Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as art, film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she offers some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Happy early fall everyone! I can’t believe that six months have passed since my latest entry, but time seems to have a way of doing that. Last night I had the chance to check out the film Tokyo Cowboy starring actor Arata Iura. I was struck by Iura when I saw him in his first leading role in Hirokazu Kore-eda’s 1998 film After Life, (Japanese title: ワンダフルライフ or wandafuru raifu) which is second only to Defending Your Life as my favorite movie about what happens when we die.

Tokyo Cowboy is directed by Marc Marriott and written by Dave Boyle and Ayako Fujitani, who also produced and stars in the film as Iura’s boss and love interest. The fish out of water story is reminiscent of Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s latest Evil Does Not Exist, with a city slicker trying to change the ways of rural folk. Iura’s character businessman Hideki goes to visit the Montana cattle ranch his Japanese company owns. Developers plan to buy out this underperforming ranch, but Hideki has an idea to save it by raising wagyu. However, upon arrival he realizes this will be much more difficult to achieve than he initially thought.

Read More

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

---

Position: English Japanese bilingual Interpreter/Assistant
Posted by: Japanese Construction Company
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to A Japanese Construction Company in Manhattan Beach, CA for passing along the following job opening.

The right candidate will help various departments smoothen communications between English & Japanese staff.

Proficient Japanese & English skills are required and prior experience as an interpreter or assistant is desirable, but not necessarily required, so JET’s with N2 level of Japanese or higher and willing to learn about real estate are encouraged to apply.

Other duties for this position include the following:

• Assist in translation of a variety of documents, emails, etc.
• Provide Administrative support to the team such as scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements and organizing files.
• Handling incoming calls from customers both in English & Japanese
• Other tasks as needed.

Read More

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

---

Position: Outside Sales Representative
Posted by: Pasona North America
Location: Irvine, CA, USA
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Lauren Tanaka (Osaka, 2017-2020) for passing along the following job opening.

This position of Outside Sales representative is responsible for developing relationships with customers and growing accounts in their assigned territory through the promotion and selling of the company’s products to commercial.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates and determine sales distribution by establishing sales market, quotas, and goals.
• Reviews production schedules and determine sales potential and inventory requirements to manage current and new customers.
• Develops marketing strategy aligned with established objectives, market characteristics and cost factors.
• Develops and direct marketing activities to promote products in coordination.
• Attends food shows to generate new sales leads.
• Customer service – handles customer inquiries by phone or email. Resolves customers complaints by investigating problems; developing solutions; preparing reports; making recommendations to management.

Read More

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

---

Position: Boarding Assistant in Boy’s Residence Hall
Posted by: Keio Academy of New York
Location: Purchase, NY, USA
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Keio Academy of New York for passing along the following job opening.

Description:

• Ensure to provide the save environment for the Residence Hall.
• Ensure that students follow daily schedule and the Residence Hall policies set by the school.
• Provide support and supervision for students during non-academic hours. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, manning the dormitory offices to handle requests and questions from students, supervising house sports practice/club activities/library hours/evening study hours/dining hall, and coordinating with nurse to care for sick students.
• Be available to students, as necessary, to support their personal, educational and academic needs.
• Review and confirm multiple forms submitted by parents and students.
• Answer questions and concerns from parents. Back-up Head of House when they are off-duty.

Read More

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

---

Position: Travel Consultant (Japan Specialist)
Posted by: Inside Travel Group
Location: Remote/Hybrid, Broomfield, CO, USA
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Inside Travel Group for passing along the following job opening.

As a Travel Consultant, you will use your extensive understanding of Japan to create unforgettable cultural adventures for our clients. Exceptional time management, confidence, communication, and organisation are a must for efficiently prioritizing tasks and providing top-notch service for both new clients and ongoing bookings. High performance will be rewarded with sales and customer service-based commission, along with regular familiarisation trips to our destination countries to enhance your knowledge.

What You Will be Doing:

• Consult with customers to identify their individual holiday requirements.
• Create high-quality tailor-made itineraries based on customer requirements.
• Work to achieve individual and team sales targets.
• Co-ordinate all aspects of the customer booking to ensure successful delivery of trip.

Read More

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

---

Position: Tour Guide
Posted by: Machinovate Co. Ltd.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Kimberly Matsuno (Niigata, 2019-2022) for passing along the following job opening.

【Job Description】
This role is ideally-suited to applicants wanting to establish a long-term career in Japan with true potential for professional growth, a varied and dynamic work environment, and key responsibilities in a leading destination management company.

This role necessitates a natural enthusiasm for life in Japan, an ability to communicate well with others (including groups and a range of nationalities), punctuality and professionalism in all aspects of your work, basic record-keeping and money handling, and a willingness to adapt to the needs, expectations, and personalities of guests, partner organizations and colleagues.

Applicants must have fluent spoken and written English, with an ability to produce high-quality written content quickly, consistently and independently for publication on our website and in printed material.
We are seeking to add to our team with a full-time position for the right candidate. Applicants living in Osaka. Experience with tour guiding in Japan or abroad is advantageous however not essential. Applicants must have fluent English and a minimum of basic to conversational Japanese.

Read More

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

---

Position: Admissions Concierge
Posted by: Temple University, Japan Campus
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full Time

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

OVERVIEW OF POSITION
TUJ seeks a motivated and outgoing Admissions Concierge to support newly admitted undergraduate program students. The Admissions Concierge will focus on providing prompt and exceptional service to students from the point of admission to matriculation with a mindset of increasing the yield of admitted students and achieving a qualified and diverse student population.

The Concierge will also assist with continuing our current growth by developing new yield initiatives and assisting with recruitment activities. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and organization skills, and student recruiting and sales and/or marketing experience. Previous experience in the education sector is preferred. Some weekend and evening work will be required.

Read More

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

---

Position: Adjunct Lecturer for Religion and Society Course
Posted by: CIEE Tokyo
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Michele Fujii (Shiga-ken, 2010-2013) for passing along the following job opening.

Who We Are

CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations through study abroad and international exchange experiences that help people develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.

Why Work With Us Are

You will change the world. CIEE builds bridges between different people, different countries, and different cultures. We help young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Be part of the change!

You will be part of a fast-paced, international, diverse, and collaborative team of professionals. CIEE operates the largest nonprofit network of study-abroad locations, with facilities and staff in 29 countries. Additionally, we help international participants from over 140 countries come to the USA each year. Committed to excellence and solving whatever problem the world throws at them, CIEE professionals work on international teams and are dedicated to advancing our 75-year-old mission to make the world a more peaceful place.

Who You Are

The Center Director of CIEE Tokyo will have the overall responsibility for the management of all aspects of the Center, overseeing the planning and delivery of all CIEE programs, recruiting, and developing the Center’s core team, and ensuring the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction. The program portfolio is comprised of Semester, Full-year, and Short-term (Summer, January, and Custom) opportunities for pre-college, college, and post-graduate students. All CIEE programs are defined by the highest standards of educational quality, providing access to students of diverse backgrounds.

Read More

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

---

Position: Customer Service Representative
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: Reynoldsburg, OH, USA
Contract: Full Time

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

A Japanese Logistics company in the Reynoldsburg, OH area is looking for a full time Customer Service Representative to join their team to Receive and process export/import client’s shipments via truck, airline and steamship companies. Responsible for executing all functions related to the successful operation of this position and providing top notch customer service with continual improvement in mind.

This is an entry level position, so people with interest in learning the intricacies of logistics related tasks such as exporting and importing while providing excellent customer service are encouraged to apply.

The Salary range for this position would be between 40k-46k based on skills & experience.

Your main responsibilities would include the following:

1. Customer Service (include sales support)
2. To maintain existing clients which currently consists of about 60 clients.

Read More

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

---

Position: Sake Professional
Posted by: Sake Secret
Location: Long Beach, CA, USA
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Greg Beck (Hiroshima-ken, 2006-2011) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:Retail Sale Shop Sales and Sale Bartender

BIG NEWS SAKE LOVERS:
Sake Secret is Now Hiring!
Sake Secret is L.A. County’s ONLY Sake Specialty Shop, located in Downtown Long Beach.
Before applying, please read below:

We are looking for *Japanese-bilingual* part-time help 2-4 days a week with the potential for future full-time employment, management, and more!

Generous hourly wages based on knowledge and experience, 100% of tips from Sake Bar service, and free training and fees covered for Sake Sommelier study and certification!

The most important requirement is passion for learning, sharing, and growing Sake knowledge with our expanding community!

If you’re a native English speaker, conversational Japanese language ability is preferred. 日本人なら日常レベルの英語が最低限です。All other languages are a significant bonus! Availability to work nights and weekends preferred.

Application Process: If this sounds like you, please email a one page resume and cover letter to greg@sakesecret.com with “Professional Sake Lover” in the subject line.

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

---

Position: Communications Assistant
Posted by: Japan Center for International Exchange
Location: New York, NY (Hybrid—in person and remote)
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Staci Custus (Kagoshima-ken, 2016-2019) for passing along the following job opening.

Description: JCIE/USA is seeking a mission-driven individual to join our dynamic and productive team in New York, led by the Executive Director based in the Washington DC area. The majority of the position’s time will be spent on supporting the policy advocacy and communications work of JCIE’s Friends of the Global Fund, Japan (FGFJ) initiative. The remaining time is expected to be spent supporting JCIE/USA’s broader global health and organization-wide communication activities.

This position is suitable for an individual with a couple of years of professional experience in managing communications and outreach work at a non-profit organization, who is interested in issues related to Japan and global health. An ideal candidate would be able to start as early as late August 2024.

Read More

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

---

Position: Specialist Contract Employee, Multiple Positions
Posted by: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Location: Oita, Japan
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University for passing along the following job opening.

Positions are available in multiple offices, and the job descriptions vary by office. Please see the recruitment information document at the bottom of the recruitment page under ” > Specialist Contract Employee Recruitment (PDF)” for detailed information.

*The university will determine the office of assignment after employment, based on the applicant’s aptitude and other factors.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://en.apu.ac.jp/home/contents/jobs.html/

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

---

Position: Bio-Tech Customer Support / Marketing / Sales
Posted by: interesse international inc.
Location: Rockville, MD, USA
Contract: Full Time, Temp Position

Japanese Biotechnology company is seeking Bio-tech Customer support/marketing&sales representative in Rockville, MD.

Description:

• Answer Technical question about our life science area products (Need to check internal data base, or reference carefully. Persevere personality is suit for this job.
• Inside sales such as Web-marketing (email, Web update), sales calling
• Develop and maintain positive customer relations mostly with collage professors and lab
• Search for new customer accounts
• No Business trip during a temp period. After hired, may have a few business trip in US.

Apply at: https://iiicareer.com/applicant/en/jobsearch_america.php

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

---

Position: Japanese Language Instructor
Posted by: Diplomatic Language Services
Location: Arlington, VA, USA & Remote
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Diplomatic Language Services for passing along the following job opening.

Description: DLS is currently seeking Japanese Language Training Instructors to teach Japanese language and culture to personnel who may or may not be affiliated with the United States Government; prepare and submit lesson plans for each student; prepare progress and test reports; and conduct ongoing assessment to provide students with feedback about their progress.

We are recruiting to fill upcoming opportunities at our schools in Arlington (VA), Herndon (VA), and Elkridge (MD), as well as for online and hybrid instruction opportunities.

Instructional Expectations:

1. Attends a new or re-hire orientation and at least 1 professional development training session per year to ensure DLS policies and procedures are practiced.
2. Uses student-centered methods and the communicative approach while instructing all students.

Read More

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

---

Position: Assistant News Producer
Posted by: TV TOKYO
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to TV TOKYO for passing along the following job opening.

Description:

TV TOKYO America has an immediate opening for a new assistant news producer in our Washington DC bureau, covering a wide range of issues including US politics, foreign policy, economics, and general-interest stories. This full-time position involves working closely with correspondents from Japan to assist in all aspects of the reporting process. Join us to cover press conferences of U.S. government agencies, international conferences abroad, and this year’s presidential election.

You should have:

• Familiarity and interest in topics related to US domestic politics and foreign policy, East Asian regional affairs, and current events.
• Strong English communication skills and the ability to quickly digest a lot of information.
• Ability to work under deadline pressure.

Read More