Life After JET: Leaving “Home” (Again)
Advice, LifeAfterJET 
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By Jon Dao(Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Jon works as a speech coach and personal trainer.
August is an exciting time for the JET community. For some, it’s the start of life as an ALT and CIR. For others, it marks the time to say goodbye to that trek and return home.
The decision to come home is a sigh of relief for some. I’ve heard many JETs say, “If this experience taught me anything, it’s that I never want to be that far away from family again.”
For me, it was a little harder to get adjusted.
But it’s not just the change of scenery that takes getting used to! What’s next for your career is something that isn’t covered enough.
Maybe you’ll go teach abroad in another country. Maybe you’ll apply to grad school. Maybe you’ll enjoy a year to “take it easy” and do some soul-searching. All of those are perfectly fine choices.
Back then, I’d disagree. I’d say that’s a waste of time. I would’ve said that’s just putting things on delay.
But no, all of those paths were much better than the one I took. After I became PA, I felt like I couldn’t just be an ALT anymore. I should be moving on to “bigger and better” things– something that I never clearly defined. And so I went back home without any real inkling of what to do next.
It became too easy to regret my decision.
I kept my sights set on the past which only made me more miserable. My day to day was just about existing, not living.
Finding a new job wasn’t easy– and this is something that deserves more attention.
For all the JETs who have their next gig lined up, that is great stuff.
For all the JETs who have no clue what’s in store next, I just want you to know you aren’t alone. There are many JETs in the same boat who don’t speak up enough about it. And when you don’t hear those kinds of stories, you might get even more frustrated with your situation.
But again, you are not alone.
JQ Magazine: Nippon in New York — Studio Ghibli, Asa Akira, Liberty City Anime Con, Sekai no Owari
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By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.
In the dog days of summer, it’s best to escape the heat in a place that’s cozy and cool. For those into Japanese cultural events, this month offers a diverse selection of film premieres and live music—all in the comfort of indoor air conditioning.
This month’s highlights include:
Courtesy of Japanculture-nyc.com
Various dates from Aug. 3
Village East Cinema, 181-189 Second Avenue
$10, $15
This month, Village East Cinema presents four more films from the legendary Studio Ghibli and Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki! Here’s your chance to enjoy some Japan’s greatest and most influential animated films on the big screen. The morning screenings are English dubbed versions, while the evening screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles. This month’s selections include Japan’s all-time box office champ Spirited Away (Aug. 3-4), Howl’s Moving Castle (Aug. 10-11), Tales from Earthsea (Aug. 17-18), and From Up on Poppy Hill (Aug. 31-Sept. 1).
Cleis Press
Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016
Asa Akira, Dirty Thirty
$12.99 Kindle, $13.64 paperback
The world knows her as a porn star…but it’s her way with words that will touch you again and again. As she contemplates turning thirty years old while still being in the adult film trade, Asa Akira delves into her past, present, and future, exploring the events that brought her to where she is now and the surprising and insightful plans she has for her future. Asa’s perceptive, funny, and straightforward writings on love, sex, death, marriage and celebrity come together in this surprising book of essays that will have you laughing hysterically one minute and deep in reverent thought the next. Personally revealing as well as universal, Dirty Thirty marks the coming of age of a new literary star.
© 2016 Musical Company OZmate Co.,Ltd.
Aug. 12-17
Flamboyán Theater at The Clemente, 107 Suffolk Street
$13-$18
OZmate, a musical theater company based in Takarazuka, proudly presents The Legend of Oni with an all-female cast as part of the New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC)! The Legend of Oni is a musical about two Oni, ogres in Japan, in the pre-samurai Heian period. Lose yourself in the beautiful Japanese days of old with wonderful kimono costumes under the direction of Naoko Tsujii. OZmate also appears earlier this month as part of J-Summit New York at the Bowery Electric (327 Bowery) on Sunday, Aug. 7, with additional performances by Truthseekers, LUST, Lulla LayLa, Tamuro Rie, Naoki, Megumi, Shino Frances, Takaro Nishimura, and Emi Matsushita. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; tickets are $15 advance, $18 at the door (includes one drink).
Job: Secondary Japanese Teacher – Richardson Independent School District (Texas, USA)
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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: Secondary Japanese Teacher
Posted by: Richardson Independent School District
Location: Richardson, Texas
Contract: Full-Time
RISD is looking for a high-performing teacher that embraces innovative design, is reflective, and uses resources and goals to engage learners through professional collaboration and reflection. Student-focused teachers create relationships, use differentiation, and monitor and adjust to empower learners to prepare for their global future.
Requirements:
- Must be certified to teach Japanese in the state of Texas, or be in the process of obtaining said certification.
Treatment:
- Base pay $49,000 (monthly salary)
- Health and retirement benefits included
- Vacation: summer, winter break, other school holidays
Application Process:
Apply with RISD here: http://www.risd.org/Group/Employment/Pro_Para_Positions.html
Contact Stephen Quisenberry at Stephen.Quisenberry@risd.org or 469-593-0257
Job: Team Member – International Foreign Student Association (Tokyo, Japan)
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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: Team Member
Posted by: International Foreign Student Association
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time
As a leading company in the world of web, we are active in the development of a wide variety of websites. We are currently searching for native English speakers to handle planning, fieldwork, and writing for an English language global site directed at visitors from abroad. This job includes sharing Japanese history, culture, tourism, cuisine, fashion, and so much more of what you feel is enchanting about Japan to the many people across the globe who will visit in the coming years.
Requirements:
- Native English-speaking current student scheduled to graduate in March 2017. or
- Native English-speaking person graduated university in March 2016.
- Applicants must have daily conversation level of Japanese ability.
Treatment:
- Salary: Base pay 205,000 yen (monthly salary) ~
- Benefits: Other benefits include overtime compensation,sales position compensation, executive compensation, discretionary work compensation
- Transportation: Compensated
- Hours: 9:00 –18:00
- Pay Raise: Once per year
- Bonus: Twice per year
- Vacation: Two days off per week, holidays, summer vacation, year’s end/beginning vacation, paid vacation
- Other: Social Insurance and Pension included, various other benefits
- Joining: Immediately (negotiable)
Application Process: To apply, please click here. Application process includes document screening and an interview.
Job: General Affairs Staff – Consulate General of Japan (New York City, USA)
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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: General Affairs Staff
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan
Location: New York City, USA
Contract: Full-Time
Consulate General of Japan is currently seeking an employee for the General Affairs Staff. If you are interested, please send us your resume (English or Japanese) via E-mail or postal mail. Work consists of assisting with consular duties including but not limited to reception duties and corresponding/negotiation work with vendors.
Starting Month: August 2016
Basic Work Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00-17:30.
Salary: Will be determined under Consulate regulations.
Qualifications:
- Must be an American Citizen or Green card holder.
- Conversational Japanese level preferred.
- Must be proficient with Word, Excel and other PC related work.
Application Process: Only shortlisted candidates who pass the first screening will be notified of the date for the interview. Please send your resume to either:
a. E-mail: kyujin@ny.mofa.go.jp
b. Mail:
Consulate General of Japan in New York
299 Park Avenue 19th Floor
New York, NY 10171
ATTN：419
WIT Life #304: JAPAN CUTS 2016 comes to a close
Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #304: JAPAN CUTS 2016 comes to a close
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.
This weekend marks the end of the 2016 JAPAN CUTS film festival. Due to a business trip midway through I wasn’t around as much as I would have liked, but I was able to attend the beginning and end to see some fantastic films.
Last night featured Tatsuya Mori’s FAKE, which looks at the 2014 controversy surrounding self-taught classical composer Mamoru Samuragochi. At that time, he was exposed by part-time university lecturer Takashi Niigaki as a fake. Niigaki claimed that Samuragochi could hear despite claims that he was deaf, and that because he didn’t know how to notate music Niigaki had been his ghostwriter during their 18-year tenure working together.
Within the media circus that emerges, Mori takes a closer look by spending time with Samuragochi, his wife and their photogenic cat at their Yokohama apartment. Although this serves as the film’s prime location, the viewer does not feel confined but instead drawn in to this he said/he said tale where true and false are not easily delineated.
At the post-screening Q&A, Mori stated his disdain for simple black and white explanations, and offered his view that there can be 100 versions of the truth. He makes this stance very clear with the final shot of the film (which follows the credits so stick around until the very end when you watch it!), which closes with an open-ended question that is left unanswered.
Tonight I’ll be going to see the very last film of the festival, The Actor. Hate to see it end but already looking forward to next year!
Job: Localization Production Assistant – Voltage Entertainment USA, Inc. (California, USA)
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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: Localization Production Assistant
Posted by: Voltage Entertainment USA, Inc.
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time; Contract-to-Hire (on-site only) Starting from August 2016
This position is primarily responsible for performing the Japanese to English localization production and live operation tasks assigned and directed by the Sr. Producer and/or other localization team members. The tasks include but not limited to story script checking and editing, data entry, image editing, testing and user support by performing the following duties. This position reports to the Sr. Producer or a Localization Producer.
Product information for this position: http://koi-game.voltage.co.jp/en/lineup/novel.html
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Check localized story scripts (Japanese to English) and edit them as necessary
- Enter the story scripts and associated data such as character images and facial expressions into proprietary format files
- Test the story data in the apps, and correct and fine tune the data as necessary
- Conduct general testing and report bugs to appropriate parties
- Answer inquire emails from users and inform appropriate parties in case of issues
- Resize and edit existing graphic images to be used for social media and other purposes
- Provide documents such as internal request forms (both English and Japanese)
- Translate documents from English to Japanese and Japanese to English
- Organize documents and data that are used in apps
- Perform miscellaneous tasks to help production team members
Job: Office Manager/Assistant to the Associate Dean – New York University (New York, USA)
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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: Office Manager/Assistant to the Associate Dean
Posted by: New York University
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full Time (Fall 2016)
The Admin Aide serves the role of Office Manager for the Office of Career Services, overseeing 100+ events annually, support staff coverage, and budget as well as providing the administrative support needs of the Associate Dean. The position requires the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, maintain strong relationships with numerous Law School departments, and provide strong attention to detail.
This highly professional administrative aide is relied upon to provide extensive customer service to students, employers and alumni, craft correspondence, create spreadsheets and analyze trends, draft and edit documents, schedule meetings and appointments in his/her support role to the associate dean and execute over 100 events, including budgeting and account payables in excess of $100,000 to support the office as a whole.
Office management responsibilities include:inventory and ordering supplies; space booking, copier and fax maintenance, coordinating milestone events (years of service acknowledgments for OCS colleagues, birthdays, etc.),overseeing the hiring, scheduling and management of undergraduate student workers, scheduling staff to ensure reception coverage.
This position requires superlative organization, efficiency, multi-tasking, initiative and strong communication. While it is a support position, the candidate must operate with a great ability to anticipate, problem solve under time pressure, and work independently.
Strong excel and technical skills are necessary for this position.
Must be very detail oriented and very organized. Would love to get another JET in the mix.
The job should be online here: https://uscareers-nyu.icims.com/jobs/intro?hashed=-435680093 with posting #2016-2050, and people can email me directly if they are interested. Clara.Solomon@nyu.edu.
Internship: Business & Policy Intern – Japan Society (New York, USA)
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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: Business & Policy Intern
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York, USA
Contract: Full Time (Fall 2016)
The Business & Policy Program seeks an intern to help with various program tasks for Fall 2016 (August – December). The Business & Policy Program hosts unique public and private programs and networking opportunities for the international business and policy community, which promote reciprocal exchange and deep engagement on issues that define U.S.-Japan relations within a global context.
Learning Opportunities:
- Learn firsthand about issues that are of interest and relevance to the U.S.-Japan business and policy communities in New York
- Discover how non-profit organizations interact with corporate sponsors
- Gain experience in the back-office tasks of ongoing program development and execution
- Interact with senior business executives from global corporations and policy leaders
- Conduct research on companies, individuals and industry sectors as needed
- Learn database management
Duties & Tasks:
- Assist with program registrations
- Handle and replenish sponsor materials
- Become familiar with corporate member firms and the benefits of corporate membership
- Assist Program staff at public events, including reception and registration, event A/V tasks, setup and breakdown
- Assist with program research and outreach as needed
- Assist to create badges, guest lists, name plates, and other program materials
- Maintain and update corporate membership records in Raiser’s Edge as needed
- Organize files and materials on programs and speakers
Qualifications:
- Interest in or knowledge of Japanese language and customs
- Interest in and knowledge of international business and international policy especially with regards to Japan
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Superior organizational skills, including ability to keep track of many details at once
- Ability to work with a variety of people and different projects
- Superior writing and oral skills
- Flexibility in hours
- Ability to be self-starter
This is an unpaid internship. Please e-mail a cover letter and a resume to the Business & Policy Program, at register@japansociety.org. No phone calls please.
WIT Life #303: JAPAN CUTS 2016!
Events, Film, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #303: JAPAN CUTS 2016!
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.
This week kicked off the 10th year of the JAPAN CUTS film festival at Japan Society, and if the initial films are any indication this year’s lineup looks as stellar as the nine previous. The opening film was Mohican Comes Home, and was introduced by director Shuichi Okita and co-star Atsuko Maeda. They were also both on-hand for a post-screening Q&A, where they revealed behind-the-scenes stories about filming.
Okita’s previous film The Woodsman and the Rain was shown at JAPAN CUTS 2012 (with an appearance by star Koij Yakusho!), and like this film Mohican is set in a rural location. The plot is of a young man (Ryuhei Matsuda) from a small island in Hiroshima, who hasn’t been back in seven years since living in Tokyo, where he scrapes by as the lead singer for a struggling death metal band. He decides to return home for a quick visit with his girlfriend (Maeda), who is pregnant and he intends to marry.
The film features a wacky cast of island characters, including his zany family with the always wonderful Masako Motai as the mother. Akira Emoto plays his father, who we quickly learn has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Matsuda’s character decides to stay longer than planned to take care of his dad. His bumbling attempts at connection are both relatable and touching, and the bonds between Read More
Job: Facilities Manager – S&R Foundation (Washington, D.C., USA)
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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: Facilities Manager
Posted by: S&R Foundation
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full Time
S&R Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports emerging creatives in the arts, sciences, and social enterprise who are pursuing social impact. S&R’s mission to support talented individuals encompasses broad support of individuals with great potential and high aspirations in the arts, sciences and social entrepreneurship, with a special emphasis on furthering international cultural collaboration and ensuing social benefits. Though a unique methodology developed over the past 15 years, individuals are provided with recognition, funding, inspirational space and a supportive community, allowing the facilitation of creativity, innovation and personal growth
The Halcyon Incubator, a program of S&R Foundation, is an immersive, residency-based fellowship for early stage social entrepreneurs. Halcyon provides fellows with free housing, workspace, mentorship, and strategic partnerships and resources to grow their business. Committed to social impact, the incubator does not take equity in the ventures it supports.
Georgetown’s historic Fillmore School will be modernized to be a top quality place for artists from international backgrounds to pursue independent study while providing a hub of artistic learning for DC high school students.
Essential Responsibilities
Ensure the timely upkeep, maintenance and security of Halcyon House, a class A, historic mansion and attached town house, and Fillmore School. Read More
Job: Program Coordinator – S&R Foundation (Washington, D.C., USA)
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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 Coordinator – Halcyon Incubator
Posted by: S&R Foundation
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full Time
S&R Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports emerging creatives in the arts, sciences, and social enterprise who are pursuing social impact. S&R’s mission to support talented individuals encompasses broad support of individuals with great potential and high aspirations in the arts, sciences and social entrepreneurship, with a special emphasis on furthering international cultural collaboration and ensuing social benefits. Though a unique methodology developed over the past 15 years, individuals are provided with recognition, funding, inspirational space and a supportive community, allowing the facilitation of creativity, innovation and personal growth.
The Halcyon Incubator, a program of S&R Foundation, is an immersive, residency-based fellowship for early stage social entrepreneurs. Halcyon provides fellows with free housing, workspace, mentorship, and strategic partnerships and resources to grow their business. Committed to social impact, the incubator does not take equity in the ventures it supports.
Position Summary
Establish nurturing relationships with Halcyon Incubator fellows. Coordinate the fellow recruitment and selection process, implement programming support, assist logistical support for the fellows. Contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Incubator Program. A successful applicant will have a passion for entrepreneurship. Read More
Job: Customer Services and Support Assistant – Walk Japan (Oita, Japan)
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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: Customer Services and Support Assistant
Posted by: Walk Japan
Location: Kunisaki Peninsula, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Contract: Full Time
We are a fast growing company requiring candidates with excellent communication skills in both English and Japanese. They must be enthusiast, motivated, able to work in a team as well as independently and enjoy a challenge. This position is particularly suited to those looking to improve their Japanese language skills as the office language is Japanese. www.walkjapan.com
- Full-time support services based role which will mainly involve communicating with booked customers via Email and telephone in English, supporting and working with operations staff and tour leaders. The role has the potential to become diverse or you may be required to help out in other areas of the business if needed.
- This particular role will be based in our operations office in Kunisaki but will include travel to our other offices as well as opportunities to join the tours from time to time.
- Working between the hours of 9am ~ 10pm, Monday to Saturday on a shift/rotation basis of 8 ~ 9 hours a day, five days a week, within a team of approximately 6 ~ 7 people based in various locations.
- Probationary salary is from JPY150,000 depending on experience. Salary increases after this will depend on performance.
- Computer skills are required (Mac) as well as strong English written skills and intermediate Japanese.
- Applicants must live in Japan and hold a drivers license or be able to get one. Holding a working visa is preferred but not essential as sponsorship is available through the company.
Application Process: Please send resume along with cover letter to Naomi Addyman at naddyman@walkjapan.com If you would like further details, please feel free to contact and ask.
Job: Clerk for Consular Section – Houston Consulate (Texas, USA)
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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: Clerk for Consular Section
Posted by: Houston Consulate
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
Contract: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Providing assistance to Japanese nationals who are in trouble and need consular assistance
- Conducting tasks related to security
- Gathering information on issues related to the Consular/ Security Section
- Assist with visa service
- Assist with Japanese passport service
- Assist with Japanese citizenship service (birth, marriage, divorce, nationality, etc.)
- Assist with Japanese election service
- Assist other sections of the Consulate as required
- Other consular duties and assisting the diplomats with day-to-day work.
Required Qualifications:
- US Citizen or US permanent residency holders
- English Language Fluency is required and Japanese Language Fluency is preferable.
- Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills
- Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team
- Must be proficient in computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet, and Emails.
- Must be able to take business trips and work overtime.
To Apply: Interested candidates should mail, fax, or e-mail their resume, passport, a valid US visa or a valid US permanent resident card (Green card) and cover letter to Consular Section. (Please be informed that we won’t be returning your resume) (Fax: (713) 651-7822, E-mail: cgj.joboffer.ryoji@ho.mofa.go.jp).
Deadline for submission is Wednesday July 20, 2016. Please do not call with regard to your application status.
JQ Magazine: Nippon in New York — Studio Ghibli, JAPAN CUTS, Hotei, ‘Takarazuka CHICAGO,’ Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Article/Journalism, Celebrity, Events, Film, JQ Magazine, Music Comments Off on JQ Magazine: Nippon in New York — Studio Ghibli, JAPAN CUTS, Hotei, ‘Takarazuka CHICAGO,’ Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Visit his Examiner.com Japanese culture page here for related stories.
After you’ve seen the outdoor fireworks, enjoy some summer events in the cool indoors, whether it’s catching one of the dozens films premiering at Japan Society’s annual festival, or enjoying anything from traditional theater to the latest pop sensation.
This month’s highlights include:
Courtesy of Japanculture-nyc.com
Various dates beginning July 6
Village East Cinema, 181-189 Second Avenue
$10, $15
This month, Village East Cinema presents four films from the legendary Studio Ghibli and Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki! Every Wednesday and Thursday from July 6 through July 28 offers a chance to enjoy some Japan’s greatest and most influential animated films on the big screen. The morning screenings are English dubbed versions, while the evening screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles. July’s selections include Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Princess Mononoke.
Courtesy of Lincolncenterfestival.org
July 13-17
Rose Theater, Broadway at West 60th Street, 5F
$30-$125
In the enigmatic Japanese dramas of Noh, ancient stories from classical Japanese literature and oral traditions come to life in a sublime, ritualized blend of poetry, music, drama, and dance. The divide between the natural and supernatural is bridged as spirits and humans interact in a world rife with symbolism. The nearly 700-year-old dramatic form—known to many for its highly stylized masks and elegantly simple set featuring a single pine tree—is one of the world’s oldest continuously performed genres of performance art and was recently designated an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO. Kiyokazu Kanze—the 26th Grand Master of the Kanze School and a descendent of the founder of Noh—brings the profound lyricism and aesthetic elegance of this ancient dramatic art form to New York as part of this year’s Lincoln Center Festival. A special lecture and demonstration by Kiyokazu Kanze will be held July 12 at Japan Society; click here for more info and tickets.
‘Bakuman’ © 2015 TOHO Amuse DENTSU SHUEISHA Victor KDDI GYAO Crescendo NIPPAN JR Kikaku LINE © Tsugumi Oba, Takeshi Obata SHUEISHA All Rights Reserved.
July 14-24
Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street
$10-$20 (single screenings)
North America’s largest festival of new Japanese film returns for its 10th anniversary edition, offering eleven days of impossible-to-see-anywhere-else screenings of the best new movies made in and around Japan with special guest filmmakers and stars, post-screening Q&As, parties, giveaways and much more. With special guests such as Lily Franky, Atsuko Maeda and Sion Sono, this year’s festival guest list is the largest in history, and includes directors, stars, producers and more. Make sure to also check out this year’s expanded DOCUMENTARY FOCUS and EXPERIMENTAL SPOTLIGHT sections. Venture out of the mainstream to discover new work by some of Japan’s most vital and interesting nonfiction and avant-garde practitioners. The experimental lineup is dedicated to animation, offering vibrant short-form alternatives to the ubiquitous anime for which Japan is so famous.
