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.

After an unusually cool spring, it’s finally starting to feel like summer. Enjoy some seasonal events this month that celebrate the best of both fine and pop art.

This month’s highlights include:

Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 p.m.

TK from Ling tosite sigure

Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Place

From $64

Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 p.m.

TK from Ling tosite sigure

Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Place

From $64

TK from Ling tosite sigure’s TOUR 2026 ISO×0 NORTH AMERICA marks a historic milestone for the acclaimed Japanese musician, serving as his first-ever headline tour outside of Asia. Best known as the vocalist, guitarist, and creative force behind Ling tosite sigure, TK brings his signature blend of intense post-hardcore energy, atmospheric soundscapes, and emotional songwriting to audiences across North America. The six-city tour travels through San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, New York, Dallas, and Mexico City, celebrating over a decade of his solo career and the global impact of songs like “unravel,” the iconic opening theme from Tokyo Ghoul. With a reputation for technical musicianship, soaring vocals, and genre-defying compositions, TK’s 2026 tour offers international fans a rare chance to experience his immersive live performance in an intimate concert setting.

OKI DUB AINU BAND © Courtesy of the artist

Thursday, June 4, 7:30 p.m.

OKI DUB AINU BAND

Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street

$32 members, $43 nonmembers

Back by popular demand after his 2022 sold-out tour – Ainu musician OKI (Oki Kano) returns to Japan Society for a one-night-only blowout concert with his OKI DUB AINU BAND! OKI’s band brings its globally-praised trademark fusion of reggae, African rhythms, electronic dub and folk music of the Ainu, Japan’s northernmost indigenous people. Resurrecting the tonkori, a five-string instrument native to the Ainu, OKI has travelled across five continents on his quest to share reconstructed sounds from Hokkaido that were nearly lost to the world. Followed by a Private Gathering for Artists and Members.

OKI performing with his OKI DUB AINU BAND in Hokkaido, Japan, 2023 © Lorraine Turci

Friday, June 5, 6:30 p.m.

Talk Story: Sharing Ainu Culture with OKI

Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street

Various prices

$20 members, $28 nonmembers

OKI, an avid storyteller and one of the most prominent performers of Ainu folk music in the world, shares personal experiences, anecdotes and Ainu lore alongside talking about the traditional music of the tonkori – an instrument originally used by shamans to commune with the spirits of the natural world. OKI also chats about his recent forays into film directing, and his ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the unique culture of the Ainu people.

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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: Reporter/Researcher
Posted by: Yomiuri Shimbun
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Brian Wielk (Ishikawa, 2008-2011) for passing along the following job opening.

Main duties include assisting our Washington-based Japanese correspondents by attending video-conferences, telephonic and in-person briefings and press conferences; tracking relevant news stories; arranging and conducting interviews; composing clear and concise memos on issues of interest; and covering various events, including those held by area think tanks and Congress. Additionally, given that 2026 will be a mid term election year, coverage of various campaign rallies and related events will also be an important part of the reporting duties. Rapid and precise transcription is also required. 

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to coverage of the campaign trail, White House, State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Treasury, Commerce, USTR and FRB. Additionally, the selected candidate may also be required to work other news areas as situation warrants. This position has no byline or article-writing opportunities at this time. 

Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Background in US politics, international relations, foreign policy, economics, or journalism, is preferred. Attention to accuracy and the ability to multitask effectively under deadline is required. A strong work ethic paired with the facility to develop and maintain good sources as well as the ability to take direction well and work collaboratively with others is essential. Japanese language skills are preferred but not necessary.

Poster (Brian Wielk) formerly held this position in 2017, enjoyed the working environment, continues to maintain positive relationships with former colleagues, and would highly recommend to interested candidates.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.journalismjobs.com/1645658-japans-largest-newspaper-seeks-hardworking-reporterresearcher-yomiuri-shimbun

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: Real Estate Contract & Settlement Coordinator (不動産契約・決済コーディネーター)
Posted by: Shiki Real Estate
Location: Tokyo, Japan (Hybrid/Remote)
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Anna Ayvazyan (Hyogo, (2017-2022)) for passing along the following job opening.

Description: We are seeking a Real Estate Contract & Settlement Coordinator to manage the transaction process from contract through settlement for domestic real estate transactions. This position involves working closely with buyers’ representatives, judicial scriveners, business partners, and internal teams to ensure smooth and accurate transaction execution.

Application Process: To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to <anna[at]shikiproperties[dot]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: Inside Sales & Inventory Support Representative
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: Plain City, OH, USA
Contract: Full-Time

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

Description:
A Japanese company specializing in cutting tools is currently looking for a full time, fully onsite Inside Sales & Inventory Support Representative for their Plain, City, OH location.This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a team, who is highly organized, is detail oriented, and wants to grow alongside our company.

Offices are located in Plain City, OH, but your inventory responsibilities will require you to go to a customer site who can be up to around an hour away as well.DOE and skills, the pay range for this opportunity would be between the 46k-50k mark with amazing benefits.

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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: Business Reporter
Posted by: The Yomiuri Shimbun
Location: New York City, NY, USA; In-person/Hybrid
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to The Yomiuri Shimbun for passing along the following job opening.

Main duties involve assisting the Yomiuri Shimbun’s New York-based Japanese business correspondent by covering events, conferences, company earnings calls, and financial markets; tracking relevant stories; arranging and conducting interviews; doing research; and coming up with story ideas. One area of special focus is big tech (Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple) and issues connected to artificial intelligence.

In addition to reporting on business and covering financial markets, you may at times have to cover other areas (including national politics, sports, etc.). Some transcription/synopsizing of press conferences and earnings calls is also required. Since the articles are written in Japanese, there are no byline opportunities for this position.

Application Process: Please email a cover letter and resume. No phone calls, please. Email cover letter and resume to:  yomiuri2026job@gmail.com Takanori Yamamoto, New York Bureau Chief, The Yomiuri Shimbun.

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: Student Engagement Coordinator
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.

Position

Student Engagement Coordinator (Focus on Student Clubs and Organizations)

Department

Office of Student Services and Engagement (OSSE)

Position type

Full-time

Location     

City Campus (Sangenjaya-station)

Reports to

Assistant Dean of Student Engagement

Work hours

37.5 hours per week (weekend/evening work to attend events, trainings, and activities; compensatory time off provided)

Visa requirement

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is able to sponsor a visa for this position.

Salary & benefits

Salary commensurate with experience.

Eleven (11) days paid vacation in the first year, increasing to 20 days after 6 years of employment, plus 5 paid “personal and sick days” each year. In addition, approximately two weeks company-wide break over Christmas/New Year. Japanese social insurance and pension, commuting/telework allowance, a welfare-discount program membership, and retirement payment system.

Overview of Position

The Office of Student Services and Engagement is looking for a Student Engagement Coordinator with a primary focus on student clubs and organizations. This role advances extra-curricular student life by supporting recognized student organizations, strengthening student leadership, and building clear systems and processes that help clubs operate effectively and inclusively at TUJ.

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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: Admissions Advisor / Associate Admissions Advisor
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.

Report to                   

Director of Admissions Operations        

Visa Requirement       

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is able to sponsor a visa for this position.

Salary & benefit

Salary commensurate with experience.

Eleven (11) days paid vacation in the first year, increasing to 20 days after 6 years of employment, plus 5 paid “personal and sick days” each year. In addition, approximately two weeks company-wide break over Christmas/New Year.

Japanese social insurance and pension, commuting/telework allowance, a welfare-discount program membership, and retirement payment system.

Overview of position

The TUJ Undergraduate Admissions Office is responsible for reviewing and processing all applications to the TUJ undergraduate programs. The main operations are sending out admission decisions on a rolling basis, accurately entering and maintaining data in various information systems, and ensuring the smooth flow of student information between departments. TUJ is looking for a detail-oriented individual to join the admissions team as an Admissions Advisor or Associate Admissions Advisor.

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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: Customer Experience Coordinator
Posted by: Senbird Tea
Location: Queens, New York City, NY, USA; In-person/Hybrid
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Senbird Tea owner, Celia Tasaki for passing along the following job opening.

Is Your Superpower Warmth, Empathy, and Attention to Detail?

At Senbird Tea, every customer interaction is an opportunity to share warmth, care, and the quiet joy of Japanese tea. We’re not just looking for someone to answer messages—we’re searching for a key member of our community: a warm, thoughtful, and detail-oriented coordinator whose genuine kindness shines through in every phone call, email, and chat, leaving customers feeling seen, valued, and connected.

This role is at the heart of our customer relationships and the processes that power them. You’ll respond with empathy and attentiveness across DTC and wholesale channels, turn routine exchanges into meaningful moments, and build the internal guides, SOPs, and customer-facing resources that help us deliver consistently excellent experiences as we grow. You’re the type of person whose natural thoughtfulness and positive presence make people feel at ease—whether calming a concerned customer on the phone, brightening the office with your warm energy, or documenting a better way to handle a recurring issue so the whole team benefits.

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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: Data Analyst & Translator
Posted by: Franklin Precision Industry
Location: Franklin, KY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Tye Ebel (Kagawa Prefecture, 2007-2010) for passing along the following job opening.

The Translator/Data Analyst serves a dual role supporting communication between Asian expatriates and FPI staff through professional interpretation and translation, while also performing analytical functions related to production data, inventory, quality, and corporate reporting. This individual ensures accurate language support and data integrity within manufacturing and corporate environments.

Application Process: Interested parties should contact Maribel Delaluz at mdelaluz[at]fpik[dot]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: General and Political Affairs Assistant
Posted by: Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Meghan Dilg (Kochi, 2018-2023) for passing along the following job opening.

The Consulate is seeking a well-qualified individual to serve as General and Political Affairs Assistant. This individual will perform a variety of administrative tasks, including but not limited to correspondence and report drafting, scheduling, and event planning. Excellent command of written and spoken English, office software skills, flexibility, and the ability to collaborate in response to a variety of complex assignments are required.

This individual will also be expected to draft, edit, and proofread English-language media, including letters, social media posts, speeches, and website content. Japanese language ability and experience with Japanese culture are preferred but not required.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00721.html

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.

As spring continues and the weather continues to warm, New Yorkers can enjoy activities all over the city both indoors and out. 

This month’s highlights include:

Friday, May 1, 8:00 p.m.

Mahler Chamber Orchestra: Yuja Wang, Piano and Director

Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue

From $350

For the first time at Carnegie Hall, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra is led by Grammy-winning piano phenomenon Yuja Wang, who directs from her instrument. This exemplary touring ensemble has been a highlight in recent Carnegie Hall seasons, and its collaborations with Wang are highly renowned. It’s an ideal pairing, as Wang is not only one of the world’s leading virtuosos, but also an artist with a true gift for “drawing you into the world of each composer” Financial Times. Featuring concertmaster and leader Matthew Truscott, the evening’s selections will include Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Symphony No. 1, “Classical,” as well as Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. With more than 45 musicians spanning over 20 different countries, this show will prove that music is truly the universal language. 

Sunday, May 3, 8:00 p.m.

HoYoFair Music!

Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway

From $88.50

HoYoFair Fan Concert Once Upon HoYoFair LIVE In 2026 will come together in France, Germany, the UK, and the U.S. for six LIVE fan concerts! In celebration of the upcoming 2026, which marks the 5th anniversary of HoYoFair, HoYoverse is excited to announce the HoYoFair Fan Concert—a fan art-driven music feast organized by 54 Entertainment and CHARISMA TANUKI PRODUCTIONS. This unique event will feature musical performances from Honkai: Star Rail, Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero, and Honkai Impact 3rd, all in one show. Fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the touching melodies of HoYoverse’s beloved titles. 

Monday, May 4, 8:00 p.m.

Earthly Bones

Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street

$21 nonmembers, $14 members

One late night in an overworked office, Miyabi is offered a bite of home-cooked fish and politely turns down the offer with a white lie. As acts of extreme politeness and Japanese office etiquette begin to stack on top of this innocent lie, office workers are stretched to the breaking point, until a sudden change overtakes Miyabi’s team… In her signature style for finding the farcical in the mundane structures of Japanese society, Kishida Kunio Drama Award winner Kei Ando’s play Earthly Bones dives deep into the inherent absurdities of Japanese office life. NYC-based director Lauren Zeftel and her cast of local actors take audiences on this mad joyride of distinctly Japanese dark humor in an English-language reading.

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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: Program Manager, Operations & Exchanges
Posted by: National Association of Japan-America Societies
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to the National Association of Japan-America Societies for passing along the following job opening.

The Project Manager for Operations & Exchanges (“Manager”) reports to the President of NAJAS and has responsibility for managing the budget and finances, and an array of operational and governance support duties to include:

Operations & Finance
Shared responsibility (with the President and NAJAS Treasurer and Board Finance Committee) for constructing and controlling a budget exceeding $1.5 million, and fiduciary stewardship of NAJAS resources. Financial management including building budgets and formulating tracking reports, maintaining bank accounts, overseeing contracted payroll processing and disbursements, as well as collection of member/affiliate dues and other receivables, contributing to an external audit and filing taxes for NAJAS, a 501(c)(3) entity.

• Close management of out-sourced accounting, auditing, IT and other operational service providers.
• Assistance to the President in scheduling and work processes with NAJAS Board of Directors and Board Committees and supporting travel requirements of the president.
• Oversight of physical office management (office equipping and supply, vendor interaction, subscription handling, and rental actions).
• Assisting in recruiting and on-boarding interns and staff. Responsible for maintaining NAJAS’ registrations, business licenses, and insurance policies with contracted support.

Read More

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Posted by: Margie Banin (Kochi, 2005-2007), a former CIR with a love of the written word. Currently she connects others to Japan through translating, writing, and editing texts on Japan. Margie also manages the JETwit Bluesky account, serves as the JETwit Volunteer Coordinator and a JETwit jobs-list welcomer, and engages in various other JETwit outreach activities.

A surprising (or maybe not?) number of JET participants and alumni become authors, chronicling their time in Japan in memoirs or fictionalized accounts of their experiences living and working in Japan. Others share insights into the country and culture through nonfiction works. All these books open a window into the reality of life in Japan.

JETwit maintains an online library of JET alum writers. It’s a work in progress, and we’d like to expand it to include as many JET authors as possible. If you’ve published a book rooted in or connected to your JET experience, please let us know so we can add you to the list! Likewise, if you know of a JET author who isn’t in our library yet, please tell us about them.

Email submissions to us at jetwit@jetwit.com and use “JETwit Library” as the subject line.

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Posted by: Margie Banin (Kochi, 2005-2007), a former CIR with a love of the written word. Currently she connects others to Japan through translating, writing, and editing texts on Japan. Margie also manages the JETwit Bluesky account, serves as the JETwit Volunteer Coordinator and a JETwit jobs-list welcomer, and engages in various other JETwit outreach activities.

The third edition of Sarah Coomber’s memoir, The Same Moon, has just been released as of April 2026. Based on Sarah’s experience teaching in rural Japan in the mid-1990’s, The Same Moon is described as a story of encouragement and hope. Here’s a little background from Sarah about her book.

“Many of us experience a time in life where we’d like a do-over, and I sure felt that way about my early twenties.

After being briefly wed and quickly divorced by age twenty-four, all I wanted was a fresh start. I abandoned my Minnesota life for a job teaching English in Japan, planning to take a year to reflect, heal and figure out what to do next. 

I ended up the lone English speaker in an isolated rural area, where I was drawn into serving tea to my male co-workers, performing with a koto (zither) group, advocating for female students and colleagues, and embarking on a controversial romance.

Of course I signed on for a second year—not because this was the Japan I was seeking, but because it turned out to be the Japan I needed.”

Learn more at https://sarahcoomber.com/.

Discover more JET alum authors in the JETwit Library.

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Posted by: Margie Banin (Kochi, 2005-2007), a former CIR with a love of the written word. Currently she connects others to Japan through translating, writing, and editing texts on Japan. Margie also manages the JETwit Bluesky account, serves as the JETwit Volunteer Coordinator and a JETwit jobs-list welcomer, and engages in various other JETwit outreach activities.

Yan Sen Lu set off to Japan as a JET in 2006 and has been there ever since. After completing two years in Tokyo on the JET program, Yan Sen transitioned into the local workforce, finding employment in the executive search field.

Now, 18 years later, he has established his own search firm, Makana Partners, and has authored a work he describes as a guide for those looking to hire top talent in Japan.

As he puts it:

“If Japan is breaking your hiring process—this is your field manual.

‘We can open a new market in Southeast Asia faster than we can fill a single Director-level role in Tokyo.’ — Every HR Director in Japan, eventually.

Japan rewards preparation above all else. This book names the mechanisms — the cultural codes, the structural realities, and the exact frameworks that the best executive search firms use to close in this market.”

Yan Sen’s book sounds like a must-read for those supporting foreign companies in Japan by recruiting and building teams for them!

The Hardest Market in the World will be released this summer, in June 2026. Learn more at https://hardestmarket.com/.

Discover more JET alum authors in the JETwit Library.