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.

Time flies and hard to believe that we are already at the beginning of fall. For all of you bookworms like myself, as the title says this season is often called 読書の秋 (dokusho no aki or “autumn is for reading)”. Alternatively, for those who love pumpkin spice and everything nice, it is also known as 食欲の秋 (shokuyoku no aki or “season of good appetite”/”fall is for eating”). Other versions include 実りの秋 (minori no aki or “the harvest season”), 芸術の秋 (geijutsu no aki or “best season for enjoying art”), and スポーツの秋 (supo-tsu no aki or “best season for sports”).

Japan had its state funeral for former PM Shinzo Abe this week, with many waiting to offer their condolences and many others offering vociferous protest. His assassination has revealed the deep connections between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Unification Church, the repercussions of which are yet to be seen. This NYT article from earlier in the month touches on the relationship between the LDP and the church, in the context of Japan’s thriving telegram industry. For a heart-warming read, check out this other NYT article which talks about “baby workers” in Japan’s nursing homes.

On a personal note, I recently interpreted at a Japanese food event called “Taste of Japan in New York” that was held at Carnegie Hall. Many famous chefs attended from Japan, sharing their knowledge and creating one-of-a-kind menus focused on the country’s rich fermentation culture. PM Fumio Kishida was in town for the UN General Assembly and appeared at the end as a surprise guest! In his remarks, he highlighted how next month Japan will loosen its Covid restrictions and once again welcome individual tourists. I’ve tried to get back to Japan twice during the pandemic, so I’m hoping three times is a charm for my visit scheduled for next year!

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JETwit’s JET Alum Movers & Shakers is produced by Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-2017), Margie Banin (Kochi-ken, 2005-2007), and Jim Walsh (Fukushima-ken, 2018-2020). Want to be featured next? Submit your information here.

Accomplishment:

Carrie has recently published a book called “Japan Unexpected” using the extensive journals she kept whilst on the JET Programme.

Carrie says, “I called the book ‘Japan Unexpected’ because even though I’d been studying Japanese for years before going on JET and had even lived in Japan previously, Japan never ceases to amaze me with the unexpected things it can show you and experiences it can give you.

“People seem to be enjoying reading my book because Japan stands on its own as a fascinating country, and because I got to have so many varied experiences there – everything from carrying an omikoshi to planting rice with grade five students; from carrying a burning orb in a fire festival parade to running around at the school sports day. I’ve really enjoyed going back through these memories myself whilst creating the book and posting snippets of it on social media.”

Public Information:

Website: https://linkin.bio/carriestravelbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carriestravelbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CazTravelBooks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-riseley/?originalSubdomain=au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriestravelbooks/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/carriestravelbooks/

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: Director, Getting to Know Japan Webinar Series
Posted by: The Yokosuka Council
Location: Remote
Contract: Full-time

The Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS) is a non-profit organization that enables professional growth and fosters grassroots connections with world-class expertise. We are seeking a Program Director for the Getting to Know Japan Webinar Series.

The Getting to Know Japan webinar series program manager/director will lead this vibrant education initiative during its second year. We seek an innovative, hands-on leader ready to take initiative and reliably deliver world-class events. Responsibilities will include working independently and as part of a team to develop, promote, recruit participants, and fulfil reporting requirements for programs aligned with YCAPS’ mission. This position will require extensive coordination with YCAPS staff members (including volunteers located across the Indo-Pacific), program sponsors, and cohorts of program participants throughout Japan.

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: Associate Fellow (Japanese to English Translator)
Posted by: Kyushu National Museum
Location: Dazaifu, Fukuoka, Japan
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to JET alumna, Rachel Lam (Okinawa-ken, 2017-2018) for passing along the job opening seeking to find her replacement:

Kyushu National Museum is hiring an Associate Fellow for multilingual support in English. Interested parties should download resume template from their website and submit a duly completed version together with required supporting documents by mail.

Application Process: More information and to apply, please click here: https://www.kyuhaku.jp/news/news-220714-3.html.

Questions? Please contact Rachel at <lamzhuodan@kyuhaku.jp>

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.

It’s been a while since I’ve written here, and it’s nice to be back. I hope that everyone’s early summers are going well! An interesting announcement was made in Tokyo this week in regard to the terminology for “childcare leave.” Previously 育休 (ikukyu) was the term used , but it was officially changed to the phrase 育業 (ikugyo). You can see that the first character, referring to “raising children” has stayed the same, but the second character for “time off” or “rest” has been changed to the one for “work.”

According to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, this new terminology is more appropriate because “child-rearing is the important, valuable work of raising those who will carry our future.” Gyo indicates results achieved by putting in effort, whereas kyu is associated more with taking a break and doesn’t acknowledge the hard work involved. In a public appeal citizens were asked to come up with a new catchphrase for childcare leave, and this one was selected from almost 9000 submissions received in just a month.

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************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Have you listened to Japan’s musical story-telling?

Let me introduce an essay from Japan-Insights archives.

The thirty-third one is Music in Bunraku and Kabuki by Dr. Alison Tokita

https://topics.japan-insights.jp/Public/pdf/japan-insights_jp/topics/JIN_BunrakuAndKabuki.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan #japanesesword 

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: The Japan Information & Culture Center
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-time

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 are to disseminate Japanese culture/information to the general public, as well as to promote JICC and Embassy events through press outreach, social media, public-facing events, the JICC’s website and other digital and traditional means. The position also performs various office support functions, including managing the JICC’s social media accounts, and drafting and editing documents. 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 minimum basic monthly salary for this position is $35,000.

Please note: Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder. 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.

Read More

************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Have you been to Okinawa?

Let me introduce an essay from Japan-Insights archives.

The thirty-second one is Okinawa’s Hidden Treasure Dr. Caroli Rosa.

https://topics.japan-insights.jp/Public/pdf/japan-insights_jp/topics/JIN_OkinawaHiddenTreasures.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan #japanesesword #okinawa

************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Are you interested in Japanese archaeology?

Let me introduce an essay from Japan-Insights archives.

The thirty-first one is Culture, Tradition and Innovation along the Rice-Road by Dr. Chiori Kitagawa.

https://doc.japan-insights.jp/pdf/JIN_TOPIC_20200526175243.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan #japanesesword #yamaguchi

************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Have you stayed in Japanese traditional houses?

Let me introduce an essay from Japan-Insights archives.

The thirtieth one is Rustic house and rice fields in Yamaguchi by Dr. Chiori Kitagawa.

https://doc.japan-insights.jp/pdf/JIN_REF_20200529132538.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan #japanesesword #yamaguchi

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 Golden Week 2022! Things kicked off yesterday with 昭和の日 (Showa no Hi, commemorating Showa Era emperor Hirohito’s birthday) and continue all the way through next week with 憲法記念日 (Kenpou Kinenbi or Constitution Memorial Day), みどりの日 (Midori no Hi or Greenery Day), and こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi or Children’s Day, which actually celebrates boys with the flying carp streamers pictured below. Girls have their own holiday on March 3 for 雛祭り, or Hinamatsuri). I have many clients in town for Golden Week, so it’s nice to see that business travel from Japan has resumed.

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************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Are you interested in the traditions of textile crafts in Japan?

Let me introduce an essay from Japan-Insights archives.

The twenty-ninth one is Reviving Traditional Regional Crafts by Dr. Yumiko Mizutani.

https://doc.japan-insights.jp/pdf/JIN_EVENT_20200319184908.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan #japanesesword #yamaguchi

************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Are you interested in traditional Kimono culture?

Let me introduce an essay from Japan-Insights archives.

The twenty-eighth one is Meeting Local Crafts in Yamaguchi by Dr. Marjatta Heikkila-Rastas.

https://topics.japan-insights.jp/Public/pdf/japan-insights_jp/topics/JIN_KimonoOrigami.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan #japanesesword #kimono

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.

The Oscars this past weekend were memorable in more ways than one, but I’d like to focus on Drive My Car winning Best International Feature Film! As I mentioned in my previous post, DMC is the second Japanese film to receive this honor since Departures (おくりびと or Okuribito) in 2008. I was proud of director Ryusuke Hamaguchi for giving his acceptance speech in English, though I wish they hadn’t tried to play him off the stage twice (his finger raised to ask for more time was golden).

Read More

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JETwit’s JET Alum Movers & Shakers is produced by Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-2017), Margie Banin (Kochi-ken, 2005-2007), and Jim Walsh (Fukushima-ken, 2018-2020). Want to be featured next? Submit your information here.

Accomplishment:
Hi everyone! I’m looking for current and former JET’s to participate in a new podcast I’ve launched called the JET Jump Seat. The show is a 2 hour long formatted podcast published bi-weekly on Apple podcasts. I will be focusing on the experiences of JET program participants and their adventures while living and working in Japan. There is no set topic or script to follow. Think 2 people hanging out in a bar or coffee shop chatting about their mutual experience. I am looking for your honest experience good, bad, and otherwise! This can be a great way to reflect on your time with JET while passing on valuable knowledge to all those eager Kohai out there! What will you need to participate? A quiet place free from noise for 2 hours. A stable internet connection. Headphones or earbuds and a microphone.

If you are interested please email me at michaelfoki@gmail.com

Please check out episode 1 with more to come soon! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jet-jump-seat/id1616693148?i=1000555662589

Public Contact Information:
michaelfoki@gmail.com