Mar 28

JQ Magazine: Concert Review – L’Arc~en~Ciel Take Madison Square Garden by Storm

Article/Journalism, JQ Magazine, Music, Reviews Comments Off on JQ Magazine: Concert Review – L’Arc~en~Ciel Take Madison Square Garden by Storm

L'Arc~en~Ciel frontman hyde at the band's historic Madison Square Garden show, March 25, 2012. (Courtesy of BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions)

By Sam Frank, an ALT who taught English in Hiraizumi-Cho, Iwate-ken, from 2002-04 and worked in Shirahama-cho, Wakayama-ken as a JET from 2004-06, for JQ magazine. He currently manages the New York division of UnRated magazine and works as a project manager/Web producer at Arrow Root Media.

A few years ago I went to the MTV Video Music Awards in Japan, and noticed something interesting. Whenever categories came up where American artists went against Japanese artists, nine out of ten times, the American would win, and not even be in attendance to accept the award. It seemed so unfair to compare American artists to their Japanese counterparts when you think about how many American bands have sold out stadiums in Tokyo while most Japanese bands that tour America have a hard time filling up mid-size venues such as Roseland Ballroom and Irving Plaza in Manhattan. That comparison doesn’t seem quite so unfair after watching L’Arc~en~Ciel (French for rainbow), a band formed in Osaka, cement its name in rock history as the first Japanese band to perform at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden on March 25.

In celebration of the band’s 20th anniversary making music together, hyde (lead vocals), tetsuya (bass), ken (guitar), and yukihiro (drums) have taken their dynamic visual spectacle around the globe to thank fans in true rock star fashion. The show got underway with an epic opening video displaying the band members’ names carved in platinum scrolling across the screen before showing a beautiful butterfly landing in Hyde’s glove-clad palm.

As the excited crowd eagerly waved their florescent glow sticks in anticipation, L’Arc~en~Ciel stormed the stage backed by the enchanting piano intro to “Ibara no Namida” (いばらの涙). The instant the spotlight dropped on hyde, the Garden erupted into a surge of screams and cheers for the international superstar. Juxtaposing band members with various computer generated ethereal images, songs like “Good Luck My Way,” the theme song to 2011′s FullMetal Alchemist The Movie: The Sacred Star of Milos, “My Heart Draws a Dream,” and “Honey” all came to life in a fresh and exciting way. The visual narratives added another level of interactivity to each song, which is why concertgoers who might not be familiar with songs like 1999′s “Driver’s High” will remember it as the song that opened with a revving engine sound, pyrotechnics, and images of white smoke spreading across the three gigantic LED screens.

For the complete story, click here.

Mar 27

Job: Tasting Table (NY, Miami, San Fransisco) 03.27.12

Jobs, Uncategorized Miami, nyc, SF, Soho, table, Tasting Comments Off on Job: Tasting Table (NY, Miami, San Fransisco) 03.27.12

Thanks to former JETAANY Vice-President and current Board member Clara Solomon for sharing. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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Clara shared this link with multiple job listings at Tasting Table (where her sister-in-law works). Open positions include Editor, Communications Assistant, Social Media Editor, and Graphic Designer among others.

http://www.tastingtable.com/footer/national/jobs.htm

Mar 27

Job: Postings from Idealist.org 3.27.12

Jobs, Uncategorized idealist, Jobs Comments Off on Job: Postings from Idealist.org 3.27.12

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!  :-)

Program Associate – Afterschool and Leadership Initiatives

Posted by: Asia Society
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Competitive
Start date: March 2012

Asia Society’s New York branch is currently seeking an associate to coordinate afterschool and academic youth leadership programs. Candidate with a background in global education is preferred.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/tt5h6fxswNxd/

Assistant Director – Professional Development

Posted by: Asia Society
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Competitive
Start date: March 2012

Asia Society’s New York branch is currently seeking a candidate with the experience to assist in developing educational programs at the K-12 level, however, there is no education degree required.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/wJzcfSZkJdbD/

Associate Director – International Studies Schools Network

Posted by: Asia Society
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Competitive
Start date: March 2012

Asia Society’s New York branch is currently seeking a candidate with senior level education experience in administration for their Associate Director position. Masters degree required. 6-8 years experience relating to education and child development preferred.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/Whcj6CX6KsCp/

Research and Data Analyst

Posted by: The Asia Foundation
Type: Full-time
Location: San Francisco, CA
Salary: Competitive
Application deadline: April 9, 2012

The Asia Foundation is currently seeking a candidate with fundraising experience as well as a solid background in research (online or other) and development. High level of computer literacy required.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/wwGzmbCXH9h4/

Associate Programme Manager for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN)

Posted by: Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
Type: Full-time/Contract
Location: Patumwan, Bangkok, Thailand
Salary: Not specified
Start date: May 1st, 2012. Position available until filled.
Application deadline: April 30, 2012

IGES is seeking an Associate Programme Manager for their Bangkok location. Experience in working in international organizations is preferred. Masters degree desirable.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/pDWk27NpMTnp/

Mar 26

JETAA Chapter Beat 3.26.12

JETAA Chapter Beat, JETAA Chapters Comments Off on JETAA Chapter Beat 3.26.12

Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.

JETAA D.C.

• Networking Event – Wednesday, March 28th, 6:00 at Kelly’s Irish Times. Get together with JETAA and friends in the DC area.

JETAA Western Australia

• Annual General Meeting – Friday, March 30th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Talk about the future of JETAA, join the committee, and have fun with alumni.

Mar 26

Job: Student Services Activity Coordinator (NY) 03.26.12

Jobs, Uncategorized Job, new york Comments Off on Job: Student Services Activity Coordinator (NY) 03.26.12

Thanks to Jet Alum Zach Piper for sharing this job listing at EmbassyCES where he works. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
____________________________________________________________

Position: Student Services Activity Coordinator

Posted by: EmbassyCES
Type:  20 – 40 hrs weekly
Location: New York, NY
Salary: NA
Start date: NA
Contact Info:zpiper@studygroup.com
http://www.embassyces.com/

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a weekly schedule of activities
•  Manage a team of Activity Chaperones including scheduling
•  Plan and host monthly student events at the school
• Plan and host all office parties or events
•  Guide tours for overseas agents of our center and summer campuses
• Explain and sell our programs to potential students Read More

Mar 26

WIT Life #194: L’Arc en Ciel MSG Debut!

Events, Music, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #194: L’Arc en Ciel MSG Debut!

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 together with her own observations.

Last night I had fun rocking out at the concert of L’Arc en Ciel, one of Japan’s most popular bands.  They were the first Japanese group to perform at Madison Square Garden, and they put on an amazing show!  For me it was largely natsukashii, as I discovered L’Arc (or ラルク) as an exchange student in Kyoto my first time in Japan.  During the weekly karaoke outings that I used to work on my kanji, ラルク soon became a regular part of my repertoire and for a while their song Honey was my #18 (specialty or favorite).

So I was super excited when I heard ラルク front man Hyde belt out the first  「ずっと」 that begins the song, and was happy to find that I still remembered most of the lyrics.   I enjoyed other old favorites like Read More

Mar 24

Job: Postings from Idealist.org 3.23.12

Jobs, Uncategorized Add Comment (1)

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.

 IGES Economy and Environment Group Regular Researcher Position

Posted by: Institute For Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
Type: Full-time/Flexible/Contract
Location: Kanagawa, Japan
Salary: Annual Salary/DOE
Start date: April 2012 to March 31, 2013

IGES is seeking an full-time economics researcher for their facility in Kanagawa, Japan.  Candidate must have a Masters degree (or above).

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/sgGPfzKFmH8d/

Executive Director, Global Corporate Relations and Business Programs

Posted by: Asia Society
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: Competitive
Start date: March 2012

New York’s Asia Society is seeking a candidate with ten years experience in U.S.-Asia business relations or Asian affairs with emphasis on business, economic affairs or government relations. Masters degree preferred. Competency in one Asian language highly desirable.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/jkmf5hdzk3xd/

Mar 23

JCAW Symposium: Global Opportunities through Japanese Language 03.23.12

Academic, Uncategorized Global, japanese, Language, Opportunities, Symposium Comments Off on JCAW Symposium: Global Opportunities through Japanese Language 03.23.12

Thanks to JETAA DC Secretary Leigh Ann Mastrini. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
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On April 7, 2012, the Japan Commerce Association of Washington, DC (JCAW) will be hosting a symposium on “Global Opportunities through Japanese Language” – The purpose of the Symposium is to provide a networking opportunity for students of Japanese language who want to pursue related careers, and corporations or government agencies interested in hiring American students who speak Japanese and understand Japanese culture.

Please see the link and introduction below for more information and more importantly, to register by 03.23.12!
http://www.jcawf. org/japanese/ program/cherry_ blossom_centenni al/education/ symposium/ Read More

Mar 23

US-Japan Bridging Foundation Scholarships 03.23.12

Uncategorized Bridging, Foundation, Scholarships, US-Japan Comments Off on US-Japan Bridging Foundation Scholarships 03.23.12

Thanks to JETAA DC President Maurice Maloney. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
———————————————————————————————————————–
*** Now Accepting Applications for Bridging Foundation Scholarships***

The US-Japan Bridging Foundation is pleased to announce that we are
accepting applications from US undergraduates who want to study in Japan
during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Students receive scholarships of $2,500 to $7,500, depending upon the length of study and particular
donor-sponsored scholarship. *Application deadline is April 6, 2012*. More
information can be found at:  http://www.aatj.org/studyabroad/scholarships.html Read More

Mar 23

Job: Kindergarten Teacher (Tokyo) 03.23.12

Jobs, Uncategorized Job, kindergarten, teacher, tokyo Comments Off on Job: Kindergarten Teacher (Tokyo) 03.23.12

Thanks to JET alum Jennifer Swanson for passing on the posting. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
———————————————————————————————————————————————

Position: English Teacher

Posted by:  Kids Fore
Type:  Full-time
Location: Tokyo
Salary: N/A
Start Date: N/A
 http://www.kids- fore.com/

Responsibilities:

• Native speaker of English
• Good at playing with kids and enjoy kids
• Able to create lesson plans and English program itself in future
• Teaching experience, especially related to kids
• Curriculum development experience, a plus
• Be able to cooperate with other teachers even though he/she doesn’t speak
  Japanese
• Be able to work over the weekends or on holidays when they have any school
  events Read More

Mar 23

Job: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Beppu, Oita) 03.23.12

Jobs, Uncategorized Beppu, contract, Jobs, Oita, university Comments Off on Job: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Beppu, Oita) 03.23.12

Thanks to Kyushu-based JET alum and professional translator Joel Dechant for alerting JETwit to recent open positions at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (where Joel happens to work).

Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
——————————————————————————————————————————-

Position: Various

Posted by: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Type:  Full and contract
Location: Beppu-shi, Oita-ken
Salary:   
Start Date: N/A

http://www.apu.ac.jp/administration/modules/opportunities/index.php?content_id=1

Mar 23

Job: Actus Posting – Korean-English Bilingual Marketing Coordinator (NY) 03.23.12

Jobs, Uncategorized actus, English, Job, Korean, NY Comments Off on Job: Actus Posting – Korean-English Bilingual Marketing Coordinator (NY) 03.23.12

Via Actus Consulting. Posted by Kay Monroe (Miyazaki-shi, 1995 -97).
———————————————————————————————————————-
*** If you apply, please make sure to indicate that you learned of the job listing via JETwit.

Yoroshiku and ganbatte! ***

Position: Korean-English Bilingual Marketing Coordinator

Posted by: Actus USA
Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY (Midtown)
Salary:  35K-45k (DOE)
Start Date: N/A

http://www.actus-usa.com/job_search_en.php?location=1&job_industry=&job_category=&keywords=

Responsibilities:
The Position will focus on the expansion of ESL online student recruitment services and marketing activities for ESL schools in Korean market.

– Sales and Market the online student recruiting service and similarly-related services to ESL schools, educational institutions, and international media outlets.
– Research, develop, and execute marketing campaigns in Korea (print, online-based marketing, etc.) to route international students to ESL schools through the company website.
– Build and sustain strong business ties with school officials and admissions staff.
– Identify, approach and negotiate with current and future business partners advertising opportunities, marketing plans and mutually-beneficial business opportunities.
– Independently manage day-to-day administrative operations involving student enrollment services: follow up on students’ applications, speaking with schools’ admissions offices, updating company management database, answering student and school inquiries. Read More

Mar 23

WIT Life #193: Spending Time in Ichiro-Land, aka Seattle

Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #193: Spending Time in Ichiro-Land, aka Seattle

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 together with her own observations.

I am wrapping up a business trip here in Seattle, where the Japanese influence is huge.  Not only do they have great Japanese shopping centers like Uwajimaya, located in the International District area, but they have Ichiro!  The man himself is not here at the moment, having headed to Japan with the Mariners to play two exhibition games against Japanese teams before opening up the Major League season in two games against the Oakland A’s.  All four games will be played in Tokyo.  Today’s Seattle Times features an article highlighting Read More

Mar 22

JET alum keynotes Japan ICU Foundation Sake Tasting and Japan Relief Fundraiser in New York

Events, Fundraising Comments Off on JET alum keynotes Japan ICU Foundation Sake Tasting and Japan Relief Fundraiser in New York

GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF SAKE TASTING & FUNDRAISER in New York City

By JET alum Mark Flanigan

JET alum Mark Flanigan (center) with colleagues from the Japan ICU Foundation at the March 5 Fundraising event (Photo: Lawrence Tsuyuki)

The Japan ICU Foundation (JICUF) hosted a special Sake Tasting & Fundraiser at the Penn Club in New York City on Monday, March 5 to help raise funds for International Christian University’s (ICU) ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts after the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011.

Over 100 esteemed guests from the US, Japan and many other countries came for the evening in support of this charitable event, which was organized by JICUF Program Director Tara DeWorsop. JET Alumnus Mark Flanigan, a current ICU Rotary International Peace Fellow, gave a short keynote presentation describing the variety of ways in which ICU has been supporting the recovery efforts. These include a new joint-psychological relief program in Sendai, continuing student volunteer efforts and the Earthquake Tuition Waiver Fund. Read More

Mar 22

Taylor Anderson Remembered by Many

Cultural Outreach, Earthquake Tsunami, JETs in the News, Return on JET-vestment, Video Comments Off on Taylor Anderson Remembered by Many

Via the JETAA USA website:

The Anderson Family, who has done so much to further Taylor’s vision of bridging the US and Japan, participated in a memorial service at Taylor’s alma mater, Randolph Macon College. The memorial was covered by both NHK World and the local CBS news station in Virginia. Ambassador Fujisaki was also in attendance as a speaker for the event.

To see the media coverage click below:

• NHK World: Americans Honor Victim
• CBS Channel 6 News: Local Teacher Remembered One Year After Tsunami
• NHK written coverage (in Japanese)

Additionally, here are some links to coverage gathered by a friend of the Andersons and forwarded by Andy:

• Article on the Randolph-Macon college website about the event.
• March 8, 2012:  WCVE-FM (NPR) local NPR correspondent Dan Rosenthal interviewed national NPR correspondent Yuki Noguchi for a preview of the Taylor Anderson/Japan Foundation lecture.  You can listen to the interview by clicking anniversary.
• March 13, 2012:  The Asahi Shimbun (Japanese newspaper) sent a reporter to the lecture and also covered a pre-lecture news conference held by R-MC.  You can read the article by clicking on Asahi Shimbun.
• March 12, 2012:  NHK World Japanese Television sent a reporter to campus several times to interview the Andersons (Taylor’s parents) as well as the March 11 lecture. You can watch the story by clicking on NHK.  Note:  This story is only available for viewing through this weekend.

March 12, 2012:  Here is a look at some local coverage:

• Richmond Times-Dispatch:  http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2012/mar/12/randolph-macon-program-recalls-student-who-died-ja-ar-1758051/
• WWBT-TV12 (NBC):  http://www.nbc12.com/story/17135121/local-family-still-copes-with-daughters-death-after-japan-tsunami
• WTVR-TV6 (CBS): http://wtvr.com/2012/03/11/local-teacher-remembered-one-year-after-japan-tsunami/
• WRIC-TV8 (ABC):  http://www.wric.com/story/17139323/randolph-macon-honors-taylor-anderson
• WUSA-TV9 (Washington, DC):  http://www.wusa9.com/news/nation-world/article/196158/381/Randolph-Macon-Honors-Va-Teacher-Who-Died-In-Japan
• WSET-TV13 (Lynchburg, VA):  http://www.wset.com/story/17139178/randolph-macon-honors-va-teacher-who-died-in-japan
• WCAV-TV19 (Charlottesville, VA): http://www.newsplex.com/news/headlines/Va_College_Honors_Teacher_Who_Died_in_Japan_Disasters_142457475.html
• WHSV-TV3 (Harrisonburg, VA):  http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/Randolph-Macon_Honors_Va_Teacher_Who_Died_in_Japan__142361425.html