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.

With Thanksgiving (and the hopes of sensible eating) now just a memory, we turn to colder weather, falling snow, and the new year to come. Fortunately for Japanese culture fans, December is just as busy as the holiday season itself. Whether you’re hosting guests from out of town or looking to squeeze in an event or two in between parties, we’ve got you covered. 

This month’s highlights include:

Opens Wednesday, Nov. 29 

Godzilla Minus One

Various locations 

Various prices

The undisputed King of the Monsters returns in the first Japanese Godzilla film since 2016! Written and directed by award-winning director Takashi Yamazaki and produced by Toho Studios, the film features an all-star cast lead by Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Ando and Kuranosuke Sasaki. Set in a devastated post-war Japan, it follows the country recovering from the scars of the past as the new threat of Godzilla appears. What happens when Godzilla comes to Japan completely disarmed and defenseless? Presented in Japanese with English subtitles.

Opens Thursday, Dec. 7 

The Boy and the Heron

Various locations

Various prices

The first feature in a decade from Hayao Miyazaki is a ravishing, endlessly inventive fantasy that is destined to be ranked with the legendary animator’s finest, boldest works. While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother’s tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy’s mother. As he tries to adjust, this strange new world grows even stranger following the appearance of a persistent gray heron, who perplexes and bedevils Mahito, dubbing him the “long-awaited one.” Indeed, an extraordinary and grand fate is in store for our young hero, who must journey to a subterranean alternate reality in the hopes of saving Natsuko—and perhaps himself. Uniting the countryside surreality of My Neighbor Totoro with the Alice in Wonderland–like dream logic of Spirited Away and the personal historical backdrop of The Wind Rises, yet fabricating something ingeniously original, The Boy and the Heron is a deeply felt work of eccentric beauty brimming with inspired images that lodge in the mind, from the adorable to the grotesque. Moving from earthbound serenity to a universe of boundless imagination, Miyazaki’s long-anticipated film seeks, once and for all, a world without malice. Presented in Japanese with English subtitles and English-language versions. Check local listings.

Dec. 11-13 

Tokyo Godfathers

Various Locations

$18-$20

Anime Expo Cinema Nights invites you to celebrate Tokyo Godfathers, the acclaimed holiday classic from master director Satoshi Kon (Paprika, Perfect Blue), as it returns to theaters to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a 4K restoration under the supervision of the original art director and producers. On Christmas Eve, three homeless companions stumble upon a baby girl in a garbage heap. They name her Kiyoko, and vow to care for her as they track down her family. Haunted by memories of their own broken pasts and pursued by a cast of shadowy characters from Tokyo’s nightlife, Hana, Gin and Miyuki overcome their differences and learn to trust one another as a new, makeshift family. With the New Year fast approaching, the mystery behind baby Kiyoko deepens, and these unlikely heroes discover the surprising—and sometimes miraculous—connections that have brought them all together. Co-written by Keiko Nobumoto (Cowboy Bebop) and featuring a whimsical score by Keiichi Suzuki, Tokyo Godfathers is a masterpiece by turns heartfelt, hilarious and highly original, a tale of hope and redemption in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. 

Friday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.

The 8-Bit Big Band

Sony Hall, 235 West 46th Street 

$60-$125

The 8-Bit Big Band is a Grammy Award-winning contemporary symphonic jazz orchestra created to celebrate and reimagine video game music’s most beloved hits rearranged in exciting and creative new ways to push the envelope of how we experience the music from these legendary soundtracks as a standalone body of musical work! Formed in 2017 with the release of their debut album Press Start, they draw their music from some of the most beloved video game titles of all time, dedicating themselves to bringing large ensemble arranging into the presence of the internet and gaming era while giving the music from these games the same professional treatment in arranging, performance, and production that has gone hand in hand with the large symphonic studio jazz orchestras of the past.  

For more JQ articles, click here.

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: Japanese Professor/Assistant Professor Positions
Posted by: Multiple Institutions
Location: Multiple Locations (MD, GA, MI, VT)
Contract: Full-time

Thank you to our friends at the American Association of Teachers of Japanese for these Job Postings.

Position: Assistant Professor
Institution: Air Force Academy
Location: Annapolis, MD, USA
Apply Here: https://www.aatj.org/job_opportunity/assistant-professor-position/

Position: Assistant Professor in Japanese
Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Deadline: December 10, 2023
Apply Here: https://www.aatj.org/job_opportunity/assistant-professor-in-japanese/

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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: Custom Programs Resident Director
Posted by: CET Academic Programs
Location: Osaka, Japan
Contract: Full-Time; Temporary; No Visa Sponsorship

Thanks to JET alumna, Kate Maruyama (Osaka-fu, 2005-2008) for passing along the following job opening.

The Custom Programs Resident Director (CPRD) will plan and implement customized programs developed specifically for various universities in the United States. Attributes of the ideal CPRD candidate are strong leadership skills, flexibility, dedication, and enthusiasm for working with students and for cross-cultural exchanges.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CET-Japan-Custom-Programs-RD-Short-Term-2024.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: Part-time JET Program Interview Assistant
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Contract: Part-Time; No Visa Sponsorship

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

Description: Work from mid-January through mid-February. Please note the working period may change based on the timing of the interviews. Primary responsibility is to assist with JET Interviews (tentatively, January 29 – February 3), but other responsibilities pertaining to the JET Program and JIC activities will also be assigned.

The work schedule is somewhat flexible. However, during the week of JET Interviews, you must work full days.

Salary/Hourly Rate: Pay is $19 an hour for up to 139 hours.

Location: The position is primarily in-person at the Japan Information Center. However, some remote work days may occur, as well. Applicants must live in the Chicagoland area and be able to commute to the Consulate in downtown Chicago.

Application Process: Send application to jet@cg.mofa.go.jp by December 3, 2023

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: Temporary Program Coordinator
Posted by: Bellevue College
Location: Bellevue, WA, USA
Contract: Full-Time; Temporary

Thanks to Lynn Miyauchi (Fukui-ken, 1990-1993) for passing along the following job opening.

Bellevue College (BC) International Education (IE) is expecting to host a four-week customized program for a group of 8 Japanese college students from Feb. 18, 2024. The following duties are typical for this position but should not be considered all-inclusive. Duties may be changed based on management discretion and institutional needs. Primary responsibilities of the Program Coordinator are to prepare the program thoroughly, actively engage with the students to create a safe and inclusive learning environment, and deliver a successful program.

Typical duties include, but are not limited to, handling all logistics of all on- and off-campus activities, preparing and delivering the welcome orientation and farewell ceremony, showing students how to ride public transportation, leading all on- and off-campus activities including themed workshops, staying within the budget, conducting the program evaluation, and briefing the IE director daily.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://hcprd.ctclink.us/psc/tam/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U

Writer/Interpreter/Translator 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.

Recently I had the opportunity to interpret at an artist talk for photographer Aya Fujioka, whose collection Here Goes River is part of the current exhibition Things She Carries at Seizan Gallery. Hiroshima-born Fujioka began taking photos of her hometown after returning in 2013. Thanks to a scholarship from the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan, she had spent the previous five years in New York where she created the series Life Studies. Here Goes River depicts everyday life in modern Hiroshima, and one portion of the collection focuses on the apartment she moved back into from its initial empty state to getting filled up over time via being lived in.

Although Fujioka doesn’t deal with the topic of the atomic bomb directly, its legacy can’t help but be reflected in her work. During the talk, one photo she highlighted was of a group of high school students practicing dance choreography in front of the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome. Fujioka shared that she received a lot of bashing on social media when this photo was unveiled. Hiroshima citizens decried her for tarnishing the memory of those who lost their lives there, but she explained that for her as an artist the work would be meaningless without the dome. Always striving to avoid didacticism, Fujioka saw its inclusion as an opportunity for people to reinterpret the image and its symbolism. She also noted that when this photo was part of an exhibition in Tokyo there was no pushback, so she’s wondering how it will be received by New York audiences. She hopes that her work in general will enable viewers to imagine the Hiroshima of today.

Read More

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 International Student Advising & Engagement
Posted by: Bellevue College
Location: Bellevue, WA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Lynn Miyauchi (Fukui-ken, Obama-shi, 1990-1993) for passing along the following job opening.

Description: The Assistant Director of International Student Advising and Engagement (ADISAE) reports to the Director of International Education and supervises full-time International Student Advisors and International Student Engagement Program Manager. This position is responsible for improving international students’ retention by developing and implementing comprehensive academic, immigration advising and culturally responsive support services with goals to increase student completion and satisfaction rates.

The position serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and is responsible for ensuring full compliance with all aspects of the F-1 regulations, reporting, and updating all reportable events in a timely manner in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) including I-17, preparing for recertification process to maintain college’s approval status. The ADISAE supports the director in managing department operations, designing, implementing, and evaluating high impact programming and support services for international students.

The ADISAE is expected to serve as additional support to assist students and the general public without appointments in-person during the International Education’s (IE) office hours. The position requires to work occasional evening and weekends to oversee student engagement activities and as directed by the director.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://hcprd.ctclink.us/psc/tam/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U&

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: Lead Teacher
Posted by: Brooklyn Robot Foundry-Manhattan East
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Janine Harper (Chiba-ken, 1999-2001) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
When you hear the word robot, do you smile? Do you get excited when you get to use your hands to build things? Do you find joy in building with kids? Then this is the perfect job for you!

In this role, you will be teaching groups of children basic engineering concepts and guiding them in building their own robots. We will train you in all the unique skills, tools, and concepts needed for the position.

We are especially looking for people who are creative, DIY-lovers, great with kids, and deeply interested in learning more about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Our teachers have backgrounds in various disciplines, including visual and performing arts. We need people who can take a hot glue gun to popsicle sticks and cardboard and create something that physically holds up and looks totally awesome – all while having a blast!

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://brooklynrobotfoundry.com/manhattan-east/2023/11/20/were-hiring/

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: Executive Director
Posted by: Japan America Society DFW
Location: Plano, Texas
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Japan America Society DFW for passing along the following job opening.

About the Organization:

Founded in 1970, the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth serves as a catalyst for engaging Japanese and Americans in the business, education, public policy, and arts and culture sectors. The Society’s mission is to further mutual understanding and ongoing engagement between Japanese and Americans through quality programs in arts and culture, education, business, public policy, and international exchange. With a diverse portfolio of offerings and strong community partnerships, the Society positively impacts the North Texas community and fosters friendly relations between cultures.

The membership of the Organization consists of prestigious multinational corporations, professional organizations and service providers, educational institutions, executives, and individuals interested in growing the strong relationship between the USA and Japan.

Read More

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: Two Navigators
Posted by: Toshiba Youth Club Asia (TYCA)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time; 1-week

Attached is a job passed along to us.

Since 2014, Toshiba International Foundation and ASJA International have together implemented an international exchange program, “Toshiba Youth Club Asia,” a forum for mutual understanding and exchanges between high school students from ASEAN countries and Japan. Through this program, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders who will take the lead in creating a sustainable society (https://tyca.asia/).

The next program, TYCA Volume 8, will be held from March 23 through 30, 2024 at the Yoyogi Olympics Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo. Toward fruitful implementation of the program, we want to recruit one or two experienced ALT, or ALT alumni, to the program as a “navigator.” The role is
simple but important: support the program organizers in facilitating the program’s overall flow, including several group sessions.

Application Process: For more information, including basic program structure and salary, see the below document. If you are interested or consider application, please feel free to contact tyca@begoodcafe.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: Lecturer in the Japanese Language Program
Posted by: University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thank you to our friends at the American Association of Teachers of Japanese for this Job Posting.

The Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Pennsylvania announces the availability of a position as full-time Lecturer in the Japanese Language Program for the academic year 2024-25. The appointment will be for an initial year with the possibility of annual renewal for up to an additional two years, contingent upon a satisfactory performance review and approval of the Dean. Employee benefits are provided.

Applicants for the position should demonstrate a primary focus on language education, and have received at least a Master’s degree in Education, Japanese Language, Literature, Linguistics, or a related field.  

Native or near-native competency in Japanese language and fluency in English are required. Preference will be given to applicants with significant teaching experience at all levels of Japanese language at post-secondary institutions in the United States. Knowledge of and experience in current trends in second/foreign language teaching methodologies and meaningful application of technologies in language instruction are highly desirable.

Duties include: teaching Japanese language classes (five classes per academic year) at any assigned levels, holding regular office hours, attending weekly meetings of the Japanese Language Program, and working with the Director of the Language Program and East Asia faculty on curriculum development and program articulation.

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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: Online AP Japanese Language Teacher
Posted by: The Compass School
Location: Remote
Contract: Part-Time

Thank you to our friends at the American Association of Teachers of Japanese for this Job Posting.

About the Job

We are looking for a part-time AP Japanese Language and Culture teacher.

Our courses are taught online, the weekly live class time is taught through Zoom and we utilize Canvas as our learning management system.

Our courses follow the AP curriculum from College Board, to view the curriculum please visit: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-japanese-language-and-culture-course-and-exam-description.pdf

The course will be 70 hours from now until mid-spring. The course must finish prior to the AP College Examination time in May.

Our courses are offered in a 1-on-1 (1 student, 1 teacher) format, but it is still a full length accredited course the student will receive a transcript for and credit towards their diploma.

This means the teacher can count on a yearlong block of hours and have consistent classes with the student over a longer period of time and develop a relationship to understand their learning style.

The student is based in China so classes would be early morning US time during the week, or evenings/mornings on the weekend.

The student has studied Japanese for 6 years (since 4th grade elementary school in Japan), she can essentially read, write and speak Japanese.

For more details please see below.

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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: Travel Consultant (Japan Specialist)
Posted by: Inside Travel Group
Location: Broomfield, CO, USA, remote possible
Contract: Full-Time, no visa sponsorship

Description:
As a Travel Consultant with Inside Travel Group, you’ll put your excellent working knowledge of Japan to good use, familiarizing with our range of self-guided adventures to send your clients on cultural adventures that leave them in awe, from the minute they first get in touch to the moment they land back home.

Exceptional communication skills are non-negotiable – You’ll need confidence, charisma, and the ability to engage in order to be at your best in this role. You’ll also have excellent time management, being able to manage competing tasks and prioritize them accordingly to ensure you deliver the very best service to our customers.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://insidetravelgroup.com/jobs/travel-consultants-japan-specialist-usa/

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 Professor of Instruction in Japanese
Posted by: Inside Travel Group
Location: Broomfield, CO, USA, remote possible
Contract: Full-Time; no visa sponsorship

Thanks to Inside Travel Group for passing along the following job opening.

Description: Inside Travel Group is currently accepting applications for a Travel Experience Specialist (Customer Support) to join our Broomfield, US office from January 2024.

Your role as a Travel Experience Specialist is twofold: proactively seeking opportunities to improve clients’ experience, as well as reactively helping to resolve any inbound issues, problems or requests.

The Customer Experience team plays an important role in monitoring the day-to-day travel environment, surveying everything from air and rail services through to weather events and public health risks, to keep our travelers abreast of any potential issues that might arise.

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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: Lecturer in Japanese
Posted by: Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, NY
Contract: Full-Time

Thank you to our friends at the American Association of Teachers of Japanese for this Job Posting.

Description

The Japanese Language Program (JLP) in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University invites applications for a position at the rank of Lecturer in Japanese beginning July 1, 2024. 

Primary responsibilities include teaching two to three courses in Japanese language each semester in consultation with the JLP Director and department administration.  Administrative duties include curriculum development (both individual and collaborative) and assisting with the design and execution of program events. MA degree required, PhD or EdD preferred. 

High value is placed on ability to work closely with colleagues in the program.  The position is full-time with multi-year renewal contingent on successful review.  Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Salary Range or Pay Grade: $70,000 – $75,000

Qualifications

• Minimum Degree Required: MA degree in hand by the time of appointment, with specialization in Japanese linguistics, Japanese language pedagogy, applied linguistics, or other related fields.
• Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have native or near-native fluency in Japanese, excellent command of English, and experience teaching at the college-level in the United States.
• Preferred Qualifications: Doctoral degree preferred.  Preferably, the candidate has experience teaching various levels of Japanese.  Leadership skills in collaborative projects and curriculum innovations and instructional technology are also desirable.

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