J-News Mini-Roundup: The Economic Downturn
Japan Trends, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized 
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J-News Mini-Roundup is a recurring feature written by Friend Of JET, Jon Hills, founder of Hills Learning (www.hillslearning.com). Hills Learning is a NY-based language learning services company offering customized and personal Japanese language learning options.
The Economic Downturn and its Effects: Most Pessimistic to Most Optimistic
4 – NHK: The biggest news on economic glum came from the NHK news station today. Within the financial community the highly anticipated “Tankan Survey” done by the Bank of Japan stated record pessimism amongst company executives. 61% stated their companies were doing poorly, while only 3% stated they were doing well. This measure is the worst it’s been since the survey’s inception, about 30 years ago.
3 – Nikkei: Not to be outdone, the Nikkei then reported that bankruptcies from listed companies in 2008 had reached 45. This is the highest rate of bankruptcies since WWII. To underscore this point, the second worst year of bankruptcies in Japan was 2002, with only 22 bankruptcies.
2 – Asahi: The Asahi ran a headliner this morning about how lay offs and the economic downturn are good for some companies. Reporting from within the headquarters of a recruiting agency that hires part time workers ( a company called あず) executives were rejoicing on how this is their chance to get more recruits for part time work than ever before. They referred to the “フリーター魂” the furi-ta- or “seasonal worker” spirit!
1 – Yomiuri: The headlines at Yomiuri this morning topped the optimism radar. They made no mention of an economic downturn, but instead decided to focus on North Korea. So you’re probably expecting some kind of article regarding missile launches accidently dropping missiles on Japan? Nope, the headliner read: Kim Jong Ill’s thinness is due to dieting, he’s getting thin due to health reasons.”
Enterprise 2.0 technologies in Japanese companies?
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An interesting question was posed on a LinkedIn group called Japan Intercultural Consulting, started by Pernille Rudlin. Feel free to comment below or, on the JIC group page or directly to Pernille if you have insights to share.
Enterprise 2.0 technologies in Japanese companies
Does anyone know of a Japanese (or if not, other multinational) company that is successfully using Enterprise 2.0 technologies for internal communications – in other words Web 2.0 technology such as social networking, blogs, wikis, used inside corporations? I’m particularly interested in any usage going across national boundaries.
JETAA DC Book Club to read “An Artist of the Floating World”
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Via JETAA DC:
Hi Everyone,
JETAADC’s very own book club – with the working name of JBook – is up and running. This month we’ll be reading An Artist of the Floating
World Kazuo Ishiguro. We’ll meet on Monday, April 20 at 6:30pm at the Penn Teaism (in the downstairs area). New members are welcome! Just RSVP a little ahead of time so we know how many tables to push together.
Happy Reading,
-Dan
JETAA Chapter Beat 4.1.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
- Happy Hour – Friday, April 3rd, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Start the weekend right with drinks, takoyaki and friends at PNW JETAA.
- April Monthly Meeting – Monday, April 6th, 6:00 at Panama Cafe. Come see the inner workings of PNW JETAA and find out about what’s going and what opportunities are out there for eager volunteers.
- Mini Hanami – Wednesday, April 1st, 5:30 at the tidal basin. Have a seat under the cherry blossoms and relax with friends at JETAADC.
- Quiz Night Write Up! – The quiz night, held jontly with UWA JAPSSOC, was bigger and better than 07/08, with just under 100 competitors in attendance over 12 teams. We look forward to an even larger turnout next year — JETAA Western Australia
- Annual General Meeting Write Up! – [AGM] was held to a subdued turnout but was a great chance to catch up and confirm the committee for next year, which will be: President Nick John, Vice President & Treasurer Adam Reynolds, Secretary Dave Millin, Social Rep Emma Wilson, Media Rep Karen le Blanc, Promos Rep Tegan Chubb, General Members Luke Eaton, Karen Carter, and Nat Garmony — JETAA Western Australia
- Sakura Sunday – April 5th, 11:00 to 4:00 at the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Join JETAANY as well as the Philadelphia and New Jersey Subchapters at the Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival. Live music, hanami, dance, and a plethora of other Japanese related events and activities.
- JETAA Job Fair – Saturday, April 4th, 12:00 to 5:00 at the Japan Information Center. Mark your calendars for this important chance to network with Chicago Japanese businesses.
- JETAA Meeting – Monday, April 13th, 6:00 at Hema’s Kitchen. Sit in and find out more about the Chicago JETAA community.
- James Kennedy “The Order of the Odd-Fish” Book Reading and Signings – James Kennedy will be promoting his book, “The Order of the Odd-Fish” at three upcoming events within the Chicago area. Saturday, April 22nd, 2:00 at Borders bookstore, Wednesday, April 22nd, 4:00 at the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library, and Tuesday, April 28th, 7:30 at the Hopleaf. Do not miss this chance to meet James and hear excerpts from his delightful book.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, April 29th, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- AJS Pitch and Putt Golf Day – Saturday, April 18th, 2:00 at Canberra International Golf Centre. Tee off with AJS and JETAA Canberra for a day of family fun.
- JETAANC Hanami – Sunday, April 5th, 11:00 to 3:00 at Golden Gate Park, Speedway Meadow. Join JETAANC under the cherry trees for some fun and sun.
- JETAANC Oakland A’s Game – Saturday, April 25th, 1:00 at McAfee Coliseum. JETAANC and the Japan Society are co-hosting a day at the ballpark. Oakland takes on Tampa Bay, so come out and root for the home team with friends and JETAA
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
Saw this on the JETAA Pacific Northwest yahoogroup list and thought it was worth sharing. I’m sure there are plenty of other JET alum actors/performers out there, so feel free to share any upcoming performances via e-mail to jetwit at jetwit dot com and perhaps we can do a periodic update of what various folks are up to.
Just wanted to pass this on from Nate Maddox (Kagawa-ken 2003-2005), and (disclaimer!) good friend of mine. I saw The Underpants on Sunday, and I’ll vouch for the hilarity. All the characters are absurd, and there are some killer lines.
Yes, there are underpants in this play. No, they are not Nate’s. (And no, you probably don’t want to bring kids under 14.) But I highly recommend it, especially if you’d like to see Nate prance about in a ridiculous hat and cape.
Please go enjoy The Underpants!
-Sandra
———– (more info below) Read More
NY-based JET alum Carol Elk was in D.C. on Tuesday to see the cherry blossoms and was kind enough to share some of her hanami photos.
