By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here. 

In the dog days of summer, it’s best to escape the heat in a place that’s cozy and cool. For those into both cutting-edge and classic anime, this month offers a diverse trio of theatrical revivals—all in the comfort of indoor air conditioning.

This month’s highlights include: 

August 1-2

Hiromi’s Sonicwonder – OUT THERE Album Release Show

Sony Hall, 145 West 45th Street

From $45

Since Hiromi’s debut album Another Mind (2003), the world-renowned pianist’s sound has evolved with every release, erasing the lines between jazz and classical, composition and improvisation. This special intimate performance celebrates the release of OUT THERE, Hiromi’s 13th studio full-length album. Born in Hamamatsu, Japan, Hiromi began studying piano when she was six years old. When she was 17, Chick Corea invited her to play with him at a Tokyo concert. She attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where she was mentored by jazz legend Ahmad Jamal. A prolific artist, she has also recorded the soundtrack to Blue Giant, an animated feature film based on the popular manga. Hiromi is a perennial favorite on DownBeat’s Annual Critics and Readers Poll, and has performed at the world’s finest jazz festivals, including Montreux, Umbria, North Sea, Newport, and Monterey. Her work has been celebrated by media including the New York Times, NPR and NPR Music, and the Washington Post, and she was a featured performer at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony in 2021.

August 10-12

Grave of the Fireflies

Various theaters

Various prices

As the Empire of the Sun crumbles upon itself and a rain of firebombs falls upon Japan, the final death march of a nation is echoed in millions of smaller tragedies. This is the story of Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, two children born at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and now cast adrift in a world that lacks not the care to shelter them, but simply the resources. Forced to fend for themselves in the aftermath of fires that swept entire cities from the face of the earth, their doomed struggle is both a tribute to the human spirit and the stuff of nightmares. Beautiful, yet at times brutal and horrifying. Based on the retellings of survivor Nosaka Akiyuki and directed by Isao Takahata (co-founder, with Hayao Miyazaki, of Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli). Grave of the Fireflies has been universally hailed as an artistic and emotional tour de force. Now digitally remastered and restored, it is one of the rare films that truly deserves to be called a masterpiece.

Opens August 13

Shin Godzilla

Various theaters

Various prices

Now in 4K! Something has surfaced in Tokyo Bay. As the Prime Minister of Japan pleads with the public to remain calm, a horrific creature of tremendous size makes landfall in the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Then it evolves. The government assembles a motley task force to combat the monster when an envoy from the US Department of State delivers a folder of classified documents. On its cover is written: “GODZILLA.” From Director Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion) and Co-Director Shinji Higuchi, Shin Godzilla offers a thrilling origin story to one of cinema’s greatest creations. Propelled by astounding visual effects and rapid fire dialogue, Shin Godzilla is equal parts pulse-pounding action film and venomous political satire, worthy of the franchise’s towering history.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Student Engagement Coordinator
Posted by: Temple University, Japan Campus
Location: Tokyo, Japan; Hybrid
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Temple University, Japan Campus for passing along the following job opening.

Visa Requirement   

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is able to sponsor a visa for this position

Salary & Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience.

Eleven (11) days paid vacation in the first year, increasing to 20 days after 6 years of employment, plus 5 paid “personal and sick days” each year. In addition, approximately two weeks company-wide break over Christmas/New Year. Japanese social insurance and pension, commuting/telework allowance, a welfare-discount program membership, retirement payment system, and tuition benefits for Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) programs.

Overview of position

The student engagement coordinator organizes cultural workshops, day outings, and overnight trips to cultivate social relations among our diverse student population and supports an active campus life by working with student organizations. The engagement coordinator also supports and coordinates different initiatives within Student Engagement and collaborates with other departments to promote campus-wide activities and events via social media. In addition, as a team member of OSSE, the engagement coordinator will also be asked to assist with the new student welcome week, office-sponsored events, and walk-in inquiries.

sparrosd@gmail.com

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Japan Specialist, Sales
Posted by: Extraordinary Journeys
Location: Remote
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Extraordinary Journeys for passing along the following job opening.

Are you passionate about a destination and want to share it with other people? Do you love to travel and thrive off sharing your knowledge and expertise in planning interesting, unique trips for people that will create memories that last a lifetime? Do you want to work with a group of passionate, highly motivated women who live and breathe travel? We are searching for an experienced Japan specialist with a deep knowledge of the country to join our team. Candidates will be able to work remotely.

Extraordinary Journeys is a luxury adventure tour operator that specializes in creating custom, authentic, high-end trips for adventurous travelers to Africa and around the world. We know that people are looking for something unique, something special, and we pride ourselves on staying on the edge of the industry—constantly discovering places and how our clients see them. Beyond that, we know that no two people are the same and that their trips shouldn’t be either; matching the right people with the right properties has become our trademark. We value knowledge, creativity, enthusiasm, and customer service.

We recently expanded our offerings to include Asia, but with continuing interest in Japan from our travelers, we’re looking to bring a full-time specialist onto our team.

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Business News Researcher / Reporter
Posted by: The Yomiuri Shimbun
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Alex Carlson (Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, 2013-2017) for passing along the following job opening.

Main duties involve assisting the Yomiuri Shimbun’s New York-based Japanese business correspondent by covering events, conferences, company earnings calls, financial markets; tracking relevant stories, arranging and conducting interviews, doing research, and coming up with story ideas. One area of special focus is big tech (Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple) and issues connected to artificial intelligence.

In addition to reporting on business and covering financial markets, you may at times have to cover other areas (including national politics, sports, etc.). Some transcription / synopsizing of press conferences and earnings calls is also required. Since the articles are written in Japanese, there are no byline opportunities for this position.

Application Process: Email cover letter and resume to: yomiuri2025job@gmail.com

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Sales Representative for a Japanese Manufacturing Company
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: Dublin, OH, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Carlos Medina (Oita, 2019-2022) for passing along the following job opening.

A Japanese Manufacturing company is currently looking for a full time Sales Representative to join their Dublin, OH location.

This position is ideal for candidates who are eager to grow in a technical sales environment. You will support experienced sales staff in promoting automatic control products to customers across North and South America.

With a flexible work style, supportive team culture, and structured training, this role offers a great opportunity to build a strong foundation in manufacturer sales within a global Japanese company.

DOE and skills, the pay range for this position will be between 50k-55k. Candidates with previous sales experience are of course welcomed, but even candidates without prior sales experience, but willing to learn are encouraged to apply.

sparrosd@gmail.com

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Volunteer English Language Teacher
Posted by: Get Universal Co. Ltd. on Peace Boat
Location: Tokyo/Yokohama, Japan; Around the World
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Get Universal Co. Ltd. for passing along the following job opening.

Description

• Creating and delivering a student-negotiated curriculum of task-based English and/or
• Spanish lessons for both private and group students.
• Organising and participating in a variety of student programmes such as informal
• English/Spanish-language conversation events, language study sessions, etc.
• Collaborating to create and host a series of extra-curricular events for GET students,
• including but not limited to student orientation sessions, a speech festival, graduation
• ceremony, student parties, etc.
• Participating in onboard events such as departure ceremonies, welcome ceremonies,
• international festivals, themed performances, etc.
• Assisting in events both on board and in port in support of Peace Boat’s cooperative
• projects and advocacy activities.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://peaceboat.org/english/volunteer/GET-volunteer

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Part-Time Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
Posted by: Digital Museum of the History of Japanese in New York
Location: Remote or NY-based
Contract: Part-Time

Thanks to Mac Gill (Kochi Prefecture, 2021-2023) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
The Digital Museum of the History of Japanese in New York is seeking a creative and expansion-minded Social Media & Marketing Coordinator to support the Digital Museum’s focus on preserving and sharing the experiences of Japanese and Japanese Americans in New York City. This part-time position is ideal for someone passionate about public history, cultural heritage, and engaging diverse audiences through digital storytelling. You will help grow our digital presence, highlight archival materials and oral histories, and connect our mission with both local and global communities.

Key Responsibilities
Content Creation

sparrosd@gmail.com

By Chang-Hyun Choi for JQ magazine. Interpretation assistance by Miyuki W. Myrthil. Photos by Esther JY Kim.

Known for her powerful vocals and electric performances, anisong and J-pop global sensation LiSA kicked off her first-ever North American Another Great Day tour in New York City with two sold-out concerts at Terminal 5 on June 18-19, followed by stops in Los Angeles on June 23-24 and Mexico City on June 28. Notably, these were her debut solo shows in America, and her first show in Mexico in nine years. 

Fans excitedly shook their penlights and sang along with their favorite songs from hit anime such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fate/Zero, and Solo Leveling. LiSA’s performances showcased her artistry and tenacity, combining her incredible singing with breathtaking visuals across consecutive nights. She crafted an unforgettable experience for New Yorkers who got the chance to cheer and even dance together with LiSA to her setlist full of thrilling and emotional songs.      

In this exclusive interview, JQ had a chance to sit down with LiSA to chat about her experiences performing in New York City and her vision for this momentous overseas tour.

First of all, congratulations on your two sold-out concerts in New York City!

Thank you!

What was your impression of the crowd, and do you feel any differences performing here than elsewhere?

It was so surprising to witness such high energy, high voltage energy from the start. The way they called me and called my name, the LiSA calls, were so great, and most impressive was the way the New York City audience was dancing to my music, swaying to my music. They definitely know how to enjoy music, and that’s something that’s so unique.

The crowd had a huge response to your songs from hit anime series such as Demon Slayer and Sword Art Online, but we also got to hear songs like “WiLD CANDY” and the recent “RED ZONE.” What thoughts went into making your New York City or overseas setlists?

I’m entering into the 15th year of my career, and for this being my first North American tour, I wanted to bring out all the songs that I think the fans got to know me for, the songs that they must have been waiting for me to perform in America, so those are the songs that I put together. Also, songs like “WiLD CANDY” and “RED ZONE” are songs where I love to see how the audiences react to them. Those are the kinds of thoughts and processes that I put into creating the setlist.

It was very impressive that you spoke English for most of the MC Parts.

Really?

Yes! Was there anything more you’d have wanted to tell the fans if you had more time?

I definitely wanted to share in the great time with the fans who have been looking forward to meeting me, who got to know me through anime and my music, and also I wanted to share that “今日もいい日だ” or “Today’s Another Great Day,” the catchphrase that I have. That phrase means to appreciate and feel gratitude for the good parts of the day. I wanted to share that moment and phrase with the audience here.

今日もいい日だ, or Today’s Another Great Day, is a phrase that you’ve kept very close to your heart as LiSA. What does it mean for your first North American tour to be called that, to share those words?

It was definitely a happy day and the reason I made the title “Another Great Day” is because I wished for the day to be another good day and it has become that, and so I feel so great and I feel grateful that such a day happened.  

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Publicity Coordinator
Posted by: Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. for passing along the following job opening.

The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Publicity Coordinator. The main responsibilities of this position include promoting JICC exhibitions and events through press outreach, social media management, website, and other digital and traditional means. The position also performs various office support functions. Please see below for a detailed listing of responsibilities.

The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, paid vacation, and sick leave. Working hours are 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday with weeknight and/or weekend events several times a month (paid overtime). Salary is commensurate with experience. The monthly pay range for this position is USD $3,800-6,500.

Please note: Candidate must be able to provide proof of legal authorization to work in the United States. Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Only successful candidates will be contacted. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

RESPONSIBILTIES

sparrosd@gmail.com

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Social Media Assistant
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in New York
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time; Contract

Thanks to Joseph Meringolo (Fukushima-ken, 2014-2017) for passing along the following job opening.

The Consulate General of Japan in New York is currently seeking a Social Media Assistant to assist with social media postings and the organization of Japanese cultural events.

This is a CONTRACT POSITION that will run from September 2025 until the end of March 2026. This is an in-office post between Monday through Friday (from 9:15am to 6:00pm with flexible hours) to offset the compensation of around $24,000 for the contracted period.

We are looking for an organized team player who can manage a variety of tasks and assume the following responsibilities as Social Media Assistant.

sparrosd@gmail.com