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. 

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

This month’s highlights include: 

Monday, June 2, 7:00 p.m.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Future Boy Conan

Japan Society, 333 47th Street

$14-$18

4K digital restoration! Japan Society presents the first three episodes of Future Boy Conan on the big screen. Before becoming globally beloved for films including My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki worked in television animation, and Future Boy Conan holds a significant place in anime history as his first project as a director. Created in 1978, this 26-episode series was never officially licensed in the United States until now and remained unavailable to U.S. audiences for over 40 years. Based on Alexander Key’s 1970 novel The Incredible Tide, it was reimagined by Miyazaki and can be viewed as a template for much of Miyazaki’s later work. Set in a world after a terrible war that destroyed civilization, created massive floods, and caused the Earth’s axis to shift, Conan lives an isolated life on an island until a mysterious girl named Lana washes ashore. She’s pursued by shadowy operatives who seek to use her in a scheme to control what’s left of the planet, and Conan soon embarks on a daring journey to save Lana and uncover the secrets of his broken world. Future Boy Conan’s environmental theme, family tone, strong female characters and sense of wonder would be revisited again and again throughout Miyazaki’s career, and we invite audiences to discover where it all began.

June 5-12

DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE

Various theaters

Various prices

In celebration of the return of DAN DA DAN, the theatrical premiere, releasing as DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE, kicks off the thrillingly eerie EVIL EYE arc, which began in the last episode of the first season. The DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE theatrical event screens last season?s start of the EVIL EYE arc, along with the first three episodes of the new second season, in addition to an exclusive interview with series co-directors Fuga Yamashiro and Abel Gongora. DAN DA DAN follows Momo, a high school girl from a family of spirit mediums, and her classmate Okarun, an occult geek. In this new arc, Momo and Okarun set out on their latest adventure, traveling to a hot springs town home rented by Jiji, Momo?s childhood friend and former crush, with the goal to solve the mystery surrounding his family. When they arrive, strange locals derail their investigation before it can properly begin, and the group soon learns there’s more lurking under the surface of the town than they could possibly have imagined.

June 5 & 7, 7:30 p.m.

Shun Ishiwaka: Jazz Transcending

Japan Society, 333 47th Street

Confidently straddling the jazz, pop and classical worlds and slipping into all the spaces in between, Shun Ishiwaka is rapidly becoming a worldwide percussion sensation. Recognized for his exceptional versatility, Ishiwaka has been summoned by many prominent international jazz musicians, such as Federico Casagrande, Tony Allen and Jason Moran, for their sessions in Japan. Now, it’s his turn to come ashore to the U.S. to place himself front and center in two distinctive events. Save 20% when you purchase a ticket to both Jazz Transcending programs. Offer only valid for tickets purchased in the same transaction.

The Dragon Painter

SILENT FILM WITH LIVE PERFORMANCE

Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 pm

$24, $33

Dir. William Worthington, 1919, 61 min, silent with live accompaniment. With Sessue Hayakawa, Tsuru Aoki, Edward Peil, and Toyo.

Last heard performing the drum score within the 2023 megahit jazz anime film Blue Giant playing alongside jazz legends Hiromi and Tomoaki Baba, percussionist Shun Ishiwaka gives his onstage debut at Japan Society in a live film-screening “concert.” Playing an improvised, original score on drum set and vibraphone, Ishiwaka infuses bursts of jazz-inflected color and dreamlike grooves into the classic silent film The Dragon Painter.

Shun Ishiwaka with Adam O’Farrill: Improvisation Duo

JAZZ CONCERT

Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 pm

$36, $48

Trailblazer Shun Ishiwaka and “blazing young trumpet talent” (The New York Times) Adam O’Farrill join forces for an evening of transcendent, uninhibited music and improvisation. While both share the luminous status as recent collaborators of the jazz virtuoso Hiromi (Ishiwaka performed with her in the mega-hit jazz anime movie Blue Giant; O’Farrill is a member of her Sonicwonder project), this concert is the first time for these new talents to light a spark together.

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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Flight Attendant, Japanese Language Qualified
Posted by: Hawaiian Airlines
Location: Honolulu, HI, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Hawaiian Airlines for passing along the following job opening.

The primary function of Hawaiian flight attendants is to ensure the safety of our guests while aboard Company aircraft, by being physically and psychologically capable of performing safety procedures and assisting guests in the event of an emergency. Flight Attendants work in a fast-paced environment; they must be able to handle emergency situations and effectively deal with all types of personalities in an attentive and pleasant manner.

Secondarily, flight attendants provide our guests with a consistent and prescribed level of customer service in the aircraft cabin during flight, which includes providing food and beverage service, while providing an unsurpassed Aloha experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend preflight briefings concerning weather, altitudes, routes, emergency procedures, crew coordination, lengths of flights, food and beverage services offered, and numbers of guests
• Pleasantly greet and direct guests to their assigned seats and answer flight related questions
• Assist guests with stowing carry-on luggage in overhead compartments or underneath cabin seats
• Demonstrate use of safety equipment (e.g., seat belts, oxygen masks, and life jackets) and emergency procedures prior to take-off
• Walk aisles of planes to check for guest observation of safety regulations, enforce and advise guests of safety infractions and effectively diffuse and resolve difficult guest’s situations
• Direct and assist guests in emergency procedures, such as evacuating a plane following an emergency landing

sparrosd@gmail.com

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: News Translator
Posted by: Pasona
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Laura Tanaka (Osaka, 2017-2020) for passing along the following job opening.

This role is with a leading international media group that has delivered trusted coverage of Japan’s economy, industries, and markets for nearly 150 years. In addition to traditional publishing, the organization operates in broadcasting, digital media, and financial indexing. It produces one of Japan’s most widely read newspapers and maintains a global reporting network of nearly 90 bureaus. Its digital-first strategy includes respected English-language outlets that share select content and collaborate editorially to provide a global perspective rooted in Asia.

About the Role
The team is seeking a News Translator to support the production of English-language news content. This position plays a vital role in translating and refining articles for publication across English-language platforms and partner distribution services.

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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position:  Sales Executive
Posted by: Yamato Transport U.S.A., Inc.
Location: Wood Dale, IL, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Trevor West (Iki Island (Nagasaki Prefecture), 2019-2021) for passing along the following job opening.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the logistics industry.
• Proficiency in managing global B2B accounts.
• Knowledge of freight forwarding and import/export business.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Self-driven, results-oriented, and a skilled negotiator.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Key Responsibilities:

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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.

As spring continues and the weather continues to warm, New Yorkers can enjoy activities all over the city both indoors and out. 

This month’s highlights include:

May 11-13

Wolf Children

Various theaters

Various prices

New 4K remaster with both sub and dub screenings! College student Hana falls in love with a “wolf man” and together they have two half-human, half-wolf children, Ame and Yuki. The young family’s happy but humble life comes to an abrupt end when the father is tragically killed during a hunt. After struggling to raise her children in the busy city, Hana boldly decides to move to a dilapidated house in the countryside, in hopes that her children may one day decide their own path to happiness – whether “human” or “wolf.” This heart-wrenching modern fairy tale is a staggering work of beauty and emotion from Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda. Rich with gorgeous animation and set to a poignant musical score, Wolf Children is a sweeping tale about self-discovery and the bonds of family.

Wednesday, May 14, 8:00 p.m.

Ichiko Aoba with Wordless Music Quintet

Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Avenue (Brooklyn)

$42-$68

Ichiko Aoba has the power to bend space around her, pulling listeners from reality and surrounding them in the comforting fabric of her imagination. She’s been casting these spells since her debut at 19 years old, making picturesque dioramas with only her voice and guitar. But in recent years, she’s turned a corner and let a new process take hold.

The Japanese singer, songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist tapped into the full breadth of her ability, marrying the classical guitar of her earlier work with lofty orchestral sweeps. She went big with Windswept Adan (2020), crafting a story about her deepening bond with nature. Collaborating closely with arranger Taro Umebayashi and creative director Kodai Kobayashi, the three of them freely shared ideas—both aural and visual—crystallizing a collective vision. The universe of Windswept Adan was so vast that it also included the script for an imaginary movie, drawings by Ichiko, and stunning photos by Kobayashi. For her new album, Luminescent Creatures, she opens an even wider portal into her mind. With support by Hayden Pedigo.

Friday, May 16, 7:30 p.m.

Shakuhachi Vogue – A Visual Concert

Japan Society, 333 47th Street

$43 nonmembers, $32 members

Traditional instrument supergroup The Shakuhachi 5 makes its East Coast debut in this provocative “visual concert.” Offering a dazzling repertoire spanning four centuries, including a work written for the ensemble by Dai Fujikura and a brand-new commission from Rome Prize winner Lisa Bielawa, these five shakuhachi rockstars aspire to boost the image of their primitive bamboo instrument as a hot, trendsetting device, seen throughout ukiyo-e woodblock imagery. In collaboration with NY based video/sound designer Tei Blow, music will be synced to a hypnotizing video collage of ukiyo-e from the Edo period, featuring swaggering, shakuhachi-wielding vagabonds and wandering Zen Buddhist monks. Performing a 400 year span of repertoire, the accompanying backdrop prints recall the shakuhachi-wielding vagabonds and wandering Zen Buddhist monks that are the band’s historic musical predecessors.

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Posted by Tom Baker

Preparations are underway for the 2025 Japan Writers Conference, and the deadline for presentation proposal submissions is about a month away. If you are a writer who will (or can) be in Tokyo in November, this is your chance to speak to other writers and share your tips and wisdom about how to write, how to write better, or how to get published.

Current and former JETs have always been a major presence at the conference, as you can see from this 2023 article in AJET Connect magazine.

If you want to join in, here are the official details on how to submit a proposal for a presentation. 

Deadline

June 8, 2025 (18:00 JST) or when submissions reach 30 per genre.

How to submit?

Find submission guidelines and forms here: https://japanwritersconference.org/ 

Presenters must have publications, which can take any form (e.g., books, magazines, literary journals, personal blogs, movies, etc.). 

Venue and Host 
The 2025 JWC will be at International Christian University (ICU), Mitaka, Tokyo, on Saturday, November 29th and Sunday, November 30th, 2025. The presentation rooms are equipped with projectors and microphones for presenters. Unfortunately, the venue cannot provide Wi-Fi to JWC attendees. So, if you’d like to attend or give a talk, you must use your internet data. 

Dr C.E.J (Christopher) Simons will host the 2025 JWC. He is Senior Associate Professor of British Literature at ICU and director of the ICU Peace Research Institute. 

All information about our host and venue can be found on https://japanwritersconference.org/. 

Feel free to share our event and this call for proposals with your fellow writers. 

As in the past, the conference will be free and open to all who wish to attend. Please mark your calendars and plan to join in the 2025 JWC!

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position:  Economic Affairs Analyst
Posted by: Consulate-General of Japan in Houston
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Matthew Klein (Niigata-ken, Nagaoka-shi, 2014-2019) for passing along the following job opening.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
– Set appointments and arrange meetings for diplomatic officials.
– Participate in and assist with hosting various events.

(Please note that (1) this includes but is not limited to tasks like, coordinating business lunches or dinners, preparing invitations and name cards, preparing guest lists of invitees to the Consulate-General’s receptions, working as an assistant staffer at political, economic and PR/cultural events held outside the Consulate, taking notes during conferences or panel discussions, working in close cooperation with the secretary to the Consul General, and that (2) the employee may be instructed to assist with events and projects that do not directly fall under the responsibilities of the political/economic section, but instead fall under the responsibilities of other sections, if such events and projects carry significant importance to the functioning of the Consulate-General as a whole.)

sparrosd@gmail.com

Interpreter/Translator/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03) presents WIT Life, a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as art, film, food and language. Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she offers some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Most of my interpreting jobs take place in conference rooms and courtrooms, but every now and then I get a fun gig that makes me realize how lucky I am to do what I do. This happened in March when I had the chance to work with the global pop sensation J01, a Japanese boy band formed in 2019. Its 11 members were selected by viewers during a live broadcast of a reality competition show that had 6000 contestants. New York was one stop on their first world tour, which concluded with the group’s first performance at the Tokyo Dome. While in town J01 performed two shows at the Brooklyn Bowl, and I interpreted for them at promotional appearances at outlets like Teen Vogue, Pandora and Good Day New York.

This year J01 celebrates its five-year anniversary, as its debut single and first album came out in 2020. To mark this milestone, last month the group released its first greatest hits album called Be Classic. It features five new songs including the titular song, a banger that samples Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. It’s one of those tunes that’s difficult to get out of your head once you hear it, and the choreography is pretty unforgettable too. I wasn’t well versed in boy bands before spending time with J01, and I came away with a profound respect for how hard they work to make all of their complicated dance moves look so easy.

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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position:  Bilingual Interpreter/Jr Sales
Posted by: Quick USA
Location: Greensboro, NC, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Carlos Medina (Oita, 2019-2022) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
A Japanese manufacturing company is currently on the lookout for a Japanese Bilingual Interpreter/Jr Salesperson to join their Greensboro, NC location.

The Japanese/English Interpreter will join our PE team under our Battery Group. The Interpreter will work with our customers on projects. As the chosen Interpreter interprets for our clients, they will also be learning about the projects and products that we can provide for them. Must be knowledgeable in Japanese business customs, personable and can conduct themselves in a professional manner.

This position will begin as an Interpreter for our client and will eventually evolve to a Jr. Sales position

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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position:  Consular Staff
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Michelle Akamine (Oita City, Oita Prefecture, 2021-2024) for passing along the following job opening.

The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of a full-time Consular Staff. For those who are interested, please send your resume via email by May 21st.

Description:
Serves as Consular Staff in the VISA unit and/or the Japanese Citizen Services unit
(Passport, Certificate, and Family Registration, etc.)

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/pdf/JobDescriptionEN.pdf

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position:  Associate Manager, Operations, Asia
Posted by: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Kelly Primrose (Nara, 2015-2018) for passing along the following job opening.

Position Overview: The ideal candidate will support the senior vice president (SVP) for Asia and the Asia team through operational, financial, and administrative management.

Responsibilities:

• Proactively manage the SVP’s schedule and serve as a liaison between the SVP and staff to ensure clear communication, alignment, and follow-through on priorities.
• Manage the SVP’s overseas and domestic travel schedules and arrangements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all operational, administrative, and financial matters related to Asia.
• Track the Asia team’s expenses and revenues, create financial reports and analyses, and oversee the annual team budget process.
• Facilitate collaboration between the international teams and other teams across the organization to ensure alignment on procedures.
• Work with the Fundraising team to provide timely input on financial reports.
• Manage interns, including the intern recruitment process and onboarding for the Asia team.
• Provide logistical support for meetings and events with member company executives,
• U.S. government officials, and foreign officials.

*Note this is an early career but not an entry level opportunity. Please reach out to Kelly Primrose (kprimrose@uschamber.com) with any questions.

Applicaton Process: For more information and to apply, please click here –  https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/uschamber/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/3439

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position:  Local Staff, Consular Division
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in New York
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Joseph Meringolo (Fukushima, 2014-2017) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
The Consulate General of Japan in New York is currently seeking to hire a local employee in the Consular Division. To apply, please submit the required documents (see 6. below) to the e-mail address below by May 9, 2025. For more details, please see the recruitment guide below.

(Please send the required documents to the following address)
Email: kyujin-ryoji@ny.mofa.go.jp

1. Work hours
– Monday through Friday (except holidays), 9:15 am to 6:00 pm (1 hour lunch break)
– Leave system: Weekends off (Sat. and Sun.), days the consulate is closed, and annual paid vacations
– Benefits and compensation: Approximately $50,000 per year, determined based on education, work experience and other qualifications. Medical and dental insurance coverage available (with some self-payment)
– Place of work: Consulate-General of Japan in New York

2. Date of adoption
June 2025 or July 2025 (tentative schedule)

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Interpreter/Translator-Entry Welcome
Posted by: Pasona North America
Location: Portland, TN, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Laura Tanaka (Osaka, 2017-2020) for passing along the following job opening.

Description:
Translate a variety of written / verbal communications from Japanese to English and English to Japanese
Administrative support
Assist with ISO 9001: 2000 training, along with training and implementation of Japanese associates
Adhere to all company policies and procedures and assist Japanese with training and understanding
Assist with travel arrangements for Japanese Management
Assist with documentation for Japanese on assignment in the US
Assist with housing and family related needs, i.e. school, training classes and all family related business meetings for Japanese associates
Other duties will be assigned as needed

Qualifications:

HS/GED Equivalent, Bachelors preferred
2+ Years translation experience is plus
Knowledge of Japanese Language both written and verbal
Familiarity with MS Office applications, both English and Japanese version
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
Good organization and problem solving skills

Apply at: https://pasonaproduction.page.link/AZgr

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Office Coordinator/ Office Administrator
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in New York
Location: Glen Allen, VA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Carlos Medina (Oita, 2019-2022) for passing along the following job opening.

A Japanese Construction Company is currently looking for a full time, fully onsite Office Coordinator/ Office Administrator to join their Glen Allen, VA location.

This position is for a full‐time position which has the role of developing, supporting, and expanding company’s presence in North America by collaborating with the local teams and business partners to anticipate and meet challenges.

As an Office Administrator, you will support day-to-day office functions, administrative coordination, and serve as a key internal resource for office-related operations. DOE and skills, the pay range for this position would be around the 45k-50k mark.

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Posted by: Margie Banin (Kochi, 2005-2007), a former CIR with a love of the written word. Currently connecting others to Japan through translating, writing, and editing texts on Japan. Margie also serves as the JETwit Volunteer Coordinator and a JETwit jobs-list welcomer, as well as engaging in various other JETwit outreach activities.

JET alum Ryan Knight (Shiga, 2002-2003) shares his JET story and how his experience living in Japan led him in an unexpected direction.

I had the time of my life as a JET teacher in Shiga Prefecture during the early 2000s. Fresh out of graduate school at Michigan State University with a major in Music Performance, I was ready for a break before pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree. At the time, a DMA was essential for securing a teaching position at the university level. The previous summer, I had studied in Shiga Prefecture as an international student—a transformative experience that solidified my desire to return to Japan and immerse myself in its culture.

The early 2000s were simpler times. Social media was non-existent, the internet was in its infancy, and innovations like YouTube, AI, and the iPhone were still years away. My only connection to the world beyond Japan was a small flip phone that could send text messages of about 20 characters. Communicating with family back in the United States required a prepaid phone card costing $30–$40 and a trip to the nearest payphone—quaint by today’s standards.

Even after 23 years, I vividly remember the send-off party organized by the consulate, arriving in Tokyo, staying at the hotel, meeting other JET teachers, and riding the shinkansen for the first time. It was an unforgettable adventure for a young twenty-something fresh out of college. The JET Program is often described as offering vastly different experiences to its participants, but for me, it was nothing short of wonderful. My caring supervisors made the job immensely enjoyable, and the cultural exchange with students and teachers created lifelong memories.

Though I only participated in the JET Program for a year, I stayed in Japan, working at a cram school/private English school. Teaching both children and adults was equally rewarding. However, all good things must come to an end. The need for financial stability loomed, and my out-of-state college loan payments—totaling around $43,000—had become a burden. A musician friend mentioned that the military offered loan repayment programs, with the Navy promising $10,000 and the U.S. Army offering $65,000 for a single tour of 3–4 years. The opportunity to serve as a musician seemed too good to pass up, though my lack of military experience made me hesitant. At the time, there was no YouTube to watch testimonials and the internet provided little guidance.

In 2004, I joined the Army—from Japan, no less. The rest is history. I am set to retire this year after 21 years of active-duty service, during which I proudly served my country across Japan and various stateside locations. Beginning as a saxophonist, I rose through the enlisted ranks to E8/First Sergeant before being selected as a Warrant Officer Bandmaster/Conductor. For the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of commanding Army Bands in Japan, New York, and now Texas.

As I transition out of military service, I look forward to leveraging my skills, experience, and passion for Japan–U.S. relations in the next chapter of my professional life.

If anyone in the JET community past or present needs anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out!