Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as art, film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she offers some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Last week was the first in office for Japan’s new Prime Minister, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba. He’s a member of the Liberal Democratic Party but not part of former PM Shinzo Abe’s faction, and his anti-Abenomics proposals like raising taxes and curtailing spending have ruffled some feathers in the party. Ishiba is looking to dissolve Parliament’s lower (but more powerful) house Wednesday ahead of the general election on October 27. In this election the LDP is expected to retain its majority allowing Ishiba to stay on as PM, though opposition parties are expected to pick up seats due to recent LDP political funding scandals.

In cultural news, last month’s Emmy’s gave the Japanese show Shogun a record-breaking 18 wins for its first season. In addition to outstanding drama and directing awards, Anna Sawai became the first Asian actor to win Lead Actress in a Drama Series and her co-star Hiroyuki Sanada took Lead Actor (I personally believe Tadanobu Asano, who was nominated in the supporting actor category for his role as the deliciously demented Yabushige, was robbed). Sawai was also selected for TIME100 NEXT 2024, and Sanada wrote her a lovely tribute in the magazine.

Read More

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

---

Position: Administrative Staff, Security Division
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in New York
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Joseph Meringolo (Fukushima-ken, 2014-2017) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
The Consulate-General of Japan in New York is currently recruiting an administrative staff member. If you are interested, please send your resume by email by October 18th.

1. Number of positions to be filled
1 position

2. Duties
(1) Dealing with guests at the reception desk
(2) Supervision and training of security guards
(3) Negotiations and coordination with related companies
(4) Assistance with the preparation of documents and administrative work
(5) Other duties as needed

3. Work and Conditions
(1) Starting date: December 2024; exact date to be determined.
(2) Work hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. (1 hour lunch break)
(3) Leave system: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (in accordance with the regulations of the Consulate-General), annual paid vacation
(4) Compensation and benefits: Approximately $50,000 per year, commensurate with education, work experience, and other qualifications. Medical and dental insurance coverage available (with some self-payment)
(5) Place of work: Consulate-General of Japan in New York

Read More

Ashley Davis is a former CIR for Matsushima and Otsu (2019-2022). She is currently living in Chiba Prefecture after working post-JET in the tourism sector in Japan.

It’s funny how much little moments can matter and butterfly out to unexpected connections. As I face an unexpected difficulty with my employment situation, I find myself looking back on the positive moments of my life including how important one’s community is.

One of my tasks as the CIR for Otsu City would be to assist foreigners coming in for municipal paperwork.

There was a Venezuelan couple who would often come into city hall and ask for me as they were having a child throughout my tenure. One day, I was conversing with one of them to pass the time while we waited to be called for paperwork. It might not seem like much, but we got on the topic of naming conventions. As an American, is Andrea a more masculine or feminine name? Growing up in the USA during the 90s, I would say feminine. Conversely, I was informed this can be a masculine name in Spanish speaking countries.

Later, I was looking into my family tree for one reason or another. I know that Americans are said to have a unique relationship with our familial roots, but we all came from somewhere, and my family never really documented stuff on one side. I never saw a picture or knew anything about my paternal great grandfather. I knew my father did not really have any records or details either. However, I realized that sometime after immigrating from Sicily around the Great Depression that my great grandfather had angelized his name – it was originally Andrea.

Thanks to this couple leading to this realization, I was able to find documentation showing my great grandfather moving to Michigan to work in engineering. Not only did this governmental paperwork include his name and occupation, it also included an old photo of him. I passed this onto my father, and I like to think it helped him get some closure.

So, my advice to all JETs is to continue to listen to people even if what they are saying might not always seem important to you at the time. You never know what might happen.

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

---

Position: Foreign Service Trainee
Posted by: USDA Foreign Agricultural
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Ryan Bedford (Kumamoto-ken, Yatsushiro-shi, 2007-2010) for passing along the following job opening.

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is a small but dynamic foreign affairs agency with approximately 90 offices around the world. Overseas, Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) are responsible for supporting FAS efforts in agricultural trade promotion; market intelligence, trade policy; trade capacity building and food security. FSOs can expect to spend about a quarter of their career serving in USDA/FAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., in positions throughout the agency.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://fascareers.usajobs.gov/job/809398700

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 the summer days fade into fall colors, the weeks ahead are shaping up with these exciting events, ready to be enjoyed all through Halloween.

This month’s highlights include:

Oct. 2 & 6

Mobile Suit Gundam

Various theaters

Various prices

Iconic Events Releasing and Bandai/Namco this month bring the original trilogy of Gundam movies to the big screen! In Universal Century year 0078, the space colony Side 3 declares itself the Principality of Zeon and launches a war of independence against the Earth Federation. Eight months have passed since the war entered a deadlock. Learning of a secret plot by the Federation Forces, the Zeon Forces launch reconnaissance followed by an attack against Side 7. A young boy by the name of Amuro gets wrapped up in the war, and by coincidence ends up piloting the mobile suit Gundam and defeating the enemy. The Federation’s White Base, having lost its proper crew in the battle, escapes from Side 7 with forces still in training and civilians both. Presented in Japanese with English subtitles.

Oct. 3-5

National Bunraku Theater

Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street

$55-$72 (waitlist for Oct. 4-5 only, click here for details)

The National Theatre makes its triumphant arrival with bunraku theater in New York City for the first time in 32 years! Witness a stunning production of traditional Japanese puppet theater, with two quintessential climaxes from bunraku repertoire: Date Musume Koi no Higanoko (Oshichi, the Greengrocer’s Daughter) and Sonezaki Shinju (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki). Known for its globally influential three-person puppet manipulation technique invented in the mid-18th century, bunraku has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Featuring scenography by Kazuo Oga, art director for many classic Studio Ghibli anime such as My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke, this performance offers Americans a rare opportunity to glimpse the rich culture not only of bunraku, but of Japan’s second-largest city ahead of Expo 2025, held in Osaka. A pre-performance lecture on bunraku led by Hunter College Professor Claudia Orenstein begins one hour before each evening performance. Performed in Japanese with English supertitles.

Opens Oct. 4

Look Back

Various theaters

Various prices

This heart-wrenching story is the stunning feature-length directorial debut from Kiyotaka Oshiyama that will leave you in tears and inspire you to chase your own artistic dreams. Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share the space with Kyomoto, a truant recluse whose beautiful artwork sparks a competitive fervor in Fujino. What starts as jealousy transforms when Fujino realizes their shared passion for drawing. Based on the acclaimed manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto (Chainsaw Man), Look Back captures the highs and lows of pursuing artistic excellence and the special bonds formed through creative collaboration.

Read More

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

---

Position: Managing Director, Japan Office
Posted by: Georgia Department of Economic Development
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Jessica Cork (Hiroshima, 1997-2000) for passing along the following job opening.

The State of Georgia is currently hiring for the next Managing Director of its Tokyo office. Operating for over 50 years, the State of Georgia’s Japan office is one of the two longest-serving international offices for Georgia in the world. The Managing Director will serve as the lead point of contact and represent the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) for the purposes of investment lead generation and trade. In this capacity, the individual will lead all FDI lead generation strategies, manage and expand existing industry relationships, oversee Trade services, host and execute high-level delegation from Georgia, liaise back with the Atlanta-based staff, and manage office personnel and operations. For a full job description, contact cmarsik@georgia.org.

Application Process: Send your resume and cover letter to <cmarsik@georgia.org>.

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

---

Position: Japanese-English Bilingual Interpreter & Administrative Support
Posted by: Q&B Foods, Inc.
Location: Clarksville, TN, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Denise Gaitantzis for passing along the following job opening.

The Japanese–English Bilingual Interpreter will provide bilingual translation support (both verbal and written) for the Plant Manager and for visitors and business travels, in addition to various administrative duties to ensure inventory doesn’t get lost in transport.

Core Functions and Duties

• Understands the company philosophy of the Kewpie Group and Q&B; and puts it into practice.
• Provide simultaneous, consecutive interpretation from Japanese to English and English to Japanese for the Plant Manager and visiting Japanese staff during routine and visitor meetings.
• Interpret conversations, meetings, emails, and documents in both English and Japanese.
• Ensure communications throughout the section; also, to external sections (Ex: Manufacturing, R&D, etc.)
• Provide correct, clear, and concise written interpretation of any documents in Microsoft, inclusive of e-mail communications.
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary documents and sensitive conversations.
• Coordinate with Accounting Team on invoices – Perform three-way match on invoices (PO to Actual Receipt, to invoices).
• Notifies Accounting Team of major discrepancies, over-shipments, or substitutions.
• Provides administrative and clerical support to the department.
• Adhere to all safety protocols while in the manufacturing/ production plant.
• Perform all duties in conformance to appropriate HR, Safety, and Security standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

You will work with a supportive, understanding team in a respectful environment.

Application Process: Email Denise <dgaitantzis@qbfoods.com> your Resume and Cover Letter.

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

---

Position: JET Program Coordinator
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to the JET Program Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles for passing along the following job opening.

Program coordination and administrative duties in the field of public diplomacy: the JET Program, event
management, and general public outreach. The program coordinator reports to the Director of the JICC.

Duties:

• Coordinate all aspects of JET Program: recruitment, inquiries, selection, orientations, departure, etc.
• Plan and execute events independently and on a team: draft invitations and guest lists, create and maintain event logistics sheet, track RSVPs, budgeting, lead on-site coordination.
• Respond to public inquiries on public diplomacy issues.
• Assist in JICC administrative duties as required.

Skills and requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2-3 years of working experience
• Work authorization in the United States
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills
• Strong, detail-oriented planning and execution skills, coordinating multiple projects and prioritizing various deadlines, with ability to produce quantitative and qualitative feedback
• Knowledge of Japanese current events and working culture
• Computer proficiency, internet literacy, social networking service knowledge
• Ability to use online meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams to organize, host and execute presentations, panel discussions, information sessions and other events
• Ability to organize, record and track data with minimal errors
• Ability to remain flexible and willingness to adapt in a team
• Firsthand experience of JET Program is required
• Professionally functioning level of oral and written Japanese language is desirable

Read More

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

---

Position: Boarding Assistant in Boy’s Residence Hall
Posted by: Keio Academy of New York
Location: Purchase, NY, USA
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Angelika Ferguson (Kochi, 2014-2017) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:

• Ensure to provide the save environment for the Residence Hall.
• Ensure that students follow daily schedule and the Residence Hall policies set by the school.
• Provide support and supervision for students during non-academic hours. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, manning the dormitory offices to handle requests and questions from students, supervising house sports practice/club activities/evening study hours/dining hall, and coordinating with nurse to care for sick students.
• Be available to students, as necessary, to support their personal, educational and academic needs.
• Review and confirm multiple forms submitted by parents and students.
• Back-up Head of House when they are off-duty.
• Direct questions/concerns to the right contact.

Read More

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

---

Position: Executive Director
Posted by: American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ)
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Jessyca Livingston (Hokkaido, 2003-2006) for passing along the following job opening.

Salary/Hourly Rate: $80,00-85,000
Visa Sponsorship: Don’t know

The American Association of Teachers of Japanese, a national professional organization for language educators, invites applications and nominations for the position of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. AATJ represents and serves more than 1,000 members who teach language at all levels of instruction and who conduct research in Japanese language pedagogy, linguistics, literature, cultural studies, and others. The Executive Director is a spokesperson for the organization and the manager of its programs and communications. The national office of AATJ is located on the campus of the University of Colorado, Boulder, in the Center for Asian Studies. The planned starting date for the position is November/December 2024.

Responsibilities of the Position
Governance-Related Items

• Serving as Executive Director for a national professional organization with more than 1,000 individual and institutional members.
• As appropriate, engaging legal and financial consultants to manage and review governing policies and practices.
• Responsible for organizing documents, keeping and archiving the organization’s records over its 60-year history.
• Hiring and supervising a staff of 2 (FTE) and outside contractors to manage the programs listed below.
• Oversee the organization’s IT infrastructure and ensure that it is up-to-date, secure, and effectively supporting the organization’s operations and programs.

Read More

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

---

Position: Adjunct Lecturer for “Culture and Cuisine in Japan”
Posted by: CIEE Kyoto
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Michele Fujii (Shiga 2010-2013, 2010-2013) for passing along the following job opening.

CIEE Kyoto is seeking faculty to teach a course on Culture and Cuisine in Spring 2025. Students will be university undergraduate students from the United States. Courses will be taught in English on site in downtown Kyoto.

Contact Hours: 45

Remuneration: 400,000 JPY

Transportation Stipend: 15,000 JPY

Teaching location: Shijo Karasuma (3-minutes from station)

Class Size: 5 – 15 students

Class Dates: Mondays/Wednesdays OR Tuesdays/Thursdays

Program Dates: January 23 – May 9, 2025

Read More

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

---

Position:  Associate Program Officer (Japanese Language Education Program Coordinator)
Posted by: The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
Location: Hybrid/Los Angeles, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Megan Murata (Yamaguchi, Hofu, 2019 – 2022) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
1. Coordinate grant programs related to the Japanese language education in the U.S.
2. Networking/collaborating in both Japanese and English with foreign language educators, teachers’ associations, and school
administrators (K‐16 institutions and heritage language schools, etc.), mainly with the Japanese language education field.
3. Plan and coordinate Japanese language related events and projects.
4. Research and collect information related to the field of Japanese language education.
5. Promote and enhance awareness of JFLA grants and projects. Create program materials and publications.
(e.g. newsletters, fliers, SNS posts, and webpages, etc.)
6. English‐Japanese/Japanese‐English translation and proofreading
7. Perform other related duties/responsibilities assigned by Director or Deputy Director

Read More

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

---

Position:  Japanese Bilingual Sales Representative-Warehouse Keeper
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: Greeneville, SC, USA
Contract: Full-Time

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

A Japanese Manufacturing Company located in Greenville; SC is currently looking for a full time Japanese-English Bilingual Sales Representative/Warehouse Inventory Keeper to join their team.

In this position, you would be responsible for seeking potential customers and maintaining strong relationships with existing ones (not through cold calling nor door to door sales, but often through attending trade shows). Other than this, you would also have some warehouse management responsibilities.

So, if you’re bilingual in Japanese and English, and would like to start your career in a company with growth opportunities, this could be a great chance for you.

The pay range for this position would be around the 50k-55k DOE and skills. Also, this position offers relocation support for the right candidate.

Your essential sales duties would be as follows:
• Gain comprehensive knowledge of the company’s products.
• Identify potential customers and generate leads, often through trade shows (no cold calling or door-to-door sales required).
• Contact new and existing customers to understand their needs and upcoming opportunities.
• Highlight product features to demonstrate how they address customer challenges.
• Respond to inquiries about the products.
• Negotiate prices and terms and prepare sales agreements.

Read More

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

---

Position: IPTD Facilitator
Posted by: Consolidated Analysis Centers, Inc.
Location: Bremerton, WA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Consolidated Analysis Centers, Inc. for passing along the following job opening.

Play a pivotal role in integrating all levels of Shipyard and Navy project personnel (executives, middle managers, military personnel, supervisory and administrative staff members serving the maintenance community) for successful Integrated Project Team Development (IPTD) Program outcomes.

Purposefully build high-performing Shipyard project teams.

This is a customer-facing role with a strong emphasis on building relationships, influencing leadership development skills, and organizing meetings/events for success.

The majority of work is on the customer site to ensure customer needs are met.

Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must have the ability to obtain a DOD Interim Secret security clearance and subsequent final DOD Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities:

Read More

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

---

Position:  Account Representative
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: Maryville, TN, USA
Contract: Full-Time

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

A Japanese International & Trade Development Company is on the lookout for an Account Representative to support sales management to grow and sustain current business and manage risk. The right candidate will also maintain the highest levels of customer satisfaction through various accounting, processing, and communicative activities.

The pay range for this position would be 52k and your working hours would be from 9-6 Monday through Friday.

Your essential duties would include the following:

• Manage Maryville’s core business including Pricing control and spot quotation.
• Material Quality and PCR/ECI management.
• Program launch and phase out.
• Troubleshooting and team support for abnormal decision-making.
• Customer/ Supplier meeting facilitation.
• Manage abnormal costs, mitigate financial risks, and monitor profitability as it relates to sales and supply chain management.

Read More