpaid Voluntary Position

Thanks to GET Coordinators for passing along the following job opening.

We are seeking volunteer English and Spanish language teachers for our 124th Global Voyage departing on August 21, 2026 and returning to Yokohama, Japan December 6, 2026. From Dubrovnik and Kotor in the shimmering Adriatic Sea, to the ancient ruins of Egypt, Peru, and Easter Island, this cruise visits a variety of popular destinations. A highlight will be the chances to view the Aurora right from the ship!

Peace Boat is an international NGO building a culture of peace by connecting people across borders and creating opportunities for learning, activism and cooperation. Our teachers facilitate this by empowering our participants with the skills and confidence to use language to make these connections. While this is an unpaid position, Peace Boat covers the cost of visas, port fees, room and board.

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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.

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Position: News Producer
Posted by: TV-Asahi America Inc.
Location: Torrance, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Daisuke Chikaraishi, who works at TV-Asahi America Inc. for passing along the following job opening.

TV-Asahi America Inc, Los Angeles Bureau seeks Bilingual (English & Japanese) News Producer for Japanese viewers. Entry level candidates are very welcome!

TV-Asahi is the nationwide news network company in Japan, collaborating with AP, Reuter and CNN.
Our headquarter is located in Tokyo and in the United States, TV-Asahi America Inc which is the overseas affiliate of TV-Asahi, operates three bureaus, Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC.

Expected duties as TV Producer include, but are not limited to the following:

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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.

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Position: Various Positions
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco for passing along the following job opening.

The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco has three full-time positions available, with one opening in Consular Affairs and two openings in the Japan Information and Cultural Center (JICC). See below for more information.

Consular Affairs Staff (Consular Affairs)

https://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/26_0309.html

This position handles visa, passport, and certificate processing, responding to inquiries from applicants, and other duties as required by the Consulate. See job listing for more details. Deadline: March 19, 2026

Public Relations Staff 広報文化業務 (Japan Information and Cultural Center) (Listing in Japanese only)

https://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/26_0312.html

This position is related to public relations and content management of the Consulate’s social media accounts and website, as well as other duties as required by the Consulate. Native-level Japanese is required. See job listing for more details.

Education Staff (Japan Information and Cultural Center)

https://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/26_0312a.html

This position is in charge of overseeing all aspects of educational exchange between Japan and the Consulate’s jurisdiction of Northern and Central California and the entirety of Nevada. See job listing for more details.

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

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Position: General Affairs/Public Relations Cultural Clerk 
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Michelle Akamine (Oita-shi, Oita ken, 2021-2024) for passing along the following job opening.

The General Affairs & Public Relations section of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles is seeking a person for the position of Local Staff.

The main duties are as follows, although you may be asked to perform other tasks related to the General Affairs and Public Relations/Cultural Section as needed. Both Japanese and English will be used in the course of your work.

1. Coordinating communication with cultural organizations, educational institutions, etc., as well as gathering information related to their activities and compiling databases
2. Coordinating communication with media outlets and distributing press releases
3. Assisting with the operation of events hosted by the Consulate General
4. Drafting speeches and congratulatory messages for Consulate staff participating in events
5. Editing and updating the Consulate’s website
6. Attending seminars and preparing reports
7. Performing secretarial duties

Must be proficient in both Japanese and English, possess strong writing and reading skills, and demonstrate excellent communication abilities.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/pdf/JobDescription(EN).pdf

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

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Position: Deputy Director, Japan Chair Program
Posted by: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Kristi Govella (Niigata, 2005-2006) for passing along the following job opening.

The Japan Chair program is recruiting a Deputy Director who will report directly to the Japan Chair and play a central role in program administration and activities. This is an in-person position at the CSIS headquarters. The Deputy Director is responsible for managing day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the Japan Chair program.

Essential duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and manage programmatic aspects of large-scale projects in coordination with the Japan Chair, including identifying potential sources of funding, proposal development, project implementation, and reporting
• Work closely with the Japan Chair on short- and long-term strategy planning and development
• Organize and execute public and private events related to the work of the Japan Chair program, including engagements with visiting fellows and executive education programs
• Draft program materials and edit publications
• Develop communications strategies to promote program research and activities
• Provide direction and oversight for program staff and interns, ensuring high-quality outputs and providing mentorship
• Build relationships with CSIS administrative teams and external partners
• At the direction of the Japan Chair, provide support for research on topics such as Japanese politics and foreign policy, U.S.-Japan relations, and Indo-Pacific geopolitics related to reports, policy briefs, and other publications

Knowledge, education, and experience

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience or an advanced degree in a related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to manage projects, personnel, budgets, and grants
• Experience coordinating events and working with external stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and/or media
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work flexibly as part of a team
• High degree of professionalism
• Demonstrated expertise on issues driving Japan’s policy debate and the agenda for U.S.-Japan relations
• Proficiency in Japanese required (JLPT N1 or above)

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://careers.csis.org/opportunities/1739

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

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Position: Various Roles
Posted by: The Asia Foundation
Location: Various Cities
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to The Asia Foundation for passing along the following job openings.

We are an international nonprofit organization working to solve the toughest social and economic challenges in Asia and the Pacific. Headquartered in San Francisco, The Asia Foundation works across more than 20 countries. Learn more about us and our work.

Application Process: For more information about the roles and to apply, please click here – https://asiafoundation.org/about/careers/#open-positions

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

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Position: Dorm Manager
Posted by: Temple University, Japan Campus
Location: Tokyo-to or Kangawa-ken, Japan / In-person & Live-in
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Dionne Daniels (Yamanashi-ken, 2015-2017) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
The Dorm Manager (DM) is responsible for fostering an inclusive, community-based living environment for TUJ students. The DM serves as a live-in representative of OSSE, supporting residents’ daily life, cultural adjustment, and well-being. Additionally, the DM acts as a liaison between students, resident assistants (RAs), community builders (CBs), housing staff, and property management to maintain a positive community and smooth dorm operations.

Work Hours:
The Dorm Manager is expected to organize their schedule around the university semester schedule, particularly during the beginning and end of the semesters during peak move in and move out times. Although permitted to work another job, the DM is expected to remain at the housing facility as much as possible during evenings and on weekends.

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