Jan 11

Call out to Scotland JET alumni

JETAA Chapters Comments Off on Call out to Scotland JET alumni

Via the JETAA UK mailshot:

Jan 10

JETAA Chapter Beat 1.10.12

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Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

Announcing the return of JETAA Chapter Beat! After a long hiatus, Chapter Beat returns to regular bi-monthly updates about what’s happening in JET Alumni chapters around the world. Check it out to see what events are taking place near you in the JETAA community.

JETAA Chicago

• Shinnenkai Culture Festival – Saturday, January 21st, 4-7 P.M. at the Japan Information Center. Celebrate Japanese culture and the new year with snacks, games, and trivia. Fun for all ages.
• Indoor Volleyball League – Starts today, Tuesday, January 10th, 7:15-10:15 at St. Andrews Gym.
• 2012-13 JET Program Interview Volunteers – The next round of JET Program interviews is coming up and the Japan Information Center is looking for JET Alumni to help out with the interview process in February and March.

JETAA Pacific Northwest

• Shinnenkai – Saturday, February 4th, 6:00 at the Nagomi Tea House. Eat, drink, and celebrate the arrival of 2012 with your friends at PNWJETAA

JETAA Northern California

• Volunteer to Staff a Japanese Craft Table – Saturday, February 4th, 11-4 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center’s Lunar New Year Festival. Come out and share some Japanese culture by helping organize activities related to Japan like origami, janken-pon contests, and more.
• Kabuki Club – Sunday, January 22nd, 2:00 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. This month’s selection is a special screening of Ranpei Goes Insane (Ranpei Monogurui), a mix of action, comedy and historical drama.

JETAA Hawaii

• 2012-13 JET Program Interview Volunteers needed – February 21-24, JETAA Hawaii is looking for JET Alumni interested in helping out with upcoming interviews for the next group of potential JETs. Help out, share your experience, and be a part of the future of the JET Program

JETAA Southern California

• Shinnenkai and Winery Tour – Saturday, January 14th. Tour begins at 4:00, dinner at 5:00 at the San Antonio Winery. Celebrate the new year over a glass of wine with your friends and fellow alumni.
• 2012-13 JET Program Interview Volunteers needed – February 21-24, JETAASC is looking for volunteers interested in helping out with upcoming interviews for this year’s JET hopefuls.

JETAA Sydney

• Beach BBQ – Sunday, January 29th, 1:00 at Shelley Beach in Manly. Get outside for some sun and good eats, including yakisoba and suikawari.

JETAA Portland

• Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 14th, 6-8 at D.J.K. in Beaverton.  Celebrate 2012 with new and old friends alike with the group at JETAA Portland.

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.

Jan 10

Justin’s Japan: New York Hosts Sneak Preview of Studio Ghibli’s ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’

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Studio Ghibli's 'The Secret World of Arrietty' premieres in New York Jan. 21. (GNDHDDTW)

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here for related stories.

Co-written by anime legend Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Miyazaki protégé Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the New York International Children’s Film Festival will present a special one-time advance screening of Studio Ghibli’s new film The Secret World of Arrietty on Jan. 21 at Symphony Space, nearly a whole month ahead of its wide release on Feb. 17. The news comes just as the massive 15-film Studio Ghibli Festival (which broke box office records by grossing over $150,000 to date at the IFC Center) wraps up Jan. 12.

Originally released in Japan in July 2010 and based on Mary Norton’s classic children’s book The Borrowers, the film is a beautiful story about friendship, family and love, sumptuously animated with all the loving detail, warmth and humanity expected from Studio Ghibli’s finest works.

Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts.

For the complete story, click here.

Jan 10

I’ll Make It Myself!: “The Wrath of the Kitchen God”

Anecdote Article, Food & Drink, I'll Make It Myself, Writers Kanazawa, Kôjin, mochi, New Year Comments Off on I’ll Make It Myself!: “The Wrath of the Kitchen God”

L.M. Zoller (CIR Ishikawa-ken, Anamizu, 2009-11) is the editor of The Ishikawa JET Kitchen: Cooking in Japan Without a Fight. A writer and web administrator for The Art of Japan: Kanazawa and Discover Kanazawa, ze also writes I’ll Make It Myself!, a blog about food culture in Japan.

While working on a translation about osechi ryôri, the Japanese New Year’s meal, today, I came across a passage about how the meal is prepared in advance of the holidays to avoid using the cooking fire. From a practical standpoint, not having to cook while one’s extended family is visiting gives the primary household cook a chance to relax and spend time with the family. The other reason given is that using the kitchen fire during the year-end period makes Kôjin (荒神) the Fire God angry.

CLICK HERE to read the full post.

Jan 9

Justin’s Japan: Japan Society Flies Under the Radar with New Theatrical Voices

Article/Journalism, Japan Society Round-up, Justin's Japan Comments Off on Justin’s Japan: Japan Society Flies Under the Radar with New Theatrical Voices

Kathryn Hunter, Clive Mendus, Glyn Pritchard and Hideki Noda star in Hideki Noda's 'THE BEE' at Japan Society Jan. 5-15. (Julie Lemberger)

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here for related stories.

As part of this year’s Under the Radar Festival, Japan Society kicks off the new year with a nine-day stage run of Hot Pepper, Air Conditioner, and the Farewell Speech and THE BEE now through Jan. 14 and 15.

Under the Radar is an annual theater festival that spotlights international artists ranging from emerging talents to masters in the field. The festival is a wild mix of works by ensembles, solo artists, writers and creators, offering a crash course in theater created by some of the most dynamic artists working today. In its seven year history, there have been 104 productions from over 17 countries.

“It means a lot for us to be able to present both Hideki Nodaʼs THE BEE and Toshiki Okadaʼs chelfitsch Theater Company in our first time participating in the Under the Radar Festival,” said Japan Society’s artistic director Yoko Shioya. “These shows truly illustrate whatʼs going on in Japanese experimental contemporary theater.”

For the complete story, click here.

Jan 9

JQ Magazine: JQ&A with JUSTE Program Participant Kazumoto Takechi

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"I would like the duration of stay in this project extended as long as possible. Hopefully, this project will revolutionize Japanese English education just as the JET Program has changed the landscape of English language education in Japan."

By Sierra Soleil (Fukushima-ken, 2000-02) for JQ magazine. Sierra works at an ESL school in Manhattan. He enjoys teaching, writing, and riding his bike.

It’s been called the “Reverse JET Program,” which is a lot catchier than the Japan-U.S. Training and Exchange Program for English Language Teachers (JUSTE Program). A few of the East Coast JUSTE teachers made a special public appearance at the JETAANY Welcome Back Reception in November, and since then there has been some talk about exactly what this program is, and what these teachers are up to.

Recently, Kazumoto “Kaz” Takechi, a JUSTE participant at Rutgers University in New Jersey, took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his experience as a Reverse JET. Spoiler alert: the program is very new, and its future is not assured, especially with the budget restrictions caused by the problems in Fukushima. However, if Kaz’s attitude is at all typical of the other participants, JUSTE could be every bit as much of a game-changer as JET was.

Kaz got his MA in English education from Naruto University of Teacher Education in 2002, and works at Ishii Junior High School in Tokushima, Shikoku. He was nominated by the program as one of 96 Japanese teachers of English to spend six months in the U.S. through January of this year, and is the only JUSTE teacher from Tokushima. Before he got to my questions, Kaz started with a shout-out to his former ALTs:

“All of my ALTs have been great partners in the classroom. I am a very lucky teacher because I have met very wonderful ALTs during my nine years as an English teacher. I am really glad to participate in this article for ALTs.”

Where did the idea come from to send teachers to the U.S. in order to improve English education in Japan?

According to the Foreign Ministry Advance Institute Workshop held at Tokyo in May 2010, both Japan and the United States agree that the two countries need to foster mutual understanding at the citizen level in order to sustain and strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. Based on this agreement, a summit conference between Japan and the U.S. was held in Yokohama on November 13, 2010. Details on how to strength our relationships were finalized during this conference. The JUSTE project is a direct outcome of this conference. The Ministry of Education further defined that the JUSTE project had two objectives. One is to foster and develop the English communicative skills of Japanese English teachers. The other is to develop Japanese English teacher pedagogical skills through TESOL classes offered at U.S. institutions.

Has this idea been around for a long time, or was it a recent initiative?

The Ambassador Plenipotentiary has wished that this project take motion for some time. He has consistently envisioned the necessity to give Japanese English teachers the opportunity to seek professional development, in English speaking countries such as the U.S., after they become certified English teachers in Japan. He has consistently suggested this to the government, and thanks to his wonderful efforts this project has finally materialized.

How would you assess the progress so far?

At this juncture, I am focusing on developing the skill sets that will contribute to the professional development of Japanese English teachers and ALTs when I return to Japan. I will be presenting to the English language teacher community as well as conducting demonstration lessons to assist in their professional development. Moreover, I will also write some articles about my experience in this project. Hopefully, I will inspire other English teachers and muster support for this project among supervisors and English language teachers. This is a challenge I am embarking on, but I have conviction that my actions will positively influence other English teachers and the future of Japanese English education.

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Jan 8

JET News Roundup 1.8.2012

Return on JET-vestment, Uncategorized noteworthy, return on investment Comments Off on JET News Roundup 1.8.2012

By Filmore Ha (Ibaraki-ken, 2006-08).  Filmore continues to live and work in the Greater Tokyo Area and is webmaster for JETAA Tokyo, however he is looking for new opportunities in the U.S. or Canada.

Happy New Year!  After a very nice albeit busy Oshougatsu here in Japan, I’m back with the first round up of JET related news for 2012.

• JETAASC Newsletter 12/29/2011
  JETAA Southern California released it’s last newsletter of 2011 on the 29th of December with a summary of the chapter’s annual Bonenkai, info about their upcoming Shinnenkai for anyone who missed out previously, as well as several job listings.
• JETAA Portland Shinnenkai 2012
  Come out and hang with JETAA Portland at their Shinnenkai on January 14th.  Space is limited and the last day to RSVP is Wednesday January 12th so hop to it!
• Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Songwriting Contest
  2012 marks 100 years since the Mayor of Tokyo presented 3000 cherry blossom trees to Washington D.C., and in celebration this year the city of Nashville, TN is holding a song writing contest in conjunction with their fourth annual Cherry Blossom Festival.  If you’re in the area on March the 24th then definitely go check it out!
• JETAA Tokyo Shinnenkai 2012
  Come out and hang with JETAA Tokyo as we host our 2012 Shinnenkai on January 27th at one of the most loved Mexican restaurants in central Tokyo!

Jan 6

Surviving in Japan: 24 Ways to Stay Warm This Winter

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Posted by Ashley Thompson (Shizuoka-ken, 2008-2010) of Surviving in Japan: without much Japanese and Lifelines columnist for The Japan Times.

So you’ve prepared your home in Japan as best you can for winter and you’ve got a heater or two, or a kotatsu, to keep you warm. What else can you do to survive the winter in Japan, especially with the continued emphasis on energy conservation?

1. Carry “kairo” (カイロ). Small body (typically hand) warmers. The disposable kind are the ones you open and shake up and typically last a few hours. Some can be placed in your shoes, around your ankles, around your waist or even around your wrists. Here are a few examples.

I’ve also noticed a trend of “eco-kairo” (エコカイロ) this year. The eco-kind vary, but some are filled with gel and you heat them in the microwave. Some are battery-powered (I’m not sure exactly how that is very “eco” though, unless they’re solar-charged, but I suppose it is less wasteful to some degree).

Some examples of “eco kairo” with cute covers (found at Loft):

2. Use a lap blanket. Whether at work or home, these smaller blankets are good to have on hand. Look for ひざかけ (膝掛け).

3. Or a space blanket. They aren’t just the shiny, futuristic looking sheets anymore (though you can get those too). These kind are fabric-covered. Look for スペースケット.

4. Or an electric blanket. Look for 電気毛布 (でんきもうふ, denkimoufu).

5. Use a hot water bottle (湯たんぽ, ゆたんぽ). Especially good for cold feet.

6. Eat hot dishes. Like Nabe. Curry. Ramen. Or any other hot meal. What’s your favorite?

7. Drink lots of hot tea, especially if your workplace provides it for free.

8. Hot drinks. Remember that many vending machines and conveniences stores have a section for “hot drinks” (usually have a red label underneath and say あったかい or “hot drink” while the cold ones have a blue label, and yes, the vending machines that offer them do change over from summer).

When I first arrived in Japan I had no idea you could buy a hot beverage from a vending machine, and when I chose (cold) tea, thinking I was just choosing regular tea from a vending machine, the person I was with looked at me in complete shock.

“Don’t you want a hot drink?” she asked.

“What? There’s hot drinks?”

“Yes.” She points to the red label, “These are hot.” The look accompanying this was more or less, “how did you miss that…”

Not sure if it’s just me, but I never really came across a vending machine in the US with hot drinks aside the dispenser types at some schools or hospitals, etc. Who needs a vending machine with a coffee shop on every street corner? I am from Seattle after all.

9. Heat Tech from Uniqlo. What you would call long underwear. If not from Uniqlo, wool or silk are also great materials (and yes, you can get non-itchy, lightweight wool base layers – merino wool is one of those). If you’re prone to being cold like I am, you’ll be extra thankful for that base layer!

10. Layer. Outer layer. While you’re shopping for long underwear, do yourself a favor and get a warm winter coat. I recommend anything with down. Uniqlo and Muji have them, but here’s a secret, Sierra Trading Post often has crazy discounts on down jackets. (No, they didn’t pay me to say that – I wish). Be careful if you want anything with fur trim though, as customs might get you when you have it shipped here directly.

CLICK HERE to read the other 14 ways.

Jan 5

Job: Japanese Content Editor (UK)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Japanese Content Editor (UK)

Via JETAAUK . Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Japanese Content Editor (UK)

Job Details:

At Omnifone, we’re over the moon with ‘Music Unlimited’ – the cloud music service which we power globally for Sony, giving music lovers access to millions of tracks through a wide range of connected consumer electronics. Providinge up-to-the-minute musical content, and you’ll make our service better than ever.
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Jan 5

Job: Language specialist for the Navy (Yokosuka, Japan)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Language specialist for the Navy (Yokosuka, Japan)

Via former JETAA DC President Michelle Spezzacatena . Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Language specialist for the Navy (Yokosuka, Japan)

Job Details:

SALARY RANGE: $41,563.00 to $78,355.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 to Tuesday, January 17, 2012
SERIES & GRADE: GS-1040-09/12
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time – Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:12
DUTY LOCATIONS: Few vacancy(s) – Yokosuka, JA JapanView Map
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States Citizens
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Jan 5

Job: Digital Video Publisher – Japanese Language Specialization (Los Angeles)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Digital Video Publisher – Japanese Language Specialization (Los Angeles)

Via JET alum Lejarie Battiste . Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Digital Video Publisher – Japanese Language Specialization (Los Angeles)

Job Details:

Could you tolerate 5 hours of the genjutsu technique of Tsukuyomi? Have you seen every episode of Dragonball Z, Naruto, or Cowboy Bebop? Or do you reminisce about the classics such as Voltron, Speed Racer, or Gundam? Do you own all of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces?
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Jan 5

Job: Operations Support Supervisor – Japanese Language (Los Angeles)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Operations Support Supervisor – Japanese Language (Los Angeles)

Via JET alum Lejarie Battiste . Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Operations Support Supervisor – Japanese Language (Los Angeles)

Job Details:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Researches trends, analyzes data and monitors service performance for the Service division.
• Collaborates with department managers, as must review Quality Assurance metrics and ensure a consistent customer experience.
• Acts as a communicator between Japan, Europe, and US office to relay any information that impacts online or offline services.
• Translates various documents, which consists of news article translation that will be uploaded to a live web site.
• Create, updates and maintains procedures.
• Creates and implements “best practices” training.
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Jan 5

Job: Video Game Community Representative (Los Angeles)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Video Game Community Representative (Los Angeles)

Via JET alum Lejarie Battiste . Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Video Game Community Representative

Job Details:

Summary:
Executes innovative community related activities to retain and attract players. Also works to facilitate the growth and continued success of the player community.

Requirements:
– Ability to multi task in a fast-paced environment
– Knowledge of the entertainment software industry
– Knowledge of the Massively Multiplayer Online game genre
– Japanese language skills and experience working with Japanese corporations (not required, but a plus)

How to apply:
http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=f47affc7f9401189&from=tellafriend

Jan 5

Job: Jr. Recruiter – English/Japanese bi-lingual (Los Angeles)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Jr. Recruiter – English/Japanese bi-lingual (Los Angeles)

Via JET alum Lejarie Battiste . Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Jr. Recruiter – English/Japanese bi-lingual (Los Angeles)

Business hour: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
Location: Los Angeles

Professional HR Consultant (Recruiter/Sales) will learn Recruiting Techniques, Sales, Human Resources related policies and Customer Service and provide services to our clients.
– Recruit through various sources
– Facilitate the hiring process, which includes interviewing and screening candidates
– Consult with clients to provide staffing and HR consulting services
– Prospecting new businesses
– Other duties as assigned by supervisor or management
– Some Travel required up to 20%
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Jan 5

Job: Third Shift Customer Service Associate – Japanese speaking (IL)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Third Shift Customer Service Associate – Japanese speaking (IL)

Via Therese Stephen. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Third Shift Customer Service Associate – Japanese speaking (IL)

Job Details:

This position supports the Asian offices of an existing global client. The Customer Service Associate (CSA) 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.
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