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. She also shares her interpreting adventures and the interesting things she has encountered in the course of her work.

I can’t believe half a year has passed since my last entry, but here we are in early fall. Since that time I’ve been to Japan twice to interpret for FDA inspections at factories in Chiba, Ibaraki, Gunma and Toyama. It was my first time in Toyama and I went to visit the neighboring prefecture of Gifu to see the historical village of Shirakawa-go with its thatched roof houses. I’ve wanted to go to this UNESCO World Heritage Site for a long time, and it did not disappoint. I also got to enjoy the abundance of fall sweets that began to hit shelves during my second trip and found an amazing lineup of pumpkin (かぼちゃ), sweet potato (さつまいも) and chestnut (くり) goods! Yet to be determined if any of these oishii Muji treats will be making their way to NY stores…

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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.

The Japan-centric events of the month ahead promise to be as rich and full as autumn itself—brisk and colorful, with a dash of unpredictability.

Oct. 1 and 8

Spirited Away: Live on Stage

Various theaters

Various prices

A pair of encore screenings by Fathom Entertainment for this year’s Studio Ghibli Fest! Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning animated feature film comes to life in this first-ever stage adaptation, full of dazzling sets, captivating musical numbers, and wondrous puppets of beloved characters. Adapted and directed by Tony Award-winner John Caird (Les Misérables), two unique casts and performances were filmed during the show’s acclaimed 2022 run at Tokyo’s historic Imperial Theatre, featuring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro.

Oct. 3-Jan. 31

Art of Manga

Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway

$12-$30

Art of Manga is the first major exhibition in the Americas to explore manga—Japanese comics and graphic novels—as an art form. Marking its East Coast debut, the Brooklyn Museum’s presentation is packed with more than 600 drawings that showcase manga’s immersive power and social impact. Don’t miss this rare opportunity for US audiences to encounter an astonishing selection of original manga artworks, including examples from beloved series Inuyasha, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Ōoku: The Inner Chambers, ONE PIECE, and many more.

Oct. 8-11

New York Comic Con

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 429 Eleventh Avenue

$38.65-$109.42 (single-day tickets)

Breaking attendance records each year, the East Coast’s biggest gathering for fans of comics, film, anime and manga returns with its biggest roster of Hollywood talent to date, featuring exclusive screenings, gaming, cosplay photo ops, and more! Enjoy interactive panels and content from brands like VIZ Media, Kinokuniya and Bandai Namco, and check out exclusive booths and artists alley to pick up con-exclusive merch and pre-release titles. Special anime-related events presented by Crunchyroll this year include Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Panel & Premiere featuring a special panel with the world-premiere screening of Episode 1 (Oct. 8); One-Punch Man Panel promising brand-new anime information and updates (Oct. 10); and Naruto Exclusive Look 20th anniversary exclusive showcase with Takeuchi Junko, the Japanese voice of Naruto Uzumaki, and Sugiyama Noriaki, the Japanese voice of Sasuke Uchiha (Oct. 10)!

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

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Position: New Business Development Coordinator
Posted by: iiicareer / interesse international inc
Location: Portland, IN, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Friend of JET, Seiko Maruyama for passing along the following job opening.

<Position Summary>
Support the New Business Team with market research, prospect development, CRM management, outreach preparation, trade shows, and other business development activities.

<Responsibilities>
– Conduct market research to identify potential customers, industries, applications, and market opportunities.
– Research target companies, key contacts, competitors, industry trends, and relevant trade shows.
– Maintain prospect and customer information in CRM, including meeting notes and opportunity progress.
– Prepare prospect lists, outreach emails, contact templates, and assist with LinkedIn prospecting and initial outreach.
– Support trade show preparation, including exhibitor research, booth materials, product information, and lead tracking.
– Assist with booth activities and collect prospect information during exhibitions.
– Support sample shipments, customer feedback reports, presentations, and marketing materials.
– Provide general administrative support for new business development activities.

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

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Position: Graphic Novel Contract Production
Posted by: Macmillan Publishing
Location: New York, NY, USA; Remote
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Alexei Esikoff (Fukushima, 2001-2) for passing along the following job opening.

Looking for a production editor with experience in graphic novels at a Big 5 publisher. 6 month contract position. FT hours.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Alexei <alexeisensei[at]gmail[dot]com>

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

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Position: Project Coordinator, Japanese Startup Support
Posted by: JETRO
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JETRO for passing along the following job opening.

Description: (Job Summary／業務内容)

Ecosystem Developing and Networking/エコシステム構築・ネットワーキング
• Build and maintain relationships with startup ecosystem stakeholders in the Northeastern United States, including venture capital firms, accelerators, universities, corporations, and other relevant organizations.
米国北東部を中心としたスタートアップ関連プレイヤー（VC,アクセラレーター、大学、企業等）との関係構築
• Strengthen collaboration with local innovation communities. 現地イノベーションコミュニティとの連携強化
• Identify, evaluate, and manage potential partners. パートナー候補の探索・評価・管理

Startup Support／スタートアップ支援業務
• Support Japanese startups in expanding into the U.S. market, including market entry and business development activities. 日系スタートアップの米国展開支援（市場参入、事業開発等）
• Provide mentoring support through partner organizations and facilitate introductions to relevant business contacts and partners. パートナー先のメンタリングサポートや連携先の紹介
• Operate startup support programs and assist participating companies. プログラム運営・参加企業支援

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

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Position: SDR Intern
Posted by: Intero Digital
Location: Remote
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Brian Hirai (Aomori, Shich, 2008-2012) for passing along the following job opening.

The SDR Internship is a structured 90-day sales development program focused primarily on high-volume outbound prospecting.

Your responsibility is straightforward: work the outbound lead lists assigned to you, consistently cold call business owners and decision-makers, create qualified conversations, and generate meetings for Intero Digital’s Account Executives.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://digital-marketing-recruiters.app.loxo.co/job/MjY5NDctdzF1Zm9uenRkZHRlcTdnNQ==?t=1788976976544

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 Bilingual Outside Sales
Posted by: iiicareer / interesse international inc
Location: Chelsea, MA (Greater Boston Area), USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to friend of JET Seiko Maruyama for passing along the following job opening via iiicareer / interesse international inc.

<Description>
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys relationship-building, business development, and working in a bilingual, cross-cultural environment.

<Responsibilities>
Identify and develop new sales opportunities through market research, cold calling, networking, and social media.
Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing customers.
Prepare sales presentations, quotations, and product information.
Manage customer accounts, including orders, A/R, returns, and general customer support.
Monitor market trends and identify opportunities to increase sales and gross profit.
Meet sales goals and prepare regular activity reports for management.

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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 Program Officer, Short-Term Exchange Programs
Posted by: Cultural Vistas
Location: Washington, DC – Hybrid, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Paul Champaloux (Wakayama, 2009-2012) for passing along the following job opening.

The Inbound Short-Term Exchange Programs, the Assistant Program Officer will support the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other inbound short-term programs as needed through administrative support, customer service, program compliance, and other program support efforts. The position provides dedicated engagement and support throughout multiple program cycles.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://recruiting.ultipro.com/CUL1005CLTR/JobBoard/d3d1dc87-b85c-4332-86b8-1cf70d0cbdcd/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=528b7bb6-fc30-4121-ba4b-009bf9f8e244

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

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Position: Design Coordinator
Posted by: JICC, Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Marina Pate (Hokkaido, 2015-2018) for passing along the following job opening.

The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, is seeking a highly-motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Design Coordinator. This position is responsible for the production of promotional assets (print/digital) for events, exhibitions, and other deliverables in line with JICC branding while assisting with the center’s overall publicity needs. Please see below for a more detailed list of responsibilities.

The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, paid vacation, and sick leave. Working hours are 9AM – 5PM, Monday through Friday with weeknight and/or weekend events several times a month (paid overtime). Salary is commensurate with experience. The monthly pay range for this position is USD $3,800- $6,500. This role is full-time and non-exempt.

Please note:
Candidates must be able to provide a proof of legal authorization to work in the United States.
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/employment/job-dc.html

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

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Position: Entry Level Sales Representative
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: Bufford, GA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

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

Description:
A Japanese growing Manufacturing company is currently looking for an entry level, full time, fully onsite Sales Representative to support the continued growth of its U.S. business to join their Bufford, GA location.

Candidates with previous sales experience as well as candidates with no sales experience, but are thinking of starting their sales career are encouraged to apply!!!

An understanding of Japanese culture and/or Basic Japanese language proficiency is required!

This position will be responsible for maintaining and expanding relationships with existing customers, developing new business opportunities, preparing quotations, and coordinating with internal departments and domestic and overseas suppliers.

The ideal candidate is customer focused, self motivated, persistent, and able to build strong relationships with customers in a manufacturing environment.

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

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

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Position: Marketing Associate/Marketing Coordinator
Posted by: iiicareer
Location: Ventura County, CA; Hybrid
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to friend of JET Seiko Maruyama for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
The Marketing Assistant supports the company’s digital marketing, social media, anime title promotion, and events in North America while collaborating closely with the Japan headquarters.

Responsibilities
– Manage and grow the company’s official YouTube channel and social media platforms.
– Create engaging social media content and support global brand campaigns.
– Coordinate with Japan HQ on current news, products, and anime releases.
– Develop marketing and social media strategies to increase brand visibility.
– Monitor social media trends, platforms, and competitor activities.
– Coordinate promotional calendars with content, licensing, and other teams.
– Plan and execute promotional events.
– Prepare press releases, sales materials, and other marketing materials.
– Support special projects as needed.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://iiicareer.com/applicant/en/detail.php?recid=64005

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

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Position: Project Coordinator
Posted by: Gorgeous Entertainment Inc.
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Gorgeous Entertainment Inc. for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
• Plan, coordinate, execute, and review all aspects of assigned event production activities, including but not limited to budgeting, public relations and marketing, logistics, event staffing, venue coordination, and program implementation
• Develop, monitor, and revise project timelines and ensure milestones and objectives are achieved in a timely manner
• Design, implement, monitor, and revise effective budget models for projects and forecast future budget needs
• Manage and execute all aspects of project associated fundraising processes to meet budget objectives
• Manage and monitor event expenses, create expense reports and process invoices
• Coordinate administrative operations pertaining to NPO activities including but not limited to setting up Board of Directors meetings, preparing meeting materials, taking minutes, and coordinating follow-up actions
• Coordinate the participation of invited talent, artists, performers, and guests, including but not limited to communication with the agents and/or managers, assisting with visa arrangements, and attending rehearsals and performances as necessary
• Monitor, maintain, and create content for event website(s), e-newsletter(s), social media accounts, etc.
• Conduct market research, gather information, negotiate and execute contracts with suppliers
• Proactively and independently devise ideas, initiatives, and procedures to improve provided services and event quality
• Proactively and effectively handle issues and troubleshoot any on-site problems on event day
• Conduct pre-event and post-event evaluations and report on outcomes
• Provide responsive day-to-day operational and administrative support, including handling time-sensitive research requests, answering phones, monitoring and responding emails, managing office supplies, receiving couriers and messengers, and coordinating internal and external meetings.
• Translate documents or interpret meetings between English and Japanese
• Coordinate the purchases and shipments of corporate gifts
• Provide administrative support for human resources-related matters
• Perform other duties as assigned

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=abf3457d65117e3b

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

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Position: Client Director (JA ↔ EN)
Posted by: Queen & Co.
Location: Tokyo or Remote within Japan Preferred
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Daniel Morales (Fukushima, 2005-2008) for passing along the following job opening.

Queen & Co. is hiring a full-time bilingual Client Director. You’d own a portfolio of high-value client relationships in Japanese and English, lead delivery and quality (translation plus structured peer review against our DQF-MQM framework), and help shape the terminology, standards, and tooling that keep the work consistent across accounts.

This role is client-facing: you’ll need to communicate and pitch comfortably and persuasively in spoken Japanese and English. It’s a rare role sitting across language, client leadership, and platform-building, with real ownership from day one and a clear path into senior leadership as we scale. Tokyo or remote within Japan preferred; visa sponsorship available for the right person.

Queen & Co. is a Japan-based translation and multilingual communications firm working with major Japanese corporations, universities, and cultural institutions on IR, sustainability, and institutional reporting.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://queenand.co/en/careers/client-director

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

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Position: Language Specialist (JA ↔ EN)
Posted by: Queen & Co.
Location: Tokyo or Remote within Japan Preferred
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Daniel Morales (Fukushima 2005-2008, 2005-2008) for passing along the following job opening.

Queen & Co. is growing its translation and editorial team with a full-time Language Specialist role focused on the craft itself: producing and peer-reviewing high-quality Japanese–English translation for enterprise clients across IR, sustainability, and institutional communications. This is a written-language role at its core: your work is translation and structured review against our QA framework, building long-term terminology and tone consistency across established accounts, with a senior team behind you and no bureaucracy between you and the work.

We’re open to both experienced translators and strong early-career linguists looking to grow. Tokyo or remote within Japan preferred; visa sponsorship available for the right person.

Applicaation Process: Get in touch with a CV and any questions at: careers@queenand.co

Queen & Co. is a Japan-based translation and multilingual communications firm working with major Japanese corporations, universities, and cultural institutions on IR, sustainability, and institutional reporting.

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 winds fade into fall colors, the weeks ahead are shaping up with these exciting events, ready to be enjoyed after Labor Day.

This month’s highlights include:

Sept. 3-10

Akira (4K restoration & IMAX)

Various theaters

Various prices

Iconic and game-changing, Akira is the definitive anime masterpiece! Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark cyberpunk classic obliterated the boundaries of Japanese animation and forced the world to look into the future. Akira’s arrival shattered traditional thinking, creating space for future generations of ground-breaking movies. July, 1988—World War III breaks loose. Then, in 2019, in megalopolis Tokyo…As the leader of a group of young robust delinquents, Kaneda spent his nights tearing through the urban wastes, racing his motorbike against rival groups. One night while riding with his gang, his friend Tetsuo suddenly encounters a strange boy―the product of human experimentation—and is injured in the ensuing crash. Shortly thereafter, a military squadron appears on the scene to take the boy and Tetsuo away to an army research facility. Determined to free Tetsuo from capture, Kaneda sneaks into the army research lab. However, a regimen of extreme experimental procedures has awakened a new power in his friend, and now he is consumed by madness…

Sept. 3-10

cocoon – One Summer of Girlhood

Various theaters

Various prices

San and Mayu attend an all-girls school on a warm and tranquil island. When war reaches their shores, they are ordered to help nurse the wounded in a military hospital hidden away in a cave. Amidst escalating death and brutality, the friends struggle to find solace in their fragile lives. Based on the award-winning manga by Machiko Kyo, cocoon – One Summer of Girlhood is the debut feature from Yukimitsu Ina and animation studio SASAYURI, founded by former Studio Ghibli animator Hitomi Tateno. The project brings together legendary veteran animators like Akihiko Yamashita and Shinji Otsuka, known for their work on Princess Mononoke and The Boy and the Heron, with a new, young generation of animating talent. Featuring a stirring score from kensuke ushio (A Silent Voice, Chainsaw Man), cocoon is a devastating yet beautiful plea for peace.

Sept. 4-6. 7:30 p.m.

Teto Live Show

Theater 555, 555 West 42nd Street

$64.95 standard,  $99.99 VIP

Teto Live Show is a fanmade hologram experience crafted by Vocamedley + Vocalverse that takes you through the evolution of Kasane Teto from her UTAU beginnings to the Synthesizer V era. Experience her music like never before, backed by a live band and featuring local virtual singer Mae.exe, an original virtual singer created by local Vocaloid producer Novva Skylar. Current friendship compatibility: 98.7% Remaining 1.3% is attributed to The Baguette Incident™.

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