Thanks to JETAA Chicago President Robert Corder (who also works for JETRO) for letting JetWit know about this interesting upcoming event:
Skoop on Somebody (S.O.S.) Charity Concert in Chicago
The Japanese R&B group Skoop on Somebody (S.O.S.) will play a charity concert in Chicago on Saturday, August 21.
This is the duo’s first live performance in North America. The concert will be held at the Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, Illinois. Doors open at 4:30 pm, with the show scheduled from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Seating is first come, first served and limited to 420 seats. Tickets are $40, with all proceeds going to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC) Foundation. The JCCC Foundation supports Japan-related education, cultural and community organizations though out the Chicago area.
To purchase tickets, fill out the application form (http://www.jccc-chi.org/docs/SOS_Event_8.21.pdf) and send it to JCCC Foundation along with the admission check (payable to JCCC Foundation)!
Questions? Contact the JCCC Secretariat at 312-245-8344 or jccc@jccc-chi.org.
- Skoop on Somebody official website: www.skoop.jp
- Wikipedia entry (Japanese): http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skoop_On_Somebody
Legal Education in New York: Top of the Heap or Dream Deferred
Matt Leichter (matt [dot] leichter [at] gmail [dot] com) (Saitama-ken 2003-05) is a renegade attorney who plays by his own rules. He operates his own blog, The Law School Tuition Bubble, where he archives, chronicles, and analyzes the rising cost and declining value of legal education in the United States. He also maintains the “Bankruptcy Legal Topics,” and, “Bankruptcy Billables,” sections for Steven Horowitz’s Bankruptcy Bill. For further reading regarding JETs and the law, he recommends JETs with J.D.s.
I’m pretty sure that most Jets Wit out there live here in New York. If so, you’ll be right at home with this week’s post—where I chide the Big Apple for adding five law schools during its 1970s economic and demographic slump. But when your contract expires please return to NYC, JETAANY needs your support!
Life After the B.O.E.: Have an Awesome Time!
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.
Job: Assistant Accounting Manager, Undisclosed Company (Orlando, Florida)
Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003). Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Via JETAA Florida
Our client is a large international Japanese company seeking an Assistant Accounting Manager with a strong manufacturing/operations background to join our client’s corporate accounting and finance team. The candidate we are seeking will possess demonstrated cost accounting experience and knowledge. The Assistant Accounting Manager supports units within our client’s North American sales and operations team. This position is based in metropolitan Orlando.
The ideal candidate will have Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge along with the required accounting experience gained in a multi-cultural environment with excellent verbal and written communication skills honed in a team setting. A robust work ethic is required coupled with the organizational and time management skills necessary to manage multiple projects and activities within a deadline driven atmosphere. Candidate must also have strong analytical, math, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Responsibilities
-Analyze production statistics and cost variances, prepare of supporting analysis reports, monthly review, cost improvement.
-Preparation of annual budgets, variance analysis, and financial forecasting.
-Review transactions, entries, and other activities and instruct accounting team on the proper treatment.
-Prepare U.S. GAAP financial statements.
-Assist with month-end close.
-Manage staff of one (1) and internal client relationships of three (3) to five (5)
Job: Assistant Controller, Undisclosed Company (Savannah, Georgia)
Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003). Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Via JETAA Florida
Our client is a large international Japanese company seeking an Assistant Controller with a strong manufacturing/operations background to join our client’s plant accounting and finance leadership team. The candidate we are seeking will possess demonstrated cost accounting experience and knowledge. This position reports to the Plant Controller and is based in Savannah, Georgia.
The ideal candidate will have Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge along with the required accounting experience gained in a multi-cultural environment with excellent verbal and written communication skills honed in a team setting. A robust work ethic is required coupled with the organizational and time management skills necessary to manage multiple projects and activities within a deadline driven atmosphere. Candidate must also have strong analytical, math, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Responsibilities
-Analyze production statistics, cost variances, preparation of supporting analysis reports, monthly review, cost improvement, preparation of annual plant budget, and financial forecasting. Read More
Job: Accounting-Manager of Consolidations, Undisclosed Company (Orlando, Florida)
Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003). Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Via JETAA Florida
We seek a Manager of Consolidations with strong manufacturing/operations knowledge to join our client’s corporate accounting and finance team. The candidate we are seeking will possess demonstrated consolidations experience and knowledge including the management of a consolidations group. This position reports to the Corporate Controller and is based in metropolitan Orlando.
The ideal candidate will have Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge along with the required accounting experience gained in a multi-cultural environment with excellent verbal and written communication skills honed in a team setting. A robust work ethic is required coupled with the organizational and time management skills necessary to manage multiple projects and activities within a deadline driven atmosphere. Candidate must also have strong analytical, math, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Responsibilities
-Assist with monthly financial close process.
-Prepare U.S. GAAP financial statements.
-Consolidate monthly results for two (2) locations and three (3) entities and produce financial statements.
-Prepare the monthly financial reporting/management package. Read More
*********
JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a category on JetWit intended to highlight the various economic, diplomatic and other benefits to Japan resulting from its investment in the JET Program. Why is this important right now? Because the JET Program and JET Alumni Association may be cut by the Japanese government, as explained in this post by Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) titled “JET Program on the Chopping Block.”
“Does Japan Still Need 23-year old Exchange Program?”
This is the title of a recent article by AP reporter Tomoko Hosaka, which has been picked up by:
- Japan Times – 8/11/2010 – “Budget cutters target JET: ‘Amakudari’ excess or 23-year success in soft foreign policy?” – http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100811f1.html
- The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/29/AR2010072900233_2.html)
- LA Times -“With slow growth, Japan might cut exchange program that countered anti-Japanese feeling in US” – http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-as-japan-foreign-teachers,0,3428970.story
- The Atlanta Journal Constitution (http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/does-japan-still-need-580832.html)
- Fox News (just so you know the story is fair and balanced)- http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/07/29/slow-growth-japan-cut-exchange-program-countered-anti-japanese-feeling/
- The Canadian Press via Google – http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5icJiKrICsxyBe0EUSj6rZyl5vCYQ
- Business Week – http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9H8IK580.htm
- GulfNews.com – “Teaching scheme learns bitter lesson: Spending cuts haunt cultural exchange program” (an overly fatalistic headline considering the edited version of the original article they used) – http://gulfnews.com/news/world/other-world/teaching-scheme-learns-bitter-lesson-1.661393
The article includes quotes from Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) and Anthony Bianchi (Aichi-ken, 1987-89) as well as a reference to JetWit’s role and a few photos of me (in my JETAA NY “Nihongo wakaru yo!” t-shirt) along with JETAA NY Vice-President Monica Yuki and JETAA USA Country Representative Shree Kurlekar (one of three US Country Reps).
While the article, I think, does more harm than good for JET and JETAA, I believe there are many points and examples not included in the article that could easily counter the non-specific criticisms also cited in the article. In other words, the case for how JET and JETAA have (and continue to) provide a very significant return on investment (ROI) to Japan is not difficult to make. It’s just a matter of gathering the examples and making everyone aware of them.
Below are just a few examples based on my own experience, research and conversations. Please feel free to post additional examples in the comments section:
1. A significant number of JET alums are now firmly ensconced in political, policy, business, academic, media and other positions in governments, think tanks, universities, Japan-America societies, Japanese companies, etc. This population is only growing larger, more influential and, as a result, more valuable to Japan. To cut this off at the roots in order to save a few yen would not make good policy or business sense.
- Three JET alums have run for Congress this year:
- Dan Seals (Democrat, Illinois) is running for Mark Kirk’s old seat.
- Rob Cornilles (Republican, Oregon).
- David Boling (Democrat, Arkansas), who lost in the primary.
- Anthony Bianchi is has been serving for several years as a city councilman in Inuyama-shi, Aichi-ken.
- Professor Michael Auslin is the Asia expert at the American Enterprise Institute in D.C.
- Roland Kelts wrote Japanamerica, which has contributed to the manga boom in the U.S., and is a professor at Tokyo University and a columnist for The Daily Yomiuri.
- Aaron Woolfolk wrote, directed and produced the film The Harimaya Bridge, which features Danny Glover, was produced in Shikoku and is based in part on Aaron’s JET experience.
- George Rose was the interpreter for Hideki Matsui when the New York Yankees won the World Series (the only JET alum with a World Series Ring!) George is now a consultant serving as the Pacific Rim Advisor to the Yankees as well as Staff Advisor to the Yomiuri Giants and the Yomiuri Shimbun. He was also one of the first JETAA NY Presidents.
- Countless JET alums are working for Japanese companies supporting their ability to do business with the rest of the world. Legions of JETs have become translators and interpreters further facilitating Japan’s ability to communicate with the rest of the world.
And I’m just scratching the surface of examples. Additionally, it’s worth being aware of the many more accomplishments to come from JETs in the next generation. The JET Programme essentially takes many of the best and brightest minds from the U.S. and other countries and gets them thinking about, working for and feeling connected to Japan.
2. Numerous Japanese students have gone on to international studies and other accomplishments as a result of their interaction with JETs. These former students may likely comprise the next generation of English speakers in Japan. This is something not measured in test scores.
3. JET Alumni chapters may be the most cost effective public relations arm Japan hope to have. A review of JETAA Chapter Beat posts on JetWit gives a quick sense of just some of the grassroots cultural outreach that JET alumni do on behalf of Japan. And they do it because they care about Japan and appreciate their JET experience. There’s no amount you could pay to a PR firm to generate this kind of positive, sustained visibility and outreach. In fact, JET alums devote thousands of volunteer hours (often at the expense of their “real” jobs) to supporting JETAA activities. Not just the administration and organization of chapter activities, but volunteering in various ways such as for New York de Volunteer, for the Japanese Restaurant Association Japanese Food Festival in Los Angeles and for numerous “Japan Days” and festivals in cities and towns throughout the U.S. and other countries.
4. With over 52,000 JET alums in the world (and more every year), JET alumni serve as a sort of substitute ex-pat population for Japan. Something Japan lacks in comparison to other countries. Case in point: After 9/11 when U.S. visa restrictions grew stricter, Japanese staffing companies found it harder to find eligible Japanese people to fill positions in the U.S. offices of Japanese companies. As a result, they sought JET alums, who generally speak at least some Japanese if they’re not fluent, and are much more familiar with Japanese culture and workplaces.
For more examples of JETs and JET alums providing a Return on Investment to Japan, have a look at the JET ROI category on this site.
Have your own example to share? Please post in the comments section below or email to jetwit@jetwit.com.
Japanese Online Community Leader
This job post came through a friend of mine from grad school. They are looking for an anime lover with social media skills and fluent in English and Japanese.
Description
Veoh.com is one of the largest video portals in the world and a hub for anime fans and content. Now, we have fantastically unique social technology – http://www.qlipso.com
If you love anime, manga, virtual worlds and online video, we may have the best summer job of your life! We are looking for a young, online-savvy teen or early twenties online community organizer to help us excite our Japanese community of over 4 million people! This requires a voracious passion for all kinds of anime and manga, and a willingness to leverage our anime content to make our community even more involved. The ability to communicate your obsession with characters, themes, plots, relationships, and culture within anime/manga are a must. Read More
Nancy Ikehara (CIR Yokohama-shi, 1994-97) shared this photo she took of a t-shirt she recently saw in the gift store of the Japanese-American National Museum in L.A. For a bit of context, see Nancy’s submission to the Spring 2007 issue of the JETAA NY Newsletter’s article on Asian JET reminiscences.
WIT Life #111: Monozukuri
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 travels (with a group of Pacific Islanders this time) prevent me from blogging as much as I want to, but I’d like to share an interesting article I just came across regarding the Japanese concept of monozukuri, courtesy of Rochelle Kopp’s Japan Intercultural Consulting site. Enjoy!
Job: ESL Teacher, ELS Language Centers (Columbus, Ohio)
Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003). Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Via Daniel J. Stone (Saitama-ken, 2004-07)
ELS Language Centers, Columbus will be opening August 23, 2010 and is looking for ESL Teachers in the Greater Columbus, OH area.
Job Summary: Reporting directly to the Academic Director, the Associate Instructor is responsible for planning, teaching and evaluating assigned classes in accordance with the ELS curriculum, with assistance from the AD, Instructional Specialists, Senior Instructors and Instructors; for maintaining student class records; for fulfilling administrative duties as required and/or requested by the AD; and for participating in professional development activities such as workshops and meetings.
Education and Experience: M.A. in ESL or Applied Linguistics preferred. B.A./B.S. required. A minimum of six months of ESL teaching experience relevant to the ELS curriculum and methodologies.
Personal Characteristics: Cultural sensitivity; personal satisfaction derived from and enthusiasm for teaching international students; empathy for the problems of learning English as a second language; good communication and organizational skills.
Notes: This is a part-time position that requires a 120 day probationary period. Hourly wages depend on education and experience.
Contact: Daniel J. Stone. Center Director
ELS Columbus
c/o Ohio Dominican University
Fitzpatrick Hall
1216 Sunbury Road
Columbus, OH 43219
Ph: 614-251-7360
Fax: 614-251-7375
dstone@els.edu
www.els.edu/columbus
JOB: Purchasing Manager, Global Manufacturing Company (New Jersey)
Job posting by Lauren Sethney (Niigata-shi CIR, 2000-2003). Lauren serves as the Program Director at the Japan-America Society in Dallas-Fort Worth.
A central NJ global manufacturing company is searching for a candidate to fill a newly created position in their new manufacturing facility in central NJ.
MUST be able to Read, Write and Speak Fluent Japanese
Description
–Must have experience in the manufacturing industry purchasing raw materials
-Must be able to negotiate best price with various vendors
-Must be able to locate new vendors if necessary
-Must be able to work with other departments such as production and sales
-Must be able to ensure materials are available for current and new production orders
-Should be able to evaluate various MRP systems and make appropriate suggestions
Requirements:
–Must speak fluent Japanese
-5-7 Years of experience as a Purchasing Manager
– Must have experience within the manufacturing industry
Compensation: $55,000–$65,000
For more information about the position and to apply, contact Jerry Mosseri of Stand Out Staffing and Resumes.
Email: jmosseri@standoutstaffing.com
Phone: 732-377-8873
JET ROI: MOFA State Secretary Mr. Koichi Takemasa’s comments upon meeting with JETAA members
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) State Secretary Mr. Koichi Takemasa recently met with a group of JET alumni in New York to learn first hand about JET and the JET Alumni Association. Following the meeting, State Secretary Takemasa posted comments regarding the meeting on both the MoFA website as well as on his own blog. Below is a translation of key comments from the posts. (Special thanks to Kumi Mastsumoto of the Consulate for her help in obtaining the translations):
1. MOFA Website Comments
From the official report of State Secretary Takemasa’s visit to the United States on MoFA’s website. (Full link here: http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/annai/honsho/fuku/takemasa/usa_10/gaiyo.html):
2. (6) 日米人物・文化交流
特にこれまでのJET出身者が米国内で対日理解や日米交流の発展に果たしている役割について積極的な評価を共有。English translation of the last sentence of Section 2, Paragraph (6): “We both positively recognized that JET returners have contributed to promoting understanding of Japan in the US and fostering people to people exchange between the two countries.”
2. Personal Blog of Koichi Takemasa
Here is what Secretary of State Takemasa wrote about his meeting with JETAA members on his personal blog (link to post: http://takemasa.asablo.jp/blog/2010/07/17/5237531):
その後、JETの経験者で作られるJETAAのNY支部の皆さんと意見交換。 JET通じて得たもの、帰国後それを伝えていること、また、新しいJETメンバーの選考や送り出しに協力をしていること。そして、事業仕分けで総務所所管のクレアが対象になったことで、JET制度そのものの存続に危機感を持っていること、などを聞く。
“I had a meeting with the members of JET Alumni Association in New York . There, I heard comments about how much they learned from the JET experience, how they have been sharing their experience to others after they came back and how they have been cooperating in the screening and training process of the new JETs. Referring to the fact CLAIR (JLGC) under Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications was put on the chopping block, they showed their strong concern in the future of JET program.”
*********
JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a category on JetWit intended to highlight the various economic, diplomatic and other benefits to Japan resulting from its investment in the JET Program. Why is this important right now? Because the JET Program and JET Alumni Association may be cut by the Japanese government, as explained in this post by Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) titled “JET Program on the Chopping Block.”
The Japan Times just ran an article worth reading on the debate over the value of the JET Programme in the face of potential budget cuts titled “Ex-students don’t want JET grounded: Eric Johnston and Kanako Nakamura ask ‘children of JET’ whether the program deserves to be on the chopping block.” (Here’s the URL: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20100727zg.html)
The article does a nice job of highlighting the main schools of thought in the public discussion about the JET Programme (and by association, the JET Alumni Association). But it also falls into the “he said/she said” trap by laying out anti-JET arguments that miss the bigger picture or are based on false assumptions. That said, hearing these is helpful to understanding how JET is perceived by many people, including Japanese taxpayers.
The article is also the first I’ve seen (there may be others) that attempts to give voice to one of the primary constituents of the JET Programme: students in Japan.
In attempting to analyze this situation, the first thing to be aware of is that JET has a dual purpose:
- Teach English and promote “internationalization” in Japan.
- Help Japan promote positive foreign relations, diplomacy, business and cultural exchange and outreach with the rest of the world.
1. English Teaching
With regard to English teaching and “internationalization” in Japan, the article is correct that it’s a difficult thing to quantify. However, making English test scores by Japanese students a basis for evaluating the benefit of JET is comparing apples and oranges. JET never had the mandate to improve test scores. If anything, we were there to teach “living English” which doesn’t get tested for. And also to inspire students to connect with English and gain valuable experience interacting with people from other cultures.
In that vein, perhaps a more important aspect to track and focus on is the number of students who went on to gain greater proficiency in English or travel and work abroad over the past 22 years, giving Japan a stronger, more internationally-savvy workforce. Japan doesn’t need every student to become proficient in English. Just some percentage that will help lift Japan’s abilities over time and perhaps even become a source of more fluent-speaking English teachers over time.
I talk to a lot of JET alums, and I hear so many stories of students who have kept in touch, of students who have gone on to great achievements as a result of their access to JETs. And also many JETs who have maintained relationships with their towns, have helped continued exchanges and given back to their communities in a variety of ways. Just because you don’t hear all of the stories doesn’t mean they’re not happening, because they most certainly are. (The most visible example, perhaps, is Anthony Bianchi (Aichi-ken, 1987-89) who is now a city councilman in Inuyama-shi, Aichi-ken where he previously taught on JET.)
2. Foreign Relations and JET Alumni
On the second count, there’s not really a counter argument to even make. JET alumni have provided (and continue to provide) a huge return on Japan’s initial investment in them as JETs. JET alumni have written books about Japan and work for many Japanese companies and organizations, including Japanese Consulates and Japan-America socieites. JET alumni are major feeders into Japan-oriented academic fields. JET alumni invest in Japan and start Japan-related (and Japan-located) businesses. And many JET alumni are now in major government and policy positions in their countries.
As an alumni organization, the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) is young at only 22 years old. As the community matures, the value, influence and impact of JET alumni for Japan will continue to grow at an increasing rate as more and more JET alumni become experts and are established in their fields.
Additionally, with a population of over 50,000 worldwide, JET alumni help provide a sort of substitute ex-pat community that Japan has lacked in comparison to the United States and other countries. Contrary to the assertion in the Japan Times article that JET alums are taking away jobs from Japanese people, JETs are providing huge economic benefits to Japan. For example, after 9/11 when getting work visas became harder for ex-pats in the U.S., Japanese staffing agencies began seeking out more JET alums to fill positions, as they were the best alternative option to filling roles in Japanese offices in the U.S. Additionally, JET alums constantly find themselves in facilitating roles, helping their companies navigate cross-cultural communication issues. Bi-culturalism can be an extremely valuable skill.
JETAA is also perhaps the cheapest and most efficient and effective public relations arm the Japanese government could hope to have. JETAA chapters everywhere are constantly organizing cultural outreach events and providing volunteers for Japan Days, Japan-related festivals and other cross-cultural events like the Japanamania event JETAA New York does with the local Big Brother/Big Sister chapter. For a good sense of JETAA chapter activities around the globe, just read a few of the “JETAA Chapter Beat“ posts by Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08). I saw a comment posted on a blog cynically suggesting that if Japan really wanted PR, it would hire a PR firm to place ads in the New York Times. Believe me, a PR firm cannot produce the kind of grassroots positive publicity and loyalty that the JET Alumni Association continues to provide.
What I’ve written above is a small summary, the tip of the iceberg, of the kinds of things going on. Thanks to JET and JETAA, Japan has an army of committed ex-pats around the world (including in Japan) who feel a strong connection to Japan and care deeply about the country and the people. To cut this goodwill off at the roots would do far more harm to Japan than any benefit resulting from saving a few dollars.
To learn more, get in touch with your local JETAA chapter, read various posts on JetWit.com or do your own research. (I’m always happy to use JetWit as a platform for reaching out to JET alums and gathering stories, anecdotes and other hard to gather information.)
I’m sure I’ve overlooked a number of additional good points and examples. Please feel free to make them in the comments section below.
JETs with J.D.s >> The New Interviewing Buzzword: Emotional Intelligence
Andrew R. McCarthy (Akita-ken, 2005-08) is a law student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law focusing on international trade, business, and tax. He currently runs the blog JETs with J.D.s, an information source for current JET alumni law students and prospective law students for career paths and approaches within the current legal market. For those considering law school and trying to comprehend the costs and the risks of such an endeavor, he also recommends The Law School Tuition Bubble.
You may not have to channel Miss Cleo to get legal employment these days. But, in addition to the healthy dose of luck you’ll need, the legal career services world has created a brand new buzzword concept through which all prospective employees can be vetted: emotional intelligence. What is emotional intelligence, you ask? Emotional intelligence, or as those trying to sound more professional than they really are might call it, “EI,” is the demonstrated ability to show, and practice, professional competence by providing good answers to hypothetical questions and connecting with interviewers. The idea behind the concept is that you are being hired not just for your legal acumen and ability to detect italicized commas in a document of hundreds of pages — you’re being hired to develop and maintain clients. What does this all boil down to? What help, if any, does a JET background provide? Is law school even conducive to developing “emotional intelligence?”
All those answers (or at least educated guesses) are right here.


