Aug 25

Notable JET Alums: Maynard Plant and Monkey Majik

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Members of Monkey Majik with Deputy Minister Len Edwards

Maynard Plant (Aomori-ken, 1997-2000) is the founder of the well-known Japan-based band Monkey Majik (www.monkeymajik.com), which consists of two Canadian members (Maynard and his brother Blaise) and two Japanese members-tax and DICK.

For more information you can check out their:

• Website: www.monkeymajik.com
• Wikipedia entry (where you’ll learn about the origins of the band as well as how Maynard is fluent in Aomori-ben):  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_Majik
• Embassy of Japan in Canada press release: “Goodwill Ambassadors, Monkey Majik, arrive in Ottawa to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Japan-Canada Diplomatic Relations”

Here is their song Change with the Yoshida Brothers (a video all JET alums will appreciate):

Do you know of any notable JET alums?  Let us know at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.

Aug 25

Call for Volunteers: JET Ambassadors for School Visits

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From Mauric Maloney, President of JETAA DC:

We’d like to thank those members who responded to our earlier call for volunteers for the JET Ambassadors Program. This is a second call for volunteers before we begin our orientation and school visits in the fall.

The JET Ambassadors program wishes to establish a network of volunteers who can visit local schools and discuss their experiences in Japan through photos, videos, games, and other props.

The main focus of these presentations will be life at a Japanese school, but they will vary from person to person.

The goal is to begin presentations in the Fall of 2010 and include all interested schools in the JETAADC area, including the Baltimore Region, Annapolis and the Eastern Shore, Richmond and other points South, and even West Virginia. So regardless of your distance from D.C., please respond if you are interested.

Each presenter will receive be reimbursed for his or her time and travel.

If you are interested, please respond to this e-mail with the following information.

Name:
Current Location:
Preferred E-mail address:
Phone:
Years on JET:
Prefecture:
Grade Levels Taught in Japan:
Current Profession:
Access to Metro/Public Transport:
Access to Car:

There will be an orientation on September 14 at the Embassy of Japan. More details will follow. Please respond by Friday August 27 if you are interested. If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Maurice Maloney
President, JETAADC
president.dc@jetalumni.org

PS – If you know of or work at a school that might be interested in receiving visitors, please let us know with the name of the school, its location, and the best person to contact.

Aug 24

Notable JET Alums: Barefoot Ted

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Thanks to JET alum Sacha Battrick (currently working at CLAIR-Tokyo) for sharing this:

Barefoot Ted (aka Ted McDonald), a JET from 93-96, has established himself as one of the leading proponents of barefoot running.  He’s also has a company that makes sandals based on models originally developed by indigenous peoples. He gave a Google talk about barefoot running back in March for the Authors@Google series.

More info about Ted at his blog:  www.barefootted.com

Do you know of any notable JET alums?  Let us know at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.

Aug 24

JET ROI: Japanese media coverage of the JETAA USA National Conference

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Update 8/25/10: Kyodo has put out an English version of the article.  Here are links:

• http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100817a8.html
• http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/us-alumni-call-for-continuation-of-jet-program

Kyodo News Service ran an article in Japanese on the JETAA USA National Conference dated August 16 that was carried by a number of Japanese local newspapers.  The article resulted from the JETAA press release issued at the end of the Conference.  Below is the list of the papers.  Thanks to Noriko Furuhata of the Consulate General of Japan in New York for sharing the information.  (BTW, if anyone wants to write up an English summary of the article in the comments section of this post, that would be greatly appreciated.):

1. 徳島新聞　Tokushima Shimbun http://www.topics.or.jp/worldNews/worldTopics/2010/08/2010081601000165.html
2. 京都新聞　Kyoto Shimbun http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/politics/article/20100816000030
3. 千葉トピ　Chiba Nippo http://www.chibanippo.co.jp/news/world/entertaiment_kiji.php?i=nesp1281924322
4. 山形新聞 Yamagata Shimbun http://yamagata-np.jp/news_core/index_pr.php?kate=Lifestyle_Human_Interest&no=2010081601000165&keyword=%A5%B8%A5%A7%A5%A4%A5%BD%A5%F3
5. 新潟日報 Niigata Nippo https://www.niigata-nippo.co.jp/world/lifestyle/2010081601000165.html
6. 大分合同新聞 Oita Godo Shimbun http://www.oita-press.co.jp/worldTopics/2010/08/2010081601000165.html
7. 山陽新聞 Sanyo Shimbun http://www.sanyo.oni.co.jp/news_k/news/d/2010081601000165/
8. 河北新報 Kahoku Shimpo http://www.kahoku.co.jp/news/2010/08/2010081601000165.htm
9. 西日本新聞 Nishi Nippon Shimbun http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nnp/item/191143
10. 山陰中央新報 Sanin Chuo Shinpo http://www.sanin-chuo.co.jp/newspack/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1059682016
11. 北國・富山新聞 Hokkoku Toyama Shimbun http://www.hokkoku.co.jp/newspack/09kurasi2010081601000165.html
12. 高知新聞 Kochi Shimbun http://203.139.202.230/?&nwSrl=224803&nwVt=npd
13. 中日新聞 Chunichi Shimbun http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
14. 神戸新聞 Kobe Shimbun http://www.kobe-np.co.jp/knews/0003323442.shtml
15. 下野新聞 Shimotsuke Shimbun http://www.shimotsuke.co.jp/news/domestic/life/news/20100816/367829
16. 岩手日報 Iwate Nippo http://www.iwate-np.co.jp/newspack/cgi-bin/newspack_s.cgi?s_lifestyle_l+CN2010081601000165_1
17. 静岡新聞 Shizuoka Shimbun http://www.shizushin.com/news/culture/topix/2010081601000165
18. 大阪日々新聞 Osaka Nichinichi Shimbun https://www.nnn.co.jp/dainichi/knews/100816/20100816024.html
19. 中国新聞 Chugoku Shimbun http://www.chugoku-np.co.jp/News/Sp201008160110.html
20. 佐賀新聞 Saga Shimbun http://www.saga-s.co.jp/news/global/corenews.0.1706307.article.html
21. 熊本日報 Kumamoto Nippo http://kumanichi.com/news/kyodo/life/201008/20100816004.shtml

A few more links to the article that ran in major Japanese publications online:

1. http://sankei.jp.msn.com/world/america/100816/amr1008161052004-n1.htm
2. http://www.47news.jp/CN/201008/CN2010081601000165.html
3. http://www.nikkei.com/news/latest/article/g=96958A9C9381959FE3E4E2E3E38DE3E4
4. http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/country/article/20100816000030
5. http://www.nagasaki-np.co.jp/f24/CN20100816/li2010081601000165.shtml
6. http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html
7. http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/s/article/2010081601000165.html

Also, below is a scan of an article in the Tokyo Shimbun that was written by one of their reporters who actually attended the Conference and has quotes from some of the JETAA chapter representatives with whom he spoke:

Aug 17

WIT Life #116: Japanese Shifts in Sumo and Economic Status

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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.

Two interesting Japan articles in today’s Wall Street Journal.  The first on the cover page talks about the sumo club at Tokyo University, and how those previously not associated with the sport, such as smaller size wrestlers and foreigners, are now making a splash.  The second in the opinion section discusses the recent news that China has replaced Japan as the world’s second largest economy (and is set to surpass America in the near future).  Happy reading!

Aug 17

Japanese high school English classes to be taught *in* English starting 2013?

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According to a letter published in the Japan Times by a Nara-based Japanese teacher of English, high schools will be required to teach English class in English.  And she doesn’t think the schools will be ready.

Here’s an excerpt:

Beginning in 2013, high school English classes are to be taught in English. New guidelines from the education ministry also state that English grammar should no longer be taught as a whole subject but instead incorporated with expressions and vocabulary of the new textbook “English Communication I-III.”

Here’s the link to the full letter:  http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/rc20100812a6.html

Aug 16

JET ROI: “Because of JET……”

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JETAA NY Webmaster and tech/social media guru Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06) got the ball rolling with a video series called “Because of JET…..“ in which he uploaded short video clips of JET alumni sharing some good things that they experienced and witnessed as a result of participating in JET.  The first few videos were taken at the JETAA National Conference this past weekend in New York.

Here’s the link to see all the videos so far:  http://becauseofjet.tumblr.com/

• Send your own video testimonial to webmaster@jetaany.org to have it included and let people know about some of the positive effects of JET that they might not otherwise be aware of.
• If you can say your piece in Japanese that would be particularly helpful, according to Matt Gillam of CLAIR NY.
• Additionally, you can post your own “Because of JET…” testimony in written form by posting in the comments section here or in this other post on JetWit:  https://jetwit.com/wordpress/2010/07/04/jet-roi-because-of-jet/
• Written testimony in Japanese is also potentially very helpful.

Here’s one of the videos:

Aug 12

WIT Life #115: Kansai Yamato

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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.

I am back in Honolulu, so of course I had to visit my favorite mochi stand, Kansai Yamato.  Every time I go I end up discovering something new, and this time it was the two plump manju pictured on the right.  The purple one was sweet potato flavored with this paste in the middle.  The white manju was of the standard kind, filled with red bean.  Both were quite substantial snacks, big and filling so the two-pack is likely meant for sharing.  As manju, I found them Read More

Aug 4

Job: Research Assistant (London)

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Via the JETAA and non-JETAA JET alumni LinkedIn group:

A Japanese company in London is looking for someone to join their team to look after Economic and Political Research. This is an ongoing temp position for one year.

Main responsibilities:

• Provide research services, including analytical reports on topical issues and statistical data spreadsheets on the UK economy.
• Check daily newspapers and keep abreast of all other information sources.
• Conduct interviews with academics and business people in order to assess UK and global economic conditions.
• Take initiative to develop and build upon existing contacts with government, academia and business to assist the company in the future.

Essential Skills:

• Sound knowledge of current affairs.
• The ability to produce comprehensive analytical reports on economic, business and political issues at short notice.
• The confidence and enthusiasm to be able to speak intelligently about the current economic situation in the UK.
• Good interview technique and report writing skills.
• A good command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to use Excel spreadsheets to compile statistical data.
• Degree in Economics or similar equivalent.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge/experience of Japanese business practices.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have good computer skills, are able to work confidently without supervision and who also enjoy being a member of a team.

For more details, please email your CV to anouska@perfect.eu.com
For this role, unfortunately, we can only accept applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.

Jul 27

JOB: Purchasing Manager, Global Manufacturing Company (New Jersey)

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Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003).  Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.

A central NJ global manufacturing company is searching for a candidate to fill a newly created position in their new manufacturing facility in central NJ.

MUST be able to Read, Write and Speak Fluent Japanese

 Description
–Must have experience in the manufacturing industry purchasing raw materials
-Must be able to negotiate best price with various vendors
-Must be able to locate new vendors if necessary
-Must be able to work with other departments such as production and sales
-Must be able to ensure materials are available for current and new production orders
-Should be able to evaluate various MRP systems and make appropriate suggestions

Requirements:
–Must speak fluent Japanese
-5-7 Years of experience as a Purchasing Manager
– Must have experience within the manufacturing industry

Compensation: $55,000–$65,000

For more information about the position and to apply, contact Jerry Mosseri of Stand Out Staffing and Resumes.
Email: jmosseri@standoutstaffing.com
Phone: 732-377-8873

Jul 27

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

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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 26

JETs with J.D.s >> The New Interviewing Buzzword: Emotional Intelligence

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Andrew R. McCarthy (Akita-ken, 2005-08) is a law student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law focusing on international trade, business, and tax.  He currently runs the blog JETs with J.D.s, an information source for current JET alumni law students and prospective law students for career paths and approaches within the current legal market.  For those considering law school and trying to comprehend the costs and the risks of such an endeavor, he also recommends The Law School Tuition Bubble.

You may not have to channel Miss Cleo to get legal employment these days.  But, in addition to the healthy dose of luck you’ll need, the legal career services world has created a brand new buzzword concept through which all prospective employees can be vetted: emotional intelligence. What is emotional intelligence, you ask?  Emotional intelligence, or as those trying to sound more professional than they really are might call it, “EI,” is the demonstrated ability to show, and practice, professional competence by providing good answers to hypothetical questions and connecting with interviewers. The idea behind the concept is that you are being hired not just for your legal acumen and ability to detect italicized commas in a document of hundreds of pages — you’re being hired to develop and maintain clients. What does this all boil down to? What help, if any, does a JET background provide? Is law school even conducive to developing “emotional intelligence?”

All those answers (or at least educated guesses) are right here.

Jul 21

WIT Life #110: Japan Cuts comes to a close

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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.

Last Friday wrapped up Japan Cuts, the two-week, 25-film festival at Japan Society.  Thanks to JS’s wonderful volunteering system I was able to see nine of the films at the festival itself, and another two in the comfort of my home.  The final night wrapped up the event with the two movies About Her Brother and Sweet Little Lies.  I was really looking forward to the latter, but I found the pacing slow and the movie’s story less stimulating than I thought it would be.

About Her Brother is one of those ubiquitous sentimental Japanese movies, but it wasn’t too heavy on the sappiness.  Tsurube Shofukutei plays Read More

Jul 19

JETs with J.D.s >> Judicial Clerking in the Tropics

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Andrew R. McCarthy (Akita-ken, 2005-08) is a law student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law focusing on international trade, business, and tax.  He currently runs the blog JETs with J.D.s, an information source for current JET alumni law students and prospective law students for career paths and approaches within the current legal market.  For those considering law school and trying to comprehend the costs and the risks of such an endeavor, he also recommends The Law School Tuition Bubble.

Former JETs naturally have a little bit of adventurer in them.  Unfortunately, the sedentary life of the law student spells disappointment for those of accustomed to a more active life.  This isn’t to say going out and enjoying life doesn’t happen in law school.  But if you like inordinate amounts of time reading and editing italicized commas, however, you’re in for a real treat.

Fortunately, life after law school doesn’t necessarily have to be like that — and if you still have that glimmer of a sense of adventure and the desire to live in not-so-often traveled parts of the world, a judicial clerkship in on of America’s international territories might be what you’re after.

To read information regarding clerkships available in Palau, click here.

For those interested in American Samoa, here.

For those interested in clerking for the Northern Mariana Islands, information is available here.

Jul 19

JETAA Chapter Beat – JETAA Hawaii Enkai Experience Writeup

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Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) follows up on JETAA Chapter Beat with a report from the Experience Enkai put on by JETAA Hawaii.

Sashi-bashi, hotoke-bashi, hashi-watashi…these were just some of the chopsticks taboos learned at the annual Experience Enkai at Natsunoya Tea House on Friday, July 9, 2010 from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. Seventeen JET alumni graciously imparted their Japanese etiquette wisdom on the ten new JETs who attended the event. JETAA officers began the program with having everyone pick numbers for their seating arrangements (in Japanese enkai style), followed by an overview of enkai etiquette and a beer-pouring demonstration. Everyone then practiced the art of beer-pouring for one another in time for the kampai by JETAA Hawaii President Kelsey Soma Turek. Then the feast began.

What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any exciting JETAA events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.