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.

Last night I went to the screening of the documentary Black Box Diaries, which premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival. This film directed by Shiori Ito depicts her own five-year journey from being raped by an older colleague in 2015 to the court case she brought against her perpetrator. You might recall hearing about her crusade, as she had been featured as one of Time’s Most Influential People of 2020 and wrote a memoir about the incident called Black Box. This film does a deep dive from Ito’s point of view as a journalist investigating her own case. She states that maintaining this relative objectivity is the only way she was able to tell her story, as directly facing herself and what happened would be too difficult.

Her honest portrayal is as harrowing as you might imagine, and this film is a tough watch. Ito provides a personal trigger warning at the beginning, one of many written messages superimposed throughout the film in her own handwriting. Along with interspersed confessional videos, these messages serve to connect us to the narrator and illuminate her mental state. Ito delves into the personal and professional ramifications of her assault, boldly holding nothing back. She uses her story to advocate for legal reform, as at the time the legal age of consent was 13 (it’s now 15) and male victims weren’t recognized (and now systematic sexual abuse within the Johnny’s talent agency has been exposed). It’s amazing to realize that Ito took on Japan’s rape culture and patriarchal society six months before Me Too became a concept. The moment in the film when she hears about the Weinstein case is one of pure joy, as she realizes that her bravery was not for naught and that she is part of an international movement.

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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: Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Posted by: Japan America Society of Dallas Forth Worth
Location: Plano, TX, USA
Contract: Full Time; No Visa Scholarship

Thanks to Cori Hallock (Hokkaido-ken, 2007-2008) for passing along the following job opening.

Responsible for executing the organization’s overall marketing and communications strategy. Develops and implements online, print, and digital marketing strategies that enhance the organization’s engagement, outreach, fundraising, overall visibility, and brand awareness. Coordinates with volunteers and contractors to document events for promotional purposes. Creates press releases and maintains relationships with local media to promote events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and executes marketing and communication plans that engage and inspire donors, volunteers, clients and community members
• Creates content for collateral materials (brochures, printed materials, HTML email campaigns, etc.)
• Creates and edits newsletters, E-blasts, press releases, event pages, and other pages on the JASDFW website, and create and edit descriptions, bios, DM communications, etc. on social media
• Manages all social media outlets regularly (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Manages all content on the JASDFW website, work with staff to update member and event information

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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: Program Coordinator, High School Summer Abroad
Posted by: CIEE Kyoto
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Contract: Full Time; No Visa Scholarship

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

The Program Coordinator, High School programs is responsible for ensuring the success of the daily functioning of Global Navigator High School Summer Abroad (HSSA) program at CIEE Kyoto and is also accountable for managing and overseeing operations to support students, Program Leaders, instructors, host families/housing location and school representatives for the HSSA programs.

The HSSA Coordinator undertakes a variety of administrative and program management tasks for our Global Navigator High School Summer Abroad as the primary link between exchange students, local host, and the CIEE office in the host country, the HSSA Coordinator has the power to share local traditions and perspectives of life in the host country, change lives and build a better world.

The HSSA Coordinator (HSSAC) has many roles: liaison between stakeholders and students, mentor and supervisor to Program Assistants and Program Leaders, ambassador of CIEE to the communities in which we work, and more. The HSSA Coordinator will help plan and organize programs and activities in advance of student arrivals, carry out important operational and supervisory duties. During the summer months while students are on site it will include work in the evenings and on weekends, and complete reporting after students depart. The HSSAC must be responsible, organized and detail-oriented, energetic, and patient. The HSSAC must possess advanced Japanese ability and Business English.

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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 Lunar New Year! It’s been a while since I’ve checked in, and I hope your Year of the Dragon is going well so far. Somehow we’ve already made it to Valentine’s Day, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones whether they are family, friends or pets.

Some interesting V-Day trends were shared on the Japanese news recently. As you might know, in Japan this holiday involves women gifting chocolate to men (and men returning the favor with cookies or other sweets during next month’s White Day). According to this year’s statistics, women’s average Valentine chocolate budget is 5024 yen (a little more than $33 at today’s exchange rate). This is 1200 yen ($8) more than last year’s average, or around 1.3 times that figure.

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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: Japanese-English Bilingual Relationship Manager
Posted by: The Pacific Bridge Companies
Location: Monrovia, CA, USA
Contract: Full Time

Thank you to Coreen Suzukida for this job posting.

Do you wish to positively affect the lives of people around the world?

Become part of a different kind of organization – one of impact and significance that carries the spirit of Aloha into every client interaction, fostering dreams for families and future generations through our vast network of financial organizations and specialists from around the world – our Ohana (family).

Our company – The Pacific Bridge Companies (TPBC) – reaches back to the 1930’s when our founding fathers abolished racially discriminatory underwriting practices in the life insurance industry of the United States.

Today, we’re all about making global financial navigation a reality by helping financial advisors guide their clients wherever in the world their lives may lead. Initially aiming our efforts at people and companies living multi-national lives between Asia and the United States, we are expanding to meet the quick and growing demand from other parts of the world with efforts now focused on spanning the globe.

Talented people for full-time client management positions in our Japanese-Division are needed to join our passionate team in our Monrovia, California headquarters.

If you believe in the importance of financial advice that flexes as one ventures from one part of the world to another, you share in our hope. Perhaps this is where your talent may be of best use. We’d love to explore that with you – Let’s talk soon!

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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: Reference Librarian (Japanese)
Posted by: Library of Congress
Location: Washington DC, USA
Contract: Full Time

Thanks to Adam Lisbon (Kobe-shi, Hyogo-ken, 2004-2007) for passing along the following job opening.

The librarian is responsible for building the collections of the de facto national library; facilitating research and reference instruction and support onsite and virtually; and coordinating library engagement and interaction with a large and diverse array of users and communities.

The librarian helps balance new collections acquisitions with responsible stewardship of existing collections while building a more diverse and inclusive record for future generations. In the provision of reference and research services, the librarian utilizes traditional in-person methods in reading rooms and emerging technologies including social media and digital scholarship to assist researchers and other audiences in the use of library resources.

The librarian serves as the division’s primary liaison with researchers, visitors, and communities of practice, raising awareness of our collections and resources and making them accessible to all.

Salary/Hourly Rate: $68,405 – $88,926

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://www.usajobs.gov/job/773794700

Posted by Tom Baker

The Japan Writers Conference, a free annual event that always attracts many current and former JETs in Japan’s English-language writing community, is held in a different part of the country every year.

The 2024 host city has just been announced: Futaba, Fukushima Prefecture.

The 2024 JWC will be held on the first weekend in November, but it’s not too soon to start thinking about participating now — especially if you are a writer who might like to give a presentation.

For details, visit the Japan Writers Conference website, scan JETwit for past posts in the category of “Japan Writers Conference,” or watch the video recap of the 2023 JWC below. It features JET alumni Suzanne Kamata, Charles Kowalski, Patrick Murphrey and yours truly.

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: Educational Consultant
Posted by: Multiple Institutions
Location: Remote, Preferably from NY, CT, or MA
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to Quick USA Inc for passing along the following job opening.

:
【Summary】
The educational consulting firm assisting the youths of Japan in their pursuit of attending private and international boarding schools in North America and Europe. We are currently seeking an Educational Consultant to support our North American East Coast operations. We believe that finding the “best fit” is crucial in planning for long-term success. We work closely with each student and their family to develop a strategic plan that presents the best possible educational options and outcomes that match their needs. While experience is greatly appreciated, we value a willingness to learn even more!

The ideal candidate is motivated and passionate about helping to create a better world by supporting the next generation to achieve their career aspirations through opportunities provided by these boarding schools. They are interested in providing meaningful life coaching to elementary and middle school students, especially as many students from Japan require help in developing the courage, maturity, and direction to self-advocate. Together with our support network team, we create a caring and fun climate to help students and families find their way. We believe in a more just, productive, and joyful world by helping the next generation find their passion and strengths.

Every day will be different, with many opportunities to utilize your creative problem-solving skills. A commitment to providing exceptional service to students and their families and our partners at boarding schools is essential. If you share that vision, you might be a good fit! This is an exciting opportunity to significantly impact the lives of the youths of Japan and help them achieve their academic and career goals.

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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: Promoter / Japanese Luxury Hotels
Posted by: Quick USA Inc
Location: New York City, NY
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to Quick USA Inc for passing along the following job opening.

We are looking for someone passionate in travel and Japan.
This position is to promote travel to Japan / luxury hotel group in Canada, USA and Mexico market.

You will be traveling around and promote them how great they can spend the time in Japan and in their hotels.

Application Process: Please send resume to yamagishi@919usa.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: Tenure-Track Position as Assistant Professor of Japanese
Posted by: Rochester Institute of Technology
Location: Rochester, NY, USA
Contract: Full-time

Job Description
The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures at the Rochester Institute of Technology invites applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Japanese starting in August 2024. A Ph.D. (in hand by August 2024) in Japanese Language, Linguistics, or a related field is required. We are looking for candidates with expertise in all areas of Japanese linguistics. Candidates are expected to have native or near-native proficiency in both Japanese and English.

Responsibilities include (1) teaching undergraduate Japanese language courses at all levels, (2) teaching Japanese linguistics courses in English, (3) teaching other linguistics courses related to the candidate’s area(s) of expertise, (4) conducting scholarship in language and linguistics, (5) providing service to the department, such as curriculum development and student advising.

The ideal candidate will have successful experience teaching undergraduate Japanese language courses. The candidate is expected to maintain an active research program and show promise for substantial contributions to their field. We are interested in candidates who demonstrate commitment to collaborate with the Japanese faculty to grow its curriculum, for example, through the possible development of an introductory-level Japanese language and culture course. Candidates with the potential to grow the Language Science curriculum and those with research experience using experimental and/or quantitative methods are especially encouraged to apply. Teaching and research are priorities for faculty at RIT, and all faculty are expected to mentor students through advising, research and in-class experiences.

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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: Administrative and Finance Associate
Posted by: Stanford Universit
Location: Stanford, CA, USA
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to Jennifer Hwang (Shizuoka) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE) is a dynamic and fast-paced team that delivers programs to Stanford’s 9,000+ graduate students and 2,400+ postdoctoral scholars. We work collaboratively across the university with schools and other vice provost areas to enhance the graduate educational experience. VPGE supports programs, administration, and service to the university community and graduate students in five portfolio areas: fellowships and funding, professional development, diversity and inclusion, interdisciplinary learning, and academic guidance.

As VPGE’s Administrative and Finance Associate, you’ll use your customer service strengths to provide administrative and operational support to our vice provost unit. You will be critical in supporting our mission: to ensure that every graduate student receives the best possible educational experience. Are you personable and proactive with a high level of customer service and attention to financial detail? Do you enjoy working with a dynamic team and supporting students? Then this position may be the right fit for you!

This is a continuing full-time (40 hours per week) position where the work can be performed with the expectation of being onsite 4 days per week. This position reports to the Senior Director of Finance and Administration.

See application link for more details.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/administrative-and-finance-associate-23847

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: English Teacher
Posted by: EF International Language School
Location: Tarrytown, NY, USA
Contract: Full-time

Description:
For consideration, applicants must live/ relocate to the state of Tarrytown, New York prior to their start date

Are you passionate about traveling and languages? 

Do you believe that students studying abroad can have the experience of a lifetime? 

Are you an ESL teacher looking to supplement your income in an international student environment, interacting with students of varying ages from over 40 countries? 

Have you recently completed TESOL or CELTA training and are looking to put your new skills and training into practice while receiving developmental feedback from experienced, nurturing ESL professionals?

EF’s dynamic Tarrytown school is looking for an energetic, outgoing teacher to fill a short-term contract, starting in January 2024, with the potential of it rolling into a longer-term one. Newly qualified teachers are welcome to apply. 

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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 Services Coordinator
Posted by: CET Academic Programs
Location: Washington DC, USA + hybrid
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to Kate Maruyama (Osaka-fu) for passing along the following job opening.

Description
The Student Services Coordinator (SSC) provides comprehensive support services that prepare students academically, culturally, and personally for their time abroad. The SSC works with students via telephone, text, email, and Zoom, advising them on program information and providing guidance during the application and pre-departure processes. The SSC plays a key role in the admissions process, reviewing applications and engaging in student outreach efforts to ensure the enrollment of programs.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://cetacademicprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Job-Description_USA_Student-Services-Coordinator_Feb-2024.pdf

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: Executive Director
Posted by: Japan America Society DFW
Location: Plano, Texas
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Japan America Society DFW for passing along the following job opening.

About the Organization:

Founded in 1970, the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth serves as a catalyst for engaging Japanese and Americans in the business, education, public policy, and arts and culture sectors. The Society’s mission is to further mutual understanding and ongoing engagement between Japanese and Americans through quality programs in arts and culture, education, business, public policy, and international exchange. With a diverse portfolio of offerings and strong community partnerships, the Society positively impacts the North Texas community and fosters friendly relations between cultures.

The membership of the Organization consists of prestigious multinational corporations, professional organizations and service providers, educational institutions, executives, and individuals interested in growing the strong relationship between the USA and Japan.

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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: East Asian Studies Assistant Professor (Japanese) Tenure-Track
Posted by: Colby College
Location: Waterville, ME
Contract: Full-Time

Thank you to our friends at the American Association of Teachers of Japanese for this Job Posting.

Colby College seeks applicants for a tenure-track position in the Department of East Asian Studies as Assistant Professor (Japanese) to begin on Sept. 1, 2024. 

Applicants should have native or near-native ability in both English and Japanese, and be able to teach all levels of Japanese language as well as an occasional course in English in the applicant’s field of academic specialization. Preference will be given to candidates whose field of specialization will broaden our course offerings on modern Japan in any field in the humanities or social sciences including, but not limited to, literary or cultural studies, language pedagogy, anthropology, sociology, and history.  The committee is especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2023

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