Aug 7

JET ROI: Recent JET-relevant media coverage from Kyodo News Service

Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on JET ROI: Recent JET-relevant media coverage from Kyodo News Service

JetWit received a request to post job opening from Kyodo News Service (that has already been sent to the JetWit Jobs Google Group and will likely be posted over the weekend on JetWit) to fill a position previously held by a JET alum.  In the email exchange, I asked if Kyodo had been covering the possible cuts to JET and JETAA, and the woman there was kind enough to send me links to the below articles from recent months.  I thought it might be helpful to share them all in one post.

The Mainichi Daily News:

Japan Today:


Aug 6

Event: “Sake With the Haiku Geisha” reading, August 13 (NYC)

Celebrity, Events, JETAA Chapters, Writers Comments Off on Event: “Sake With the Haiku Geisha” reading, August 13 (NYC)

JET ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK (JETAA NY)

with support from the Consulate General of Japan in New York

Presents

A Special Play Reading of critically acclaimed Off Broadway Play

SAKE WITH THE HAIKU GEISHA

Graphic by JET alum Amber Liang

The JET Alumni Association of New York is pleased to present a limited one-night reading of the critically acclaimed play “Sake with the Haiku Geisha,” written by JET alumnus and playwright, Randall David Cook (Fukui-ken, 1991-93).

Date: Friday, August 13

Start time: 8:30 p.m.

Location: Tinker Auditorium (between Park & Madison Aves.) 22 E 60th St, New York, NY 10065, (212) 355-6100

Cost:

  • $5 in advance ($10 at the door) for JET alumni
  • $10 in advance ($15 at the door) for Friends of JET

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE VIA PAYPAL

“Sake with the Haiku Geisha” premiered Off-Broadway in 2006 and was based on the collective experiences of three JETs who were placed in Fukui-ken from 1991-1993: an American from South Carolina, a Canadian from Nova Scotia and an English woman from Devon. The structure of the play is inspired by the classic Noh play: an opening ceremony, five acts (each of which uses a different speaker and a spirit or ghost), and a closing ceremony. The show starts on at a farewell party for the visiting JETS, and first three acts are told from the perspective of the visiting JETs, and then the tables turn, and the final two acts are told from the perspective of two Japanese: the supervisor of the Canadian JET, and the geisha’s story, which closes out the play.

The first act, “Sushi and Scones” was a finalist in five major festivals in the USA and England, won the “Best Play” award at the Southeastern Playwrights Conference and was taped and broadcast by as a BBC radio play in late 2005. See a full review of the play in the New York Times.

This event is being organized in cooperation with the Consulate General of Japan in New York.


Aug 6

Baseball: Great catch by Hiroshima Carp centerfielder

Video Comments Off on Baseball: Great catch by Hiroshima Carp centerfielder


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

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

Events, Music Comments Off on Event: Skoop on Somebody (S.O.S.) Charity Concert in Chicago

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 29

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

Return on JET-vestment Add Comment (4)

*********

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

Jobs , Comments Off on Japanese Online Community Leader

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 27

JET ROI: MOFA State Secretary Mr. Koichi Takemasa’s comments upon meeting with JETAA members

Return on JET-vestment, Uncategorized Comments Off on JET ROI: MOFA State Secretary Mr. Koichi Takemasa’s comments upon meeting with JETAA members

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) State Secretary Mr. Koichi Takemasa recently met with a group of JET alumni in New York to learn first hand about JET and the JET Alumni Association.  Following the meeting, State Secretary Takemasa posted comments regarding the meeting on both the MoFA website as well as on his own blog.  Below is a translation of key comments from the posts. (Special thanks to Kumi Mastsumoto of the Consulate for her help in obtaining the translations):

1.  MOFA Website Comments

From the official report of State Secretary Takemasa’s visit to the United States on MoFA’s website.  (Full link here:  http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/annai/honsho/fuku/takemasa/usa_10/gaiyo.html):

2. (6) 日米人物・文化交流
特にこれまでのJET出身者が米国内で対日理解や日米交流の発展に果たしている役割について積極的な評価を共有。

English translation of the last sentence of Section 2, Paragraph (6): “We both positively recognized that JET returners have contributed to promoting understanding of Japan in the US and fostering people to people exchange between the two countries.”

2.  Personal Blog of Koichi Takemasa

Here is what Secretary of State Takemasa wrote about his meeting with JETAA members on his personal blog (link to post:  http://takemasa.asablo.jp/blog/2010/07/17/5237531):

その後、JETの経験者で作られるJETAAのNY支部の皆さんと意見交換。 JET通じて得たもの、帰国後それを伝えていること、また、新しいJETメンバーの選考や送り出しに協力をしていること。そして、事業仕分けで総務所所管のクレアが対象になったことで、JET制度そのものの存続に危機感を持っていること、などを聞く。

“I had a meeting with the members of JET Alumni Association in New York .  There, I heard comments about how much they learned from the JET experience, how they have been sharing their experience to others after they came back and how they have been cooperating in the screening and training process of the new JETs.  Referring to the fact CLAIR (JLGC) under Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications was put on the chopping block, they showed their strong concern in the future of JET program.”


Jul 27

JET ROI: Japan Times article on debate over JET Program

Return on JET-vestment Add Comment (1)

*********

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.”

The Japan Times just ran an article worth reading on the debate over the value of the JET Programme in the face of potential budget cuts titled “Ex-students don’t want JET grounded:  Eric Johnston and Kanako Nakamura ask ‘children of JET’ whether the program deserves to be on the chopping block.” (Here’s the URL:  http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20100727zg.html)

The article does a nice job of highlighting the main schools of thought in the public discussion about the JET Programme (and by association, the JET Alumni Association).  But it also falls into the “he said/she said” trap by laying out anti-JET arguments that miss the bigger picture or are based on false assumptions.  That said, hearing these is helpful to understanding how JET is perceived by many people, including Japanese taxpayers.

The article is also the first I’ve seen (there may be others) that attempts to give voice to one of the primary constituents of the JET Programme:  students in Japan.

In attempting to analyze this situation, the first thing to be aware of is that JET has a dual purpose:

  1. Teach English and promote “internationalization” in Japan.
  2. Help Japan promote positive foreign relations, diplomacy, business and cultural exchange and outreach with the rest of the world.

1.  English Teaching

With regard to English teaching and “internationalization” in Japan, the article is correct that it’s a difficult thing to quantify.  However, making English test scores by Japanese students a basis for evaluating the benefit of JET is comparing apples and oranges.  JET never had the mandate to improve test scores.  If anything, we were there to teach “living English” which doesn’t get tested for.  And also to inspire students to connect with English and gain valuable experience interacting with people from other cultures.

In that vein, perhaps a more important aspect to track and focus on is the number of students who went on to gain greater proficiency in English or travel and work abroad over the past 22 years, giving Japan a stronger, more internationally-savvy workforce.  Japan doesn’t need every student to become proficient in English.  Just some percentage that will help lift Japan’s abilities over time and perhaps even become a source of more fluent-speaking English teachers over time.

I talk to a lot of JET alums, and I hear so many stories of students who have kept in touch, of students who have gone on to great achievements as a result of their access to JETs.  And also many JETs who have maintained relationships with their towns, have helped continued exchanges and given back to their communities in a variety of ways.  Just because you don’t hear all of the stories doesn’t mean they’re not happening, because they most certainly are.  (The most visible example, perhaps, is Anthony Bianchi (Aichi-ken, 1987-89) who is now a city councilman in Inuyama-shi, Aichi-ken where he previously taught on JET.)

2.  Foreign Relations and JET Alumni

On the second count, there’s not really a counter argument to even make.  JET alumni have provided (and continue to provide) a huge return on Japan’s initial investment in them as JETs.  JET alumni have written books about Japan and work for many Japanese companies and organizations, including Japanese Consulates and Japan-America socieites.  JET alumni are major feeders into Japan-oriented academic fields.  JET alumni invest in Japan and start Japan-related (and Japan-located) businesses.  And many JET alumni are now in major government and policy positions in their countries.

As an alumni organization, the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) is young at only 22 years old.  As the community matures, the value, influence and impact of JET alumni for Japan will continue to grow at an increasing rate as more and more JET alumni become experts and are established in their fields.

Additionally, with a population of over 50,000 worldwide, JET alumni help provide a sort of substitute ex-pat community that Japan has lacked in comparison to the United States and other countries.  Contrary to the assertion in the Japan Times article that JET alums are taking away jobs from Japanese people, JETs are providing huge economic benefits to Japan.  For example, after 9/11 when getting work visas became harder for ex-pats in the U.S., Japanese staffing agencies began seeking out more JET alums to fill positions, as they were the best alternative option to filling roles in Japanese offices in the U.S.  Additionally, JET alums constantly find themselves in facilitating roles, helping their companies navigate cross-cultural communication issues.  Bi-culturalism can be an extremely valuable skill.

JETAA is also perhaps the cheapest and most efficient and effective public relations arm the Japanese government could hope to have.  JETAA chapters everywhere are constantly organizing cultural outreach events and providing volunteers for Japan Days, Japan-related festivals and other cross-cultural events like the Japanamania event JETAA New York does with the local Big Brother/Big Sister chapter.  For a good sense of JETAA chapter activities around the globe, just read a few of the “JETAA Chapter Beat“ posts by Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08).  I saw a comment posted on a blog cynically suggesting that if Japan really wanted PR, it would hire a PR firm to place ads in the New York Times.  Believe me, a PR firm cannot produce the kind of grassroots positive publicity and loyalty that the JET Alumni Association continues to provide.

What I’ve written above is a small summary, the tip of the iceberg, of the kinds of things going on.  Thanks to JET and JETAA, Japan has an army of committed ex-pats around the world (including in Japan) who feel a strong connection to Japan and care deeply about the country and the people.  To cut this goodwill off at the roots would do far more harm to Japan than any benefit resulting from saving a few dollars.

To learn more, get in touch with your local JETAA chapter, read various posts on JetWit.com or do your own research.  (I’m always happy to use JetWit as a platform for reaching out to JET alums and gathering stories, anecdotes and other hard to gather information.)

I’m sure I’ve overlooked a number of additional good points and examples.  Please feel free to make them in the comments section below.


Jul 20

JET ROI: Hawaii News Now interviews Hawaii JET alums about possible budget cuts to JET and JETAA

Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on JET ROI: Hawaii News Now interviews Hawaii JET alums about possible budget cuts to JET and JETAA

Here’s a link to two short interviews with JET alums Kelsey Soma Turek (current JETAA Hawaii President) and Darryl Toma (JETAA Hawaii Vice-President) regarding the possibility of budget cuts to JET and JETAA that appeared on the TV show Hawaii News Now:  http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12805830

Additionally, here’s a post about the interviews by Kelsey on the JETAA Hawaii website:  http://jetaahawaii.org/2010/07/16/hawaii-takes-action-on-possible-jet-program-cuts/

Note: I believe the videos will only be available on the HNN site for another week or so.


Jul 9

Japan Info e-Newsletter July 2010

Uncategorized Comments Off on Japan Info e-Newsletter July 2010

The July 2010 edition of JapanInfo is now available online:  http://editor.ne16.com/he/vo.aspx?FileID=1eebd4a0-af80-4be3-8945-42739cf4d675&m=1a93644da75eb849a0cfdf023ccba12e&MailID=12891461

JapanInfo is published by the Consulate General of Japan in New York/Japan Information Center and is a great source of info for Japan-related things going on in New York and the surrounding area.


Jul 9

Kirsten’s World: Glitter on the Mattress

Uncategorized Comments Off on Kirsten’s World: Glitter on the Mattress

Bow-waka-chika-POW!

By Kirsten Phillips (Niigata-ken, 2005-08) who is currently a teacher in the NYC Teaching Fellows Program.

If you see a faded sign by the side of the road…
My kid bro’s Japanese friend was surprised at his knowledge of love hotels as he had never been to Japan before. But love hotels are one of those garish social conventions that anyone with the faintest modicum of interest in Japanese culture needs to know. There’s no mystery to that fascination.

“It’s really strange.” His Japanese friend said. “Love hotels are the only way Japanese teenagers can really have sex. But what about American teenagers?”

Why do you think Americans have such big cars?

Love hotels are right up there with Read More


Jul 9

JET ROI: JET alum Toby Weymiller building eco-friendly kissaten/cafe in Hokkaido

Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on JET ROI: JET alum Toby Weymiller building eco-friendly kissaten/cafe in Hokkaido

*********

JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a new 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.”

Hokkaido-ken JET alum Toby Weymiller has returned to Japan and spent the last year building an eco-friendly kissaten/cafe (built with natural, sustainable materials) in the area where he worked on JET.  And on top of that, he’s been documenting the whole process on his blog “Bomber & Maiko & Toby.”  (Bomber is his cat, fyi.) (Update:  I previously had heard it was a bed and breakfast but just learned that it’s in fact a kissaten/cafe.)

Here’s the link:  http://maikotobybomber.blogspot.com/

(Thanks to JETAA International Vice-Chair for letting me know about this.)


Jul 8

JET ROI: JETAA Chapter Beat

JETAA Chapter Beat, Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on JET ROI: JETAA Chapter Beat

**********

JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a new 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.”

It occurred to me tonight that the “JETAA Chapter Beat“ posts that Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) has been pulling together since November 2008 provide a simple and nice overview of what various JETAA chapters are doing, especially in terms of Japan-oriented cultural outreach and community involvement.  The process is simple:  Jon subscribes to as many JETAA Chapter email lists, Facebook groups, etc. as he can find.  Then each post he copies and pastes a few interesting ones, and…voila!  JETAA Chapter Beat!

Here’s the category link:

https://jetwit.com/wordpress/category/jetaa-chapter-beat/


« Previous Page — « Older Posts Newer Posts » — Next Page »

Page Rank