May 24

Justin’s Japan: The World Belongs to Hatsune Miku

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Click image to read article on page 25

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Shukan NY Seikatsu. Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.

Pop idols are everywhere in Japan, but most of them remain there. One particular idol breaks that tradition, with a notable exception: she’s not human.

Hatsune Miku, whose name means “first sound of the future,” is a Vocaloid (machine-made vocals) digital female avatar and creation of Crypton Future Media who currently has over 100,000 unique songs in her voice, which are synthesized tracks reminiscent of Auto-Tune. In Japan, Miku is massively popular and has appeared in numerous hit video games, music videos and ad campaigns, and her appearances with major artists like Lady Gaga and Pharrell Williams has boosted her international appeal.

Miku returns to the U.S. this summer for Miku Expo 2018, her third American tour. Miku Expo consists of live concerts that feature a range of hits from across her career as well as utilizing the latest holographic projection and voice synthesizing technology to create the ultimate Hatsune Miku experience—green onion-colored glowsticks included. For this year’s edition, fans were invited to sample a 39-day trial version of Hatsune Miku V4X software in English to create a new song, with the winning entry to be performed at every show on the North American tour.

True to its name, Miku Expo also presents an exhibition of Miku fan art by artists from Japan and local areas plus workshops and other events held to complement the concert.

The six-date U.S. tour wraps at New York’s legendary Hammerstein Ballroom on July 14th. After that comes Miku’s second appearance in Mexico City, then it’s off to Europe in December for Miku’s first-ever live concerts in Paris, Cologne, and London. The Paris date is set to coincide with the wider “Japonismes 2018” project celebrating Japanese and French relations throughout the year.

For more info and tickets, visit www.mikuexpo.com.

May 23

JQ Magazine: Film Review — ‘Isle of Dogs’

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“Isle of Dogs is a fun film and a stylistic ode to legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa about a boy and man’s best friend that’s full of beautiful visuals and is equally enjoyable for both kids and adults.” (Fox Searchlight)

By Andy Shartzer (Shizuoka-ken, 2014-16) for JQ magazine. Andy graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in chemical engineering, and currently works for JETRO New York. He is also the Community Development Chair for JETAA New York.

Isle of Dogs is director Wes Anderson’s first animated film since 2009’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. While it has received mostly positive reviews (with some reservations), it’s still interesting to see Anderson hone his storytelling skills using a colorful and vibrant world created with stop motion animation. The story opens with a prologue titled “Before the Age of Obedience” that supposedly explains how cats became more prominent in Japan. Fast forwarding to “Japan 20 Years in the Future,” the movie cuts to fictional Megasaki City, its residents, and Mayor Kobayashi (Kunichi Nomura), an authoritarian who declares that all dogs must be banished to nearby Trash Island because of the outbreak of dog flu and snout fever. The first dog that arrives on Trash Island is Spots (Liev Schreiber), the personal guard dog of Atari Kobayashi (Koyu Rankin), the ward and orphaned nephew of the mayor.

Atari soon takes matters into his own hands and flies a propeller plane to Trash Island to find Spots. He unfortunately crash lands on the island (in the meantime getting a piece of the plane stuck in his head, ouch) but is rescued by a pack of five dogs: Chief (Bryan Cranston), Boss (Bill Murray), Rex (Edward Norton), Duke (Jeff Goldblum), and King (Bob Balaban). The dogs—except for Chief, who was a former stray—agree to help Atari find Spots and accompany him on his journey to another part of Trash Island.

Though reluctant at first, Chief decides to join Atari and the other dogs after getting some extra persuasion from Nutmeg (Scarlett Johansson), a female purebred dog. Back in Megasaki City, Mayor Kobayashi orders the extermination of all dogs on Trash Island. Tracy Walker (Greta Gerwig), an American exchange student, gets involved and investigates further.

A couple fun Easter eggs in the film include: Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai, Inception) as a head surgeon, Yojiro Noda (lead singer of RADWIMPS) as a news anchor, and Yoko Ono (artist, singer, peace activist) as a medical assistant named…Yoko Ono.

Read More

May 23

Job: Bilingual Analyst – Apex Systems (New York, NY)

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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.

Job Title: Bilingual Analyst
Posted by: Apex Systems
Location: New York, NY (Up to 75% paid travel!)
Contract: 12 month contract on a W2 basis

Here’s another job opening via JET alum Rebecca Chen (Akita-ken):

Apex Systems, the nation’s 2nd largest IT Staffing organization, has an immediate opportunity for a Bilingual Analyst opportunity to work for our client who is one of the world’s largest and most admired companies.

If you’re looking for an organization that focuses on innovation, social responsibility, and quality, then this is the place for you.  Pay is highly competitive and the work is to be completed in Austin, TX.

**CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WHO SPEAK JAPANESE, ITALIAN, CZECH, FRENCH OR GERMAN.** Read More

May 23

Job: Mapping Surveyor – Apex Systems (New York, NY)

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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.

Job Title: Mapping Surveyor
Posted by: Apex Systems
Location: New York, NY (Up to 75% paid travel!)
Contract: 6 months

Thanks to JET alum Rebecca Chen (Akita-ken) for passing along the following job opening:

This is a confidential project for our client who is an international leader in the technology industry. This is a ground truth surveying role that will be requiring 75% travel. You will be based out of New York, NY for the time you are not traveling. When you are traveling, you will spend your time performing different tasks collecting data with a provided device.

We are looking for candidates who are:

• Team players
• Critical thinkers
• Have good communication
• Able to follow guidelines and directions, but also ask questions
•  “Wants” to travel not “willing to travel”
• Able to travel 75%
• Has a valid passport

To apply email Courtney Bogese: cbogese@apexsystems.com

May 22

Job: MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) Coordinator – Kintetsu International (New York, NY)

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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.

Job Title: MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) Coordinator
Posted by: Kintetsu International
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alum, Tiffany Dyer (Toyama-ken) for the following job opening with her company:

This position is a great introduction to the world of MICE as well as travel management in general, while staying connected to Japan. The position is considered entry level and applicant can expect a salary range of appx $18.50/hr (with some wiggle room depending on the candidate\’s experience). No Japanese language experience necessary (though of course some understanding is helpful).

May 22

Job: Public Relations and Communications Associate – Consulate General of Japan in New York (New York, USA)

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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.

Job Title: Public Relations and Communications Associate
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in New York
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the Consulate General of Japan in New York:

The Consulate General of Japan in New York is currently seeking to hire a Public Relations and Communications Associate to be assigned to the Japan Information Center, the cultural and public affairs section of the Consulate.

Responsibilities

• Write newsletters, social media posts, emails, and other materials
• Coordinate the activities of government scholarship programs and exchange programs for our office
• Assist with the activities of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program for our office
• Contact people and organizations in an official capacity as needed for various programs including collaborating with grassroots events
• Respond to inquiries from the general public within our jurisdiction
• Study our organization’s objectives, promotional policies, and needs to form effective public relations strategies
• Research and analyze Japan-related discourses and media
• Other duties as deemed necessary

Read More

May 22

Job: Sales Representative and Sales Assistant – Okaya (USA), Inc. (Raleigh-Durham, NC)

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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.

Job Title: Sales Representative and Sales Assistant
Posted by: Okaya (USA), Inc.
Location: Raleigh-Durham, NC, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alum, Amir Bahrami (Fukushima-ken) for the following job opening at his company:

May 16

Job: Researcher / Assistant Correspondent – Mainichi Newspapers (Los Angeles, CA, USA)

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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.

Job Title: Researcher / Assistant Correspondent
Posted by: Mainichi Newspapers, Los Angeles Bureau
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job sent to us directly from the newspaper:

The Mainichi Newspapers Los Angeles Bureau seeks a full time Researcher / Assistant Correspondent. The Mainichi Newspapers is a major daily Japanese newspaper printed in Japan with around 3 million readers. It is the oldest national daily newspaper in Japan founded in 1872. Our corporate information can be found at https://mainichi.jp/.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinating with Japanese news correspondents in gathering news and developing articles.
• General proofreading.
• Researching and gathering news, conducting interviews, developing and maintaining news sources, covering press conferences and other events ( such as sporting events, award ceremonies, criminal trials, etc.) in English and Japanese.
• Administrative duties are included.
• No byline opportunities.

Read More

May 13

JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘A Girls’ Guide to the Islands’

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“While the book is largely a ‘what we did from beginning to end’ odyssey, Kamata’s vivid accounts of her journey with her daughter put you alongside them as they soak up culture.” (Gemma Open Door)

By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata–ken, 2008-10) for JQ magazine. A former head of the JETAA Philadelphia Sub–Chapter, Rashaad is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University with a master’s degree in responsible tourism management. For more on his life abroad and enthusiasm for taiko drumming, visit his blog at www.gettingpounded.wordpress.com.

Exploring local wonders with loved ones can conjure up magical memories—and an enormous sense of satisfaction upon overcoming numerous obstacles.

JET alumna Suzanne Kamata (Tokushima-ken, 1988-90) lived through such experiences, which are recounted in her nonfiction debut, A Girls’ Guide to the Islands. Such a title would indicate a guidebook for female travelers. But a scan of its second paragraph reveals the book is a first person travelogue of the author and her daughter Lilia’s exploration of their corner of Japan. Despite spending most of her life in the countryside, Kamata (author of Gadget Girl and The Beautiful One Has Come) has not just visited some nearby landmarks; she figures playing tourist in several locations would serve as good mother-daughter bonding experiences.

This treats the reader to a journey of art exploration. Lilia loves art and she wants to make a career out of it. Kamata also shares an affinity for art, which makes them perfect travel partners. A Girls’ Guide to the Islands is enhanced by the author’s illumination of the art she sees—such as Yayoi Kusama’s My Eternal Soul, which is painted in vivid colors that are considered unsettling in Japan (the artist’s iconic pumpkin sculpture in the island town of Naoshima also graces the book’s cover)—as well as the works that enthrall her daughter. Fortunately for them (and possibly surprising to some), foreign art from renowned artists was easy to locate in the rural museums they visited. Kamata and Lilia find one of Monet’s most famous paintings and Andy Warhol’s Flowers in Naoshima, as well as other works from other non-Japanese artists.

Read More

May 10

Job: Executive Assistant – Embassy of Japan (Washington, DC)

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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.

Job Title: Executive Assistant, Congressional Affairs Section
Posted by: Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington DC
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the Embassy of Japan:

The Embassy of Japan is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Executive Assistant for Congressional Affairs at Congressional Affairs Section. This individual is primarily responsible for secretarial duties for the Minister and diplomats in the Congressional Affairs Section. Please see below for a detailed listing of responsibilities.

The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, paid vacation and sick leave. Working hours are 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with lunch time receptionist duty once a month and the occasional weeknight and/or weekend event (paid overtime). Salary is commensurate with experience. The minimum monthly base salary for this position is USD 3,000.

Please note: Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder or those who are married to a U.S. citizen. Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Successful candidates will be requested to submit their background check information. Read More

May 10

Job: Content Production Coordinator – FunkyCorp (Tokyo, 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.

Job Title: Content Production Coordinator
Posted by: FunkyCorp
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time (with 6-month probation period)

Thanks to JET alum, Matt Taylor for the current job opening at his company:

FunkyCorp is looking for a Content Production Coordinator with a passion for Japan and travel to join our team. We’re a hardworking creative international team that enjoys a challenge and loves working on new and exciting projects.

The Content Production Coordinator will work closely with the Content Director and other members of the Content Team to create online content and manage tourism-related content production projects. Specific tasks include copywriting, translation, editing, proofreading, content planning, task assignment and project management.

Responsibilities:

• Copywriting and translating travel-related marketing content
• Planning, reviewing, editing and proofreading online content
• Sourcing, handling and monitoring the progress/quality of external translators, writers and other vendors
• Liaising with the design and technical teams to see content through from the planning and production stages to publishing
• Competitor analysis and research Read More

May 10

Job: Visitor Services Associate – Japan Society (New York, NY, USA)

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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.

Job Title: Visitor Services Associate
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Part-Time

Thanks to JET alum, Carleen Ben (Oita-ken) for passing along this job listing:

The Visitor Services Associate maintains the Japan Society’s visitor service’s desk as an ambassador interacting with the general public. This includes greeting and welcoming visitors, answering questions, providing information about exhibits and programs, selling tickets, memberships, and catalogs.

Responsibilities:

• Process ticket orders and gallery admissions; Sell memberships and catalogs;
• Welcome and assist visitors, trustees, donors, and vendors on the phone and in person; Provide administrative support for related activities and projects.

Requirements:

• Customer service experience; Very good communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort interacting with the public; Ability to multi-task and to handle multiple phone lines;
• Computer proficiency;
• General office experience;
• Must be dependable and punctual;
• Knowledge of Japanese culture and/or language is a plus.

Read More

May 9

Job: Educational Affairs Specialist – Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle (Seattle, WA, USA)

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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.

Job Title: Educational Affairs Specialist – JET Program/Japanese Government Scholarships
Posted by: Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Contract: Full-time

Here’s a job received directly from the Embassy of Japan:

The Consulate is seeking a well-qualified individual with excellent communication skills to serve as an educational affairs specialist.

This position will be responsible for supporting the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, Japanese Government educational programs including scholarships and youth exchange, generating written content on a variety of cultural topics, and serving as an information resource to the public.

The ideal candidate possesses good knowledge of Japanese culture and international relations, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a high level of proficiency in Japanese, office software skills, and will be a reliable and flexible team member in a demanding environment. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S.

For more information and to apply: http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000424.html

May 9

Job: Japanese Interpreter – LanguageLine Solutions (Remote)

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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.

Job Title: Japanese Interpreter
Posted by: LanguageLine Solutions
Location: Remote (Eligible to work in United States or Canada)
Contract: Full-time

Here’s another job passed along to us from JET alumna, Rebecca Chen (Akita-ken):

LanguageLine Solutions has an immediate opening for Work at Home interpreters. This is a rewarding position that you can perform from the comfort of your home.

The Japanese Telephone/Video Interpreter is responsible for handling calls on demand, and renders the meaning of conversations between Japanese and English speakers. The interpreter helps break the communication barrier between a Japanese speakers and a non-Japanese speaker, who is a professionals in any of the wide range of industries LanguageLine Solutions serves: Healthcare, Government, Insurance, Financial, Utilities, Travel & Hospitality, and 911, Law Enforcement, Court, and General Business.

The interpreter processes information quickly, concisely and recognizes sensitive cultural differences and she/he is professional and courteous at all times. The interpreter uses appropriate terminology and understands common industry procedures and practices. The calls may involve simple or complex, non-technical or technical subjects in the industries LanguageLine Solutions serves. Read More

May 9

Job: Research Associate, Japan – Harding Loevner (Bridgewater, NJ)

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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.

Job Title: Research Associate, Japan
Posted by: Harding Loevner
Location: Bridgewater, NJ
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to JET alumna, Rebecca Chen (Akita-ken) for passing this job opportunity along:

Harding Loevner is seeking a Research Associate to support our coverage of publicly listed stocks of Japanese companies.  Harding Loevner’s equity research entails the careful study of individual companies and the global competitive dynamics of the industries in which they operate in order to identify high-quality, growing companies.

The Research Associate will support the current Japan Analyst by communicating with Japanese companies, translating notes, questions, company information, etc. at the request of colleagues, helping to maintain analyst earnings models, maintaining research data, and conducting performance attribution analysis.

The Research Associate position offers a curious and motivated individual the opportunity to develop his or her securities analysis abilities through continual interaction with experienced analysts and portfolio managers. The Research Associate will have frequent opportunities to contribute meaningfully from an early stage. Read More