JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘Monkey Business Volume 6’
Article/Journalism, Books, JQ Magazine, Reviews, Roland Kelts 
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“In addition to the stories profiled here, there are other works that will make you laugh while taking you to a Japan that might not have even existed in your imagination.” (A Public Space)
By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata-ken, 2008-10) for JQ magazine. A former head of the JETAA Philadelphia Sub-Chapter, Rashaad is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University with a master’s degree in responsible tourism management. For more on his life abroad and enthusiasm for taiko drumming, visit his blog at www.gettingpounded.wordpress.com.
Upon picking up the sixth volume of Monkey Business: New Writing from Japan, the first thought that popped into my head was that I would be introduced to epic Japanese works and/or more prominent authors from the country. After all, several award-winning writers—including Mieko Kawakami, Satoshi Kitamura and Hiroko Oyamada—produce works that appear in this volume. Quite possibly, some of the stories in this 21-piece set might become classics in Japanese literature. Or at the very least, this newbie to the Monkey Business series might discover new aspects of Japan—or be reintroduced to certain things—in rather unforgettable tales.
And well…this edition of Monkey Business doesn’t lack colorful stories. Several of them stand out, including the first one – “Forbidden Diary.” No, it doesn’t serve as an educational tour of Japanese history or culture. Instead, this excerpt of Sachiko Kishimoto’s fictional diary introduces us to a “Phantom Old Man” who has experienced Japan a little differently from the way you might have.
Let’s see…the old man (who is actually being taken care of by the narrator) remembers Shibuya as being totally void of people, as only a haven for rice paddies and without its iconic scramble crossroads. In addition to seemingly arriving out of the Stone Age, the old man repeatedly changes appearances during the story.
Job: Various Positions – Keiro Northwest (Seattle, Washington, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Various Positions
Posted by: Keiro Northwest
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Keiro Northwest (formerly Nikkei Concerns) is a leading provider of health and wellness services in the Pacific Northwest, that embraces an increasingly diverse community while honoring our Japanese American heritage and history has just updated their list of full time, part time and on-call positions.
Please click here for a complete list of current positions available.
Job: Executive Assistant – Consulate-General of Japan (Seattle, Washington, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Executive Assistant
Posted by: Consulate-General of Japan
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Contract: Full-Time
The Executive Assistant will perform a variety of secretarial projects and duties including speech and correspondence writing, scheduling, research, event planning, etc. Excellent command of written and spoken English, computer skills, flexibility, and diligence required. Japanese language ability preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the writing and proofreading of communication materials such as speeches, correspondence, social media, and website content.
- Event planning for large and small official events.
- Provide general administration and office support.
Requirements:
- Native English speaker with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Japanese language ability preferred.
- Editorial experience.
- Strong planning skills with the ability to multi-task and manage competing demands.
- Ability to focus in a fast-paced and changeable environment.
- Can demonstrate a high level of computer literacy (including Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
- Ability to make visitors feel welcome in the office.
- Hard-working, diligent, dedicated, focused, friendly and cooperative.
Application Process: Submit resume and cover letter by June 15, 2016, to:
Job: English Instructor – K&F English Academy (Japan)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: English Instructor
Posted by: K&F English Academy
Location: Hiroshima Japan
Contract: Full-Time
K&F English Academy is now seeking a special individual to join our teaching staff: an individual who is not only a friendly and effective English instructor, but is also interesting and a talented individual who now wants to offer an energetic contribution to a dynamic western owned organization.
K&F English Academy is a thriving language school located in picturesque Takehara and Mihara, cities in western Japan, bounded by mountains and the sea. Although the major city attractions (and great historical interest) of Hiroshima are just an hour away, Takehara and Mihara themselves are mid-size cities and so offers all the personal challenges and rewards of an “immersion experience” in traditional Japan. K&F English Academy has for the past twenty years maintained two language schools with lively and creative educational programs, teaching small classes for a range of ages (from small children to adults) as well as organizing an occasional extracurricular activities (Halloween & Christmas parties, barbecues, etc.) for schools, companies and community participants. Read More
Job: Program Assistant – Japan Center for International Exchange USA (New York, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Program Assistant
Posted by: Japan Center for International Exchange USA
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full-Time
The Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA) is a leading nonprofit organization in the field of US-Japan relations that conducts international political exchanges and fosters dialogue between policymakers and policy researchers on both sides of the Pacific. JCIE/USA is seeking a full-time program assistant for its small New York office to assist in program management and support office administration. The job requires considerable flexibility and organization.
Responsibilities:
- Program Support (approx. 40% of time)
- Assist with coordinating exchange programs, study projects, and conferences related to international affairs
- Assist with ad hoc background research on US-Japan relations and other topics relevant to JCIE programs
- Correspond with donors, participants, partner organizations, vendors, and other parties necessary for program management
- Help keep track of grant budgets
- Make necessary travel and logistical arrangements
- Help write grant proposals, reports, and other program-related communications
- IT & Website (approx. 30% of time)
- Manage internal IT system (server, office network, etc.)
- Work with IT providers
- Maintain office database systems
- Help to oversee and implement website updates (basic html coding skills a plus)
- Office Administration & Communications (approx. 30% of time)
- Assist with email newsletters, website content writing, etc.
- Handle incoming calls, oversee office circulations, and light filing
Job: ESL Teacher (Elementary) – Seigakuin Atlanta International School (Georgia, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Elementary (1st-6th Grade) ESL Teacher
Posted by: Seigakuin Atlanta International School
Location: Atlanta, GA
Contract: Part-Time
A small private school is seeking an experienced 1st-6th grade teacher to teach in our English-Japanese bilingual program. ESL part-time teacher position (12 hours/wk, 3 days a week). TESOL certificate plus ESL classroom teaching experience required.
Please send your resume and cover letter to employment@seigakuin.us.
WIT Lif #301: 是枝監督の新作！
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WIT Life 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 along with her own observations.
I seem to have a knack for timing my business trips to Japan in sync with releases of my favorite director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s films, and this time is no exception. Last night I had the chance to check out 海よりもまだ深く (Umi yori mo mada fukaku) or After the Storm), a welcome addition to Kore-eda’s impressive body of work. It features the familiar cast of characters who can be found throughout the rest of his films, such as Hiroshi Abe and Kirin Kiki paired once again as mother and son, and Lily Franky.
Abe plays Ryota, a character with the same name as the one he played in Kore-eda’s 歩いても歩いても (Aruito mo aruite mo or Still Walking). This Ryota is a formerly award-winner author who barely makes ends meet by gambling and his job as a private investigator. He struggles to pay child support to his ex-wife in order to be able to see his son on a monthly basis. Despite being accustomed to Kore-eda’s leisurely pace, I found the film a bit slow at the beginning. However, as the story unfolded I started to be drawn more into the stories of the characters. Perhaps it was because I’m far from home and missing my own family, but I found my eyes filling with tears during some of the tender family moments. I loved the deceivingly simple but significant shot of Read More
Justin’s Japan —Nippon in New York: LuckyRice, New York Japan CineFest, cosplay party, AnimeNEXT
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ROOKiEZ is PUNK’D returns to AnimeNEXT, coming to Atlantic City June 10-12. (Courtesy of Animenext.org)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
After an unusually chilly spring, it’s finally starting to feel like summer. Enjoy some seasonal events this month that celebrate the best of both fine art and pop art.
This month’s highlights include:
Thursday, June 2, 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Industry City, 233 37th Street (Brooklyn)
$88 GA, $150 VIP
Last appearing in Gotham for its Ramen Slurpfest back in October, this year’s New York Feast breathes new life this year as we move to a creative hub in Brooklyn to showcase the city’s most enticing Asian food experiences: from Southeast Asia to Western China, from fine dining global restaurants to local superstar mom and pop shops, from traditional dishes to fusion dishes that mash up culinary cultures. Enjoy tastings from over 30 curated chefs (including delectables from Pokéworks, Sushi Samba and Tuome), as well as dozens of craft cocktails, sake, beer, and beverages to keep you spirited throughout the night. VIP ticket holders gain guests one hour early admission.
June 2-3, 6:30 p.m.
Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue
$12, $10 seniors/students, $8 members
Highlighting some of the most exciting new voices in cinema, New York Japan CineFest is an annual event that features works by emerging Japanese and Japanese American filmmakers. Over two programs of short films, standouts includeTOKYO COSMO, an anime study on loneliness; Fall Seven Times, Get Up Eight: The Japanese War Brides, a real-life story about a trio of women who left Japan in the 1950s to start a new life in America; and Keino, a documentary about the eponymous custom motorcycle builder of Brooklyn’s Keino Cycles. A reception sponsored in part by Kirin Brewery of America will follow the first night’s screenings.
Saturday, June 4, 5:30 p.m.
J+B Design & Café, 300 7th Street (Brooklyn)
$8 (free for J-members)
For this Inaugural event, J-Collabo offers a very unique underground theme location for photos. Bring our own camera or have their professional photographer capture your costume! The winner of their contest will receive a special gift from J-Collabo Brooklyn. Enjoy J+B’s Nel drip coffee, Yuzu Ginger Lemon and Yuzu Ginger Ale, exquisite teas, sake, and Japanese morsels while browsing a selection of gorgeous Japanese artisanal merchandise at this neighborhood treasure chest of rare and enchanting items.
For the complete story, click here.
Japan Local: Omagari All-Japan National Fireworks Competition 2016
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Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.
Every August, fireworks masters from across Japan compete in an impressive music and pyrotechnics show at the All-Japan National Fireworks Competition (Omagari Fireworks) along the Omono River in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the event. Click HERE to read MORE.
Japan Local: Tohoku Rokkon (Six Souls) Festival
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Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.
The Tohoku Rokkon (“Six Souls”) Festival is a two-day event where you can see six major Tohoku area summer festivals (one from each prefecture) all in one place!
It was created to encourage the revival of the Tohoku area after the Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami of 2011. This year marks the sixth and final year of the event. It will be held in Aomori City from June 25-26, 2016.
Job: Program Manager – Japan ICU Foundation (New York, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Program Manager
Posted by: Japan ICU Foundation
Location: New York City, NY
Contract: Full-Time
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Director of Communications, the Program Manager will work cross functionally to successfully administer JICUF’s grants, scholarships and programs. The Program Manager will respond to additional responsibilities as they arise.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Grants
- Lead in the solicitation of grant applications from ICU faculty and students.
- Review incoming letters of inquiry, invite submission of full proposals to eligible applicants and compile documentation for internal staff review and Grants Committee review.
- Inform applicants of Grant Committee’s funding decision, and arrange for transfer of grant funding to ICU.
- Compile reports from grantees on usage of funds and coordinate with the Director of Communications to publicize results.
- Scholarships
- Conduct research into scholarship best practices.
- Participate in strategic review of JICUF scholarships.
- Programs
- Help plan and implement Global Link and Rethinking Peace Studies, JICUF’s two flagship programs.
Qualifications:
- We are seeking an upbeat person willing to work within a creative, collaborative and agile team.
- The applicant must have an undergraduate degree.
- Minimum of three years of work experience, preferably within a foundation, non-profit organization or university.
- Must be an excellent communicator, including impeccable writing skills.
- Should be aware of trends within international higher education and philanthropy.
- Must have a familiarity with and cultural awareness of Japan.
Salary and Benefits: The position comes with a competitive salary and benefits package.
Application Process: Application instructions can be found here http://www.jicuf.org/job-opportunities/
Job: Reporter/Researcher – The Yomiuri Shimbun (New York, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Reporter/Researcher
Posted by: The Yomiuri Shimbun
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full-Time
The Yomiuri Shimbun is Japan’s largest daily newspaper. We are headquartered in Tokyo and have 26 international bureaus, three of which are in the United States: New York, Washington, and Los Angeles.
Website: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/
Website in English: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/
Applicants must be prepared to work occasional overtime. This is a full-time position. Compensation includes medical/dental benefits, and 401(k).
Qualifications:
- Applicants must have a strong interest in current affairs.
- An interest in journalism combined with attention to accuracy and the ability to multitask effectively under deadline is required.
- Applicants should already be based in New York region
Description: Main duties involve assisting Japanese correspondents by covering events, tracking relevant stories, arranging and conducting interviews, doing research, etc. Applicant may also be required to work various news areas (national politics, diplomacy, New York area stories, national news, business, sports, etc.) as the situation warrants. Rapid and precise transcription ability is also required.
Application Procedure: Please email cover letter and resume to Makoto Yoshiikee (New York, Bureau Chief, Yomiuri Shimbun) at yominy2016@gmail.com. No phone calls, please. Applicants must be available for in-person interview.
Job: Secretary for Consul-General and Deputy Consul-General of Japan – Consulate-General of Japan at Houston (Texas, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Secretary for Consul-General and Deputy Consul-General of Japan
Posted by: Consulate-General of Japan at Houston
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Benefits: Paid vacation, medical/dental insurance, US federal and some Japanese national holidays
Working Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday (some evenings and weekends required for special events and receptions)
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Management of daily schedules for Consul-General and Deputy Consul-General including R.S.V.P for invitations and car arrangement.
- Making appointments, reservations and assisting CG and DCG with correspondences
- Receptions/dinners/lunches hosted by the Consul-General; preparing guest lists, mailing invitations, collecting R.S.V.P.’s, preparing nametags and flowers etc.
- Preparing and sending letters/cards from CG and DCG.
- Other administrative duties and assisting CG and DCG with day-to-day work.
Required Qualifications:
- US citizen or US permanent residency holders
- Strong English language speaking and writing skills
- Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills
- Strong computer skills. Must be proficient in common software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
- Knowledge and experience with secretarial work (preferable)
- Knowledge of Japan and Japanese culture (preferable)
Application Process: Interested candidates should mail, fax, or e-mail their resume and cover letter to Ms. Jaclyn Clark (Fax: (713) 651-7822, E-mail: Jaclyn.clark@ho.mofa.go.jp). Deadline for submission is Monday May 30, 2016. Please do not call with regard to your application status.
Job: General Affairs Staff – Consulate General of Japan (New York City, USA)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: General Affairs Staff
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Location: New York City, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Consulate General of Japan is currently seeking an employee for the General Affairs Staff. If you are interested, please send us your resume (English or Japanese) via E-mail or postal service. Work consists of assisting with consular duties including but not limited to reception duties and corresponding/negotiation work with vendors.
Starting Month: July 2016
Basic Work Hours: Monday through Friday 9:15-17:45.
Salary: Will be determined under Consulate regulations.
Qualifications:
- Must be an American Citizen or Green card holder.
- Fluent in both Japanese and English.
- Must be proficient with Word, Excel and other PC related work.
- E-mail: kyujin@ny.mofa.go.jp
- Mail:
Job: Kindergarten English Teacher – Nishida Gakuen (Hiroshima, Japan)
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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Kindergarten English Teacher
Posted by: Nishida Gakuen
Location: Hiroshima, Japan
Contract: Full-Time
Nishida Gakuen is a small, friendly Japanese kindergarten in Mihara, Hiroshima which offers English classes during and after regular school hours. We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic English teacher for our school! It’s a great position for JETs alumni hoping to stay in Japan and explore teaching on their own. The kindergarten’s website may be found here (Japanese only): http://www.nishida.ed.jp/
Responsibilities:
- Instruct daily kindergarten English classes (15 – 20 minutes each) to the kindergarten’s three, four and five year old students
- Teach after school English classes (50 minutes each with 10 minutes of break in between classes) to students ages three to fifteen in the Pacific Language School style (training provided)
- Participate in all school events (sports day, end of year recital, graduation, etc). If the event is scheduled on a weekend, the teacher will be given a day off in lieu during the following week or another convenient date.
- Plan and conduct two holiday craft classes (Halloween & Christmas) as well as decorate the English classroom
