“The Wind Rises is a combination of everything that makes Studio Ghibli as we know it today. It also adds several new elements which make this film dynamic and, some say, controversial.” (Touchstone Pictures)
By Alexis Agliano Sanborn (Shimane-ken, 2009-11) for JQ magazine. Alexis is a graduate of Harvard University’s Regional Studies—East Asia (RSEA) program, and currently works as an executive assistant at Asia Society in New York City.
Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, The Wind Rises is like no Studio Ghibli movie I have ever seen. No. Wait. It’s like every Ghibli movie I have ever seen. You want fantasy? You got it. You want airships à la Castle in the Sky or Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind? You got it. You want deliciously portrayed food? You want nostalgic scenery from bygone days of Tokyo or picturesque European towns? You got that, too. The Wind Rises is a combination of everything that makes Ghibli as we know it today. It also adds several new elements which make this film dynamic and, some say, controversial.
One of the most differentiating factors is that The Wind Rises is the only full-length feature to focus on an actual historical figure—Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A5M, a fighter aircraft of World War II. Granted, Miyazaki used his artistic license to embellish the narrative—but he does that only to make things more beautiful and fantastical. (And that’s why we love Miyazaki, right?)
Watching The Wind Rises, you feel repeatedly—and indeed the entire plot more or less focuses on—Japan’s desperation to achieve modernity according to “Western standards.” But modernization was not a smooth road, and Miyazaki makes that message clear. Despite the beautiful veneer, the crux of this film lies in the frustration of a country and its people. Economic deflation, poverty, and limited resources repeatedly arise as roadblocks. (This may explain part of the reason for its amazing popularity in Japan. Frustrations, impatience and desperation exist within every generation.) Yet, as Jiro is reminded, even with setbacks and disappointments, one must live on and progress despite it all.
Job: International Account Rep – Japan & Korea – at Nova Tech Engineering (MN)
Jobs 
Comments Off on Job: International Account Rep – Japan & Korea – at Nova Tech Engineering (MN)
Just received this very JET-relevant listing directly from the company. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: International Account Representative – Japan and Korea
Type: Full-Time
Location: Willmar, MN
Overview:
Rapidly growing engineering firm located in central Minnesota seeking individual for installation and maintenance of NTE’s innovative automated poultry processing equipment, end-user training, and process validation. Read More
Job: JETAA Chicago Career Workshop
Jobs Comments Off on Job: JETAA Chicago Career Workshop
Via the JETAA Chicago website. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Overview:
JETAA Chicago Career Workshop and Networking Event – Saturday, 11/09/2013
http://jetaachicago.com/archives/annual-career-development-workshop-november-9
On Saturday, November 9, 2013, JETAA Chicago will host its annual Career Workshop and Networking Event. The event will be held at the Japan Information Center (737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60611). The event will start at 2:30 PM.
We’ve lined up a few great speakers to talk about a range of topics for job-seekers, mid-career professionals, and anyone looking to hone valuable skills including: resume and professional writing, networking and effectively utilizing LinkedIn.
First up is Charlotte Weeks, an executive career coach and resume writer who specializes in helping leaders find their passion and land at the top. As a featured author of “101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career” and “I Want a Job in an Association – Now What?? A Guide to Getting a Job in a Professional Association, Membership Organization, or Society,” she regularly gives presentations and conducts career development training sessions.
The second session will feature experts R. David Rahn and Larry New with their presentation “LinkedIn, What’s That Noise?” Mr. Rahn and Mr. New will walk us through discovering, learning and understanding how to best utilize LinkedIn. They will share their strategies for using LinkedIn to leverage your professional network for professional development, job seeking, and networking.
A wine and cheese networking reception will immediately follow the presentations. The event is free of charge and all are welcome to attend. Put your networking skills to good practice by meeting other professionals and members of the community.
For more information, contact JETAA Chicago President Wesley Julian at president @ jetaachicago.com.
Hope to see you there!
Job: University Relations Coordinator, Middlebury College (VT)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: University Relations Coordinator, Middlebury College (VT)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: University Relations Coordinator
Posted by: Int’l Prog & Off-Campus Study, Middlebury College
Location: Middlebury, VT
Salary: $38,341 minimum
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2013.
Overview:
The University Relations Coordinator recruits students for and markets the C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad, Middlebury Language Schools, as well as Middlebury School of the Environment and Bread Loaf School of English, whenever possible; maintains and cultivates relationships with staff and faculty from sending and partner institutions; represents Middlebury College, the C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad and Language Schools at various conferences and international opportunity events.
Job: EU Executive Training Program (ETP)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: EU Executive Training Program (ETP)
Interesting opportunity, originally posted by JETAA UK‘s Sarah Parsons to the JETAA UK LinkedIn group. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Overview:
So sayeth Sarah, “I sat on the discussion panel on Monday night for the EU Executive Training Programme (ETP) reception for participants going out to do business internships in Japan and South Korea.
Lots of participants from very interesting companies all over EU-not many UK participants. This is a fantastic opportunity to actually get Japan/Korean business skills and contacts and intensive language training. Seems like a great opportunity for ex-JETs who are now working within a company wanting to further their Japan experiences.” Read More
WIT Life #253: Preserving Japanese Traditional Arts
Art, Events, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #253: Preserving Japanese Traditional Arts
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 I had the opportunity to interpret for a Japanese delegation comprised of two groups who traveled to New York to receive the annual Tiffany Foundation Award. This award was created by the Tiffany Foundation in collaboration with the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE), and it recognizes non-profits that are preserving Japanese traditional arts at the national and regional community levels. This year’s recipients were the Association for the Promotion of Ipponsugi Street, located in Ishikawa Prefecture, and envisi, located in Miyagi Prefecture. They were the 6th round of winners since the award’s establishment in late 2007.
The Association for the Promotion of Ipponsugi Street, whose members are featured here wearing the happi coats, preserves their city Nanao’s unique custom of 花嫁のれん (hanayome noren). Noren are long curtains that hang in the entrances to Japanese restaurants and traditional Japanese rooms, and the special bridal ones are dyed using the Kaga yuzen technique. Hanayome noren are hung in the doorway leading to the butsuma (a small room holding sacred objects) for the bride to walk through when she gets married, a ritual that Read More
Job: Program Coordinator, Programs and Global Initiatives, University of Arizona (Phoenix, AZ)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Program Coordinator, Programs and Global Initiatives, University of Arizona (Phoenix, AZ)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Program Coordinator, Programs and Global Initiatives
Posted by: University of Arizona
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Salary: DOE
Work Schedule: full-time
Overview:
The Coordinator for Programs and Global Initiatives will work with the Associate Dean for Programs and Global Initiatives to:
1) Support existing Academic programs
2) Assist in the development of new programs (including online initiatives)
3) Assist in the day-to-day management of global programs and non-JD programs, which will include
The Advanced JD Program for Non-US lawyers (AJD); the LLM program in International Trade and Business Law and the SJD program. As well as International exchanges, visiting international scholars, Master in Legal Studies (MLS) program; and undergraduate classes and programs.
Job: Administrative Coordinator (Albany, NY)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Administrative Coordinator (Albany, NY)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Administrative Coordinator
Posted by: University of Albany
Location: Albany, NY
Overview:
The Office of International Education at the University at Albany, State University of New York, intends to appoint an Administrative Assistant to the International Student and Scholar Services team. ISSS documents and supports over 1,400 international students and more than 60 scholars from over 100 countries, as they engage in study and research at the University at Albany.
Job: Admin Assistant at Embassy of Japan (DC)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Admin Assistant at Embassy of Japan (DC)
Here’s a position at the Embassy of Japan in DC that just opened up. Via JETAA DC Google Group. Posted by blogger and podcaster Jon Dao (Toyama-ken, 2009-12). Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Administrative Assistant, Public Affairs Section
Type: Full-Time
Location: Washington DC
Overview:
The Embassy of Japan is seeking an individual for the position of Administrative Assistant at the Public Affairs Section. The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, paid vacation, a number of paid U.S./Japanese holidays, and sick leave. Salary is commensurate with experience. Read More
【RocketNews24】10 things Japan gets horribly wrong
Article/Journalism, Writers Comments Off on 【RocketNews24】10 things Japan gets horribly wrong
Posted by Michelle Lynn Dinh (Shimane-ken, Chibu-mura, 2010–13), editor and writer for RocketNews24. The following article was written by Philip Kendall (Fukushima-ken, Shirakawa-shi, 2006–11), senior editor and writer for RocketNews24, a Japan-based site dedicated to bringing fun and quirky news from Asia to English speaking audiences.
It should come as no surprise to our readers to hear that we’re big fans of Japan. Pretty much everything here works as it should, the food is amazing, the culture rich, and people are on the whole likeable and friendly. But there are times when Westerners, and Japanese who have spent any amount of time abroad for that matter, realise that Japan gets some things not just wrong but horribly wrong. So join us after the jump as we redress the balance no doubt offset by our constant admiration of Japan by discussing the 10 little things that drive us nuts in this otherwise great country.
Job: Program Coordinator for International Engagement, Seattle University (WA)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Program Coordinator for International Engagement, Seattle University (WA)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Program Coordinator for International Engagement
Posted by: Seattle University
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: DOE
Type: full time
Overview:
Seattle University has an exciting, dynamic opportunity for a Program Coordinator to join our community.
The Program Coordinator for Global Engagement is responsible for the logistics and administration of various on-campus international activities including support for international faculty, programs for international visitors to SU, and international programming for SU students and our local community. The position reports to the Associate Provost for Global Engagement and requires extensive collaboration with other campus departments and partner institutions.
Job: Coordinator, International Recruitment – Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Coordinator, International Recruitment – Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Coordinator, International Recruitment
Posted by: Fairfield University
Location: Fairfield, CT
Overview:
Under the supervision of the Director, the Coordinator, International Recruitment performs duties related to the recruitment, admission, and enrollment of undergraduate and graduate students in accordance with University and departmental policies. Duties will include substantial domestic and international recruitment travel, application review, and transcript evaluation. This position also supports International Students as a Designated School Official (DSO)/Responsible Officer (RO).
Requirements:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, including previous international travel and living experience. The ability to work with a diverse population, an appreciation and respect for foreign cultures, and the ability to understand the curriculum and requirements for graduation are also essential. Candidates must meet D.H.S. eligibility requirements for DSO/RO designation. A Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Preferred) and a minimum of 1-3 years related work experience are required.
Additional Information:
Please visit the job listing for more information and to apply.
JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Marco Lienhard, Artistic Director of Taikoza
Article/Journalism, Interview/Profile, JQ Magazine Comments Off on JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Marco Lienhard, Artistic Director of Taikoza
“I always seem to discover new things and different aspects of the music when teaching people from different backgrounds. When trying to explain some of the music, some things seem to come back to mind that were deep inside myself.” (Courtesy of Marco Lienhard)
By Rashaad Jorden (Yamagata-ken, 2008-10) for JQ magazine. A former head of the JETAA Philadelphia Sub-Chapter, Rashaad currently studies responsible tourism management at Leeds Metropolitan University. For more on his life in the UK and enthusiasm for taiko drumming, visit his blog at www.gettingpounded.wordpress.com.
Marco Lienhard has been involved in Japanese music for more than 30 years, first as a member of Ondekoza and then as the artistic director of Taikoza. When building his reputation as a professional taiko player in Japan, Lienhard also mastered the shakuhachi, eventually peforming at four major shakuhachi festivals around the world. He is also the founder of shakuhachi and koto group the East Winds Ensemble.
Lienhard has also released several albums, and his music can he heard on the score of the Nintendo Wii games Red Steel and Red Steel 2. His music has also appeared on ESPN, the History Channel and PBS. In this exclusive interview, Marco discusses his efforts to expand taiko’s global audience, the biggest influences in his career, and his personal highlights among 6,000 performances (and counting).
Where are you originally from and what sparked your interest in Japan and its traditional music?
I originally came from Switzerland, the French part. I went to Japan when I was 18 on some exchange program. I was very interested to go to Japan, but did not know much about it. Once there, I discovered the shakuhachi and the taiko. I had been studying the flute, but that sound of the shakuhachi just was amazing and I decided to study the instrument and master it. The first time I heard it was when I saw Ondekoza. There was taiko, too, and that was just so exciting to see. I did not know that I could play taiko too, but the flute seemed more approachable at the time.
I joined Ondekoza a few months later thinking I would stay just a few months, but it turned into 18 years.
For me, the sound of the shakuhachi was what drew me into it, though I fell in love with the traditional art forms as well. I enjoyed the theater as well as the music. I would go see two to three plays a month, noh or kabuki.
What drew you to taiko in the first place and to become a performer? What are the most important lessons it has taught you?
When I went to Japan, I had been studying piano and flute for many years. To become a performer was just a natural progression from studying with Ondekoza and becoming a member of the group. One thing led to another—studying with them and getting into the whole practice and running aspect of the group.
Marathon running was part of the training, and before long I was running marathons. I joined in August but by November they had me run a full marathon. My first performance was in January for the Imamiya Ebisu Festival on Dotonburi Street in Namba, Osaka. Once I started performing, I got the bug and just wanted to get better at it and study the shakuhachi as well. I was the only one who studied the shakuhachi so I was put on stage very quickly. Taiko has taught me a lot. It is sort of a college or university if not more—a life lesson.
Mr. [Tagayasu] Den, who was the founder of Ondekoza, [influenced] what taiko is now. He was a great influence in the development of modern taiko, though he never really played taiko. He was the brain and the force behind the group. He would lecture us on everything. He would turn a book into lessons for us to learn and apply to stage or performing or taiko. His vision as a director also influenced me on staging of a show
You were a professional taiko player in Japan. How does one become a professional taiko player?
While I was in Japan, I joined Ondekoza and as a member of Ondekoza I studied and later performed professionally with Ondekoza, traveling around the world to perform. At the time, Ondekoza and taiko groups were still not that popular and they did not yet have an apprenticeship system. As a member, you learned the repertoire and practiced with the regular members until you were at their level and were performing among them. It took me about four months before I had my debut on shakuhachi, and taiko drummer Den, the director of Ondekoza, is the person who would decide who was playing and what instrument.
【RocketNews24】Acronyms and in-jokes: The origins of your favourite Japanese video game companies’ names
Article/Journalism, Writers Comments Off on 【RocketNews24】Acronyms and in-jokes: The origins of your favourite Japanese video game companies’ names
Posted by Michelle Lynn Dinh (Shimane-ken, Chibu-mura, 2010–13), editor and writer for RocketNews24. The following article was written by Philip Kendall (Fukushima-ken, Shirakawa-shi, 2006–11), senior editor and writer for RocketNews24, a Japan-based site dedicated to bringing fun and quirky news from Asia to English speaking audiences.
As much as we like to think of ourselves as free thinkers and immune to corporate advertising, there’s no denying that brand names have found their way into pretty much every facet of our daily lives. Many North Americans routinely use “Kleenex” in place of the word tissue; in the UK it’s not unusual to hear people say that they’re about to “hoover up” when referring to running a vacuum cleaner; and in its heyday pretty much any portable gaming device was casually referred to as a Gameboy.
The likes of Nintendo and Sony have been household names for years, but did you ever wonder where these names come from and what they might mean in their native language? Author of Japanmanship and game developer James Kay sheds some light on the origins of the names Japan’s biggest video game companies use, from Capcom to SNK, and has generously shared a few snippets of info with RocketNews24 for our enjoyment and nerdy enlightenment.
Find out where those world-famous names really come from after the jump.
Job: Study Abroad Program Advisor- UC Irvine (CA)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Study Abroad Program Advisor- UC Irvine (CA)
Posted by Jayme Tsutsuse (Kyoto-fu, 2013-Present), organizer of Cross-Cultural Kansai. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.
————————————————————————————————————
Position: Study Abroad Program Advisor
Posted by: University of California, Irvine
Location: Irvine, CA
Salary: Hourly $20.67
Work Schedule: Monday-Wednesday, 7 hours per day
Type: This is a 50% contract position. The position will start in mid September 2013 and go through approximately mid May 2014.
Overview:
Under the direction of the Manager, University Programs in International Programs, the Study Abroad Program Advisor is primarily responsible for the advising and monitoring of participants in the undergraduate-level study abroad programs in University Programs which currently include California Academic Program (CAP), Academic Year Abroad Programs (AYAP), and Academic Study Abroad Program (ASAP). The Advisor also assists with inquiry response and admission of University Programs applicants, and all student pre-arrival and arrival arrangements. The Advisor assists in conducting placement testing of new students and recommends their placement in ESL, UCI, and UNEX courses. The Advisor develops and coordinates academic advising plans, advises and tutors assigned participants, and ensures the performance and well-being of participants. The Advisor designs and teaches special courses and workshops on, but not limited to, American & academic culture, and assists in the scheduling and logistics of all program events, courses, workshops, seminars, tutoring, and other program components, including interactions with instructors, UNEX staff, and other UCI and community contacts. The Advisor takes the lead in implementing components of the University Programs portfolio to meet the needs of university-bound and/or visiting international students, such as peer mentoring, tutoring, study groups, Conversation Partners, campus involvement/events, and research opportunities.
Additional Information:
For additional information and to apply, please visit the job listing.
