WIT Life #311: Premium Friday
WIT Life 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 along with her own observations.
A little over a month ago Japan began a new public-private initiative c
alled Premium Friday (aka プレミアムフライデー or プレ金) as part of ongoing labor reform efforts from the government. This monthly event will take place on the last Friday of each month, and its official launch was on February 24th. The idea for Premium Friday was conceived by the Japan Business Federation, and the concept is that employers let their employees leave at 3 p.m. on the final Friday of the month. This is not just an altruistic move the Federation is making on behalf of workers; the goal is to have shorter hours boost productivity and encourage consumer spending. It is also a response to the suicide of a 24-year old employee at Japan’s largest advertisement agency Dentsu in December of 2015, which authorities ruled was a result of overwork.
At the start there were 130 companies that actually implemented Premium Friday, and 4000 have applied for the official logo (pictured above). Of those already on board the majority are larger companies, and only 3.7 percent of Tokyo area employees took part in the inaugural event. Statistics for the second Premium Friday which took place today have not been released yet, but considering that March 31 is the end of Japan’s fiscal year and one of its busiest days overall, it it likely that participation was not stellar. For those who took part last month, some of the activities people engaged in were Read More
Job: International Student Advisor – Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY, USA)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: International Student Advisor
Posted by: Hofstra University
Location: Hempstead, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to JET alumni Zach Piper (Kochi-ken) for the following opening:
Position – International Student Advisor (Part-time) for International Student Affairs
Summary:
This position is responsible for advising international students with immigration matters related to their stay and issue required government documents to international students to ensure their status.
Responsibilities:
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Serving as Designated School Office (DSO) in Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
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Reviewing and issuing documents to new incoming international students
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Reviewing and issuing documents to current students applying for extension, reduced course load, curricular practical training (CPT), change major or travel signature
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Assisting international students with OPT related applications and OPT employment updates requests
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Advising international students clearly and accurately on immigration matters
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Complying with SEVIS reporting requirement
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Working with international student affairs team, administrators, faculty on campus
Job: Assistant Curator of Education – Palm Beach County (Delray Beach, FL, USA)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Assistant Curator of Education
Posted by: Palm Beach County
Location: Delray Beach, FL, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Thanks to JET alumna Wendy Lo (Toyama-ken) for the following job opening:
ASSISTANT CURATOR OF EDUCATION (40 hrs/week)
Position reports to: Curator of Education
Position Description:
The Assistant Curator of Education will be responsible for the creation and implementation of educational programs and materials, with a strong emphasis on children (K-12) activities and programs. This includes K-12 tour programs, Summer Tour Plus program, educator guides, teacher development workshops, outreach programs, and K-12 museum programs. The position requires a creative, dynamic and hands-on individual. The individual will be working closely with the Curator of Education and Youth and Outreach Program Coordinator in the development and implementation of programs. The person must be able to work weekends and evening events.
Specific Responsibilities and Duties:
- Work with Youth and Outreach Coordinator to create and implement museum educational programs and outreach for children and families.
- Create curriculum for children tours and educator guides
- Develop and implement programs for public and private school collaborations
- Be the PBC School District and other collaborations liaison
- Plan and implement teacher professional development workshops
- Develop, implement, and oversee the MORY and Summer Tour Plus (STP) program activities with the Youth and Outreach Program Coordinator
- Work with the Curator of Education and Curatorial department to create content and design layout for exhibit guides and other museum publications
- Work with Curator of Education and Curatorial department in developing and managing the children exhibit spaces
- Work with the Curator of Education with the docent program: educate, guide, monitor tours, create study guides
- Mentor and supervise Youth and Outreach Program Coordinator and Education Program Coordinator on projects as needed
- Perform outreach when necessary
- Assist the Curator of Education as needed
- And other duties as specified
Job: Manager of Box Office & Administrative Services – Japan Society (New York, NY, USA)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Manager of Box Office & Administrative Services
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Here’s a job via Idealist:
This position manages three critical organizational functions: Box Office and Visitor Services, program operations, and office services. The position interfaces with the public, vendors and staff. The Manager of Box Office and Administrative Services is responsible for supervising the Visitor Services Associates, and the Finance and Administration Department’s Administrative Assistant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Read More
Hey JET alum parents! Discover Canada with your kids!
Jody Robbins, a Tottori ALT from 1994-1997, has just written her first book! Published in May, 2016. 25 Places in Canada Every Family Should Visit is the ultimate guide to family travel in the Great White North. This year Canada celebrates its 150th year. From coast to coast, north to south, the country will be aflutter with events and celebrations, making 2017 the best time to discover Canada with your family.
Families have different travel needs, and Robbins gives the scoop on affordable hotels, worth-it attractions and nature hideaways, in addition to piquing the interest of young travellers with quirky, kid-friendly facts. Catering to families such as her own, she’s pulled together 25 of Canada’s best family-friendly destinations and compiled in-depth profiles for each, providing more than a few ideas to keep even the most active of families busy.
She also offers loads of how-to advice to make family travel a more pleasant experience. Robbins reveals how creativity and managing expectations go a long way to rekindling romance, offers practical advice on how to see the world for less and dishes on how to survive long road trips.
You can support this alumnus by ordering her book online (it makes a great gift!) or sharing the word with your friends.
And please visit Jody’s blog Travels with Baggage for lifestyle tips and inspiration.
Job: Corporate Giving Manager – Japan Society (New York, NY, USA)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Corporate Giving Manager
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Here’s a job via Idealist:
Japan Society, celebrating its 110th anniversary in May 2017, is an internationally-recognized, multidisciplinary hub for global leaders, artists, scholars, educators, and English and Japanese-speaking audiences seeking access to information on Japan, opportunities to experience Japanese art and culture, and to foster dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan and East Asia. Japan Society sponsors more than 100 events annually through its art gallery, performing arts program, film festival, speakers’ series, business and policy presentations, and Japanese language school. Japan Society is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization located in a landmark building near the United Nations. Japan Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and welcomes a diverse workforce.
CORPORATE GIVING MANAGER
The Corporate Giving Manager outreaches to U.S., Japanese and international corporations to become corporate members so the corporation and its employees can benefit from the dynamic and wide-ranging cultural, business and public policy programs sponsored by Japan Society.
Job: Reporter/Researcher – Yomiuri Shimbun (New York, New York)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Reporter/Researcher
Posted by: New York Bureau of The Yomiuri Shimbun
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Here’s a job received directly from the company:
The Yomiuri Shimbun is Japan’s largest daily newspaper. We are headquartered in Tokyo and have 26 international bureaus, three of which are in the United States: New York, Washington, and Los Angeles.
Website: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/
English-language site is: http://the-japan-news.com/
Qualifications: Applicants must have a strong interest in current affairs, especially international relations. An interest in journalism combined with attention to accuracy and the ability to multitask effectively under deadline is required. Applicants should already be based in New York region.
Description: Main duties involve assisting Japanese United Nations correspondent by covering the Security Council and other UN bodies. This includes press briefings, tracking relevant stories, arranging and conducting interviews, doing research, coming up with story ideas, etc. Applicant may also be required to work other news areas including national politics, business, sports, breaking news, etc.) as the situation warrants. Some transcribing of briefings and interviews is also required.
Applicants must be prepared to work occasional overtime. This is a full-time position. Compensation includes medical/dental benefits, and 401(k).
Application Procedure: Please email cover letter and resume. No phone calls, please. Applicants must be available for in-person interviews
Email letter and resume to:
Makoto Yoshiike, New York, Bureau Chief, Yomiuri Shimbun at yominyjob2017@gmail.com
Fishmongers, Seafood Wrapper, Cooks, Crew Members – Uwajimaya, Inc. (Seattle, WA, USA)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Fishmongers, Seafood Wrapper, Cooks, Crew Members
Posted by: Uwajimaya, Inc.
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Here are some jobs via PNWJETAA:
KAI MARKET by Uwajimaya is a new boutique market concept, slated to open in vibrant South Lake Union next month. We have a few more positions to fill and would love to see some JET Program alumni in the applicant pool! We already know you’re passionate about Japan/Asian cultures and food. Join our crew and be a part of history. Come to our next hiring event to find out more.
Uwajimaya, Inc. is the largest Asian grocery/gift store in the Pacific Northwest. In the last 89 years, Uwajimaya has evolved beyond being a basic grocery store and has become a popular destination for loyal local customers as well as tourists.
Our mission is to be the premier place for our patrons to come and experience the Asian cultures and foods, by providing exceptional customer service, positive attitudes, and a diverse variety of high quality food and merchandise. Read More
Job: Japanese Language Instructor – Green River Community College (Auburn, WA, USA)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Japanese Language Instructor
Posted by: Green River Community College
Location: Auburn, WA, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Here’s a job via PNWJETAA:
POSITION: Japanese Language Instructor – 1 YR Contract
Essential Responsibilities:
Teaching first and second year Japanese courses as well as other courses related to the field. Other responsibilities include: student advising, involvement in curriculum development and revision, evaluation and hiring of adjunct faculty as needed for the Japanese program, as well as the development of activities to enhance the department’s presence on campus and the recruitment of students. Faculty members are expected to be involved in division and campus meetings, committees and other community activities as well.
FULL DETAILS here.
Job: Local Japanese Language Instructor – Council on International Educational Exchange (Tokyo, Japan)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Local Japanese Language Instructor
Posted by: Council on International Educational Exchange
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time
Here’s a job received directly from the NPO:
Job opening:
Local Japanese Language Instructor for US college-level course in Tokyo, May 18 to June 26
Compensation:
150,000 yen for entire period + up to 10,000 yen transportation + textbook costs
When:
May 18 to June 26, 2017. 23 weekday classes, 2 hours each, for 45 credit hours. Exact times TBD, but classes are during the day and should end by about 3:30pm.
Description:
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Tokyo Study Center, located on Sophia University (上智大学) Campus, is searching for a Local Japanese Language Instructor to teach a college course running from 5/18 to 6/26, 2017, using materials from the textbook “Genki II.” Previous experience with the Genki textbook is not necessarily required, but the Local Instructor must be confident in his/her ability to adapt to the materials. This course is for a short-term study abroad program for a US university and will be led by a language instructor from that university. The Local Instructor will work under the supervision and guidance of the US University Instructor to achieve the learning outcomes set by the US University. The Local Instructor will need to meet at times with the University Instructor outside of class for course planning purposes.
To apply
To apply, please email your Cover Letter and CV in Japanese and/or English to Darren Biggs (dbiggs@ciee.org) by Friday, April 14. Priority may be given to early applicants.
Preferred Qualifications:
University degree and/or Japanese teaching certification, and previous experience teaching Japanese language.
For more information about CIEE, visit www.ciee.org.
Job: JET Program Coordinator – Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (Washington, D.C.)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: JET Program Coordinator
Posted by: Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Contract: Full-Time
Here’s a job via JETAADC:
About the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program
The JET Program is the government of Japan’s most successful exchange program, sending over 62,000 participants to Japan since 1987 to serve as Assistant Language Teachers and Coordinators for International Relations. The program aims to enhance English language education at the primary and secondary school levels, and promote international exchange by fostering ties at the grassroots level between Japanese and foreign youth.
Position Description
Under the supervision of the Education Counselor, the Program Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the screening process for applications for all U.S. candidates, recruitment and interviewing of applicants in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area, and preparing successful candidates for departure. This position will also involve liaising with the JET Alumni Association of Washington, D.C. and assisting with other projects within the Education Counselor’s portfolio as necessary.
Responsibilities:
- Program promotion through recruiting events (career fairs, information sessions, etc.) and social media outreach efforts
- Implementation of the online application system, application screening, and responding to applicant inquiries
- Coordination of the review and interview processes, including scheduling and serving as point of contact with review and interview committee members
- Planning and execution of events, including logistical support, coordinating volunteers, and conducting presentations
- Communicate and collaborate with other JET Program Coordinators at Japanese Consulates in the U.S.
- Other duties assigned at the discretion of the Education Counselor or senior JET Program Coordinators
Job: Executive Director – National Japanese American Citizens League (Washington, D.C. [preference] or any regional office)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Executive Director
Posted by: National Japanese American Citizens League
Location: Any Regional Office with a strong preference in the Washington, D.C. Office
Contract: Full-time
Thanks to JET alumna, Therese Stephen (Iwate-ken) for passing along this job opportunity:
JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE
Masao Satow Building * 1765 Sutter Street * San Francisco, California 94115
Phone: (415) 921-5225 * Fax: (415) 931-4671 * Website: www.jacl.org * Email: jacl@jacl.org
Title: Executive Director
FLSA: Exempt
Reports To: National JACL Board
Status: Regular Full-Time
Position Location: Any Regional Office with a strong preference in the Washington, D.C. Office
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA Office
Regional Offices: Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA; Chicago, IL, Washington D.C.
General Summary
The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the National Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) 501C(3) charitable organization. The Executive Director reports to the National JACL Board, and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.
The Executive Director serves as the spokesperson for the JACL on civil rights issues and concerns which are related to the objectives of the JACL; and manages and directs the administrative, program, and policy affairs of the National JACL organization.
Essential Functions
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the National JACL Board and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the National JACL Council and the National JACL Board.
- Accountable for financial management and accounting, property and maintenance of physical facilities, equipment, disbursement, and expenditure of funds, and revenue development activities for non-Pacific Citizen operations.
- Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization, with the exception of the Pacific Citizen, to carry out its work
- Serve the JACL as the chief advocate and spokesperson to the general public, including mass media, government, business, coalition partners, and community. Read More
Job: Internationalization Coordinator for Ichinoseki City – Ichinoseki City (Iwate, Japan)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Internationalization Coordinator for Ichinoseki City
Posted by: Ichinoseki City
Location: Iwate, Japan
Contract: Full-time
Here’s a job opportunity forwarded to us by JET alumna Therese Stephen (Iwate-ken):
Ichinoseki City is seeking a native English speaker with proficiency in Japanese and an interest in helping to bring the proposed International Linear Collider (ILC) project to fruition.
- Maintaining the English page of Ichinoseki City’s ILC website (this website), and pro-active use of ILC Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Maintaining Ichinoseki’s English Living Guide. The guide can be accessed from the left hand side of the Ichinoseki City website: http://www.city.ichinoseki.iwate.jp/
- Translation of Japanese newspaper articles related to the ILC, the quarterly newsletter “ILC News”, letters written by the mayor, etc. Translation of English content into Japanese is also required at times
- Interpreting for the mayor, for researchers when they visit from abroad, etc
- Writing about local ILC events or initiatives
- Using email and the telephone (in English and Japanese)
- Participating in ILC-related events
- Gathering and sharing information
- Helping other divisions in the city office with matters of international exchange etc
- Collaborating with organizations, international residents, etc.
Japanese/English Translator and Interpreter or Bilingual Administrative Assistant – Consultant Solutions, Inc. (Lexington, KY, USA)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Japanese/English Translator and Interpreter or Bilingual Administrative Assistant
Posted by: Consultant Solutions, Inc.
Location: Lexington, KY, USA
Contract: Full-time
Thanks to JET alumni, Thad Johnson, the founder of Consultant Solutions, Inc. for two job openings with his company:
We are a global consulting firm that has been facilitating Japanese-American manufacturing for the last 15 years. We’ve hired and trained numerous JETs during this time. With a global footprint and a team hand-picked from all corners, if you are looking for an opportunity to advance your career in a multi-cultural, fast-paced company with unlimited growth potential then we could be an ideal fit.
Both positions are based in Lexington, KY but would require some travel both domestically and internationally. A relocation package and visa sponsorship are available. Compensation is aligned with industry norms and experience. Read More
Job: Account Executive – MacMillan Communications (New York, NY, USA)
Posted by Sydney Sparrow, an ALT currently living in Toyota City. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
Position: Account Executive
Posted by: MacMillan Communications
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-time
Thanks to JET alumni, David Savino (Aomori-ken) for sending the following job opening with his firm:
https://www.journalismjobs.com/1636489-account-executive-macmillan-communications
MacMillan Communications, an award-winning New York-based public relations firm focused on the financial services industry, is seeking a creative, dynamic individual with a minimum of two years public relations or comparable journalism experience to work with the firm’s roster of industry leading clients in the mutual fund, ETF, hedge fund, investment banking and financial research fields. The candidate will work closely with senior MacMillan executives to develop and execute communications programs.
Individuals applying for the position must have excellent communications, writing and organizational skills and a desire to work in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging team-based environment. Applicants must also be prepared to demonstrate an understanding of media dynamics. In addition, the ideal candidate will have experience with, and interest in, the development and application of social media initiatives.
