Justin’s Japan: Tribeca Film Festival Q&A with director David Gelb on ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’
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- Jiro Ono, center, with his dream team of sushi masters. (Fortissimo Films)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
An indubitably delicious documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi follows 85-year-old master sushi chef Jiro Ono, owner of the esteemed ten-seat Sukiyabashi Jiro restaurant in Tokyo. From the ins and outs of the tuna auction to the proper way to massage an octopus, the film is a lushly photographed homage to the artisan sushi techniques that earned Jiro an elite three Michelin stars, one of just twenty-six restaurants in all of Japan to receive the honor last year.
This mouthwatering movie makes its New York bow Thursday (April 21) as part of the Tribeca Film Festival. In this exclusive interview, I caught up with director David Gelb to discuss his cinematic celebration of the art of sushi, along with its themes of family, tradition, and the value of hard work.
Tell us about your relationship and history with Japan.
When I was very young my parents took me to Japan on business trips. Even though I was only nine years old the third time I went, I already felt a tangible familiarity and affection to the food and the culture. The toys were definitely cooler. I was as fascinated by a history populated by samurai and warlords as much as the fiction with the giant robots and all that.
What else do you enjoy most about Japanese culture?
My favorite thing about the Japanese culture is the philosophy of specialization and mastery. There is a lot of value and respect for people that devote their lives to a single craft. You don’t see this as much in some Western countries.For example, in the USA, many local butchers have been driven out of business by supermarkets. Because of this, the sons of butchers are looking for other jobs to survive, and the skills they and their fathers have developed will be lost. In Japan, however, you’ll see more businesses dedicated to excellence before profits. Being a master butcher is a highly respected and potentially lucrative enterprise. Even in Japan, however, the consolidation of big business and globalization is a threat to craftsmen in small shops. According to many Japanese craftsmen that I interviewed, it has become harder to find young people that have the patience to learn a skill fully. In Japan, it takes years to become a master butcher.
What were your goals with this film? Did it turn out the way you originally anticipated, or did anything about it change during the production period?
Originally, this was going to be a much more general film that would feature many sushi chefs all over the world. In my mind it was the [celebrated BBC documentary] Planet Earth of sushi. I shot some short test segments, but then changed course and decided on a more human approach, making it just about Jiro and his family. Everything I wanted to convey about sushi was right here at Jiro’s restaurant.
How much time in all did you spend filming? Was it difficult to shoot in Japan and work around scheduling repeat visits to Tokyo?
I shot for the month of February in 2010, then returned to L.A. to work with my editor, Brandon Driscoll-Luttringer. After we spent a few months translating and reviewing the footage, we figured out what the story was about, and I returned to Japan to finish. I had some fantastic help on the ground in Tokyo—my translators Yukako Inoue and Shino Nakamura—to organize everything. Without them, it would have been extremely difficult.
What were Jiro and his family’s ground rules for making the film? Was there anything that you were forbidden from shooting?
The only rule was not to film the duo of incredibly hardworking and meticulous ladies that are in charge of cleaning and the cash register. It is a shame because one of the amazing things about Sukiyabashi Jiro is that it is probably the cleanest and most organized restaurant in the world. Literally not a spec of dust goes unchecked in the entire restaurant. The bottoms of the tables are just as clean as the tops. Women of that generation are particularly shy of cameras, and I was very careful to respect their wishes not to be filmed.
Read the rest of the interview here.
JETAA Chapter Beat 4.18.11
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Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner – Tuesday, April 26th, 7:00 at Mama Mexico on 49th St. Brush up on your Japanese with friends and alumni this month in NY.
- Japan-a-Mania – Saturday, April 30th, 12:30 to 4:30 at Big Brothers Big Sisters on 30th St. Partner with fellow JET alumns, Big Brothers Big Sisters and NY de Volunteer in teaching NYC kids about Japanese culture.
- East Bay Networking & Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, April 21st, 6:00 at Bijou Restaurant and Bar in Hayward. This month’s event begins at the Hayward City Hall to celebrate Shannon Honda as he is installed as Secretary of the Funabashi-Hayward Sister City Association, followed by drinks at the Bijou.
- Disaster Relief Benefit Recap – April 2nd: We had over 50 people attend – which was a great turnout considering the short notice and competing weekend events. In the end, we received over $1,900 in donations! All of which will go to the Japanese Red Cross. We would like to thank all JETAA members, family and friends, for coming out to support this cause. –JETAA Texoma
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
Justin’s Japan: Deep Purple Guitarist Steve Morse Weighs in on the Japan Catastrophe
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Steve Morse, far right, with his Deep Purple bandmates. (Ellenwood Artist Group)
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
Throughout its career, Deep Purple–who formed in England in 1968 and released their debut album that year–has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Revered in Japan, their iconic rock hits include “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Woman from Tokyo.” After a four-year hiatus from American shores, the band’s upcoming tour, called Deep Purple: The Songs That Built Rock, finds them returning with a symphony orchestra.
In this exclusive interview, I spoke with Steve Morse, the group’s guitarist since 1994, about the tour, and his thoughts on the cataclysmic events happening in Japan.
Regarding the recent catastrophe in Japan, is the band planning to do any special shows or benefits at this point?
No, we haven’t gotten anything that we’re privy to at the moment. I think the thing in Japan is, they sort of differ from a Third World country that just totally doesn’t know what to do. The people of Japan are so incredibly organized and capable, I don’t know how anybody can help them that isn’t right there. They need all kinds of support. The logistics of getting what they need to them is obviously the problem—it’s not being able to afford it, as far as what I’ve seen. And don’t forget that at this time I’ve got a limited view, because I’m working all the time [Morse was touring with the band in Eastern Europe during this interview], and I can’t just turn on the TV and get anything set to a certain very narrow international news station.
So from my point of view, it looks like they need more logistical support than moral support to raise more money for food or anything. I could be wrong, but it looks like they’ve got that part covered, and the government is willing to do whatever it takes to get the people back on their feet and working again. But they’re handling some really amazing problems right now, and one last thing that I get from that is how incredibly dignified they are in such a time of stress.
Of course Deep Purple has a long relationship with Japan and its people, making live albums recorded there something special long before bands like Cheap Trick came along. What’s it like when you go over there as a member of the group?
Deep Purple has very old acquaintances, like promoter Mr. Udo, and everybody knows people there, so it’s a friendly, familiar place. And like I said, it’s so organized and dignified, it’s just wonderful. It’s wonderful to see a guy driving a cab that’s spotless, with white gloves on, and that’s any cab you get into.
The trains, they come exactly on time, they leave exactly on time, and they go really fast. So a lot of times we just ride the trains, because it’s the best way to go. And when you’ve got mass transit that’s that organized, even in an earthquake zone, it’s still the way to go. It beats traffic, you know? And whenever we get mass transit that’s that organized and that cool and that fast and that reliable, I think then America could really cut down on one person per Suburban, you know? (Laughs.)
Is there any place that you haven’t played yet that you’re looking forward to?
Oh, yeah. I’d like to see—and this is not a joke—Antarctica. Because I’m fascinated with technology and how people cope with things. Since I’m a member of Deep Purple, and have played outside in the snow on top of a mountain, in a desert (laughs) and in a monsoon in Korea, I think, outside, getting drenched, it seems like if we can play anywhere, we might as well go to the most extreme gig possible, and that would be Antarctica. Maybe even the North Pole, I don’t know. But there’s some parts of Africa that we haven’t been to, and that would be interesting, especially if they were able to accommodate all the power and logistics for the band. The adventure never stops.
Read the rest of the interview here.
Life After the B.O.E.: Outside of Class
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Life After the B.O.E. is a comic series about the JET experience by David Namisato (Aomori-ken, 2002-2004), a professional illustrator currently living in Toronto.
Visit David’s website at www.namisato.org.
Justin’s Japan: New York’s Blue Note Benefit for Japan concerts to stage two-night support stand
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- The Blue Note Jazz Benefit for Japan concerts will be held at New York’s Highline Ballroom April 18-19. (Blue Note New York)
By JQ magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
Japan has always been there for jazz. Now, jazz is giving back.
The Blue Note New York will host a harmonious benefit at Manhattan’s Highline Ballroom for two consecutive nights beginning Monday (April 18), with all of the ticket proceeds to be donated to the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund spearheaded by Direct Relief.
The event is being organized by talent buyer Seiko Kinoshita, who has worked at Blue Note New York since 1996. “As the details of the disaster unfolded, I felt sad and frustrated that I couldn’t do much to help, being so far away from my home country,” said the Fukuoka native. “Having worked in the jazz industry for most of my adult life, I decided to organize a benefit concert and was very encouraged by the willingness of the artists, as well as their agents and managers, to support the event. I believe that every little bit helps, and I want the Japanese people to know that New Yorkers and the jazz community care deeply about them and their country and want to do what they can to help.”
For the last 23 years, Blue Note has maintained clubs in multiple Japanese cities, with current establishments in Tokyo and Nagoya. Ron Carter, the distinguished jazz bassist who will be among the all-star musicians at Highline on April 19, wrote of his concerns and appreciation for the Japanese people: “We share the grief of the enormous loss of life and displacement of the Japanese people. I will pray for Japan’s fast recovery and will do everything in my power to help. The Japanese jazz fan is the most important supporter of my music, and I am always grateful for the years Japan has stood by my side.”
Click here for the complete story.
Surviving in Japan: 7 Words to Know When You Have a Cold (in Japan)
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Ashley Thompson is "Surviving in Japan: without much Japanese."
Posted by Ashley Thompson (Shizuoka-ken, 2008-2010) of Surviving in Japan: without much Japanese and Lifelines columnist for The Japan Times.
Here are some essential Japanese words you might want to know if you come down with a cold in Japan.
I tend to stick to more natural remedies when possible, but when the symptoms are bad enough, I head for the drugs (medicine). Although, and some of you may already know about this, eastern medicine, or kanpou, is used in Japan.
So where do you find cold medicine? The best places to look are your local daily goods store and/or local pharmacy – called 薬屋 (くすりや, kusuri ya) or 薬局 (やっきょく, yakkyoku). 薬 (くすり, kusuri) means drugs/medicine. Now, let’s look at some of the most common cold symptoms and the corresponding Japanese so you know what to look for (or ask for) when seeking out cold medicine in Japan.
JET Prefecture Round-Up 04.11.11
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Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan. To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.
National Relief Efforts
- AJET has set up a care package program for JETs to help their fellows affected by the disaster.
- JETs are now being encouraged to Can Up for Japan as the next step: anytime JETs attend a JET event, they are to bring a food item or other materials.
- This month’s JET Effect focuses on a few different JETs’ responses to the disaster.
Events by Region
Shikoku Region
Ehime
- Silly Sports Hanami was April 9th, in which JETs enjoyed the blossoms and collected blankets for Tohoku.
- Ehime’s PEPY Ride will now be for Tohoku! Ehime JETs cycle the Shiminami Kaido to raise funds for tsunami and earthquake victims.
Kochi
- Beer/Sake Baseball Opening Day was April 2nd, and a great time was had by all.
- “Traffic Light” Mixer for JETs and locals was April 9th!
- Tosa Salsa Lesson from 2 to 4 was on April 9th as well.
- Kavita Peterson will be giving a presentation on Culture Shock for JETs on April 15th.
- The Tosa-ben musical will be performed by Kochi ALTs in the local dialect on April 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th in different places around the prefecture.
Kansai Region
Kyoto
- 5 to Survive Kyoto run was April 10th!
Hyogo
- Hanami at Akashi Castle Park on April 9th called for donations of towels for the Tohoku efforts.
Tohoku Region
Aomori
- Some Aormori JETs are helping with a free lunch offered at the Aomori City Shimin Center on Saturday, April 16th to gather water, apples, rice, toilet paper and others to take to Fukushima prefecture.
Multi-Regional
- ALT Soccer Tournament – West Japan Tournament to be held in Awaji, May 22-23rd. East Japan Tournament to be held June 4th-5th.
Foreign correspondents start “No. 1 Shimbun” to cover Tohoku disaster
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Thanks to JET alum Emily Metzgar, Assistant Professor at Indiana University’s School of Journalism, for sharing the link to the new publication No. 1 Shimbun, published by leading foreign correspondents in Japan.
CLICK HERE for the April 2011 Special Issue.
WIT Life #162: Japan Tobacco
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WITLife 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.
My interpreting travels currently take me to Raleigh, NC, once home to a thriving tobacco industry. However, in addition to formerly being a center for textiles and furniture, those days are gone and different sectors have risen to take their place. As the group I am working with is studying economic revital
ization, yesterday we visited the American Tobacco Historic District, once home to America’s largest tobacco plant. It has been converted into a multi-functional area which maintains the character of the historic buildings, while at the same time incorporating modern aspects to create a vibrant community of businesses and restaurants (We got to visit the headquarters of Burt’s Bees which is housed there!).
In an interesting incidence of convergence, before heading to the district I read an article in the WSJ about how Japan’s disaster has affected its tobacco industry. It highlights how Read More
Job: Webmaster/Office Manager at JICC (Washington DC)
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via Susan Laszewski (Saitama, 2005-08) who now works at the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Webmaster/Office Manager at JICC (Washington DC)
Job Details:
The *Webmaster/Office Manager* position at the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan has recently opened up for someone with Japan-related experience and strong computer skills.
Read More
Job: JETAA UK – Job Vacancies
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via JETAA UK. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for any of these positions, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Several new Job listings from JETAA UK. You must be signed up to view the posts.
(a) Operations/Maintenance Engineer (b) Electrical Engineer
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/a-operationsmaintenance-engineer-b-electrical-engineer/
Secretary/Administrator
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/a-secretaryadministrator/
Head Chef
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/head-chef/
Sales Manager (Brussels)
http://www.jetaa.org.uk/jobs/sales-manager-2/
Job: Bi-lingual Clerk Opening at Consulate General of Japan (Seattle)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Bi-lingual Clerk Opening at Consulate General of Japan (Seattle)
via PNW JETAA. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Bi-lingual Clerk Opening at Consulate General of Japan (Seattle)
Job Description:
The Consulate-General of Japan is now accepting applications for a position in the Culture & Information Section. Applicants must be must have native-level fluency in Japanese & English as well as web as well as basic computer skills.
See link for full details: http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/japanese/whatsnew/2011/Clerk_j.htm
Job: Job Listings from JETAANC
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via JETAA NC. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for any of these positions, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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1. Administrative Assistant (Hayward California) Salary $12-13/hour
2. Logistics Sales Account Executive (South San Francisco)
3. Logistics Export Agent (South San Francisco)
4. Logistics Customer Service (South San Francisco)
Read More
Job: Global Business Researcher (Washington DC)
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via Justin Manger (Gunma-ken, 2001-03). Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: Global Business Researcher (Washington DC)
Job Details:
Job: English Teacher, Hokkaido
Jobs Comments Off on Job: English Teacher, Hokkaido
via Leah Timberlake. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika currently works as an in-house translator for PFU (a Fujitsu company) in Kahoku-shi, Ishikawa-ken. She is also the vocalist for the Japanese hardcore punk band DEGRADE.
*Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JetWit. Thanks.
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Job Position: English Teacher, Hokkaido
Job Description:
The YWCA in Hakodate is looking to fill an English teaching position by the end of the month.
