Jul 31

Tom Baker interviews “Airbender” cast

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Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91) is a staff writer for The Daily Yomiuri. As another example of JET ROI, he is one of at least four former JETS to have been on the newspaper’s staff in recent years. He usually writes for DYWeekend, the arts and leisure section. You can follow Tom’s blog at tokyotombaker.wordpress.com.

Recently he interviewed two members of the cast of “The Last Airbender” movie during their promotional visit to Tokyo, asking them for their views on the “racebending” controversy surrounding their film. He also covered an insect show now running at a Tokyo museum, reviewed the manga “Otomen,” and weighed in on a couple of other movies now playing in Japan. Here are some excerpts:

“Last Airbender”

In the United States, some fans of the anime-style cartoon on which the movie is based have protested against the casting of Jackson Rathbone and Nicola Peltz, who are white, in roles the fans saw as Asian.

Asked to comment on that, Rathbone said: “I originally was a finalist for Prince Zuko [a Fire Nation role that went to Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel]. Almost a year later, I was brought back in for the character of Sokka…I think what they were really looking for was the qualities that people represent, not so much focusing on race…All these characters [in the cartoon] have so many different features, you can’t really say that they are one race…It’s a shame that people really focus on the race thing and they don’t understand that it’s a story for everyone.”

“And there are over 120 different types of people in the film,” Peltz added.

“In terms of a big-budget film, it’s the most ethnically diverse cast there’s ever been,” Rathbone agreed.

Read the rest of the interview here.

“Insects festival”

Open your window on a hot summer day and you may hear a sound that caught the ear of haiku poet Matsuo Basho in the 17th century: the voices of cicadas, seeping into the rocks. Of course, Japan today is a lot more urbanized than it was in Basho’s time, and cicadas are more likely to sing against a background of asphalt and cement. Yet year after year, the buzzing bugs never fail to show up, even in the heart of Tokyo.

Visitors to Insects Festival, an exhibition now running at the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku, Tokyo, are reminded of such persistence right away with a display of six-legged critters that live in three different Tokyo zones: mountains, fields and downtown areas.

While city-dwellers often resent sharing space with the likes of cockroaches and ants, the emphasis of this show is on seasonal outdoor insects whose diverse shapes, bright colors and occasional songs actually enhance city life…

Read the rest of the article here, or visit the exhibition’s site here.

“Otomen”

Anyone writing a graduate thesis on the presentation of gender in Japanese pop culture will find abundant material in the manga series Otomen. Readers looking for laughs will also find what they seek in Otomen, but rather less abundantly.

The main characters are a trio of high school students, with the focus on Asuka (a boy who has a name more common for girls), who is in love with Ryo (a girl who has a name more common for boys). Their would-be romance is complicated by the constant presence of their friend Juta, who tries to play cupid, but is more often a third wheel.

Asuka is the captain of the school kendo team, and is admired by everyone as a “real man.” But he is secretly an “otomen,” a boy who is into girly things, such as cute stuffed animals and delicate pastries. He is at least as skilled at cooking and sewing as he is at sports, but he keeps that side of himself hidden. Ryo is Asuka’s mirror image in that she has been raised by her socially inept father to follow in his footsteps as a martial arts champion, but she strives to put up a feminine front at school. Juta has a secret, too, as he is actually a best-selling manga artist who is using the couple as a model for his stories…

Read the full review here.

Also playing…

You can read Tom’s review of “Inception” here, and his review of “Zombieland” here.


Jul 31

JET ROI: “100 English Dreams” – a JET project by Christiana Aretta

Return on JET-vestment Add Comment (2)

I received an email today from Christiana Aretta (Okayama-ken, Mimasaka City, 2004-07), currently a Washington, D.C.-based photographer, letting me know about a terrific project she just completed that is just one of many creative examples of the the positive influence of JETs and the JET Program:

“Since I read Jim Gannon’s post about JET on the chopping block, I’ve been putting together a project called 100 English Dreams based on my students’ experiences with English and my photographs of them. I initially planned this project as a book but decided to put it together as a website to show support for the JET Programme. I’ve just finished it today…..I’d like [this project] to be used in a way that garners support for JET and perhaps a deeper consideration for its budget.”

Here’s the website for 100 English Dreams:  www.storiography.com/english-dreams If you ever question the value of JET or are concerned about its ongoing existence, this well-conceived site is very much worth a look.

It’s also a reminder that the JET and JET alumni community is made up of wonderful and talented people.  And much of Japan’s Return on Investment from JET will come in unique and previously unanticipated forms such as what Christiana has created.  Many seeds have been planted as a result of JET.  Many have already blossomed (even if you haven’t heard about them) and many, many more will continue to do so.

–Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)


Jul 30

WIT Life #112: DC JET sendoff

Anecdote Article, Return on JET-vestment, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life Comments Off on WIT Life #112: DC JET sendoff

WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.

Although my current business trip prevented me from attending the JET sendoff party in New York last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to catch the one here on my last night in DC.  It was sponsored by the Embassy of Japan and held at the Ambassador’s Old Residence located on Embassy Row, and I was able to get an invite thanks to my friend Gina Anderson from JETAA DC (leftmost of the lovely group of JET alums on the right).

The event, scheduled from 6:30-8, was packed to the gills when I arrived a little before 7.  After the walk over from my hotel I wanted nothing more than a cold beer, but Read More


Jul 30

Event: Skoop on Somebody (S.O.S.) Charity Concert in Chicago

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Thanks to JETAA Chicago President Robert Corder (who also works for JETRO) for letting JetWit know about this interesting upcoming event:

Skoop on Somebody (S.O.S.) Charity Concert in Chicago

The Japanese R&B group Skoop on Somebody (S.O.S.) will play a charity concert in Chicago on Saturday, August 21.

This is the duo’s first live performance in North America. The concert will be held at the Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, Illinois. Doors open at 4:30 pm, with the show scheduled from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Seating is first come, first served and limited to 420 seats. Tickets are $40, with all proceeds going to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC) Foundation. The JCCC Foundation supports Japan-related education, cultural and community organizations though out the Chicago area.

To purchase tickets, fill out the application form (http://www.jccc-chi.org/docs/SOS_Event_8.21.pdf) and send it to JCCC Foundation along with the admission check (payable to JCCC Foundation)!

Questions? Contact the JCCC Secretariat at 312-245-8344 or jccc@jccc-chi.org.


Jul 30

Legal Education in New York: Top of the Heap or Dream Deferred

Academic, Advice, Blogs, Career, Graduate School Comments Off on Legal Education in New York: Top of the Heap or Dream Deferred

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Matt Leichter (matt [dot] leichter [at] gmail [dot] com) (Saitama-ken 2003-05) is a renegade attorney who plays by his own rules.  He operates his own blog, The Law School Tuition Bubble, where he archives, chronicles, and analyzes the rising cost and declining value of legal education in the United States.  He also maintains the “Bankruptcy Legal Topics,” and, “Bankruptcy Billables,” sections for Steven Horowitz’s Bankruptcy Bill.  For further reading regarding JETs and the law, he recommends JETs with J.D.s.

I’m pretty sure that most Jets Wit out there live here in New York.  If so, you’ll be right at home with this week’s post—where I chide the Big Apple for adding five law schools during its 1970s economic and demographic slump.  But when your contract expires please return to NYC, JETAANY needs your support!


Jul 29

Life After the B.O.E.: Have an Awesome Time!

Cartoon/Illustration , Comments Off on Life After the B.O.E.: Have an Awesome Time!

Life After the B.O.E. is a comic series about the JET experience by David Namisato (Aomori-ken, 2002-2004), a professional illustrator currently living in Toronto.
Visit David’s website at www.namisato.org.

Have an Awesome Time!


Jul 29

Job: Assistant Accounting Manager, Undisclosed Company (Orlando, Florida)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Assistant Accounting Manager, Undisclosed Company (Orlando, Florida)

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via JETAA Florida

Our client is a large international Japanese company seeking an Assistant Accounting Manager with a strong manufacturing/operations background to join our client’s corporate accounting and finance team. The candidate we are seeking will possess demonstrated cost accounting experience and knowledge.  The Assistant Accounting Manager supports units within our client’s North American sales and operations team.  This position is based in metropolitan Orlando.

The ideal candidate will have Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge along with the required accounting experience gained in a multi-cultural environment with excellent verbal and written communication skills honed in a team setting.  A robust work ethic is required coupled with the organizational and time management skills necessary to manage multiple projects and activities within a deadline driven atmosphere. Candidate must also have strong analytical, math, problem solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities
-Analyze production statistics and cost variances, prepare of supporting analysis reports, monthly review, cost improvement.
-Preparation of annual budgets, variance analysis, and financial forecasting.
-Review transactions, entries, and other activities and instruct accounting team on the proper treatment.
-Prepare U.S. GAAP financial statements.
-Assist with month-end close.
-Manage staff of one (1) and internal client relationships of three (3) to five (5)

Read More


Jul 29

Job: Assistant Controller, Undisclosed Company (Savannah, Georgia)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Assistant Controller, Undisclosed Company (Savannah, Georgia)

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via JETAA Florida

Our client is a large international Japanese company seeking an Assistant Controller with a strong manufacturing/operations background to join our client’s plant accounting and finance leadership team. The candidate we are seeking will possess demonstrated cost accounting experience and knowledge.  This position reports to the Plant Controller and is based in Savannah, Georgia.

The ideal candidate will have Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge along with the required accounting experience gained in a multi-cultural environment with excellent verbal and written communication skills honed in a team setting.  A robust work ethic is required coupled with the organizational and time management skills necessary to manage multiple projects and activities within a deadline driven atmosphere. Candidate must also have strong analytical, math, problem solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities
-Analyze production statistics, cost variances, preparation of supporting analysis reports, monthly review, cost improvement, preparation of annual plant budget, and financial forecasting. Read More


Jul 29

Job: Accounting-Manager of Consolidations, Undisclosed Company (Orlando, Florida)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Accounting-Manager of Consolidations, Undisclosed Company (Orlando, Florida)

Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via JETAA Florida

We seek a Manager of Consolidations with strong manufacturing/operations knowledge to join our client’s corporate accounting and finance team. The candidate we are seeking will possess demonstrated consolidations experience and knowledge including the management of a consolidations group.  This position reports to the Corporate Controller and is based in metropolitan Orlando.

The ideal candidate will have Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge along with the required accounting experience gained in a multi-cultural environment with excellent verbal and written communication skills honed in a team setting.  A robust work ethic is required coupled with the organizational and time management skills necessary to manage multiple projects and activities within a deadline driven atmosphere. Candidate must also have strong analytical, math, problem solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities
-Assist with monthly financial close process.
-Prepare U.S. GAAP financial statements.
-Consolidate monthly results for two (2) locations and three (3) entities and produce financial statements.
-Prepare the monthly financial reporting/management package. Read More


Jul 29

JET ROI: Japan Times, Washington Post, LA Times and others run AP article on JET

Return on JET-vestment Add Comment (4)

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JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a category on JetWit intended to highlight the various economic, diplomatic and other benefits to Japan resulting from its investment in the JET Program.  Why is this important right now?  Because the JET Program and JET Alumni Association may be cut by the Japanese government, as explained in this post by Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) titled “JET Program on the Chopping Block.”

“Does Japan Still Need 23-year old Exchange Program?”

This is the title of a recent article by AP reporter Tomoko Hosaka, which has been picked up by:

The article includes quotes from Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) and Anthony Bianchi (Aichi-ken, 1987-89) as well as a reference to JetWit’s role and a few photos of me (in my JETAA NY “Nihongo wakaru yo!” t-shirt) along with JETAA NY Vice-President Monica Yuki and JETAA USA Country Representative Shree Kurlekar (one of three US Country Reps).

While the article, I think, does more harm than good for JET and JETAA, I believe there are many points and examples not included in the article that could easily counter the non-specific criticisms also cited in the article.  In other words, the case for how JET and JETAA have (and continue to) provide a very significant return on investment (ROI) to Japan is not difficult to make.  It’s just a matter of gathering the examples and making everyone aware of them.

Below are just a few examples based on my own experience, research and conversations.  Please feel free to post additional examples in the comments section:

1.  A significant number of JET alums are now firmly ensconced in political, policy, business, academic, media and other positions in governments, think tanks, universities, Japan-America societies, Japanese companies, etc.  This population is only growing larger, more influential and, as a result, more valuable to Japan.  To cut this off at the roots in order to save a few yen would not make good policy or business sense.

  • Three JET alums have run for Congress this year:
  • Anthony Bianchi is has been serving for several years as a city councilman in Inuyama-shi, Aichi-ken.
  • Professor Michael Auslin is the Asia expert at the American Enterprise Institute in D.C.
  • Roland Kelts wrote Japanamerica, which has contributed to the manga boom in the U.S., and is a professor at Tokyo University and a columnist for The Daily Yomiuri.
  • Aaron Woolfolk wrote, directed and produced the film The Harimaya Bridge, which features Danny Glover, was produced in Shikoku and is based in part on Aaron’s JET experience.
  • George Rose was the interpreter for Hideki Matsui when the New York Yankees won the World Series (the only JET alum with a World Series Ring!)  George is now a consultant serving as the Pacific Rim Advisor to the Yankees as well as Staff Advisor to the Yomiuri Giants and the Yomiuri Shimbun.  He was also one of the first JETAA NY Presidents.
  • Countless JET alums are working for Japanese companies supporting their ability to do business with the rest of the world.  Legions of JETs have become translators and interpreters further facilitating Japan’s ability to communicate with the rest of the world.

And I’m just scratching the surface of examples.  Additionally, it’s worth being aware of the many more accomplishments to come from JETs in the next generation.  The JET Programme essentially takes many of the best and brightest minds from the U.S. and other countries and gets them thinking about, working for and feeling connected to Japan.

2.  Numerous Japanese students have gone on to international studies and other accomplishments as a result of their interaction with JETs.  These former students may likely comprise the next generation of English speakers in Japan.  This is something not measured in test scores.

3.  JET Alumni chapters may be the most cost effective public relations arm Japan hope to have.  A review of JETAA Chapter Beat posts on JetWit gives a quick sense of just some of the grassroots cultural outreach that JET alumni do on behalf of Japan.  And they do it because they care about Japan and appreciate their JET experience.  There’s no amount you could pay to a PR firm to generate this kind of positive, sustained visibility and outreach.  In fact, JET alums devote thousands of volunteer hours (often at the expense of their “real” jobs) to supporting JETAA activities.  Not just the administration and organization of chapter activities, but volunteering in various ways such as for New York de Volunteer, for the Japanese Restaurant Association Japanese Food Festival in Los Angeles and for numerous “Japan Days” and festivals in cities and towns throughout the U.S. and other countries.

4.  With over 52,000 JET alums in the world (and more every year), JET alumni serve as a sort of substitute ex-pat population for Japan.  Something Japan lacks in comparison to other countries.  Case in point:  After 9/11 when U.S. visa restrictions grew stricter, Japanese staffing companies found it harder to find eligible Japanese people to fill positions in the U.S. offices of Japanese companies.  As a result, they sought JET alums, who generally speak at least some Japanese if they’re not fluent, and are much more familiar with Japanese culture and workplaces.

For more examples of JETs and JET alums providing a Return on Investment to Japan, have a look at the JET ROI category on this site.

Have your own example to share?  Please post in the comments section below or email to jetwit@jetwit.com.


Jul 29

Japanese Online Community Leader

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This job post came through a friend of mine from grad school. They are looking for an anime lover with social media skills and fluent in English and Japanese.

Lee-Sean

Description

Veoh.com is one of the largest video portals in the world and a hub for anime fans and content. Now, we have fantastically unique social technology – http://www.qlipso.com

If you love anime, manga, virtual worlds and online video, we may have the best summer job of your life! We are looking for a young, online-savvy teen or early twenties online community organizer to help us excite our Japanese community of over 4 million people! This requires a voracious passion for all kinds of anime and manga, and a willingness to leverage our anime content to make our community even more involved. The ability to communicate your obsession with characters, themes, plots, relationships, and culture within anime/manga are a must. Read More


Jul 28

T-shirt of the day: “You speak English so well.”

Humor Add Comment (1)

Nancy Ikehara (CIR Yokohama-shi, 1994-97) shared this photo she took of a t-shirt she recently saw in the gift store of the Japanese-American National Museum in L.A.  For a bit of context, see Nancy’s submission to the Spring 2007 issue of the JETAA NY Newsletter’s article on Asian JET reminiscences.



Jul 28

WIT Life #111: Monozukuri

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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.

My travels (with a group of Pacific Islanders this time) prevent me from blogging as much as I want to, but I’d like to share an interesting article I just came across regarding the Japanese concept of monozukuri, courtesy of Rochelle Kopp’s Japan Intercultural Consulting site.  Enjoy!   


Jul 27

Job: ESL Teacher, ELS Language Centers (Columbus, Ohio)

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 Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Via Daniel J. Stone (Saitama-ken, 2004-07)

ELS Language Centers, Columbus will be opening August 23, 2010 and is looking for ESL Teachers in the Greater Columbus, OH area.

Job Summary: Reporting directly to the Academic Director, the Associate Instructor is responsible for planning, teaching and evaluating assigned classes in accordance with the ELS curriculum, with assistance from the AD, Instructional Specialists, Senior Instructors and Instructors; for maintaining student class records; for fulfilling administrative duties as required and/or requested by the AD; and for participating in professional development activities such as workshops and meetings.

Education and Experience: M.A. in ESL or Applied Linguistics preferred. B.A./B.S. required. A minimum of six months of ESL teaching experience relevant to the ELS curriculum and methodologies.

Personal Characteristics: Cultural sensitivity; personal satisfaction derived from and enthusiasm for teaching international students; empathy for the problems of learning English as a second language; good communication and organizational skills.

Notes: This is a part-time position that requires a 120 day probationary period. Hourly wages depend on education and experience.

Contact:  Daniel J. Stone. Center Director
ELS Columbus
c/o Ohio Dominican University
Fitzpatrick Hall
1216 Sunbury Road
Columbus, OH 43219
Ph: 614-251-7360
Fax: 614-251-7375
dstone@els.edu
www.els.edu/columbus


Jul 27

JOB: Purchasing Manager, Global Manufacturing Company (New Jersey)

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Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

A central NJ global manufacturing company is searching for a candidate to fill a newly created position in their new manufacturing facility in central NJ.

MUST be able to Read, Write and Speak Fluent Japanese

 Description
–Must have experience in the manufacturing industry purchasing raw materials
-Must be able to negotiate best price with various vendors
-Must be able to locate new vendors if necessary
-Must be able to work with other departments such as production and sales
-Must be able to ensure materials are available for current and new production orders
-Should be able to evaluate various MRP systems and make appropriate suggestions

Requirements:
–Must speak fluent Japanese
-5-7 Years of experience as a Purchasing Manager
– Must have experience within the manufacturing industry

Compensation: $55,000–$65,000

For more information about the position and to apply, contact Jerry Mosseri of Stand Out Staffing and Resumes.
Email: jmosseri@standoutstaffing.com
Phone: 732-377-8873


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