Jun 2

Job: Reservations and Sales Associate – Amnet (New York City, New York)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Reservations and Sales Associate – Amnet (New York City, 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: Reservations and Sales Associate [Inbound and Asia Division]
Posted by: Amnet 
Location: New York City, NY
Contract: Full-Time

If you are interested in travel, have excellent people skills, and like working in a Japanese company environment, definitely consider Amnet New York as a great job opportunity. With an already strong Japanese clientele base, Amnet is looking to expand their name, brand and services to the American market as well as other Asian markets including the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia.

Job Description:

1. Arrange air tickets, hotels, transportation, making appointments, and coordinating tours
2. Use the online reservation system GDS
3. Respond to inquiries from clients
4. Negotiate sales with airlines, hotels and other tour operators
5. Sales calls to local and out of state corporate companies/clients
6. Communicate with clients
7. Other duties as assigned

Requirements/Preferences:

1. U.S. Work Permit Required
2. Native-level English speaking and writing skills
3. Microsoft Office proficiency especially Word, Excel and Publisher
4. Japanese language skills preferred
5. Familiarity to Japanese customs and culture preferred
6. Bachelor Degree required

Application Process: Interested applicants, please send a resume and cover letter to hr@amnet-usa.com.

Jun 2

Job: Finance Manager – Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum (Queens, New York)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Finance Manager – Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum (Queens, 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: Finance Manager
Posted by: Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum
Location: Long Island City, Queens, New York
Contract: Full-Time

The Noguchi Museum – chartered as The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum – was founded and designed by the acclaimed Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) for the display of his life’s work. Opened in 1985 and located in the vibrant neighborhood of Long Island City, Queens, the Museum is housed in a converted industrial building and is itself considered to be one of Noguchi’s greatest works. Today, the mission of the Museum is to advance the understanding and appreciation of Noguchi’s art and legacy. It manages the world’s most extensive collection of Noguchi’s sculptures, works on paper, architectural models, and designs, in addition to his complete archives. Through its rich collection, exhibitions, and programming, the Museum facilitates scholarship and learning for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum seeks a Finance Manager. Reporting to the Director, the Finance Manager will oversee and maintain the financial operations of the Museum; provide the Museum’s management with reports and analysis of the Museum’s work; and develop procedures and standard to maintain the financial wellbeing of the Museum. The Finance Manager will work with all Museum departments as well as with outside auditors and funding agencies concerned with the Museum’s finances. Read More

Jun 1

Job: Programs and Events Intern – The Congressional Study Group on Japan (Washington, D.C.)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Programs and Events Intern – The Congressional Study Group on Japan (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: Programs and Events Intern
Posted by: Congressional Study Group on Japan
Location: Washington D.C., USA
Contract: Part-Time

The Congressional Study Group on Japan seeks a highly-qualified intern to assist in event planning and program administration for our bipartisan, non-advocacy legislative exchanges, consisting of regular roundtables on Capitol Hill, as well as study tour opportunities for Members of Congress and senior congressional staff abroad.

Learning Opportunities Include:

• Improving project management and event coordination skills by assisting with the planning and coordination of Washington, DC-based roundtables, domestic study tours for foreign policymakers, and preparation for 2017 international study tours for US policymakers;
• Strengthening a clear and concise writing style for drafting invitations and narrative reflections following internal programs;
• Creatively generating content for our website, Facebook, Twitter;
• Capitalizing on educational and networking opportunities by attending internal and external events with current and former Members of Congress, congressional staff, ambassadors, and administration officials when appropriate;
• And, using Japanese language skills in a professional environment.

Read More

Jun 1

JETAA Chapter Beat June 1st, 2016

Uncategorized Comments Off on JETAA Chapter Beat June 1st, 2016

Ryan Hata (Tottori-Ken, 2014-Present) AJET National Council Director of Alumni Relations: Ryan is in his second year on the AJET National Council and first as the Director of Alumni Relations. He works alongside Rachel Brisson (AJET National Council Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA International (JETAA-I) to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs, and Japan. Ryan helps to keep you up to date with JETAA events around the world. If you have a specific event that you would like promote, please do not hesitate to contact him by email at ryan.hata@ajet.net or his Linkedin profile. 

June marks the official start of summer and with it, many new JETs anxiously awaiting more information about coming to Japan in either July or August. In addition to regular JETAA community events, this chapter beat will feature the first batch of pre-departure orientations/events where many JETAA chapters are looking for volunteers to help usher in the new JETs of 2016.

Regular JETAA Community Events

1. JETAA NOLA

JETAA NOLA First Wednesday – NOLA Brewery + McClure’s BBQ

When: June 1st, 6:30-8:30 pm (CDT)
Where: NOLA Brewing – 3001 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115

The city’s best beer and barbecue, all in one place? You’re not going to want to miss this one. JETAA NOLA First Wednesday is heading to the NOLA Brewing tap room for cool brews and outstanding BBQ from McClure’s. As always, Friends of JET and anyone with an interest in Japan is welcome to join. Come for the whole evening or just pop in to say “Hi”. See you there!

2. JETAA Rocky Mountain

Casual Career Advice Meet-Up

When: June 1st, 7 pm (MDT)
Where: Coffee at The Point – 710 E 26th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80205

So you lived in Japan, huh? And what did you do? We all have that experience in common. Now let’s work together as we look at the present and to the future while translating our time in Japan into marketable skills. Network, peer review resumes, contribute! In addition to the experience and expertise of those attending (yes, me and you!) we will also have two special guests- Catherine Rackley and Mariko Watanabe. See you there! And don’t forget your resume and business cards!

3. JETAA NSW

JETAA Trivia Night and Kumamoto Earthquake Fundraiser

When: June 2nd, 6:30-9 pm (AEST)
Where: AB Hotel – 225 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, NSW 2037, Australia

May 30

JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘Monkey Business Volume 6’

Article/Journalism, Books, JQ Magazine, Reviews, Roland Kelts Comments Off on JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘Monkey Business Volume 6’

“In addition to the stories profiled here, there are other works that will make you laugh while taking you to a Japan that might not have even existed in your imagination.” (A Public Space)

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.

Upon picking up the sixth volume of Monkey Business: New Writing from Japan, the first thought that popped into my head was that I would be introduced to epic Japanese works and/or more prominent authors from the country. After all, several award-winning writers—including Mieko Kawakami, Satoshi Kitamura and Hiroko Oyamada—produce works that appear in this volume. Quite possibly, some of the stories in this 21-piece set might become classics in Japanese literature. Or at the very least, this newbie to the Monkey Business series might discover new aspects of Japan—or be reintroduced to certain things—in rather unforgettable tales.

And well…this edition of Monkey Business doesn’t lack colorful stories.  Several of them stand out, including the first one – “Forbidden Diary.” No, it doesn’t serve as an educational tour of Japanese history or culture. Instead, this excerpt of Sachiko Kishimoto’s fictional diary introduces us to a “Phantom Old Man” who has experienced Japan a little differently from the way you might have.

Let’s see…the old man (who is actually being taken care of by the narrator) remembers Shibuya as being totally void of people, as only a haven for rice paddies and without its iconic scramble crossroads. In addition to seemingly arriving out of the Stone Age, the old man repeatedly changes appearances during the story.

Read More

May 30

Job: Various Positions – Keiro Northwest (Seattle, Washington, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Various Positions – Keiro Northwest (Seattle, Washington, 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: Various Positions
Posted by: Keiro Northwest
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Keiro Northwest (formerly Nikkei Concerns) is a leading provider of health and wellness services in the Pacific Northwest, that embraces an increasingly diverse community while honoring our Japanese American heritage and history has just updated their list of full time, part time and on-call positions.

Please click here for a complete list of current positions available.

May 30

Job: Executive Assistant – Consulate-General of Japan (Seattle, Washington, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Executive Assistant – Consulate-General of Japan (Seattle, Washington, 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: Executive Assistant
Posted by: Consulate-General of Japan
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Contract: Full-Time

The Executive Assistant will perform a variety of secretarial projects and duties including speech and correspondence writing, scheduling, research, event planning, etc. Excellent command of written and spoken English, computer skills, flexibility, and diligence required. Japanese language ability preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the writing and proofreading of communication materials such as speeches, correspondence, social media, and website content.
• Event planning for large and small official events.
• Provide general administration and office support.

Requirements:

• Native English speaker with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Japanese language ability preferred.
• Editorial experience.
• Strong planning skills with the ability to multi-task and manage competing demands.
• Ability to focus in a fast-paced and changeable environment.
• Can demonstrate a high level of computer literacy (including Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
• Ability to make visitors feel welcome in the office.
• Hard-working, diligent, dedicated, focused, friendly and cooperative.

Application Process: Submit resume and cover letter by June 15, 2016, to:

May 30

Job: English Instructor – K&F English Academy (Japan)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: English Instructor – K&F English Academy (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: English Instructor
Posted by: K&F English Academy
Location: Hiroshima Japan
Contract: Full-Time

K&F English Academy is now seeking a special individual to join our teaching staff: an individual who is not only a friendly and effective English instructor, but is also interesting and a talented individual who now wants to offer an energetic contribution to a dynamic western owned organization.

K&F English Academy is a thriving language school located in picturesque Takehara and Mihara, cities in western Japan, bounded by mountains and the sea. Although the major city attractions (and great historical interest) of Hiroshima are just an hour away, Takehara and Mihara themselves are mid-size cities and so offers all the personal challenges and rewards of an “immersion experience” in traditional Japan. K&F English Academy has for the past twenty years maintained two language schools with lively and creative educational programs, teaching small classes for a range of ages (from small children to adults) as well as organizing an occasional extracurricular activities (Halloween & Christmas parties, barbecues, etc.) for schools, companies and community participants. Read More

May 27

Job: Program Assistant – Japan Center for International Exchange USA (New York, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Program Assistant – Japan Center for International Exchange USA (New York, 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: Program Assistant
Posted by: Japan Center for International Exchange USA
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full-Time

The Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA) is a leading nonprofit organization in the field of US-Japan relations that conducts international political exchanges and fosters dialogue between policymakers and policy researchers on both sides of the Pacific. JCIE/USA is seeking a full-time program assistant for its small New York office to assist in program management and support office administration. The job requires considerable flexibility and organization.

Responsibilities:

• Program Support (approx. 40% of time)
  • Assist with coordinating exchange programs, study projects, and conferences related to international affairs
  • Assist with ad hoc background research on US-Japan relations and other topics relevant to JCIE programs
  • Correspond with donors, participants, partner organizations, vendors, and other parties necessary for program management
  • Help keep track of grant budgets
  • Make necessary travel and logistical arrangements
  • Help write grant proposals, reports, and other program-related communications

• IT & Website (approx. 30% of time)
  • Manage internal IT system (server, office network, etc.)
  • Work with IT providers
  • Maintain office database systems
  • Help to oversee and implement website updates (basic html coding skills a plus)

• Office Administration & Communications (approx. 30% of time)
  • Assist with email newsletters, website content writing, etc.
  • Handle incoming calls, oversee office circulations, and light filing

Read More

May 27

Job: ESL Teacher (Elementary) – Seigakuin Atlanta International School (Georgia, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: ESL Teacher (Elementary) – Seigakuin Atlanta International School (Georgia, 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: Elementary (1st-6th Grade) ESL Teacher
Posted by: Seigakuin Atlanta International School
Location: Atlanta, GA
Contract: Part-Time

A small private school is seeking an experienced 1st-6th grade teacher to teach in our English-Japanese bilingual program. ESL part-time teacher position (12 hours/wk, 3 days a week). TESOL certificate plus ESL classroom teaching experience required.

Please send your resume and cover letter to employment@seigakuin.us.

May 26

WIT Lif #301: 是枝監督の新作！

Film, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Lif #301: 是枝監督の新作！

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.

I seem to have a knack for timing my business trips to Japan in sync with releases of my favorite director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s films, and this time is no exception.  Last night I had the chance to check out 海よりもまだ深く (Umi yori mo mada fukaku) or After the Storm), a welcome addition to Kore-eda’s impressive body of work.  It features the familiar cast of characters who can be found throughout the rest of his films, such as Hiroshi Abe and Kirin Kiki paired once again as mother and son, and Lily Franky.

Abe plays Ryota, a character with the same name as the one he played in Kore-eda’s 歩いても歩いても (Aruito mo aruite mo or Still Walking).  This Ryota is a formerly award-winner author who barely makes ends meet by gambling and his job as a private investigator.  He struggles to pay child support to his ex-wife in order to be able to see his son on a monthly basis.  Despite being accustomed to Kore-eda’s leisurely pace, I found the film a bit slow at the beginning.  However, as the story unfolded I started to be drawn more into the stories of the characters.  Perhaps it was because I’m far from home and missing my own family, but I found my eyes filling with tears during some of the tender family moments.  I loved the deceivingly simple but significant shot of Read More

May 26

Justin’s Japan —Nippon in New York: LuckyRice, New York Japan CineFest, cosplay party, AnimeNEXT

Article/Journalism, Books, Events, Justin's Japan, Music Comments Off on Justin’s Japan —Nippon in New York: LuckyRice, New York Japan CineFest, cosplay party, AnimeNEXT

ROOKiEZ is PUNK’D returns to AnimeNEXT, coming to Atlantic City June 10-12. (Courtesy of Animenext.org)

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.

After an unusually chilly spring, it’s finally starting to feel like summer. Enjoy some seasonal events this month that celebrate the best of both fine art and pop art.

This month’s highlights include:

Thursday, June 2, 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

LuckyRice New York Feast

Industry City, 233 37th Street (Brooklyn)

$88 GA, $150 VIP

Last appearing in Gotham for its Ramen Slurpfest back in October, this year’s New York Feast breathes new life this year as we move to a creative hub in Brooklyn to showcase the city’s most enticing Asian food experiences: from Southeast Asia to Western China, from fine dining global restaurants to local superstar mom and pop shops, from traditional dishes to fusion dishes that mash up culinary cultures. Enjoy tastings from over 30 curated chefs (including delectables from Pokéworks, Sushi Samba and Tuome), as well as dozens of craft cocktails, sake, beer, and beverages to keep you spirited throughout the night. VIP ticket holders gain guests one hour early admission.

June 2-3, 6:30 p.m.

New York Japan CineFest 2016

Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue

$12, $10 seniors/students, $8 members

Highlighting some of the most exciting new voices in cinema, New York Japan CineFest is an annual event that features works by emerging Japanese and Japanese American filmmakers. Over two programs of short films, standouts includeTOKYO COSMO, an anime study on loneliness; Fall Seven Times, Get Up Eight: The Japanese War Brides, a real-life story about a trio of women who left Japan in the 1950s to start a new life in America; and Keino, a documentary about the eponymous custom motorcycle builder of Brooklyn’s Keino Cycles. A reception sponsored in part by Kirin Brewery of America will follow the first night’s screenings.

Saturday, June 4, 5:30 p.m.

J-Collabo Cosplay Party

J+B Design & Café, 300 7th Street (Brooklyn)

$8 (free for J-members)

For this Inaugural event, J-Collabo offers a very unique underground theme location for photos. Bring our own camera or have their professional photographer capture your costume! The winner of their contest will receive a special gift from J-Collabo Brooklyn. Enjoy J+B’s Nel drip coffee, Yuzu Ginger Lemon and Yuzu Ginger Ale, exquisite teas, sake, and Japanese morsels while browsing a selection of gorgeous Japanese artisanal merchandise at this neighborhood treasure chest of rare and enchanting items.

For the complete story, click here.

May 26

Japan Local: Omagari All-Japan National Fireworks Competition 2016

Events, Japan Local, Travel/Tourism akita, event, Summer, Tohoku, travel Comments Off on Japan Local: Omagari All-Japan National Fireworks Competition 2016

Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.

Every August, fireworks masters from across Japan compete in an impressive music and pyrotechnics show at the All-Japan National Fireworks Competition (Omagari Fireworks) along the Omono River in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the event. Click HERE to read MORE.

May 26

Japan Local: Tohoku Rokkon (Six Souls) Festival

Events, Japan Local, Travel/Tourism Aomori, event, festival, Summer, Tohoku, travel Comments Off on Japan Local: Tohoku Rokkon (Six Souls) Festival

Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.

The Tohoku Rokkon (“Six Souls”) Festival is a two-day event where you can see six major Tohoku area summer festivals (one from each prefecture) all in one place!

It was created to encourage the revival of the Tohoku area after the Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami of 2011. This year marks the sixth and final year of the event. It will be held in Aomori City from June 25-26, 2016.

Click HERE to read MORE.

May 25

Job: Program Manager – Japan ICU Foundation (New York, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Program Manager – Japan ICU Foundation (New York, 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: Program Manager
Posted by: Japan ICU Foundation
Location: New York City, NY
Contract: Full-Time

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Director of Communications, the Program Manager will work cross functionally to successfully administer JICUF’s grants, scholarships and programs. The Program Manager will respond to additional responsibilities as they arise.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Grants
  • Lead in the solicitation of grant applications from ICU faculty and students.
  • Review incoming letters of inquiry, invite submission of full proposals to eligible applicants and compile documentation for internal staff review and Grants Committee review.
  • Inform applicants of Grant Committee’s funding decision, and arrange for transfer of grant funding to ICU.
  • Compile reports from grantees on usage of funds and coordinate with the Director of Communications to publicize results.
• Scholarships
  • Conduct research into scholarship best practices.
  • Participate in strategic review of JICUF scholarships.
• Programs
  • Help plan and implement Global Link and Rethinking Peace Studies, JICUF’s two flagship programs.

Qualifications:

• We are seeking an upbeat person willing to work within a creative, collaborative and agile team.
• The applicant must have an undergraduate degree.
• Minimum of three years of work experience, preferably within a foundation, non-profit organization or university.
• Must be an excellent communicator, including impeccable writing skills.
• Should be aware of trends within international higher education and philanthropy.
• Must have a familiarity with and cultural awareness of Japan.

Salary and Benefits: The position comes with a competitive salary and benefits package.

Application Process: Application instructions can be found here http://www.jicuf.org/job-opportunities/