JapanInfo Flash: Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki Assumes Post in New York
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An announcement from the Consulate General of Japan in New York:
Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki Assumes Post
On February 25, Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki arrived from Tokyo and began his official duties as Consul General of Japan in New York. His first stop after departing the airport was the former World Trade Center site, where he paid his respects to all those lost on September 11, 2001.
As Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan for the past year and a half, Ambassador Hiroki has been at the frontlines of the international community’s efforts, together with the United States, to promote peace and security in that war-ravaged region. To date, Japan has implemented approximately one billion of a total five billion dollar commitment in humanitarian and reconstruction aid for the people of Afghanistan.
As former head of the 9/11 crisis management team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, Ambassador Hiroki is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Japanese visitors and residents in New York. In fact, New York City holds a very special place for Ambassador Hiroki. He was stationed here for several years in the 1990s. As a consul in the Consulate’s political section, his duties included arranging a visit by their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the city. In his welcome message to the New York community, the Ambassador remarked, “This great city is a vibrant center of the political, economic and cultural ties that make up the Japan-US relationship. With your help and understanding, I look forward to doing my part to further the development of a strong Japan-US partnership in New York.”
Ambassador Hiroki’s extensive diplomatic career began in 1979, and he has held various responsibilities at the Ministry in Tokyo and around the globe, including planning Japan’s security policy, developing Japan-Korea relations, managing MOFA budgetary affairs and overseeing Japan’s foreign policy toward Europe. His other overseas assignments include The Hague in the Netherlands and London, UK.
Ambassador Hiroki’s close personal ties with the US were shaped by his formative experience as a young AFS exchange student at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin area high school. He later served as chair of the 29th Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) and was a graduate student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Ambassador is married to Mamiko Hiroki, an English teacher at a Japanese high school and graduate of Columbia University. They have two daughters. Ambassador Hiroki enjoys tennis and practicing tea ceremony in his spare time. He is looking forward to building upon the success of his predecessor, Ambassador Nishimiya, and doing his part to foster mutual understanding and strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the people of Japan and New York City.
JET World Festival Held in Toyama
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Thanks to Hotaka Kawasaki and Matt Gillam of CLAIR-NY for sharing news about this nice example of “Return on JET-vestment” at the local government level:
The CIRs and ALTs in Toyama held the JET World Festival 2011 in Toyama City on February 27th to celebrate their respective home countries and deepen relations with the people of Toyama. According to the Japanese news release below, the festival included booths for each country as well as stage shows featuring Irish music, country & western music, capoeira, and puppet performances. The festival also included a “North Pole” themed kids’ corner and a refreshment stand.
How was the festival? Please feel free to tell us more in a comment to this post or via e-mail to jetwit [at] jetwit.com.
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JETAA Chapter Beat 02.28.11
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- General Meeting – Wednesday, March 2nd, 6:30 to 8:00 at the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center. Discuss upcoming events, issues and the future of PNWJETAA.
- Happy Hour – Friday, March 4th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Kick back and relax after a long week with friends and alumni this Friday.
- Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, March 4th, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.
- Tampa Happami Write-up: Thanks to everyone who came out to Happami. The location was perfect and the weather was great. We had 13 people attending, and three dogs. The Japanese language puzzle race came off well and I think everyone enjoyed it…though it was perhaps more challenging than they had anticipated;) Congratulations to the winner’s of the bonus prize…a ceramic sake serving set shaped like a Tanuki! Karaoke brought more friends out for a greta evening. Thanks again to everyone who came and hope more of you will join us next year. –Tampa Kumi
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, March 2nd, 6:00 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Pitch n Putt Day – Saturday, March 5th, 4:00 at the Canberra International Golf Centre. Spend the day outside and come hit some balls with friends and alumni.
- General Meeting – Wednesday, March 9th, 6:30 in Chicago. Come discuss the future of JETAA Chicago and more.
- Yakiniku & Karaoke – Saturday, March 12th at San Soo Gab San. Enjoy a weekend of Korean BBQ followed by Karaoke at Lincoln Karaoke.
- Happy Hour Networking Event – Wednesday March 2nd, 6:00 at Hard Times Cafe. Chat, relax and catch up with friends old and new at this month’s Networking and Happy Hour event. This will be the last networking event of the year, so don’t miss it.
- Santa Barbara Event – Saturday, March 5th, 11:00 to 1:00 at the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market. Shop local this weekend at the farmer’s market, followed up by lunch at Sojourner Cafe.
- Nihongo Dake Hike – Sunday, March 13th, 8:30 A.M. at Chantry Flats, Sierra Madre. JETAASC is having its first ever Japanese only hike, so get out the trekking boots, dust off the Japanese skills and get out on the trail.
- Annual Meishi Exchange – Thursday, March 3rd, 6:30 at Amber Restaurant. Join JETAANY for its largest social networking event of the year, and get to know other alumni and organizations in the area.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JNTO: Win a free trip to Tokyo’s new Haneda Airport
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FYI, JNTO is running a quiz contest where you can win a free trip to Japan (i.e., round-trip ticket plus accommodations). It’s part of their effort to promote Tokyo’s new Haneda Airport (i.e., the one that’s not actually 3 hours outside of Tokyo). I just entered myself!
Here’s the link: http://www.japantravelinfo.com/haneda_sweepstakes/
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FoxHound: Hokkaido Part 3
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Joshua Small is a First Year JET currently living in Ikaruga-cho, Nara-ken and has been chronicling his experience on his blog Snorlax87.
Instead of hitting the mountain for another day of skiing (an extra 100 bucks for everything), I decided to join other JETs in visiting Otaru. Otaru is a fishing town about 2 hours from Niseko famous for sushi, glass blowing, and music boxes. I know, pretty eclectic eh?
After we arrived at the main station in Otaru, a Hokkaido JET took us on a quick tour of the town. She walked us down the main street, pointing out the most visible landmarks so we could find our way back. After the grand tour, we chose a time to meet up and we all separated. First on our list was food.
It is unfortunate that in a town famous for sushi, I despise sushi. There were sushi restaurants everywhere. Luckily for my wallet, they were all really expensive which priced myself and one other from eating there. The average set cost about $30. Instead, I ate soup curry. It is just like normal curry, except it is thinner, like a soup. It was good.
I toured the city with another Nara JET. Let’s call her Banshee (xmen names). We stopped by a glass-blowing shop to observe the process. It was neat. They even let children come in and try some of the techniques. They let them blow into the tube. I wanted to try, but it seems that children get preference. Stupid children.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the post.
http://snorlax87.blogspot.com/
Job: JETRO Business Development (Toronto)
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via JETAA Toronto. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: JETRO Business Development (Toronto)
Job Details:
The Japan External Trade Organization is currently looking to fill the position of Business Development Officer at its Toronto office. The successful candidate will report directly to the Director of Research. The position is largely focused on research efforts, contributing to the various research activities of the JETRO Toronto office, while also requiring active participation in the office’s investment promotion and strategic alliance activities.
For details about job responsibilities/qualifications click on the following link:
Requirements:
How to apply:
To apply for this position, qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to inquiry@jetro.go.jp
Job: Positions at Japanese Pharmaceutical Company (Tokyo/Osaka)
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via JETAA DC. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for any of these positions, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Details:
A Japanese Pharmaceutical company is hiring for their Tokyo/Osaka office. Starting at 75K, they would like to find people who are willing to move to Japan and be part of the growing company. MUST Be fluent in both English and Japanese. Positions come with relocation assistance, housing assistance,visa support, 401K, retirement plan, health insurance, etc. Applicant must have 5-10 years of experience in their field. Pharmaceutical background preferred.
For more information, please contact Interesse International Inc. dc@iiicareer.com or call us at 571 -384-7117.
Job Positions:
Manager Pharmaceutical Sales Training – Prior sales training or coaching experience desirable. Also experience in curriculum content development is a big plus.
Manager Pharmacovigilence – BS, MS or PhD in Pharmacology, Chemistry, or Life Science. Must be able to assist in establishment and maintaining of assigned PV system that meets applicable regulatory requirements.
Manager Import/Export Clearance – Ensure import.export activities comply with applicable laws and regulations. Background in any import/export documentation needed, such as automotive industry.
Manager Regulatory Affairs – Take part in internal and external review, perform regulatory review of labeling, claims and advertising, change controls for specific products/projects.
Manager Public Relations – Develops speeches, artiles and related communications for management as requested. Assist in developing PR operating plan. Must have experience in health related (strictly regulated) PR.
Technical Consultant Medical Devices – Experience specifically in Stents, Drug Eluding Stents, and Cerebral Coils or other similar medical devices is a must.
Quality Control Engineer for Medical Devices – Experience in quality control of small medical devices preferred.
Manager Intellectual Property – Must have knowledge in acquisitions, licensing and other IP sensitive activities. Life Science, Engineering or Legal education background preferred.
Manager Corporate Social Responsibility – As part of PR department, develops external/internal corporate social responsibility material. One must have three or more years of experience in CSR.
Job: 3rd Shift HR Specialist (Illinois)
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via JETAA Chicago. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: 3rd Shift HR Specialist (Bilingual Eng / Japanese), Lincolnshire, Illinois
Job Details:
Requirements:
The HR Specialist role is intended to be an extension our client’s Human Resources department. The scope of Workforce Management services with this client includes workforce administration, workforce relations, compensation.
HR Specialists will spend the majority (approximately 60-70%) of their time directly servicing employees,
managers, Human Capital Managers/Generalists, and various third party contacts via phones & email communication. HR Specialists will spend time working through various HR and benefits issues such as leave administration, exit interviews, and compensation. Additional activities may include employee follow up, resolving escalated issues, or compiling reports for Human Capital Managers/Generalists.
The remaining amount of their time will be spent leveraging their skills as a team resource, functioning as an informal team leader, and partnering with client team management to assist and improve service delivery.
How to apply:
Please contact Lyndsi Weise, Resource Manager at LWeise@issintegrity.com
Job: Internship at Japan Flix
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via Columbia University Japan Society. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Internship at Japan Flix
Job Details:
Are you interested in helping spread your interest in Japanese culture? Do you have some programming skills that you are looking to apply to some practical use? If so, Japan Flix is currently hiring a web programming internship position that’s right for you!
Japan Flix is:
Japan Flix is a new online distributor of cutting-edge, never-before-seen Japanese films in the United States. Offering a variety of genres including horror, drama, comedy, romance, and exploitation, Japan Flix represents a world of exciting and unique cinematic offerings previously unseen by audiences outside of Japan. Visit our website: www.japanflix.com
Job description:
Japan Flix currently distributes films through iTunes. However, we are currently in the process of developing our
own in-browser streaming service. You will help us finish setting up the online payment system and streaming service on our website.
* 1 or 2 days a week (may require more comitment in the beginning)
* Compensation to be discussed
Required skills:
* Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and relational databases such as MySQL.
* Candidates should have experience in open source object oriented languages such as PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, or Java.
* Experience in setting up an online payment system required.
* Must be highly independent.
How to apply:
* Send your resume to Kei at kei@tk-digital.com
* Use “Japan Flix web programming internship” as your email title.
* We will contact you back to set up an interview
Job: Project Coordinator (London)
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via JETAA UK. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Project Coordinator (London)
Job Details:
Our client, a well-known Japanese company founded in London, is currently looking for a Project coordinator to assist a Japanese manager. They provide interior coordinate service to individual and to corporate to manage their house/office. This position is to assist a Japanese manager who has professional experience within this industry both in Japan and UK to run their projects. Liaising with clients/suppliers, attending and assisting at actual work sites and dealing with general administrative duties.
Requirements:
For more information, please send your English CV to us immediately.
CLOSING DATE: Thursday 10 March 2011
CONTACT NAME: Mitsue Finch Uchida
CONTACT ADDRESS: 10 Ironmonger Lane, London
CONTACT EMAIL: info@access-appointments.com
Original link on JETAA website http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/project-coordinator-interior/
New Osamu Tezuka manga
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Tom Baker (Chiba-ken, 1989-91) is a staff writer for The Daily Yomiuri. He usually writes for DYWeekend, the paper’s arts and leisure section. You can follow Tom’s blog at tokyotombaker.wordpress.com.
Recently he reviewed the manga “Ayako,” a 1970s manga by Osamu Tezuka that only recently became available in English. At nearly 700 pages, “Ayako” tells the story of a large and extremely dysfunctional Japanese family from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. Here is an excerpt:
The title character…is the baby of the family, and becomes a scapegoat for the other family members’ sins. One way Tezuka illustrates this idea is to show a full page of non-rectangular panels, resembling irregular panes of a stained-glass window, where various family members are depicted in words and pictures. These relatively large panels surround one small panel in the center of the page, where little Ayako sits alone in the darkness, with no accompanying text.
At this point in the story, the family has condemned Ayako to imprisonment in a pit–literally–to keep her from revealing a crime she has witnessed.
Befitting the subject matter, Tezuka often uses film noir effects on his pages, filling them with shadows and strange viewing angles.
When a man tries to rescue Ayako from the pit, after she has been in it so long that she is afraid to leave, Tezuka gives us another full page of nonrectangular panels. Their jagged shapes are filled with exaggerated perspectives as the man reaches down to her, well conveying her feeling of panic.
via Noriko Hino, founder of NY de Volunteer. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Research Assistant Volunteer NEEDED (NYC)
Job Details:
Conduct research and prepare grant applications for a Japanese volunteer organization whose mission is to enhance cultural exchange and understanding for the citizens of NYC. Improve research skills by conducting online and in-person research for prospective foundations requests. Draft written grant applications for submission to foundations.
Required Skills:
Benefits:
Gain professional research and writing experience while providing a valuable service to a NYC service volunteer organization. Enhance and improve oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Time/Location Requirements:
Approximately 4 hours per week, with a minimum 3 month commitment requested.
Periodic staff meeting usually once every two to three weeks.
If you are interested in this position, please contact Noriko at noriko@nydevolunteer.org.
Job: Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Japan Information Center (NY)
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via Consulate General of Japan in New York. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Japan Information Center (NY)
Job Details:
The Consulate General of Japan in New York is seeking a member of its support staff to serve as an administrative assistant to the Director of the Japan Information Center (the consulate’s press and public affairs arm).
Responsibilities:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Must demonstrate a readiness to assist the director in various matters, including organizing daily schedule, arranging meetings, answering correspondence, etc. Must be comfortable working in a cross-cultural office environment. Prior experience with Japan/Japanese company and/or Japanese language ability not required but are a plus.
Qualifications:
Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
How to apply:
To apply please send a cover letter and resume to Mr. Toshiya Ito (ito@ny.cgj.org)
Job announcement link:
http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/html/job_20110217.html
Job: Speech Writer/Public Affairs Specialist at The Consulate General of Japan (NY)
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via Consulate General of Japan in New York. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Speech Writer/Public Affairs Specialist at The Consulate General of Japan (NY)
Job Details:
The Consulate General of Japan in New York is currently seeking a speechwriter/public affairs specialist. The incumbent will produce and edit English language public remarks, speeches and official correspondence for the ambassador and other diplomats, and, working in close cooperation with Japanese officials and staff, will carry out a variety of communications duties within the Japan Information Center, the consulate’s press and public affairs arm.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
How to apply:
To apply please send resume and cover letter to Mr. Toshiya Ito (ito@ny.cgj.org)
Job announcement link:
http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/html/job_20110215.html
Job: Two Sales Positions (Torrance)
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via Interplace (a Japanese recruiting firm). Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Sales (2 positions)
Job Details:
Salary: $36-40K (DOE)
Work hour: 9-6
Company type: Beauty Products Sales (start up company)
Location: Torrance
Requirements: Bilingual English/Japanese (conversational)
BA/BS degree. 1+ years sales or marketing experience is required.
Please send me resumes with Word attachment to hiroko@interplace-agency.com
