May 18

Writing opportunity: Japan Now e-Newsletter

Just saw this posted on the Japan Intercultural Consulting group on LinkedIn:

Japan Now is currently seeking articles for publication. We would like brief articles about Japan, of around 600 words. We are particularly interested in cultural articles, but pieces about Japanese politics and economy (some specialized knowledge preferred) or Japan-US relations are welcome as well. If you have anything you would like to contribute, please contact us with your submissions–your article may be selected for publication in this nationwide online newsletter of the Embassy of Japan.

We are also looking for submissions about the Fulbright Memorial Fund (FMF) program or the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. If you are a participant within the last ten years in either of these programs and would like to write about your experiences, please contact us at the email address below.

Japan Now is a newsletter that serves anyone who is interested in Japan and its culture. Until 2005, we had been a printed nationwide newsletter of 10,000+ circulation, but we have recently converted to an online format, allowing quick access from readers all over the world. Our most recent issues, both printed and web-based, are online at: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/JNindex.htm .

If you are interested in writing articles for any of the above categories, please contact the Japan Now staff at jnow[at]embjapan.org. Questions and requests for sample articles are welcome at this address, as well as direct submissions. If an article is selected for publication, we would like to pay a token honorarium (the amount will be decided according to the length and content of the piece). Creators retain copyright to their work.


May 18

Job: Producer – Nippon TV (DC)

A nifty job listing direct from Nippon TV.  Press briefings at the White House, national travel and more.  See below:

Employer:  Nippon TV
Title:  ProducerCity:  Washington
State:  District of Columbia
Position Type:  Full-Time Entry Level
Start Date:  June 1st, 2009 Read More


May 18

Roland Kelts on “Redline” director Takeshi Koike

In his latest Daily Yomiuri column, “Soft Power/Hard Truths,” Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, sits down with “Redline” director Takeshi Koike to discuss his latest work and delve further into the heart of manga and anime.


May 18

J-News Mini-Roundup: Japan’s Panicked Reactions to Swine Flu

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.

swineflu1Background: It’s been over a couple weeks since the first suspected case of Swine Flu appeared in Japan’s airport. Although internationally Japanese citizens have reacted swiftly to any threat of contamination, including flying employees home, evacuating to safer countries and sending out blast warning emails through embassy channels, domestically the fever of swine flu had not yet caught on. This past weekend the main newspapers were littered with headlines on reactions to the swine flu. The reported cases are both in Osaka and Hyogo prefecture. Government officials as high as the Prime Minister are making public commentary, while stories of schools closing and international conferences being cancelled are becoming common place.

Asahi “135 Reported Cases of Infection” Over half of the headlines on the Asahi this morning told of the penetration of Swine Flu into Japan and Japanese society. The headliner read “135 reported cases, not just young and old people but bankers, shop keepers…” As in New York City however, Japan’s also finding that the majority of cases are being reported from Junior and High schools both within Osaka and Hyogo prefecture. Students with infected classmates are finding their schools being shutdown. The Asahi tells of the banker, who was just “going about their daily job” when a reported older man came in to get money and possibly infected her. Or the convenience store worker, who had diligently been wearing a mask but still managed to contract the flu from one of his customers.

Nikkei “A National Policy Response is Necessary” While the Asahi reports about the already infected inhabitants and their schools and communities reactions, the Nikkei tells of how everyone else is preparing for the worst.

(Click HERE to read the rest of the post)


May 17

JetWit Blog Beat by Crystal Wong

JetWit Blog Beat by Crystal Wong (Iwate-ken, 2002-04) is a recurring item featuring posts from the blogs of various JET alumni.  Crystal is a formerEnglish-language writer for Kyodo News. She now works as a media planner in Chelsea and sorely misses all her favorite midtown ramen joints.

We’re well into spring, the flowers and trees are blossoming and likewise the JET blogosphere is busier than ever! Check it:

We have an awesome new addition to the blog roll, from JET alum Toby Weymiller, currently residing in lovely Hokkaido with his wife Maiko and cat Bomber. He has some amazing photos up of his new house to be, and is also organizing workshops around each phase of the house build. Check it out if you’re lucky enough to be in the neighborhood.

Writer Kelly Luce (Kawasaki, 2002-2003) is another recent addition to the blogroll. Follow her literary adventures here.

Author Suzanne Kamata, (Tokushima-ken, 1988-90) shares news of her winning weekend in Tokyo, where she found out that both her books, Call Me Okaasan and Losing Kei were nominees in the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards  right on the heels of the launch party for her new book.

Also, if you’re thinking ahead to August, Robert Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-2004) will be at the Kidspark Festival in Kitchener, Ontario in August.


May 17

Photos from JET alum David Flynn

davidflynn1David Flynn (Osaka, 1987-88) has shared links to three galleries of photos taken in Japan.

A little context:  David was one of the winners of the 2007 JETAA Kintestu Essay Contest and went on the free trip to Japan in December 2007 along with the other contest winners.  What made David’s perspective somewhat unique was that he was not only the only winner from the first year of the JET Program, but at the time of his trip his daughter was also a JET!


May 16

JET alum Chris Johnson headlines Megu’s Sake Supper

chrisjohnson-smUncanny.  Just after learning that one of the world’s leading sake experts, John Gauntner, is a JET alum and will be speaking at Japan Society’s upcoming Annual Sake Tasting and Lecture, it turns out that Chris Johnson (Oita-ken, 1992-95) will be leading the Megu Sake Supper on June 3.  It also turns out that John and Chris know each other well.  (Thanks to Su May and Megan for bringing this to JetWit’s attention.)

Megu Sake Supper Let Delta take you on a sake tour at Japanese hot spot Megu. Join sake expert Chris Johnson on a virtual trip to Japan via a five-course menu at this theatrical TriBeCan gem where the fish is flown in daily and the atmosphere is as authentic as the dishes it serves. Johnson will explain the art of sake pairings for each course, with dishes ranging from sushi to Kobe beef – you’ll be sure to go home with the knowledge to impress at your next Japanese dinner. And if you want to go visit the original Megu in Tokyo, Delta has a new flight launching to Narita on June 4.

Event Details: $100 for five courses with sake, tax and tip not included.
To Reserve:
Call Asleigh Eaves at 917-306-2934 and mention “Zagat Presents.”
Date:
June 3, 2009, 6:30 PM
Megu – 62 Thomas St. (bet. Church St. & W. B’way)


May 16

ファイト!中島みゆきさん

Thanks to CLAIR-NY’s Taichi Hanzawa for posting this nifty video by Nakashima Miyuki on his Facebook status page:


May 15

Unemployed JET Alumni – The Facebook Group

I just found out there’s now a Facebook group for Unemployed JET Alumni:  http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=8123&uid=12199296553#/group.php?gid=12199296553


May 15

JET alum David Leheny – Professor of Japan Studies at Princeton

lehenyThanks to Noriko Furuhata, the JET Liason at the Consulate General of Japan in New York, for letting me know about another JET alum professor:

His info has been added to the JetWit Library in both the Academic as well as Authors/Books sections.


May 15

Felissimo House: Japan Brand – Pop Up Shop – May 18-30

Thanks to Tara Hohenberger (Nara-ken, 2001-03) (PR & Events Coordinator for Felissimo Design House) for sharing  information about some cool upcoming events:

Shop at the Japan Brand Pop Up Shop
May 18th – May 30thAll freshly picked for spring and available in every price range!

Shop from our exceptional array of Japanese artisan products – from unique home décor accessories, stationery, one-of-a-kind textiles, cookware, beautiful fashion pieces and lacquer ware products in every shape and color . Come and see the regional spirit of Japan in specialized craft traditions that have been passed down through generations. Now these centuries-old skills are finding a fresh new expression in these contemporary products.

Felissimo Design House is open to the public
10 West 56th Street, New York City
11AM – 6PM (Closed on Sunday)
212-956-4438

Sign up now at www.felissimo.com for our exciting and informative public events series.

May 21: An evening of Sushi & Sake – Kanpai!
May 23 & 29: Spring Flowers! Create your own Japanese inspired floral arrangement with Eve Suter.


May 15

Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)–webmaster for both JETAA NY and JetWit–just shared a great new site for non-profit jobs:  Jobs For Change (jobs.change.org/).

Jobs for Change seeks to spark a nationwide movement toward careers in the nonprofit, government, and social enterprise sectors. (Read more about their mission.)


May 15

Job: Assistant to General and Public Affairs at Japanese Consulate (Chicago)

Via JETAA Chicago:

JOB OPENING:  ASSISTANT TO GENERAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Read more below the jump. Read More


May 15

Job: Northwest Marine Trade Association – Sponsorship and Membership Director (Seattle)

Via JETAA Pacific Northwest:

Job Opening at NMTA – Northwest Marine Trade Association

Friends – We are looking for a new Sponsor and Membership Director because Alashia Wartelle (who has done a wonderful job for us) left recently to have her first baby. Mother and daughter Lilly are doing fine J. She is not planning on coming back to work right away…..thus an opportunity for someone. Read More


May 15

Japan America Society Roundup 5.15.09

Current Hiroshima-ken JET Gail Meadows shines a light on some of the upcoming events of various Japan America societies…

JAS of Kentucky

  • JASK Business Summit – Join JASK for a discussion of opportunities and challenges created by the changing economy. This event brings together speakers with national reputation to share insights pertinent to the Japan/America trade relationship in Kentucky and how you can adjust your business to the present economic conditions. The keynote address, “Recent Changes in the Japan/America Trade Relationship”, will be delivered by Richard Katz, Editor-in-Chief of The Oriental Economist Report (TOE) in New York and correspondent for the Weekly Toyo Keizai.
    • Date: Wednesday, May 27
    • Time: 11:30 a.m.
    • Place: Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa
    • For more information and online registration: http://jask.org/events
  • Japanese Idol – Now’s your chance to do your best Susan Boyle impression… Japanese style! JASK wants to find one talented person in Kentucky to be their first-ever “Japanese Idol.” Besides fame, the winner can count on fortune as well – two round-trip airline tickets to Japan from ANA (All Nippon Airways). Audition live, by mail or e-mail. Ten finalists will vie for the prize in August.

JAS of Central Ohio

  • Japanese Monozukuri Practices for the Automotive Industry – This business seminar will offer practical guidance to obtain and sustain business relationships with Japanese manufacturers. The theme of monozukuri – the spirit and quest for manufacturing excellence – will be presented to share insights on the manufacturing philosophies and production processes in Japan.

JAS of Colorado

  • Lecture about Japanese gardens – JASC invites members to attend a lecture by Sadafumi Uchiyama, the Garden Curator of Portland Japanese Garden. The lecture, “Rock and Water: Nature’s Elements in Japanese Garden Design”, will focus on how Japanese gardens embody qualities of nature and the use of rocks and water as two primary components of the garden.

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Meadows the info.


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