Job: Executive Administrative Assistant (Wayne, PA)
Thanks to JET alum Therese Stephen for sharing this JET-relevant job listing. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Position: Executive Administrative Assistant
Posted by: Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc
Type: Part-time
Location: Wayne, PA
Salary: N/A
Date: N/A
http://www.cutanealife.com/index.html
Position Summary:
The Executive Administrative Assistant is responsible for administrative coordination and execution of various office activities in the Company’s Headquarter Office location. Particular attention will be directed to assisting the CEO in written and oral correspondence; travel and meeting planning and arrangements; telephone screening; and document record keeping. The individual will also provide similar service to other management personnel in the office on an as needed basis. The individual will also provide communication assistance to ex-patriot personnel if and when needed.
Principal Accountabilities of this Position:
- Provide assistance and support to CEO in facilitating administrative facets of the CEO Function.
- Assist other office management personnel in an administrative capacity.
- Provide communication support to Japanese ex patriot personnel in order to facilitate intra-office communication.
- Support and facilitate office documentation coordination and control.
Education/ Experience
College equivalent degree preferred with prior administrative experience in a professional office environment. Ability to multi-task and work comfortably in a team setting.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Interpersonal and communication skills including verbal/written and oral.
- Intermediate fluency in Japanese language.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Power Point.
- A strong sense of initiative, accountability and adaptability to work in both team setting as well as autonomously, as required to meet desired timelines.
- Judgment and Agility to modify activities as required due to changing circumstances.
- Awareness and sensitivity to cross cultural and political situations.
Note: The position could be part time depending on the individual candidate, approximating 25 hours per week.
Please send a curriculum vitae to Robert Bitterman (rbitterman@cutanealife.com) and Bobby Bitterman (bbitterman@cutanealife.com), or contact Ayumi Green (ayumigreen@gmail.com) for any questions.
Thanks to JET alum Yi Tan for sharing this information. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Position: Several openings
Posted by: DigitalManga.com
Type: Full-time/ Part-time
Location:
Salary: N/A
Date: N/A
Contact Info: career@emanga.com
Overview:
There are a lot of opportunities for experience and advancement. If you are interested, please visit DigitalManga.com to view job descriptions.
Job: Education Coordinator, Korematsu Institute (San Francisco)
Thanks to JET alum Yi Tan for passing this JET-relevant job listing along. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Position: Education Coordinator
Posted by: Korematsu Institute
Type:N/A
Location: San Francisco, CA
Start Date: August 1, 2012
**Application deadline – July 6, 2012**
Overview:
The Fred T. Korematsu Institute for Civil Rights and Education advances pan-ethnic civil and human rights through education. The Korematsu Institute’s programs include curriculum development and distribution, Fred Korematsu Day outreach, and RightsFest, a pan-ethnic civil rights film festival.
The Korematsu Institute is a program of the Asian Law Caucus, a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. Founded in 1972, the Asian Law Caucus is the nation’s first legal and civil rights organization serving low-income Asian Pacific American communities. Its mission is to promote, advance, and represent the legal and civil rights of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Responsibilities:
- Support curriculum distribution and development;
- Assist with event planning;
- Support fundraising and development efforts;
- Reports to Korematsu Institute director
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks;
- Excellent research, analytical, written and oral communication skills;
- B.A./B.S. or equivalent educational or work experience;
- Major in Ethnic Studies or Asian American Studies a plus;
- Experience working in education and/or community organizing a plus;
- Proficiency with Google Apps and MS Office Suite;
- Ability to work some weekends and evenings
The Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.
JQ Magazine: Book Review – ‘Shiro’ and ‘Otaku Spaces’

“‘Shiro: Wit, Wisdom and Recipes from a Sushi Pioneer’ and ‘Otaku Spaces’ are enjoyable reads for raw fish enthusiasts and confessed Japanophiles of all ages!” (Chin Music Press)
By Preston Hatfield (Yamanashi-ken, 2009-10) for JQ magazine. Preston moved from San Francisco to New York City in January 2012 and is now accepting submissions from people who want to be his friend. Abduct him from his house in the middle of the night, or find him on Facebook and ask about his JET blog in which he details his exploits and misadventures in that crazy Land of the Rising Sun we all love.
This month, JQ takes a moment to showcase two ambitious literary works and the indie press that brought them to print. As a writer with experience in book publishing evaluating and responding to a variety of unsolicited book proposals (we refer to this as the business of crushing dreams), I have been given the privilege of reviewing these works. Therefore, in consideration for readers who won’t read beyond this paragraph, I’ll begin with a sound bite endorsement: “Shiro: Wit, Wisdom and Recipes from a Sushi Pioneer and Otaku Spaces (published by Chin Music Press in 2011 and 2012, respectively) are enjoyable reads for raw fish enthusiasts and confessed Japanophiles of all ages!” —Preston Hatfield
Shiro is the autobiographical account of Shiro Kashiba, the “Godfather of Seattle Sushi” who first introduced the cuisine to the Emerald City in 1966. His story is one of passion, that inspirational drive that likens a man to a salmon swimming upstream—tireless, blind to distraction, and staunchly determined to reach his destination. It guides him, from his childhood home in Kyoto to his first apprenticeship in a sushi restaurant in Ginza, and eventually, to Seattle, where he now continues to perform and perfect his trade in his own restaurant.
His passion transcends mere desire to practice the honored tradition of Edomae sushi—a tradition whose authenticity he strives to preserve despite America’s penchant for fusion rolls and sauces than are anything but canon—and, indeed, finds its footing in the very earth that lavishes the bounty of ingredients he handpicks to make his exquisite, culinary triumphs. An avid hiker and environmentalist, Shiro is perhaps concerned less about the food than he is in urging people to treasure and protect our natural resources, particularly Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest.
While the narrative and style do not always do Shiro’s experiences justice (he is a renowned chef, after all, and not a writer), they do give a concise and linear account of Shiro’s life, and an overview of the challenges he faced every step of the way. With simple language, a humble tone, and a professional’s knowledge and insight, Shiro holds his reader’s attention throughout the book, leading them at a surprisingly brisk pace. This pace, while gratifying in its ability to usher us through Shiro’s Greatest Hits, does not allow for very as many sensory details and anecdotal detours as some readers might prefer.
Fukushima JET alum sets up Kickstarter fund to support his Fukushima documentary project
Darryl Wharton-Rigby (Fukushima-ken, Kawamata-cho, 2005-07) has set up a Kickstarter fund to support his documentary project about Fukushima, “Don Doko Don: The Yamakiya Taiko Drum Club Project.” Darryl was also organized a project earlier this year, together with former JETAA DC President Michelle Spezzacatena (Fukushima-ken, Kawamata-cho, 2002-05) that brought the Kawamata taiko group to D.C. for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Here’s a little info about the project from the Kickstarter page:
“Don Doko Don: The Yamakiya Taiko Club Story follows an award winning Japanese Taiko Drum Troop – comprised entirely of kids, teens and 20-year-olds – living in Yamakiya, a small town near the failed Fukushima nuclear power plant. The group is forced to flee their homes and beloved mountain community after the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster wreaked devastation on them.
「どんどこどん」:この映画は、数々の受賞歴のある和太鼓の団体である、山木屋太鼓クラブのドキュメンタリー映画です。山木屋太鼓クラブは山木屋市内の、10歳以下の子供や10代の学生そして20歳の青年から構成されています。メンバーたちは地震・津波そして福島原発事故の影響で、今現在もなお実家や親しんだ地元から避難を余儀なくされている状況にあります。
Living as refugees and scattered around the countryside outside and within the radiation zone, the brave Taiko troop struggles to stay together and practice; trying to keep alive the spirit of their community – and the hope of returning home one day. And then, after facing daily adversity and at their lowest point, they get invited to Washington D.C. to be the honored performer in D.C.’s 100th Cherry Blossom Festival; headlining a climatic performance at the Kennedy Center!
それぞれの地域で避難生活を送っているにも関わらず、いつか実家のある地元故郷に帰ることを願い、山木屋太鼓クラブは離れ離れにならないように共に集まり太鼓クラブの精神を盛り上げて一生懸命活動しています。逆境に立ち向かう中、山木屋太鼓クラブはワシントンD.C.の桜祭百周年記念の演奏者として招待され、ケネディーセンターでは最高の演奏を行いました。”
JETAA Southern Alberta Newsletter – Spring 2012
Thanks to JETAA Southern Alberta Media Coordinator John Nguyen (Hokkaido, 2008-10) for sharing the Spring 2012 issue of “Express Shinkansen,” the very excellent JETAA Southern Alberta Newsletter:
- Spring 2012 JETAA Southern Alberta Newsletter (PDF): http://jetaasa.ca/newsletter/Shinkansen_Express_v4.1.pdf
- You can find links to all current and past issues of JETAA Southern Alberta’s “Express Shinkansen” at: http://www.jetaasa.ca/media/newsletter/
NY-based dance company to host fundraiser in collaboration with Shizuoka City and Choshi city
“The Inaka” project: A place for JETs to share their Inaka gems with the rest of the world
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JETwit would like to strongly encourage JETs and JET alumni to post pictures and other information to the website The Inaka (www.theinaka.com). The project is a very cool concept in and of itself. However, it is also potentially a great example of the kind of local Return On JET-vestment that demonstrates the long-term value of the JET Programme to prefectures and towns that hire JETs. Read the invitation and explanation below by The Inaka creator Chris Allison (Oita-ken).
Hi my name is Chris Allison, and I have been living in Oita Prefecture for the past three years as an ALT. Over the past few years I`ve noticed several problems with Japanese travel sights.
- They focus on the prefecture`s best rather than showing sights specific to individual towns and cities.
- They have a focus on text and description rather than pictures.
- Difficult to find and then navigate through.
- Lack of English.
This made it very difficult for me as a first year with no Japanese to find and travel to local sights.
I was constantly wishing that there would be some kind of picture oriented guide to show what was special about each town. Whether it is a tourist sight, a restaurant, an onsen, or a festival, each and every town has something that makes it worth going and seeing. Unfortunately, only the JETs in that town know what that town has to offer. Up until now, that information was essentially disappeared once the ALT returned home.
That`s why I made The Inaka, so that foreigners living in Japan had a place to share their Inaka gems with the rest of the world, in an easy to navigate, picture oriented, English written Inaka travel site.
With The Inaka, we can store our pictures and information about our towns for future generations of ALTs to come. The benefit does not end there though. We will hopefully be bringing tourism to Japan`s less traveled to areas by bringing awareness to the beauty that can be found in The Inaka. We have the power to connect people, whether travelers from outside the country or in, with the beauty that can only be found in Japan`s countryside. In doing this we can connect these people with restaurants and onsen that we recommend, and help build up local businesses. We have an excellent opportunity to give back to a country that has given us so much.
However, the site will not be very useful unless it is filled with information and pictures about everyone`s towns. The Inaka needs your help. The upload process takes less than 5 minutes and could not be easier. Currently, Oita prefecture has the most filled in, so take a look to see what your prefecture could look like once it has more uploaded to it.
Thank you, I cannot wait to see what you have in your side of The Inaka.
Chris Allison
Job: Full-time Preschool Opening at International Academy of Arts & Sciences (IAAS) in Closter, NJ
Via JETAA NY. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Position: Preschool Teachers
Posted by: International Academy of Arts & Sciences (IAAS)
Type: Full-time
Location: Closter, NJ
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
Overview:
International Academy of Arts & Sciences (IAAS) is a preschool dedicated to educating young children about the wonders found in the diverse cultures of this world. They are seeking energetic and responsible teachers with excellent communication skills in our Closter, NJ location.** Reports to Preschool Director, Ms. Yamamoto.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Coordinate and lead instruction that provides experiential learning about world cultures (through music, art, food, and customs)
• Support and reflect the preschool mission, philosophies, values, and goals of:
a. international curriculum
b. bilingual immersion
c. and environment of inclusion.
• Provide appropriate materials and activities which foster social skills and encourages children to think, problem solve, question and experiment.
• Support the staff with administrative and special events
• Lead the school in increasing student enrollment from the local community.
Qualifications:
• Excellent attention to detail
• Early childhood education certification
• Positive and friendly demeanor
• ESL a plus
• Knowledge of Spanish, Japanese or Mandarin a plus
To apply for the position, please provide a summary of your coursework and relevant employment history and your availability and e-mail cover letter and resume to Ms. Yamamoto at iaasnj@gmail.com
For more information about IAAS visit www.iaasnj.org.
Grant: Japan-United States Friendship Commission — Creative Artist Program
Via JETAASE- NC. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Japan-US Friendship Commission seeking American artists for grant to spend three months in Japan.
A grant award in the amount of $20,000 will be provided to each artist to cover housing, living, and professional expenses. Artists will be responsible for converting their dollar award into yen. Disbursement of the grant and financial responsibilities of the grantee will be outlined when awards are made. Up to $2,000 for round-trip transportation will be provided for the artist.
Receipt Deadline: July 1, 2012 for the 2013 program. Residencies for a three month period may begin any time between January 1 and December 31 of 2013. Notification: by July 31, 2012.
Japan-United States Friendship Commission — Creative Artist Program
The Japan U.S. Friendship Commission offers leading contemporary and traditional artists from the UN…
Jobs: Grant Writers and Managers – Asia Society (NY)
Via The Foundation Center. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Job Positions: Grants Writers and Managers: Arts & Culture (2 openings)
Posted by: Asia Society
Position: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=290300011
Job Description:
Asia Society, a prestigious, global, educational and cultural non-profit seeks 2 Grants Writers and Managers: Arts & Culture (Code FY 1230) and Policy & Education (Code 1231).
They will be integral members of the Asia Society’s External Affairs Department and work with the Director of Institutional Relations & Program Support on all fundraising activities including grants from foundations and government agencies, in the areas of arts and culture and of Asia Society’s policy institute and education, respectively.
Responsibilities:
– Work closely with the Director to collaborate with the Society’s program staff in Cultural Programs (1230) or Business and Policy, and Education (1231) to research and understand the financial needs of the
institution and of individual programs; communicate grant opportunities and develop ideas for grant
submissions;
– Work as assigned on proposals in additional areas, when necessary.
– Write and prepare proposals, budgets and applications for support from foundations and government
agencies;
– Research and identify new foundation and government prospects to plan strategies to approach them; Read More
Justin’s Japan: Interview with Sake Evangelist/JET Alum John Gauntner

“It was not one big thing but rather a million coincidences that led me to apply for the JET Program. I never, ever imagined I would stay here very long, much less 24 years (and counting)!” (Courtesy of John Gauntner)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
Known as the Sake Guy or the Sake Evangelist, John Gauntner (Kanagawa-ken, 1988-89) is the world’s leading non-Japanese authority on the nation’s signature beverage, penning numerous books on the subject and touring the world with his popular seminars and speaking engagements.
An Ohio native who currently resides in Kamakura, Gauntner returns to America next week to anchor Rice & Water: The Building Blocks of Premium Sake, this year’s annual sake lecture and tasting at New York’s Japan Society on June 19. The Evangelist will introduce the importance of rice and water in sake brewing, and a special sake tasting reception with more than 30 kinds of premium sake will follow.
It actually was the result of countless coincidences. I did not plan it, really. I just got interested in sake, and after drinking with a friend that worked at the The Japan Times, he asked me to write a piece for them. That led to a column, which led to a book, which led to another. I got involved in the industry so I could study more and that led to my involvement in export and education. I didn’t really choose this path; it chose me.
What attracted you to Japan originally, and how did you get the opportunity to first go there?
Again, I have to say that it was not one big thing but rather a million coincidences that led me to apply for the JET Program. I never, ever imagined I would stay here very long, much less 24 years (and counting)!
As a participant in the early days of the JET Program, what things about Japan and its people do you feel have changed for the better since then?
I was in Kanagawa and participated in JET for two years, ’88 and ’89. But I have been here the whole time, and the changes have taken place so gradually it is hard for me to see them. Certainly, though, a familiarity with people from other countries has changed—for the better!
For the complete story, click here.
Justin’s Japan: Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa Salute 25 Years of Metal Gear at Uniqlo NYC

Hideo Kojima, director of the Metal Gear video game series, at Uniqlo 34th Street store in Manhattan, June 9, 2012. (Justin Tedaldi)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.
Japanese retail clothing giant Uniqlo is commemorating a quarter century of Metal Gear—the classic Konami stealth video game series—with a new line of 10 exclusive UT Metal Gear 25th Anniversary T-shirts. On June 8 and 9, series director and game designer Hideo Kojima and artist Yoji Shinkawa made a special appearance at two off Uniqlo’s New York stores with for a special autograph session to commemorate a quarter century of Solid Snake, Big Boss and the eponymous bipedal tank that started it all.
“There were over 2,000 people who attended the UNIQLO Metal Gear event at both Fifth Avenue and 34th Street,” according to Mary Lawton, a spokesperson for Uniqlo. “This is our second event with Metal Gear and we are always thrilled at the level of support we receive from the Konami team as well as the loyal fans of Metal Gear.”
Kojima has made previous appearances at Uniqlo New York’s Soho flagship store in 2008 and 2010.
Fans attending the event who made a $30 store purchase were allowed to have one game-related item signed by Kojima and Shinkawa. Most of the items were related to the Metal Gear Solid series, which began in 1998 on the Sony PlayStation console. (The original Metal Gear was released in the U.S. a decade earlier for the Nintendo Entertainment System.) Most of the fans in attendance were American, attributing to the international influence and success of the Japanese-created game series.
For the complete story, click here.
JapanLocal: Tottori JET Anthony Lieven’s latest Misasa video – June 2012
Tottori JET Anthony Lieven has been creating new videos each month as part of a project that introduces his JET town of Misasa to the world. With Anthony’s permission, here is his latest video:
“Hello everyone ! Here is my new video ! For this third monthly video (June) I filmed friends while they where enjoying Misasa ! We had a lot of fun !”
http://vimeo.com/43906925
Job: Postings from Idealist.org 6.11.12
Via Idealist.org. Posted by Geneva Marie (Niigata-ken 2008-09) Geneva is a contributor to both JETwit and JETAANY. Geneva is on a continuous (epic) search for Japanese-related jobs in the United States. Hire me! :-)
International Program Coordinator
Posted by: Northwest Student Exchange
Type: Full-time
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: DOE
Start Date: ASAP
NSE is seeking a candidate to coordinate NWSE High School Exchange Programs with Latin America, Spain, and France. Experience living, studying and/or working abroad as well as experience working with youth and diverse groups of people, required. 4 year degree preferred.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/ppc9ZswtbZMD/
