Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
There is much to celebrate now that 2009 is upon us. New possibilities, new hopes and new experiences wait just around the corner. Join the JET Alumni community in kicking off the new year together in this special Shinnenkai special edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
JETAA Chicago Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24, 6:00 at the Japan Information Center. What better way to celebrate the new year than with food, games, koto music, gyotaku, a raffle and even a little calligraphy lesson? If that isn’t enough, then all proceeds for this event will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Don’t miss it.
JETAA D.C. Bowling Shinnenkai – Tuesday, January 27th, 7:00 at Lucky Strike Lanes. Bowl in the new year in Washington D.C. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, and food for everyone!
JETAA Florida Shinnenkai – Sunday, January 25, 5:30. Michael Maloney is hosting this year’s Shinnenkai at his home. Come enjoy food and conversation with Florida JET alumni.
JETAA Texoma Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24, 6:30. JET Alumna Melissa Villamil is offering her home for this year’s event. Earlier meetup scheduled for 2:00 in downtown Houston for some activities before the party. Bring your business cards, get ready for some Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, Wii and board games. It promises to be a good time.
JETAA Rocky Mountains Shinnenkai – Sunday, February 8th, 1:00 to 4:00 at the International House. Help to celebrate the year of the cow with sushi, music and games and prizes.
JETAA Southeast Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 31st, 6:00 to 8:00 at Nori Nori. Bring in the new year with all you can eat seafood and sushi.
JETAA Southeast First Ever SC Sub-Chapter Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 24th, 6:00 at Clemson University’s Roderick International House. Come join in on a little new year’s celebration with the South Carolina Sub-chapter.
JETAA Northern California Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 14, 6:00 at Restaurant Peony. Food, games, and prizes! Celebrate 2009 with old friends and new.
- Photo Request! – JETAA Northern California needs photos for this year’s Shinnenkai Slideshow! If you’ve got: Pictures you took while in Japan on JET, JETAA Event Pictures, other event pictures you want to share or pictures of your family please submit them and share with the JET community.
JETAA Pacific Northwest Japan Young Professionals Group Shinnenkai – Wednesday, January 21st, 6:30 at Typhoon Restaurant in downtown Seattle. Join in for good food and a chance to network with others interested in Japan.
JETAA Toronto Annual General Meeting & Shinnenkai – Saturday, January 31st, meeting starts at 5:30 at Milestone’s Grill & Bar. Come and help contribute to the Toronto Executive and help celebrate 2009 Canada-style.
JETAA NY Shinnenkai – On Friday, January 23 at 7pm, enjoy All-you-can drink and eat shabu-shabu in a traditional Japanese restaurant (Naniwa on E. 46th between 5th & Madison) sitting on tatami and surrounded by paper sliding doors. Beef shabu shabu & seafood yosenabe will be served. Drinks include beer, sake, shochu, wine and tea. Vegetarian option upon request. Space is limited to 45 people, so RSVP now to get on the list and make your payment so you don’t miss out on the biggest dinner of the year! If you’re not a big drinker and still want to attend contact Monica.
All attendees must pay in advance through PayPal. RSVP to Monica at social /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org to get the link to make the payment. Click here to see photos of last year’s Shinnenkai.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
I just finished reading Zorgamazoo, the rhyming novel by Robert P. Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04) published by Penguin Books, and want to let the JET alum community know that I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters, the illustrations, the crazy fonts, the story and of course, the rhymes.
I know it’s not necessarily intended for people in my….um….age range. But that didn’t take anything away from it. It’s an extremely creative effort and I think JET alums (as well as non-JET alums) who read it will appreciate it.
(FYI, I’m not getting paid to say any of this. Honto ni, I really was just curious and found I enjoyed it a great deal.)
Roland Kelts interview on Tokyo FM (in Japanese)
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******Roland Kelts (Osaka, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica and frequent lecturer on the topic of Japanese pop culture, was interviewed recently on Tokyo FM. Below is the link to the post on his blog (japanamerica.blogspot.com) as well as links to the interview clips.Interviewed in New York, Aired in Tokyo, on Tokyo FM
The interview is in English, but the DJ translates in Japanese over Roland’s voice when he speaks and then expounds on her own at times. (I think it’s a little easier to hear the English in Part 2.)
It would be great if someone out there would post an English-version summary of the interview in the comments section below. Or perhaps one person could do a small portion and then others could add to it.
Interesting article (“Japan’s Outcasts Still Wait for Society’s Embrace”) by Norimitsu Onishi in the NYTimes today on buraku in modern Japanese society, a high ranking politician named Hiromu Nonaka who is of buraku descen, and a racist comment allegedly made two years ago by current prime minister Taro Aso.
WIT Life #19: Michelin Phenomenon
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken, 2000-03). Recently she’s been watching the news in Japanese and sharing some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
The famous French Michelin guide finally made its way to Tokyo last spring with a 2008 edition, and the 2009 edition came out last November. A news feature called “Michelin Phenomenon” examined how the Japanese are viewing this take on their culinary culture.
Japan’s gourmet guide with the most history is “Tokyo Ii Mise Umai Mise” (Tokyo’s Good and Delicious Restaurants), started in 1967. Written on the cover of a recent issue was the quote, “The French just don’t understand.” When the editor was asked about this assertion, he claimed, “What French and Japanese look for is different. For them the atmosphere of a restaurant is important, whereas for us it’s all about the taste.”
A new guide with a Japanese publisher came out in reaction to the Michelin guide. Its editor felt that with only a year or two of experience in Japan, it would be impossible for Read More
JetWit’s first media hit! An interview by Kinue Imai Weinstein in the January 9 edition of Yomitime, the free Japanese weekly publication, with me as well as with JETAA NY Magazine Editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02).
My name is Rick Ambrosio (Ibaraki-ken, 2006-08). And whether readjusting to post-JET life is something you’re facing now, will deal with in the future or if you just enjoy reconnecting with that awkwardly uncertain feeling you had when you got back from Japan, come along with me as I look for a new job, a new apartment, and yes, mow the lawn of my parent’s house. Tadaima!
Hello all. Yes, I’m back, still living at home, doing chores and looking for work! Apologies about the long black out and happy new year to all! I think Julie, who writes Editorial Pursuits, really did a great job summarizing how I feel right now, in terms of thanking people, looking for work, and dedicating myself to working harder. So thanks Julie, you saved me a good amount of space to write about…. (Drum Roll)
The Puppy! That’s right. As if I needed more distractions, this Christmas my sister wanted one thing, and she got it. A puppy. A deviously cute, usually well behaved puppy. Let me outline what that first week was like.
Day 1: Love Puppy. He’s so cute. Did you see that? He looked at me! Sooo cute!
Day 3: Puppy is cute. He pees where he shouldn’t, and Read More
QUESTION
In a recent post on her blog travelingtastebuds.blogspot.com (“Growing Pains“) Devon Brown (Tokyo-to, 2002-04) describes a situation where she submitted a travel writing piece to an editor (her first hit with a national publication) only to see a published version that looked rather different than what she submitted, in rhythm and voice.
She wonders: Is this normal or typical? Or is this just what she should expect?
JetWit.com put the question to JET alumni in the Writers Interpreters Translators (WIT) Group.
Click “Read More” to read their responses. Read More
Haiku Challenge #3 – Winner!
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Roland Kelts (Osaka, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, has reviewed all haiku submissions containing the designated word “pop“ for Haiku Challenge #3 and has selected a winner to receive a free copy of Japanamerica + Susan Napier’s Anime: From Akira to Howl’s Moving Castle.
Says Roland: “As a half-Japanese drummer and writer, I can’t resist finding a paradiddle and bubble-blowing carp in a haiku. Congratulations, Julie Matysik–and thanks to all for stellar contributions.”
THE WINNER
A paradiddle.
The sticks connect, pop, bounce,
like koi blowing bubbles.
—Julie Matysik (Yamanashi-ken, 2006-07)
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Click “Read More” to read the rest of the haiku submissions…
Read More
NYTimes article: Seeking the Essence of Japan? Look to Germany
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JET alum David Kowalsky, a Seattle-based technical writer, alerted me to an interesting article in the NYTimes the other day: “Seeking the Essence of Japan? Look to Germany” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/movies/11stua.html?_r=1&ref=movies
Regarding the brief talk toward the end of the article about the similarities between Germany and Japan, David comments that the way Germany and Japan have dealt with their war guilt has been very different. He recommends a good book on the topic called Wages of Guilt: Memories of War in Germany and Japan by Ian Buruma. http://www.amazon.com/Wages-Guilt-Memories-Germany-Japan/dp/0452011566/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231728075&sr=1-1
Side note: David also mentions that he (like me) first “discovered” Ian Buruma way back when he read the now out-of-print book Behind the mask: On sexual demons, sacred mothers, transvestites, gangsters, drifters and other Japanese cultural heroes http://www.amazon.com/Behind-mask-transvestites-gangsters-drifters/dp/0394537750/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231728470&sr=1-21.
WIT Life #17: Coming of Age in an Insecure World
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken, 2000-03). In her recent posts, she’s been watching the news in Japanese and sharing some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
Coming off the news that Toyota reported its first operating loss in 70 years, Japan’s other leading manufacturers are also falling victim to the high yen and global recession. Sony just announced that it will have its first profit loss in 14 years, despite the fact that it was in the black with profits of 200 billion yen in March of last year. For the business year through this March, it looks like Sony may post an operating loss of 100 billion yen ($1.1 billion). Toshiba also revealed that it will have its first operating loss in 7 years, due largely to slumping sales of its semiconductors.
However, in the midst of all this doom and gloom there was a bit of good cheer in Japan yesterday as nationwide more than 1.3 million 20-year olds celebrated Seijin no hi or Coming of Age Day. Seijinshiki (ceremonies) took place from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and this first generation of Heisei (1989~) seijin shared their hopes and fears with reporters. With a large percentage of college students, many expressed the desire to Read More
Editorial Pursuits #6: JETs Rule! – By Julie Matysik
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Julie Matysik (Yamanashi-ken, 2006-07) is a freelance copy editor and aspiring in-house editor who recently moved to NYC with her husband (also a JET alum). She has just started an internship in editing/publishing/writing. Editorial Pursuits chronicles her job hunting efforts, experiences and lessons learned.
Happy New Year, Jetwit readers!
I apologize for my prolonged absence from the website but, seeing as how I’m still without a paying job, still unsuccessfully finding new job postings congruent with my entry-level publishing knowledge, and still without any interviews for jobs I’ve applied to weeks ago, I didn’t really know what to write about as we rang in 2009. I sort of feel as though I’ve hit that proverbial brick-in-the-wall and can’t seem to wedge myself out of this tacky substance known of my frustrating editorial pursuits.
So, while I am unable to relay any quirky anecdotes about my present internship situation or to go on a tirade about the publishing industry’s apparent doomsday, I do want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you former JETs out there who have been so open to helping people like me, who are struggling in this tough economic time, by offering advice and support in the continuing job search. I think sometimes living in such a big place like New York City, one can easily forget that there are really genuine, kind, and caring people out among the snotty, rude, and self-important citizens of The Big Apple.
Since beginning my job search in September of last year, I’ve been the recipient of multiple acts of kindness from former JETs and I believe this is a testament to the sort of people JET attracts. So many of you are more than willing to go out on a limb and help your cohorts and I dedicate this posting to all of you. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do in making not only me but others in this network feel a little more hopeful and a little less lonely.
That said, here is my obligatory New Year’s Resolution: to continue networking and persevering until I have a job at a publishing house and to say “thank you” more often to my fellow JETs for their constant and unwavering support.
Devon Brown (Tokyo-to, 2002-04) is a freelance writer with a focus on food. You can read more of her writing at TravelingTastebuds.blogspot.com.
Here’s her latest post in which she comments on, and asks for perspective on, freelance travel writing:
I’m feeling betrayed, so just for today I need to digress from my usual subject matter.
About a month ago, I landed my first article in a national magazine. I worked hard on my little 250 word piece. I was getting paid $1 a word after all and this piece was my national debut. Well I turned that piece in and it was full of rhythm and pep and I was really proud. When I was asked to revise I understood, but when I read the final edited piece it looked nothing like me. Sure it was my subject matter, but my voice was gone, and my rhythm was gone. I had been hacked. And now I’m wondering if I’m being too sensitive.
Is this normal? Is this what I should expect as new-bee in this industry?
Japan Society presents Kazuko Shiraishi, the “Allen Ginsberg” of Japan, Friday, Jan. 30, 6:30pm
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Interesting upcoming event at Japan Society in NYC:
JAPAN SOCIETY PRESENTS THE “ALLEN GINSBERG OF JAPAN,” WHO READS FROM NEW WORK, ACCOMPANIED BY LIVE JAZZ
My Floating Mother, City: An Evening with Kazuko Shiraishi
Friday, January 30, 2009, 6:30 pm at Japan Society
New York, NY – Japan Society presents an intimate evening with one of Japan’s foremost poets, Kazuko Shiraishi, in conjunction with the recent English-language collection of her poetry, My Floating Mother, City. Shiraishi, a pioneer in jazz-poetry collaboration, is joined by trumpeter Itaru Oki for a special live performance, and partakes in a discussion and Q&A moderated by Forrest Gander, author and Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Brown University. My Floating Mother, City: An Evening with Kazuko Shiraishi takes place Friday, January 30 at 6:30 pm and is followed by a reception. Read More
Nosh Pit: Ringing in the New Year with Toshi-Koshi Soba
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A recent post by JET alum Rosie DeFremery on her collaborative foodie blog Nosh Pit:
As I write this we are a little over one hour from ringing in the New Year here in icy New York City. It’s already 2009 in Japan, where they’ve just woken up to celebrate Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year. Japanese residents of New York still keep some of the traditions while living overseas, as you could tell by visiting any Japanese market or store in the city. When I dropped by Chiyoda Sushi to pick up lunch this afternoon, customers were picking up elaborate osechi ryouri meals they’d ordered in advance (for a pretty penny too – well over $100). For the more budget conscious among us, however, they did have packages of fresh toshi-koshi soba noodles available. Upon catching sight of those I snapped one up to prepare at home.
Toshi-koshi soba noodles, which JustHungry translates roughly as “end the old year and enter the new year soba noodles,” will be familiar to anyone who’s eaten soba before. The only difference is
