WIT Life #90: 感謝の気持ち
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.
Following our time in America’s heartland my group and I have since moved to the Bay Area, where we are continuing our study of food safety here in the States. One participant requested that we go to eat at a vegan restaurant, as this is not a common concept in Japan. In fact, one night we had a heated conversation regarding the distinction made between the values of plant/animal lives, as well as the viab
ility of vegetarianism. Veganism was a whole other extreme for them, but as they say, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. So we were off to San Francisco’s Cafe Gratitude.
My participants were surprised at how delicious all the food was despite the limited ingredients. We had a sampler which included Read More
JQ Magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (Kobe-shi CIR, 2001-02) sums up the weekend-long annual event in Brooklyn. Originally published for Examiner.com.
“Today is a perfect kickoff for the historic months to come,” said New York’s Ambassador and Consul General of Japan Shinichi Nishimiya at the top of the 29th annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden held the weekend of May 1 and 2. The historic months the ambassador referred to reach back 150 years, when a samurai envoy marched down Broadway in 1860 as part of the first Japanese diplomatic mission to the U.S. and Japan, which will be reenacted in June to celebrate the occasion.
For Japanese, springtime means hanami, a custom associated with enjoying the beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms), typically as part of an outdoor party in flower-viewing spots across Japan. While BBG’s sakura were already past their peak bloom before the event due to unseasonably warm weather, tens of thousands of people were still expected to attend over the weekend, according to Kate Blumm, BBG’s communications manager.
The dozens of performances, cultural exhibitions, art displays, and foods on tap at Sakura Matsuri—not to mention the brilliantly sunny weather—more than compensated for the lack of pink on the trees. After remarks from other speakers including Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, New York’s own Soh Daiko taiko drum ensemble hit the Cherry Esplanade Stage for a surging performance, followed later by classical and Okinawan dance, a martial arts demonstration by World Seido Karate, and a samurai drama representing the more traditional facets of Japan.
But Sakura Matsuri sported more than just time-honored acts. “We’ve ramped up the anime, J-pop, and manga sort of things,” said Blumm, noting that organizers have “been drawing a completely new crowd since we started J-Lounge. It’s been a big hit.” Located in BBG’s Osborne Garden, J-Lounge became a Mecca for young people with an interest in more contemporary Japanese pop culture. In addition to its manga and anime artist alley, other showcases included anime stand-up comedy, music and dance performances, and a guest appearance by Pokémon voice actress Veronica Taylor, who gave voice to characters created by Brooklyn-based graphic novel artist Misato Rocks!
“For me, it’s all about the contrasts,” explained Blumm, observing Sakura Matsuri’s blend of old and new. “Being immersed in a spectrum of cultural elements, the patrons become part of the festivities.” The most obvious example of this was the multitude of visitors engaging in cosplay, or costume play, a performance art of dressing in elaborate costumes (typically designed by the cosplayer) inspired by characters in Japanese popular fiction.
Cosplay began in Japan, but now enjoys a devoted following among young Americans, usually at anime and comic book conventions. The fact that more cosplayers have been popping up at Japan-themed gatherings like Sakura Matsuri was not lost on BBG: some of J-Lounge’s top attractions included “high tea” for lady cosplayers, a performance by artist/singer Mario Bueno, and the “Iron Cosplay” competition.
“We do this about two to three times a year,” said attendee Michelle Kwon, who with her two friends resembled characters from the anime and manga series Lucky Star, about a group of pastel-haired schoolgirls. “It’s great being able to recognize other characters that we like from animation. We’ve taken probably hundreds of pictures today.”
Some cosplayers were able to draw crowds of their own based on their costumes. Attendee Ferdinand Garcia and his three friends went as a Naruto-inspired ninja warrior clan, and received an unusual photo request from a patron: “We posed for a lady from Albania who was carrying this fish around with her,” Garcia said. “She wanted to take pictures of this fish in all these different places.”
Some criticized the cultural mash-up, Attendee Natsumi Onodera from Tokyo said the event was “not traditional, so I’m afraid non-Japanese people might misunderstand the culture.” Her friend Sachie Hayashida from Fukuoka was blunter: “There’s no Japanese people here,” she said. Both of them are currently studying abroad in New York, and were invited to Sakura Matsuri by one of the performers.
Brooklyn resident Kate Russell, a first-time visitor, enjoyed the variety between kimono and cosplay.
“It was great. I liked the classic cultural events and ceremonies, but also the modern, like seeing all the characters,” she said. “I will come again next year, because I want to see the cherry blossoms.”
For a full schedule and list of performers and events, visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s website.
Job: Various positions at a tech company in Maryland
Sales/Marketing Specialist – for an international bio-chemistry technology company in Rockville, MD ($40K-45K).
DUTIES:
Taking orders
explaining the purpose of specific bio-chem product to clients
visit and communicate with clients in both English and Japanese
go on business trips to Europe and Asia.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Fluent English
Excellent Japanese
good communication skill, chemistry or biology related BS degree
working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED.
Strategic Policy Manager – for a major Japanese energy-related company in Arlington, VA ($80K ~ ).
Duties: Responsible for company’s future direction and management as a team.
Req:
MBA degree
fluent in English,
business level Japanese
business experience in Japan or with Japanese company
more than 10 years of experience in management and policy making
familiarity with strategies for an international company to grow in the US.
HR Operations/ Employee Relations Specialist – for a major Japanese
energy-related company in Arlington, VA ($50K ~ ). Duties: Responsible
for creating, modifying and implementing company’s HR policies and
regulations. Responsible for international employee relation. Req: HR
degree or certifications, fluent in English, business level Japanese,
business experience in Japan or with Japanese company, more than 5 years
of experience in the field, and familiarity with federal and state (VA)
regulation is a MUST.
Project Manager – for a major Japanese energy-related company in Arlington, VA ($50K ~ ).
Duties: Responsible for managing full lifecycle of various projects.
Responsible for analyyzing costing result errors.
Req: BA or MBA in Business, fluent in English, business level Japanese, business experience in Japan or with Japanese company, more
than 5 years of experience in the field.
Translator– for a major Japanese energy-related company in Arlington, VA
($33K-$37K).
Duties: technical translation, general office work, and soon
Req: must be Japanese/English Bilingual
Office Administrator – for a major Japanese energy-related company in
Arlington, VA ($33k-$35K)
Duties: general office work, some translation work
Req: business level Japanese is a must
Interested in these or other Japan related job openings? Contact Interesse International at dc@ iiicareer.com or call us at 571-384-7117! There’s more on our website as well: www.iiicareer. com
Call for volunteer interpreters for atomic bomb survivors
My friend Yumi needs some volunteer interpreters for candle vigil events to be held this weekend for a group of visiting atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha). They have been brought here to share their experiences with NYC high school students. She said it would be less interpreting and more like assisting, and ideally she hopes to have one volunteer per hibakusha at the following events:
Time: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (could be early but definitely we need early on)
Need: 5 people
To learn more about this wonderful annual project, go to: http://hibakushastories.org/. To offer your services, please contact Yumi below:
YUMI TANAKA (タナカ有美)
917-692-2210
yumicomic@gmail.com
Here’s a unique opportunity for Spanish-speaking JET alumni (I know you’re out there)…
Global Brigades is a student-led global health and sustainable development organization. They are looking for a new Community Coordinator for their programs in Panama. The Community Coordinator will manage the organization’s relationships with the communities its student volunteers work in. They will also be responsible for ensuring positive interactions with students, measurable and sustainable community investments per their Community Investment Fund (CIF), measurable impact, and significant community empowerment via education, workshops and access to resources not previously sourced.
Ideal candidates will possess:
- Ability to gather information, summarize observations and express ideas in written reports
- Availability to travel frequently and spend significant time in rural communities
- Experience and/or interest in assisting low-income communities in Panama
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish
- A university degree and experience working in a team environment
JETAA Chapter Beat 4.28.10
Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Chicago Cubs Gameday – JETAA Chicago is selling upper deck tickets for the May 1st Chicago Cubs home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cheer on the home team with your friends and fellow JET Alumni.
- Japanese Garden Children’s Festival – Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th, 10:00 to 3:00 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn about children’s celebrations in Japan during this weekend of activities including Koto harp and Shakuhachi flute music, folktales, Karate and more.
- Happy Hour – Friday, April 30th, 6:00 at Daisy Buchanan. Join the guys at JETAANE for a night of relaxation and fun at this month’s Happy Hour event.
- Portland Taiko 2010 Benefit Banquet – Wednesday, May 5th, 6:00 at Won’g King Seafood Restaurant. Portland Taiko will be having a live performance, silent auction and 11 course feast, so be sure to check it out.
- J-Kaiwa – Friday, May 7th, 7:00 to 9:30 at the Hawthorne Lucky Lab. Come down and practice your Japanese and make some new friends. Nijikai to follow at the Hollywood Bowl.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, May 5th, 5:30 at Coo Izakaya in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Softball Challenge – Saturday, May 15, 12:00 to 4:00 at Fellows Oval ANU. JETAA Canberra and the AJS and CJC are forming a team for this year’s event, so grab your glove and join in. Practice will be held on Saturday, April 17th from 1:00 to 3:00 at Yarralumla Neighborhood Oval.
- Networking Event – Tuesday, May 4th, 6:00 to 8:00 at Bar Louie. JETAADC Happy Hour has returned with a new name. Take this chance to get together with friends old and new over a drink the first week of every month.
- J-Dinner – Thursday, May 6th at Kushi. Spend a night out on the town in DC with other Japanese people and people interested in Japan. Happy hour begins at 6:00 with dinner to follow at 7:30.
- Ikenobo Ikebana Demonstration and Luncheon – Saturday, May 8th, 10:00 A.M. at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel. Ikenobo Ikebana Headmaster Senei Ikenobo is coming from Kyoto to give a special demonstration Japanese flower arrangement, so do not miss this rare opportunity.
- Quiz Night – Wednesday, April 28th, 6:00 at Amber Restaurant. Test your knowledge of Japanese history, poular culture, sports and more on this night of fun and games. Top 3 teams win prizes, so get your team together and give it your best.
- Brooklyn Botanical Garden Sakura Matsuri – Saturday, May 1st, 11:00 to 4:00 at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Spend the day beneath the cherry blossoms with your friends at JETTANY.
- Buddha-Dharma and Meditation – Saturday, May 8th. 1:00 to 3:00 at the New York Buddhist Church. The NYBC invites you to join in the hearing, learning and practicing of Buddha-Dharma and Meditation and let a little peace into your heart.
- Yamashiro’s Farmer’s Market Mixer – Thursday, April 29th, 7:30 to 9:00 at Yamashiro Restaurant in Hollywood. Join JETAASC for a get together in the hills of Hollywood for a farmers market. There’s fresh produce, live music, baked goods, gelato and a specialty taco stand set up by the restaurant.
- Family Fun Day – Saturday, May 1st, 12:00 to 6:00 at Boomers in Irvine. Check out this day of fun activities for the young and young at heart. Mini golf, laser tag and go karts are just some of the activities planned.
- Family Friendly Event by the Beach – Sunday, May 16th, 2:00 to 6:00 at San Clemente. Enjoy the surf and the sand with JETAASC on this fun filled beach Sunday. There will be a picnic, J-E Bilingual games and more.
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.
SCBWI Tokyo Translation Day 2010: Bringing Japanese Children’s Books to the World
Author Suzanne Kamata (Tokushima-ken, 1988-90) who also serves as the Publicity Assistant for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, shared the following:
“A day of presentations, critiques, and conversation for published and pre-published translators of Japanese children’s literature (picture books through young adult) into English.”
Date: June 12, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Place: Yokohama International School, 2F Pauli Bldg
Fee: Advance Registration 3,000 yen SCBWI and SWET members; 4,000 yen non-members. At the door 4,000 yen SCBWI and SWET members; 5,000 yen non-members.
For details, see: www.scbwi.jp
Includes:
– “Once upon a Picture Book Translation,” with Arthur Binard, translator and author
– “The Making of the Moribito Books, Young Adult Fantasy Novels in Translation,” with Cathy Hirano, translator, and Cheryl Klein, senior editor at Arthur A. Levine Books
– “Paths to Publication of Japanese Children’s Books in English Translation,” with Binard, Hirano, Klein, and expert representatives from Japanese publishing: Akiko Beppu, Editorial Director, Kaisei-sha Publishing Company; Rei Uemura, Chief Editor of Children’s Books, Tokuma Shoten; and Yurika Yoshida, President and CEO of Japan Foreign Rights Centre.
Plus a workshop led by Cathy Hirano:
“Translation of Japanese Children’s Books in Three Age Categories”
Advance registrations and translations of short texts for the workshop must be received by Saturday, May 15, 2010. To register and request workshop texts, send an email to info@scbwi.jp
This event will be in English. Complete event announcement online:
www.scbwi.jp/events.htm#td
K-DOC: Korean Classes in New York City
Korean Classes Online are recurring features written by Friend Of JET, Jon Hills, who maintains the blog for Hills Learning (www.hillslearning.com). Hills Learning is a NY-based language learning services company offering customized and personal Japanese, Chinese, and Korean language learning options.
Korean Class listing can be found at: Korean Classes Dallas, Korean Classes NYC OR Korean Classes Online OR Korean Classes LA
Congratulations on choosing to learn the Korean language! In New York City, there’s a variety of Korean classes offered from a variety of institutions. This article tries to address the right way to choose your Korean class, along with the advantages of learning Korean over some competing languages.
First of all, why learn Korean? There is a much smaller percentage of people that speak Korean than say Japanese or Chinese. Also, isn’t Korean a difficult language to learn?
The Korean language, first of all, has by far an easier alphabet to learn than…
Jobs: Producers & Production Assistants at the GOLF Channel (Orlando, FL)
The Golf Channel is looking for an associate producer and a production assistant for the international operations of their television department at their headquarters in Orlando, Florida. Japanese language skills are not required, but highly recommended, as there are translation and interpretation tasks at hand.
International Operations Associate Producer
Full-time staff position assisting the Japanese commentary staff with research and production of live golf tournament broadcasts. Assisting entire department with additional production and coordination efforts as needed. Responsible for producing Japanese studio and remote original productions, interstitials and promos. Perform English/Japanese translation and interpretation (if applicable).
DUTIES:
– Assist Japanese commentary staff with research & preparation of tournaments
– Main contact with media centers, production companies & player managers
– Perform real-time golf score keeping using Microsoft Excel during telecasts
– Handle internal and remote communication for Japanese staff during events
– Maintain research files for tournament materials
– Produce Japanese studio and remote original productions
– Produce and log Japanese interstitials and promos
– Responsible for melting, labeling and logging of LPGA enhancement tapes
– Handle dubs, quality control and logging of monthly premieres
– Create monthly list of on-air promotion needs for international network
– Maintain quarterly music cue sheets for Japanese partner
– Maintain Japanese viewer feedback e-mail log (if applicable)
– English/Japanese oral & written translation (if applicable)
– Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
– 2+ years of TV production experience
– Strong English communication skills (written, spoken & listening)
– Ability to work flexible hours including holidays, nights, and weekends
– Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced, live television environment
– Competency in Microsoft Excel, Word and using the Internet for research
– Familiarity of golf scoring
– Japanese language skills a plus
– Applicants must be able to live in Orlando, Florida
– Must provide proper documentation from the Department of Immigration and Naturalization of ability to legally work in the United States
International Operations Production Assistant
Full-time staff position assisting the Japanese commentary staff with research and production of live golf tournament broadcasts. Assisting entire department with additional production and coordination efforts as needed. Perform English/Japanese translation and interpretation (if applicable).
DUTIES:
– Assist Japanese commentary staff with research & preparation of tournaments
– Main contact with media centers, production companies & player managers
– Perform real-time golf score keeping using Microsoft Excel during telecasts
– Handle internal and remote communication for Japanese staff during events
– Maintain research files for tournament materials
– Responsible for melting, labeling and logging of LPGA enhancement tapes
– Handle dubs, quality control and logging of interstitials & monthly premieres
– Create monthly list of on-air promotion needs for international network
– Maintain quarterly music cue sheets for Japanese partner
– Maintain Japanese viewer feedback e-mail log (if applicable)
– English/Japanese oral & written translation (if applicable)
QUALIFICATIONS:
– Strong English communication skills (written, spoken & listening)
– Ability to work flexible hours including holidays, nights, and weekends
– Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced, live television environment
– Competency in Microsoft Excel, Word and using the Internet for research
– Familiarity of golf scoring
– Japanese language skills a plus
– Prior Production Assistance experience is preferred
– Applicants must be able to live in Orlando, Florida
– Must provide proper documentation from the Department of Immigration and Naturalization of ability to legally work in the United States
HOW TO APPLY:
Go to the Comcast employment website and use the reference codes for each. For Associate Producer, the code is f44ac84b-2400-7f58-e100-000018282f35. For Production Assistant, the code is
794ac84b-2400-7f58-e100-000018282f35. Make sure the pop-up blocker on your browser is turned off when visiting this site.
Job: *Still* Looking for English teachers (Morioka)
Via the Iwateminions Yahoo group:
This is a repost for NPO Zenrinkan, which is continuing the search for good teachers. Zenrinkan is one of the older English conversation schools in Morioka, and has been around for 60 years. Teachers have a lot of control over their classes, and classes are fairly small, with around 4 students on average.
The full-time position begins in August. The salary starts at 250,000 yen per month, and then deductions are taken out for taxes and national health insurance. You get 2 weeks of paid vacation per year, and can take it nearly any time, although they do encourage you to take it during breaks from classes. Zenrinkan will also sponsor any new hire that needs a visa. The typical week is 38 hours of office time, which includes 22 class hours. Those classes are about 1/2 kids classes, and 1/2 adult conversation classes, with a few college classes and yochien lessons included a few times a month.
If interested, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to Nobuko Sano at class@zenrinkan.com or zenrinkan1931@gmail.com.
JET Author: Bruce Feiler’s latest on living with cancer
You may have seen his face on The Colbert Report or his byline in The New York Times, but the bestseller Bruce Feiler got his start after college in JET. His first publication, though, was spurred by his experience in Japan as a JET teacher in the inaka: Learning to Bow: An American Teacher in a Japanese School in 1991.
Many successful titles and even a PBS miniseries later, Feiler is back with another personal account on his experience after he was diagnosed with cancer. The young father of two daughters set off to write to them with the advice of six guiding men in his life. The group of his college roommates and childhood friends, penned “The Council of Dads,” provide the wisdom that he seeks for himself and his family. The rest of his personal battle with chemo therapy and lingering fears for his family unfold in his latest book: The Council of Dads – My Daughters, My Illness, and the Men Who Could Be Me.
As an early reviewer from United’s Hemispheres Inflight Magazine noted: “The book’s power comes in part from Feiler’s willingness to delve into emotions—including feelings of tenderness not only for our children and spouses but between male friends—that aren’t often spoken of with such candor.” And it’s not surprising, because for much of his career as a writer, he has lead readers through both the clamor of a JET classroom and the Biblical journey through the steps of Abraham.
Check out his extensive speaking event schedule for May and June. He’ll be hitting bookstores and cafes in California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania in two months!
Follow him on Twitter or Facebook, and here’s a trailer for his book.
Jobs: Administrative Assistant for translations (Pennsylvania)
The Document Services Group is looking for a Japanese administrative assistant to translate from Japanese to English and vice versa. As a Japanese Administrative Assistant for DSG, a Clinical Software and Services provider of technologies for the pharmaceutical industry, you will work closely with the DSG Project Managers servicing online clinical trials and translating business documents for our international clients. This position will primarily focus on translating documents both from Japanese to English and from English to Japanese.
DUTIES
- Translating emails and other confidential client communications
- Responsible for agendas, roll-call and meeting minutes for project team and client status meetings
- Proofreading forms and working with document layouts
QUALIFICATIONS
- Candidates should be Native Speakers/Writers in Japanese; Writing skills is a must.
- Candidates should be fluent in English at a Business level
- Candidates must be familiar with Microsoft Office
- Candidates must be able to type in Japanese
- Must have at least 2 years of related work experience
- Knowledge/experience in the medical, pharmaceutical and IT industries a plus
- College degree preferred
HOW TO APPLY:
Contact Ilisha Smith Corporate Recruiter ismith(AT)dsg-us.com with resume and cover letter.
WIT Life #89: 空気人形
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 current DOS interpreting assignment regarding food safety has kept me busy, but a weekend here in the farm country of Illinois has allowed some time to catch up. When I was in DC earlier this week, the annual Filmfest featuring a variety of international films was taking place. While flipping through the program booklet, I was happy to find that the latest release of one of my favorite Japanese directors, Hirokazu Kore-eda, was being screened. Some of his well-known previous works are After Life (ワンダフルライフ), Nobody Knows (誰も知らない) and Still Walking (歩いても 歩いても), and his newest is Air Doll (空気人形).
This two-hour plus movie came out in Japan last year, and it is based on Read More
Job: Economics News Assistant for Asahi Shimbun (Washington, D.C.)
The Asahi Shimbun, Japan’s leading national daily newspaper, is looking for an economics news assistant at one of its three North American bureaus in Washington, D.C. to assist in reporting on international economic trends, attend press briefings and light administrative work. This is not a reporting or writing position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred.
- Interest or background in covering U.S. and international economics and finance is highly desirable.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Japanese language is helpful but not necessary.
ROLES:
- Duties include assisting our Washington economics correspondent with articles by conducting thorough background research
- attending press briefings
- gathering news and views
- arranging interviews
- closely following developments in the area of international economics, including the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve.
- Some administrative support, such as transcribing interviews and other assignments, is also required.
- This is a reporting position with no article-writing or byline opportunities.
Compensation includes overtime pay, excellent medical/dental benefits, and 401(k). Salary: $33,000-$36,000.
HOW TO APPLY: Please email cover letter and resume to AsahiDC@nationalpress.com.
Deadline: Friday, May 7. No clips or phone calls, please.
Contact Information: Hiring Manager The Asahi Shimbun 1022 National Press Building Washington, D.C. 20045 AsahiDC@nationalpress.com
Translators: Part-time work (Japanese to English)
An Upstate company is in search of someone who could help out part time translating documents from Japanese to English. The company is partially owned by a Japanese company. The company suggests a student or someone who lives in the area as an ideal candidate.
If you are interested or knows of someone that is capable, contact me for details.
Daniel Stone
danone19(AT)gmail.com

