JET alum artist Laurel Lukaszewski featured in Washington Post article
Art, Events, Interview/Profile 
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Artist Laurel Lukaszewski (Kagoshima-ken, 1990-92) is featured in a nice article “Ceramics That Go Beyond Cups and Bowls” in Friday’s Washington Post. The article focuses on how unique it is for an artist to be working with clay these days, particularly since it has nothing to do with bowls, cups and dishes.
Laurel has an upcoming show titled “A Fine Line” opening Thursday, April 23, in D.C. Together with Noelle K. Tan she will be showing her sculpture and Noelle Tan will have her altered photographs and prints.
A Fine Line
Works by Noelle K. Tan and Laurel Lukaszewski
505 9th Street, NW Lobby
Washington, DC
(near the Archives and Gallery Place/Chinatown metro stations)
Opening Reception and Artist Talk: Thursday, April 23, 2009, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
The show runs April 23 through early July 2009 and is open weekdays 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
For more information, please visit: http://project4gallery.com/invitations/afineline/index.html
For more information on Laurel and her work, go to www.laurellukaszewski.com.
This article from today’s NY Times puts a positive spin on job searching in the current economic climate, pointing out how the lack of traditional Wall St. jobs for business school grads has in a sense given many of them “permission” to pursue other jobs, such as teaching, managing a jazz club, applying for the foreign service or going to rabbinical school when they might otherwise have felt pressured to go for a high-paying, high-status Wall Street job.
Dakedo, if you read between the lines, what this means is a more competitive job market for everyone including JET alums. Now, when you apply for the foreign service or Teach for America or anything else, you’re competing against MBA students and other highly-qualified people for these positions.
Sore de, it’s more important than ever to take a proactive approach to the notion of career and job search. The ground is shifting underneath us, which is scary, but also means there are new opportunities. It’s no longer enough to think of jobs as familiar fixed categories for which you send your resume and wait for a company or organization to “give” you a job. This is the time to look around, figure out what needs are out there and create your own job and your own value, especially given the tools available out there to everyone such as blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Etsy.com, eBay and many others. While you may or may not succeed in creating your own job or business, going through the process will open doors, teach you new skills, give you more confidence and be more likely over time to lead to new opportunities and new jobs.
In other words, we all now have permission to take risks. Ganbatte kudasai!
Job: Volunteer Positions in British Columbia
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JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following volunteer opportunities through the JETAABC website and thought they might be of interest to former JETs in British Columbia. Stephen is a translator based in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Ken, and he periodically posts job listings and event information for JET alumni.
The Powell Street Festival
The Powell Street Festival is an annual celebration of Japanese Canadian arts, culture and heritage that features something for everyone: dance, music, film and video, visual arts, martial arts demos, amateur sumo tournament, craft vendors, traditional displays, and of course, tons of scrumptious Japanese food.
Both seasonal and year-round volunteer positions are available. Interested parties should visit the festival’s website for more information and the application procedure.
Tonari Gumi
In 1973, Tonari Gumi was founded to provide assistance to Japanese speaking seniors in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. Many of the services that were offered over twenty-five years ago are still offered today to the pioneering seniors of this community. As well, Tonari Gumi has evolved to adapt to the growing needs of an aging Nisei population, the ongoing needs of the Issei community, and the emerging needs of younger generations including temporary residents.
Volunteer activities include lunch programs for seniors, transportation, language assistance, and special events. Interested parties should visit the group’s website for more information and application contact details.
Job: United Nations University Internship (Tokyo)
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JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following internship available at United Nations University through the JETAABC website and thought it might be of interest to former JETs still living in Japan. Stephen is a translator based in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Ken, and he periodically posts job listings and event information for JET alumni.
The United Nations University’s Media Studio builds interactive content and video documentaries that engage, entertain and educate, as part of the UNU OnLine Learning initiative. This includes a burgeoning web magazine called Our World 2.0 that explores the interactions between our daily lives and the complex and pressing issues of climate change, oil dependency, and food security. The Media Studio seeks interns who would like to contribute in a number of capacities, including helping to develop a contact network, a list of potential Our World 2.0 sponsors and partners, applying for grants from foundations, web marketing, etc. Those interested in research and writing would also have the opportunity to propose articles to the editorial team.
Japan America Society Roundup 4.18.09
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Current Hiroshima-ken JET Gail Meadows shines a light on some of the upcoming events of various Japan America Societies…
The Rad Smith Program in Japanese Art – The JS of Boston and the Museum of Fine Arts present a program called “Passion in Porcelain: The Ceramic Genius of Sueharu Fukami.” Fukami has been called “Japan’s Greatest Ceramic Artist.” His large sculptural works have transformed the ancient technique of porcelain. Fukami, whose works are featured in the museum’s current exhibit “Celebrating Kyoto,” will discuss his methods of creating ceramic pieces. This program is presented in connection with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Kyoto-Boston Sister City relationship.
- Date: Wednesday, April 22
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Place: Remis Auditorium in the Museum of Fine Arts
- For tickets and more information: http://www.mfa.org/calendar/event.asp?eventkey=36902&date=4/22/2009
Web Seminar – The JS of New York will host a seminar by Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa titled “The Way Out of Economic and Financial Crisis: Lessons and Actions.” Shirakawa will address the current global economic crisis and offer lessons from Japan’s recent experience.
- Date: Thursday, April 23
- Time: 1 p.m.
- For more information: http://www.japansociety.org/event_detail?eid=3bbad4d2
- Rakugo Comedy Performance – Rakugo is a Japanese style of comedy in which a seated performer presents a monologue ending with skillfully delivered punch lines called “ochi.” Sanyutei Kyouraku is a well-known Rakugo storyteller. He will perform with English translation so non-Japanese speakers can enjoy this traditional Japanese entertainment as well. Seats are limited. Tickets are $30 for JASGP members.
- Date: Friday, April 24
- Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Performance starts at 7 p.m.
- Place: Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
- For tickets and more information: http://jagphilly.org/rakugo.html
The Races at Churchill Downs – Enjoy thoroughbred racing and lunch. Two Jockey Club suites have been reserved for JASK members throughout the afternoon thanks to corporate sponsors. Tickets are free but a reservation is required. Registration can be done online at http://jask.org/events.
- Date: Thursday, May 14
- Time: Noon to 2 p.m.
- Place: Churchill Downs
- For more information: http://jask.org/Content/Documents/Document.ashx?DocId=45875
Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Meadows the info.
WIT Life #35: Hero Worship
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken, 2000-03). Recently she’s been watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese and sharing some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
A recent survey of Japanese young men regarding which famous figure they would want to become resulted in Ichiro Suzuki,
Ryoma Sakamoto and Ryo Ishikawa for the top 3. The person in the #1 slot is the most recognizable, especially now that he just broke the Japanese record for most career hits with his 3086th in yesterday’s game against the Angels (though the Mariners ultimately went on to lose). In the stands to witness this feat was Ichiro’s bat maker (perhaps craftsman is a more appropriate term) of the past 15 years. He was thrilled to be part of the historical moment, and expressed his desire that the next record he wants Ichiro to break is for 4000 hits. A matsuri mood pervaded Japan in celebrating Ichiro’s feat, and in honor of his accomplishment one store created Read More
Via the Consulate General’s post on the JETAA British Columbia yahoogroup:
2010 MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Research Studies Scholarship
Guidelines and application forms for the 2010 MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Research Scholarship are now available. The scholarship is open to university graduates, born on or after April 2, 1975 who wish to study at a university in Japan as research students.
The deadline to apply for the scholarship is May 14, 2009.
The scholarship documents can be accessed through the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver’s website at http://www.vancouve r.ca.emb- japan.go. jp/en/culture/ mext.htm
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 604.684.5868, ext. 391 or by Email at culturalcentre [at] consuljpnvan [dot] com.
Sincerely,
Steve Chevalier
Assistant to the Consul, Cultural Affairs
************ ********* ********* ********* ******
The Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver
800-1177 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 2K9
www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp
Job: Shiseido- International Marketing Manager (NY)
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Shiseido is looking for a international new marketing head. As one of the top brands in Asia, looks like a great job for those with experience. (Thanks to JET alum Kendall Murano for sending this one over.)
Contact: resumes [at] sac.shiseido [dot] com
Qualifications:
- Professional and effective communication skills, especially with Tokyo HQ and local subsidiaries.
- Ability to manage several projects at any given time
- Flexibility related to situations, high problem-solving skills
- Ability to create and evaluate English written materials
- Some domestic and international travel necessary
- Japanese(native level), English(business-native level)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint
Job: English Teacher at the Seigakuin Atlanta International School (Atlanta)
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Via JETAA Southeast:
Seigakuin Atlanta International School (a school accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education) is looking for English Language Arts teachers (Pre-K through 6th Grade). Position starts August 2009.
In their own words: “Our school offers a unique Japanese-English Two-Way Immersion program. Our students’ families are Japanese, Japanese-American, and American (plus other nationalities) .”
Qualifications Required: Teacher’s License and/or ESL-ESOL Certification.
Skills: Japanese language ability would be an asset, but not required.
Application: Please send resume and letter of interest to Maki Brown at employment [at] seigakuin [dot] us.
Job: Admin Assistant at the Japanese Mission to the United Nations (NY)
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Straight from our folks at JETAA NY:
Administrative Assistant at the Japanese Mission to the United Nations
http://jetaany.org/forum/jobs/topic-592/
NYTimes: Young Japanese head to inaka for work
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Interesting article in today’s NY Times about how a lot of young Japanese adults are heading to the inaka to work on farms. This simultaneously helps with some of the unemployment in Japan and also helps replace a lot of the aging farm workforce and perhaps even in terms of improving inefficient farming processes.
Demographic shifts also tend to have other consequences as well. I wonder if any current JETs out there are seeing this trend first hand. And I wonder if there might be any impact on the JET experience or even the JET Program in some way over time.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/business/global/16farmer.html?emc=eta1
JETAA Toronto – Japanese Language Classes
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JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following Japanese language classes being held by JETAA Toronto and thought they might be of interest to former JETs in the Toronto area.
Spring Japanese lessons are here again!
Teacher: Sugimoto-sensei
Place: Toronto Reference Library, Basement Meeting Room 1
Time: 6:15 – 8:15pm
Dates: Mondays
April 20, 29
May 4, 11, 25 (skips Victoria Day 18th)
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Cost: $60 for 10 weeks
(Option available of paying $6 for the first lesson to ‘try it out’ and then pay balance upon joining.)
If you or anyone you know wants to brush up on their Japanese, please forward inquires to Sonia.
J-News Mini-Roundup: Ichiro Breaks Record
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J-News Mini-Roundup is a recurring feature written by Friend Of JET, Jon Hills, who maintains the blog for Hills Learning (www.hillslearning.com). Hills Learning is a NY-based language learning services company offering customized and personal Japanese language learning options.
One of the inspirations of this blog entry is to translate directly Japanese news stories from Japanese to English. It is often interesting and enlightening to get the Japanese perspective. After reading an American paper’s account of Ichiro breaking the record and realizing there was no interviews with the man, it became necessary to write about what Ichiro himself said about his record breaking achievement.
Asahi (I was hitting “for dear life”) When Asahi asked Ichiro what it was like up at bat during the seventh inning, when the record could be broken, he exclaimed, “I had no time to think about what was actually going on, or that this was a special moment. It was like I was hitting for dear life.” Asahi then asked, “Can you explain what you mean by “dear life””? Ichiro replied, “Well basically I wanted to take advantage of the moment that my team was doing well. I wanted to add to the flow of the game.”
Asahi also asked if he felt good after playing the game. Ichiro replied “Well I actually had a bad feeling. It was that the current record holder would get upset, hearing cheers after the record was broken.”
Yomiuri (“Not bad at all.”) Ichiro’s feelings while he was at bat, according to Yomiuri, “I was thinking, not bad at all. I should take advantage of the flow of my team. Although I say take advantage, I don’t mean just the act of “taking”, but I think I was more wrapped up in the feeling of the moment.”
Nikkei (“I’ve surpassed the current record holder”) The Nikkei focused on the actual act of breaking the record. Ichiro in the seventh inning left a mark by getting the 3,085 hit of his career. It also went on to explain that Ichiro had stomach pains and was out for eight games last season, and he seems to have recovered well this season. Ichiro exclaimed “I’ve now passed the current record holder.”
JETAA Chapter Beat 4.15.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
- East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, April 16th, 6:00 at Ichi Japon in Oakland. Celebrate the passing of another tax day with a drink and friends at JETAANC.
- Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” on “Life after Death” – Saturday, April 18th, 3:00 at a location yet to be determined. This month’s discussion focuses on “Life after Death,” touching on religion, philosophy and other theories on this intriguing subject.
- JBook Book Club – Monday, April 20th, 6:30 at the Penn Quarter Teaism. This month’s book is “An Artist of the Floating World” by Kazuo Ishiguro. Come share your thoughts and impressions with JBook.
- Spring Koto Recital – Sunday, April 26th, 2:00 at the University of Maryland’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. The Washington Toho Koto Society is putting on their 37th Annual Spring Recital. It’s open to the public, so why not spend the day absorbing some Japanese culture.
- J-Lunch – April 30th, 12:00 at Kopitiam. Have lunch and catch up with your friends at JETAADC.
- Spokane Japan Week – Saturday, April 18th – Sunday, 26th. It’s the 17th annual Japan Week in Spokane, including music by JET Alum Shun Endo’s band, The Liquid Now, “Hara-Hara” night(celebrating urban fashion in the spirit of Harajuku and Sakura-Con), and other Japan related events. Opening ceremonies are on Saturday at Spokane’s Riverpark Square, don’t miss it.
- Japanese Paper Cutting Exhibit and Talk – Thursday, April 16th, 5:30 at the Cullom Gallery. Artist Ryohei Tanaka will be giving a talk and demonstration of his work on Japanese Paper Cutting, “kiri e.” Learn about this traditional and interesting form of art from a true master.
- Asia Voila – UBC Asia Open House – Saturday, April 18th, 11:00 to 4:00 at the University of British Columbia. This weekend is UBC’s Asian Open House with a variety of Japanese activities including a Tea Ceremony, Haiku, Buddhist Chants and more.
- Spa Castle Onsen Experience – Sunday, April 26th, at the New York Spa Castle in Queens. Melt away the last of winter’s cold with a day at the only onsen in New York with JETAANY. Four floors of spas, pools and saunas await you, don’t miss it.
- Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens – Saturday, May 2nd, 11:00 at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Spend the day with JETAANY outside under the cherry blossoms. Activities include ikebana, taiko and other Japanese related fun.
- Book Club Meeting – Wednesday, May 6th, 7:00 at a location yet to be determined. The selected work this month is “The Housekeeper and the Professor” by Yoko Ogawa. Start reading so you can join in on the discussion come May.
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.
The Release of the Mini Coop, in Japan
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J-News Mini-Roundup is a recurring feature written by Friend Of JET, Jon Hills, who maintains the blog for Hills Learning (www.hillslearning.com). Hills Learning is a NY-based language learning services company offering customized and personal Japanese language learning options.
BMW has just released a new version of their convertible in Japan, the Mini Coop Convertible S and the Mini Coop Convertible. Each newspaper focused on different features that its readers would enjoy.
Nikkei (New Functionality) The Nikkei focused on the new engine and catchy functionalities that come with the “newly improved mini coop.” The car “employs an effective new engine, with gas consumption performance increased by 40%.” The roof is now able to close mid drive, in reaction to unexpected rain storms. Its closing time has also been decreased to 15 seconds; quick enough so it can close in the time it takes for a stoplight to turn green. Although both newspapers list the car has come out in two models, the Nikkei lists the models as a selection process, with the faster type “more equipped with a 1600cc engine”.
Asahi (New Comfort) The Asahi describes the car as a “new release” in Japan, with different characteristics than previous models. The Asahi talks about the space available in the car, both when driving with the top down and top up. Not only is there luggage space which exceeds 170 liters when the top is up, but it then goes on to elaborate how 2 people can fit in the back comfortably. The space overall has increased by 55 liters as compared to the last model.
NHK and Yomiuri (Crane Accident) Both the NHK and Yomiuri this morning did not run articles on the mini coop but instead focused on the tragic crane accident in Tokyo. 6 people were injured when a large crane suddenly collapsed on its work site and nearby sidewalk. The cause of the accident is currently being investigated.
