WIT Life #77: Breakdown of the bow
Anecdote Article, Japan Trends, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life 
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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.
An interesting article this week in Slate analyzed the intricacies of the Japanese bow and its various gradations. It was in reference to the apology by Toyota President Akio Toyoda at a press conference last week regarding the company’s massive vehicle recall. His chosen bow was a keirei, or 30-degree tilt to show respect, though some say he should have opted for a saikeirei, or full 45- to 90-degree bow intended to show the greatest veneration or humility.
With the amount of damage control that Toyota needs at this point, perhaps it is true that Toyoda should have overshot with a deeper bow. However, critics were likely placated by yesterday’s news that Toyoda will testify before Congress regarding the recalls, something he had previously said he had no intention of doing. The threat of being subpoenaed by investigators seemed to have persuaded him to accept the formal invitation issued by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that followed an informal one. It remains to be seen how reassuring his testimony will be to the American public.
Job: Full-Time Teacher at Tsukuba International School (JAPAN)
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The Tsukuba International School in Ibaraki, Japan is looking for a full-time elementary school teacher. The candidate must be a native English speaker with a degree in education (or related field) and teacher qualifications. The school is not a conversation school, but rather a full-time elementary school where children learn all of their subjects in the English language.
QUALIFICATIONS: Note – these are non-negotiable requirements.
- Native English proficiency.
- University degree in education (preferably with elementary specialization, i.e. ages 6 to 12) from a country with an English language-based curriculum. (A degree in “Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language” is not sufficient.)
- Qualifications to teach in a jurisdiction with primarily English-based education. (This means that the candidate must be a qualified teacher in a country such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.)
OTHER PREFERENCES:
- Experience teaching in an elementary school.
- Experience teaching at an international school, or in a multicultural environment.
- Experience teaching non-native speakers of English.
- Experience teaching the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate.
- Familiarity with inquiry-based learning.
- Experience living in Japan, or living abroad.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Teach all core subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies
- Share responsibilities in other subjects: Art, Physical Education, Music, and Media Studies
- Able to manage a dynamic classroom setting.
- Possess the flexiblity to deal with new students and new teaching paradigms gracefully.
- Have a clear understanding of the importance of professional development, through workshops/seminars and independent learning.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a resume outlining your education and employment history (including your current position), and give three references who can be contacted. Attach a one-page cover letter stating why you are interested in this position and what you could contribute to our school. Applicants chosen for interviews will be required to submit copies of relevant degrees and certificates. Applications can be sent by postal mail or email. Interviews may take place in person or by web conference. If you have a web camera and a Skype account, please mention that in your cover letter.
POSTAL ADDRESS
Tsukuba International School
Attn: Mr. Masayasu Kano
Kamigo 7846-1
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JAPAN
300-2645
Please write: “Teacher Application” on the envelope.
EMAIL ADDRESS
Please submit your documents as PDF files or in plain text. Use the subject “Elementary Teacher: September 2010″.
Applications are due by March 15, 2010, but we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. We hope to fill the position by March 31, 2010.
Job: Tsukuba International School Seeks Full-Time Teacher (Ibaraki)
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via the JETAAJOB Yahoo group:
Tsukuba International School (TIS) offers an international education for children in grades 1 to 8. They are currently seeking a qualified elementary school teacher to start in September 2010. The successful candidate will teach all core subjects (including Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) and will share responsibility for additional subjects (including Art, Physical Education, Music, and Media Studies). As TIS is currently a candidate school for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate, experienced PYP teachers will be given preference, although qualified teachers
with a strong interest in the PYP will also be considered.
Applications are due by March 15, 2010
Please see the TIS website for more details about the position:
http://tis.ac.jp/2010/02/seeking-full-time-elementary-school-teacher
JETAA Chapter Beat 2.18.10
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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.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner- Tuesday, February 23rd, 7:00 at Congee Village Restaurant and Bar. Come out for the first Nihongo Dake dinner of 2010 and sharpen up those Japanese skills.
- Snowboarding Trip – February 26th – 28th in Killington, Vermont. Alumni, family and friends are welcome to join in on this weekend of skiing and snowboarding up in Vermont.
- JBook Meeting – Monday, February 22nd at 6:30. This month’s selection will be “The Makioka Sisters” by Junichiro Tanizaki.
- Hinamatsuri Workshop – Saturday, February 27th, 1:00 at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. Anne Cox, a scholar of Hinamatsuri for 30 years, will be heading a workshop on the Japanese Girls’ Day festival. Come and learn about traditional dolls and have the chance to make a pair of your own Hinamatsuri dolls.
- Nihongo Dake Brunch – Sunday, February 28th, 11:30 at Cafe Atlantico. Practice your Japanese and meet new people at this relaxed Sunday get together.
- AGM Reception – Saturday, February 20th, 8:00 at Cosmo in Cardiff Bay. JETAA Wales is hosting the UK AGM for JETAA UK chapter representatives and members.
- JETAA Winter Ball – Saturday, February 27th, 7:00 at the Grange Holborn Hotel. Champagne, a three course meal and a disco with a live DJ make this event one not to be missed. Check it out.
- Orlando Yakiniku and Karaoke – Friday, February 26th, 8:00 at the Shin Jung Korean Restaurant in Orlando. Join the gang in Orlando for a night out and start the weekend off right.
- Shinnenkai – Friday, February 19th, 6:30 at Nissei Vets Hall. Join PNWJETAA in welcoming 2010 with bentos, drinks and karaoke afterward.
- Kimono Wearing Seminar – Sunday, February 21st, 1:300 at the JACL Office. The Chicago Kimono Club is holding a seminar on how to wear a traditional Japanese Kimono. Bring your own clothes or just come and learn how it’s done.
- Devil’s Head Ski Trip – February 20-21st JETAA Chicago is planning a ski weekend at Devil’s Head. Get out and play in the snow.
- Happy Hour – Thursday, February 25th, 6:00 at the Rustic Kitchen. Come in from the cold and share a drink with friends old and new.
- Nihongo Dake Lunch – Sunday, February 28th, 1:00 at Fuji in Quincy. Enjoy sushi and brush up on that Japanese with the gang at JETAANE.
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.
C-DOC: Why Businesses Should Learn Chinese
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The Chinese Doctor is a recurring feature 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 Chinese, Japanese and Korean language learning options. Their main service is private one on one language lessons in the NYC area.
The buzz language in New York City these days is Chinese. Whenever you speak with someone about new business opportunities China will usually enter into the conversation. But is Learning Chinese really worth it? In a bilingual world where Chinese people are moving to New York City, you would think just a trusted in house translator would suffice for companies doing business in China. This article will argue that at least learning the basics of Chinese can jump start your business and give you the edge when winning contracts in the competitive Chinese market.
Quick Impressions Are Everything So you’re going to sit down with a Chinese business and attempt to negotiate a contract with them. Of course the thing they care about most is their bottom line, and how much it will cost to do business with you. But let’s say your prices are relatively similiar to your competitors…
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Chinese language and culture articles
Job: Administrative Assistant at the U.S.-Japan Foundation (NY)
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The United States-Japan Foundation, a non-profit grantmaking organization, is seeking to employ a full-time Administrative Assistant for their New York City offices.
The position provides administrative and clerical support to the Asst. Secretary & Treasurer and administrative area.
DUTIES:
. Processing of payments and disbursements, and accounts receivables;
. Record-keeping and maintenance of accounting, investment, and administrative files;
. Reception, and processing/distribution of mail and correspondence;
. Word-processing, writing, editing of correspondence and worksheets;
. Special projects.
QUALIFICATIONS:
. Excellent writing, communication, and computer skills (Lotus, Excel, Word, Quickbooks)
. Understanding of basic accounting helpful
. Financial or investment background a plus
. Japanese language is a definite plus.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested parties should email, fax or mail resume to (no calls please):
Asst. Secretary/Treasurer
United States-Japan Foundation
145 East 32nd St., 12th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Fax: (212) 481-8762
Email: mcmanapat@us-jf.org
Ask Dr. Muse-Life Coach: How Do I Find My Dream Job?
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Many JETs and JET alumni find themselves at a crossroads regarding their careers and career options. Nicole D. Mignone (Akita-ken, 1991-1993), a certified life coach, will be periodically posting articles for the benefit of the JET Community. You can read more of her life-related articles at her blog thealchemyofbalance.blogspot.com. She also offers individual life and business coaching. For more information, email Nicole at drmuse@jetwit.com.
Dear Dr. Muse:
I am ready for a career change, but I have no idea what I really want to do. My current job is one that personality and career aptitude tests said I would be good at, but I am still not in love with my job. Any ideas? Cindy B. in New Jersey.
Dear Cindy B:
A vocation calls to us because of our experience, skills, and education; an avocation, however, calls to us from a deeper place. Sometimes we need a stable vocation to allow us to pay the bills and fulfill our obligations. If you feel restless and yearn for more, and if your discontent does not relate to some imbalance in other areas of your life [see other Dr. Muse posts related to this topic], then perhaps it is time to identify the ember of your avocation and fan it to a fire. The following two tasks may help you:
Task 1: Pick 4 jobs from your past and your very first job.. On the blank pages of your journal, draw 5 big circles with some space between [you may need several pages] . Above the circle, label the job. Then, for each job, inside the circle write 3 to 4 things about that particular job that you liked–e.g., projects; people; environment; anything. On the outside of the circle, write 3 to 4 things about that job that you did not like. Next, in a different color ink, go back and write inside the circle how you felt AT the job. Take your time to think and feel the whole experience of your past jobs.
Task 2 [different day]: Take out your circles of past jobs. On a single sheet of paper write a list all the items you wrote inside the circles.
When you are finished, take a moment to read through the list of all the things you liked about the past jobs. Then, reflecting on this list, write a paragraph describing as many details about the characteristics of the job/environment you like. Add anything else to this paragraph about the profession, such as your ideal day, the ideal coworkers, and ideal environment. This should provide the template for your avocation and you can analyze your current choice or potential choices against this template. The task is aimed at starting the process for exploration, and I wish you a happy journey on this adventure!
Like hiring a personal trainer to reach your fitness goals, a personal life coach can assist you to attain your personal goals. You may write the Muse with any coaching questions, or inquiries into life coaching options on a one-time or ongoing basis at drmuse@jetwit.com.
Job: NGO Outreach Officer in Tokyo (JAPAN)
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This job listing comes from Idealist, an online home for NGOs, government groups, educational institutions and other non-profits internationally looking for volunteers and job candidates in that field.
Polaris Project Japan, a human rights non-profit organization, is looking for a full-time, bilingual Public Outreach Officer in Tokyo. Polaris Project, an international anti-slavery group based in the United States, has worked in Japan since 2004 and need someone to coordinate their public affairs strategies, fundraising and grant efforts, and advocacy locally in Tokyo.
DUTIES:
- Take the leading role on public communications, including fashioning a public affairs strategy, managing communications materials, social networking efforts, awareness newsletters, and the PPJ website; and importantly helping to produce a quarterly analysis of trafficking trends in Japan.
- Play a leading role in fundraising, including donor development and relationship management; fundraising events and campaign management; pursuit, and management of grants.
- Support the general administration of the PPJ Office, including a primary role in the training and coordination of volunteers and training materials development, office management, maintenance of timesheets, Salesforce data management, and response to general office inquiries.
- Play a leading role in legislative advocacy and PPJ’s role in the anti-human trafficking coalition, including interaction with the legislative and executive branch of the Japanese government and the dissemination of trafficking trends analysis to all relevant stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least three to five years of experience, preferably in the non-profit sector
- Minimum three years of professional experience in PR or Marketing sector in Japan
- Knowledge of government agencies in Japan
- Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills in Japanese
- Strong command of both Japanese and English languages
- Experience, competence, and confidence in supervising volunteers
- Experience working in multicultural environments
- Ability to set and balance multiple priorities, plan ahead, and anticipate programmatic needs
- Solutions-oriented, collaborative, self-directed, and self-disciplined
- Resiliently positive and energetic attitude
- Focus on and commitment to human and women’s rights and interest in fighting human trafficking
HOW TO APPLY:
Go directly to the job listing on Idealist for contact information.
Asian Networking Event – February 18th, from 7pm
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Hills Learning, a language school in New York City, is sponsoring an “Asian Networking Event” this Thursday at 7pm. It should be a great opportunity to network and practice your language skills! The event is being run by Jetaany’s Nihongo Dake Guru, Jon Hills. Free admission. More information can be found at the below link:
Click here for more information!
Please RSVP to events@hillslearning.com or email jon@hillslearning.com with any questions.
Job: Japanese-English Editor/Translator (Los Angeles)
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This posting comes from Craigslist L.A.
We are looking for a full-time employee who can do editing, writing and Japanese-English translation in print/web publishing field.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong writing and communication skills in BOTH Japanese & English
- Japanese and English at native or near-native fluency. (Chinese and Korean languages are also a plus)
- Computer literacy: Microsoft Office (Word & Excel)
- Strong organizational skills
DUTIES:
- Job entails working with the Japanese and Japanese-American community of Southern California in print and online via the Rafu Telephone Guide, and www.CompassCompass.com.
- Other projects include working with Japanese art from www.ARTas1.com.
- Tasks include writing/editing/proof reading advertisment contents, colums & articles, press releases and office documents, copywriting, public relations and customer support. More detail will be discussed at the interview.
HOW TO APPLY:
Click here to access the Cragislist posting. Please forward a copy of your resume with any response to this posting.
Qualified applicants will be invited to our office for an interview.
Job: Executive Assistant to CEO – Bilingual (Mass.)
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RISO Inc., an international printing and publishing company is looking for a bilingual executive assistant to the CEO. This position provides support for the CEO by performing various high level administrative functions including all high level confidential and proprietary information for executives of the Company. This includes, but is not limited to, complex calendar scheduling, coordination and preparation of presentations, budgets, contract and policy review/edit, certain legal matters, customer and employee relations, translation of Japanese to English/English to Japanese and support and special projects assigned by senior executives.
DUTIES:
・Ensure the timely processing, prioritization and follow-up on executive reports and projects coupled with maintaining all aspects of the position.
・Create and maintain all high level confidential files for the CEO and others as required.
・Ensure CEO’s time is used optimally and schedule his time and appointments accordingly. This includes maintaining his personal and professional calendar, business appointments, and travel management.
・Schedule and coordinate meetings led by the CEO. This may include coordination of management meetings.
・Handle, resolve and direct all incoming correspondence for CEO (and other executives, as required).
・Prepare written correspondence on behalf of the CEO.
・Provide support in areas related to the expatriate assignment to the USA. This involves assistance in personal areas including, but not limited to, such things as managing bank accounts and managing housing utilities. The incumbent will also be available to the CEO and accessible by phone on weekends and holidays to assist in case of emergencies.
QUALIFICATIONS:
１．Eight to ten years of high level administrative experience. Must be confident with current office tools.
２．Excellent verbal and written communication skills; appropriate for the business environment, both English & Japanese.
３．Strong financial and analytical aptitude.
４．Ability to deal with diverse projects and deadlines.
５．Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online at Career Forum, here.
Job: Policy & Business Research Associate at ITOCHU (DC)
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This job listing comes from JETAA DC’s Arbora Johnson, Manager, Business Development, ITOCHU International (Hiroshima-ken CIR, ’94-’97)
lTOCHU International, a Japanese trading company, is looking for a full-time Policy and Business Research Associate for their office in Washington D.C. Japanese language and work experience is preferred, but not required.
DUTIES:
Associate will also conduct market research and provide business development support in technology and other sectors.
Conduct policy analysis and reporting, including contributions to regular office publications. Topics cover a range of issues in US trade, investment, foreign and security policy. Responsibility may include assignment to monitor, analyze and report on specific topics on an on-going basis. Requires networking and primary research using a wide range of sources in Washington DC.
Conduct research and prepare reports on US federal, state and local policies relevant to new business development, including infrastructure spending, R&D funding, and other incentives and policies to promote specific industries.
Conduct research and provide business development support related to technologies, companies and markets of interest. Conduct primary and secondary research and draft final reports. Perform company/technology scouting and evaluation, industry networking, and company visits.
QUALIFICATIONS:
o Minimum two years work experience
o Strong business and policy research skills
o Strong writing and communication skills
o Comfort with and interest in technology and business-related subjects
o Team player with good interpersonal skills, as well as self-starter who is able to work well independently
o Detail oriented; able to multi-task and meet deadlines
o Comfortable in multi-cultural professional setting
o Japan experience and / or Japanese language ability a plus
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit resume and cover letter by March 5, 2010 (as soon as possible) to Chris Banks at: chris.banks@ itochu.com. No phone calls, please. Start date as soon as possible.
ITOCHU International, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Translation question: “Pocket dial” in Japanese?
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Does a term in Japanese exist for “pocket dial”? (i.e., to accidentally dial someone because a button is inadvertently pushed while your cell phone is in your pocket)
You can share any responses to the comments section of this post.
Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, is interviewed on ABC’s “World News Tonight” with Brian Ross and Diane Sawyer.
Job: Development Associate – Noguchi Museum (Long Island City, NY)
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Via the Philanthropy News Digest Jobs Alert:
Development Associate
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=166700052
Noguchi Museum (Long Island City, New York)
http://www.noguchi.org/
Founded by internationally renowned Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, The Noguchi Museum is the first museum in America to be established by a living artist for the display of his own work. When Noguchi opened the Museum to the public in 1985, he established The Isamu Noguchi Foundation, Inc. to manage it. In February 2004, the Museum and the Foundation were consolidated into a single entity, The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, receiving a 501(c)(3) public charity status from the IRS. An extremely dedicated Board and staff are committed to the aesthetic that Noguchi articulated through his expansive body of work represented in the Museum and to extending his reach through exhibitions and public and educational programs.
In 2004, the Development Office was established to solicit, for the first time, support on a continuous basis from individuals, corporations and foundations, and to build upon the government support that the Museum had received throughout the years. Over the past five and a half years, the Museum has launched a comprehensive development plan and has successfully met and exceeded its fundraising goals. The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum seeks a Development Associate to assist in furthering the Museum’s campaigns to raise foundation, corporation, government, and individual support. The Development Associate reports to the Director of Development.
Specific responsibilities:
- Work with and assist Director of Development to draft proposals, letters, reports, and other fundraising materials;
- Coordinate the production and mailing of annual appeals;
- Oversee the Museum’s membership program;
- Manage the donor database (Raiser’s Edge), which includes processing gifts and acknowledgements, and generating reports and solicitation lists;
- Identify and research donors and prospects;
- Assist in organizing the Museum’s annual gala benefit and donor cultivation events;
- Perform general administrative duties as needed.
