Request: Tokyo apartment and language immersion program info
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*****
A request from WITLife writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03):
My friend Ryoko is looking to get some information for a college classmate who is hoping to spend a short time in Tokyo studying Japanese. Can anyone help out with the following questions? If so, please contact her at sr960002 [at] gmail.com. Thank you and yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
1) Do you have any suggestions for safe, short-term apartment leases/rentals in Tokyo? Or any idea of how to search for one?
2) Also, do you have any suggestions for good Japanese language immersion programs in Tokyo? (The kind where you stay in the country/program for 1-3 months.)
Ask Dr. Muse-Life Coach: The Quest for the Dream Job Continues
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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.
Over the past couple of weeks, a few different readers have emailed with questions related to finding the “creative spark” or inspiration for finding their passion in life through work. Here is another creative task that may help, inspired by the highly recommended book “The Artist’s Way,” by Julia Cameron.
Task 1: Collect magazines of different types that you can cut up. One afternoon or evening, listening to music or watching a movie, skim through the magazines and without judgment, purely on attraction only, cut out any words or images that appeal to you for any reason. Do not analyze the selection, but instead enjoy the sensory aspects of the images or words that appeal to you. Take all your cutouts and place them into a shoe box, folder, or envelope for another task later.
Task 2 [different day]: Reread your paragraph and list from the exercise of February 15, 2010. [If you did not do that exercise, you can still proceed with this activity] Then, gather the following materials: a poster board of any size; some glue; scissors; and your shoebox or envelope of magazine words/images from Task 1. Lay everything out on a table or work space, and while listening to some good music or during some quiet time, make a collage of all these words and images.
Task 3 [different day]: Take some time to really look at your collage and reflect on what it tells you about what inspires you, what you like, and the type of work/profession you would enjoy right now. What story does the collage tell about how you want to show up/be perceived in your profession? Take time to journal all the thoughts and feelings that arise in a stream-of-consciousness way while looking at your collage. You may wish to do this over a period of time as new ideas and expression bubble to the surface of your mind. May you be pleasantly be surprised at what is revealed to you about your dreams and desires.
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.
Japan-America Society Roundup 2.21.10
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Current Hiroshima-ken JET Gail Meadows, Editor of Hiroshima JET webzine the Wide Island View, shines a light on some of the upcoming events of Japan America Societies…
Hina Matsuri Festival — Long ago in Japan it was believed that wizards drive away evil on the first day of the snake in March. The wizards transferred the evil to paper dolls and then placed the dolls in the river to float the evil away to the sea. Eventually the day became known as Hina Matsuri and dolls to represent the Emperor and Empress were displayed. Today, Hina Matsuri is known as the Doll Festival and is also referred to as Girls’ Day in Japan. Come see JASSA’s valuable set of dolls on display during this event.
- Date: Saturday, March 6
- Time: 9 a.m. to noon
- Place: Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center, 811 N. Coker Loop, San Antonio
- For more information, click here.
- Yamamoto Kyogen — Designated “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO, Kyogen, much like Noh, is a world-renowned form of traditional Japanese theater with a more than 600-year history. The Yamamoto Kyogen Company, on their debut U.S. tour, will feature two plays that are unique to the Okura School of Kyogen. This event is sponsored by the Japan Society.
- Date: Wednesday, March 24
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Place: Hall of Flags, University of Pennsylvania, 3451 Walnut St., Philadelphia
- For more information, click here.
Bourbon Distillery Tour and Fusaichi Pegasus — Did you know that 90 percent of the world’s bourbon is distilled in Kentucky? Did you know that Kentucky Derby winner, Japanese-owned Fusaichi Pegasus, lives near Lexington at Ashford Stud Horse Farm?
JASGC has partnered with the Japan-America Society of Kentucky to create a family event including tours of two bourbon distilleries (Four Roses and Woodford Reserve) and Ashford Stud in one day. Sounds like a true “Bluegrass Kentucky” experience.
- Date: Saturday, March 27
- Time: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Place: In the Greater Cincinnati area, meet at 7300 Turfway Rd., Florence, Kentucky (Exit Turfway, I-75) no later than 7:45 a.m. In the Lexington area, the bus will pick people up at the Candlewood Suites at 603 Adcolor Dr., Lexington, Kentucky. Participants are asked to arrive no later than 9:15 a.m.
- For more information, click here.
- Tea Program — Melinda Varner, a doctoral student in Japanese history at the University of Kansas, will discuss her personal and professional involvement in the study of chanoyu, the Japanese way of tea. She will offer personal insights on the tradition drawn from 15 years of study in the Urasenke school and place these in historical perspective based upon her current research in early modern tea texts.
- Date: Tuesday, March 23
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Place: Loose Park Garden Center, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, Missouri
- For more information, click here.
Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Meadows the info.
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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.
I just started an assignment as an interpreter for a delegation of young political leaders from Japan, divided about evenly between members of the LDP and the DPJ as well as one journalist. Over our first dinner tonight it was interesting to hear their respective viewpoints regarding various issues, especially ones that are personal to them. For example, one DPJ rep and one LDP rep were having a friendly debate regarding day care. Both of these men have wives who work and 3-year old daughters, and as they live in the Tokyo area child care options are limited. There are not enough facilities to meet current needs, and those that exist are deluged by requests leading to long waiting lists.
As part of the Manifesto, the DPJ has proposed the implementation of a 子供手当て (kodomo teate) of 26,000 yen per month to provide financial aid to those who have a child. The LDP, on the other hand, does not advocate this and thinks this money should instead be put toward Read More
Call for JET alum actors in the UK by Tea Leaf Theatre
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Call for Japan-related actors,
Tea Leaf Theatre (www.tealeaftheatre.com) will be hosting some workshops to explore Japanese theatre.
We are looking for actors who has some sort of connection to Japan or has an interest in the culture.
The aim of these workshops is to explore how Japanese theatre skills can be transformed into British theatre context. These workshops will stretch your skills and enable you to look at acting from a different perspective.
Tea Leaf Theatre is a London-based theatre company. Our aim is to bring together the East and West through modern theatrical media such as physicality, projected images, and live music (think Theatre de Complicite).
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer you any payment at this stage. However, you will not only gain some Japanese traditional theatre techniques but also learn how to use them for your day to day acting requirements. (i.e., Auditions)
There’s no long term commitment required, you simply need to attend one or two day workshop over a period of time. Each session will focus on one element of Japanese theatre for you to explore.
There will be several sessions over this year. So if you are interested to be involved in this project, please send your CV, headshot, and a short description about your relation to Japan; to tealeaftheatre@gmail.com. We will send you further information on when they are going to happen.
Thanks for your help.
Tanroh Ishida
Artistic Director of Tea Leaf Theatre
tealeaftheatre@gmail.com / 077 9154 1749
WIT Life #77: Breakdown of the bow
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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.
