WIT Life #70: Japan/America friendship dolls
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken, 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 currently bring me to Rochester, NY, and this morning at the local museum and science center I encountered an unexpected aspect of grassroots exchange between Japan and America. My Japanese guests and I met with Mr. George McIntosh, Director of Collections, and headed down into the vault to get a closer look at the Japanese Ambassador Doll housed there. Her name is Tamako and she hails from Nagasaki Prefecture, and she was part of a gift from Japan in return for nearly 13,000 friendship dolls sent over in early 1927 by the Committee on World Friendship Among Children. 
This committee was formed by Dr. Sidney Gulick in 1926 as a reaction to restrictive American Read More
Japan America Society Roundup 1.17.10
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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…
Kakizome Event — Kakizome is one of the old traditions to celebrate the New Year in Japan. It literally means “the first calligraphy of the New Year.” The subjects tend to be auspicious words or phrases. Originally, Kakizome was performed at imperial court and expanded to the locals in the Edo period. Paper, ink and brushes will be provided at this event, and you will see calligraphy demonstrations.
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 24
- Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
- Place: Essencha Tea House & Fine Teas, 3212a Madison Road, Cincinnati
- For more information: http://jasgc.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=9
- Kimono and Obi Program — Learn about Japan’s rich textile arts as embodied in the kimono and obi during this program, which is open to the public. DecorAsian’s Mami Yamamoto and Vintage Kimono’s Janine Thormann will show participants how these delicate fabrics can enhance the modern home. RSVP by Friday, Jan. 22.
- Date: Friday, Feb. 5
- Time: Japanese reception at 6 p.m. Presentation at 6:45 p.m.
- Place: DecorAsian’s new Denver branch, 1787 South Broadway, Denver
- For more information: http://www.jascolorado.org/upcoming.php
Japanese Speech Contest — Did you make a new year’s resolution to improve your Japanese? Now’s the time to submit your application to participate in JASCO’s 11th annual Japanese Speech Contest. Write an original speech under three minutes, tape it and mail it in with your application. Selected finalists will compete on March 6.
- Date: Saturday, March 6
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Place: The Ohio State University, 180 Hagerty Hall, 1775 College Road, Columbus
- For more information: For the application and all the details, 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.
Jobs: Web, education and outreach positions at non-profit (Seattle)
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Densho, a nonprofit organization dedicated to documenting oral history to promote equality and social justice, is looking to expand its web presence and is hiring many different part-time positions: IT-Systems Administrator, Information Manager, Web Development Manager, Oral History Interviewer/ Researcher, Marketing Manager, Education Outreach, and Fund Development Specialist.
From the organization: Candidates can apply for two positions if they desire full-time employment. Up to three positions will be filled immediately, and up to four additional positions will be brought on in late spring or the summer.
HOW TO APPLY: To apply for the job openings listed below, please send your resume (Word, PDF, or Plain text) and a cover letter describing your interest to jobs@densho. org by Monday, February 1. Please put the title of the position or positions to which you are applying in the Subject field. All applications will be held in confidence. All submissions and questions should be sent via email – please no phone inquiries.
Job: Assistant Project Director, Forum on Asia-Pacific Security (NYC)
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The National Committee on American Foreign Policy is looking for a bilingual Assistant Project Director for their Forum on Asia-Pacific Security at their offices in New York City. Someone who speaks an Asian language, experience living abroad in Asia, and academic background in policy is preferred.
DUTIES:
- Advise the Senior Vice President on the strategic direction of the Forum on Asia-Pacific Security.
- Organize all project conferences and meetings, which bring together government officials, former officials, academics and policy experts to discuss current security challenges in Northeast Asia. Currently administering four Track II projects on: improving U.S.-China and cross-Strait relations; strengthening the U.S. alliances with Japan and the Republic of Korea; promoting quadrilateral cooperation between the United States, China, Japan and the ROK to enhance Asia-Pacific security; and working toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula while exploring the potential for a Northeast Asia security forum.
- Research, write and edit policy papers, meeting summaries and talking points for the Forum.
- Oversee grants administration, grant reporting and proposal development, as well as program budgeting.
- Develop relationships and facilitate exchanges with an international network of think tanks, semi-official and official governmental organizations.
- Responsible for providing updates to NCAFP’s Executive Committee and membership on the Forum’s activities.
- Manage the Forum’s team of interns and research assistants.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required and a Masters Degree is preferred.
- Ability in at least one Asian language (intermediate-level or higher).
- Strong-attention to details.
- Ability to take initiative, self-motivated, driven.
- Ability to multitask and juggle competing assignments.
- Events or Meeting or Conference coordination/planning experience required.
- Strong academic or professional background in Northeast Asia.
- Experience living in Asia preferred.
- Excellent oral and written skills.
- Proven background in editing required.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 to 5 page writing sample on a topic related to Asia-Pacific Security to Ms. A. Greer Pritchett
greer.pritchett@ncafp.org 320 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022
This job listing comes from idealist.org, a website for non-profit, educational and other community-related employment information.
Posted by Machiko Yasuda, a senior at UCLA and Friend of JET.
WIT Life #69: Mainstream moe
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken, 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.
Interesting intersection of American pop culture and Japanese culture on two back-to-back episodes of 30 Rock last night. In the first one, James Franco (who manages to be amazing in everything he does) playing himself talks of his knowledge of “moe” before whipping out his very own body pillow girlfriend Kimiko. In a later scene the morning after he and Liz spend the night together, they both emerge in their pajamas, him holding Kimiko. This strange threesome freaks out Liz’s cousin who is staying at her place.
In the next episode, Frank refers to a high frequency sound used in Japan to chase away kids loitering in front of conbini, and then uses it on Jenna. I have never heard of this tactic being employed in Japan, anyone else?
Job: Program Associate, Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program (DC)
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The Institute of International Education (IIE) in Washington D.C. is looking for a program associate to support the Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This position involves the overseeing the entire application process, pre-departure preparations, orientation and exchange program administration of their Japan program. It would be great for anyone with the JET experience.
DUTIES:
- Assist with the text revisions and design of ESD program application and pamphlets.
- Assist in researching outreach options to identify public, parochial and independent schools; research newspaper/internet outlets for ESD program promotion.
- Assist senior program officer in planning the U.S.-based program for Japanese teachers.
- Contact various companies to obtain quotes for hotels, bus companies, interpreters, restaurants, etc. for possible use during the program.
- Research schools for site visits.
- Work closely with senior program officer to develop itinerary for Japanese teachers.
- Provide on-the-ground support during the program.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree required; 2-3 years demonstrated experience in a professional environment; experience with primary and secondary educational institutions and programs preferred
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently and organize and process large volumes of work under tight deadlines
• Japan experience and ability to speak Japanese a plus
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please email cover letter and resume to: hr-dc@iie.org
NO PHONE INQUIRES PLEASE
This job listing comes from idealist.org, a website for non-profit, educational and other community-related employment information.
Posted by Machiko Yasuda, a senior at UCLA and Friend of JET.
WIT Life #68: The Role of Rice in Japan
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Translator/Interpreter/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken, 2000-03). Recently she’s been watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese and sharing some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
I recently came across this article from the end of last year in the Economist that discusses how deeply rice is embedded in Japanese society. Some aspects like the designation of Emperor Akihito as Japan’s “rice-farmer-in-chief” are humorous, and the in-depth look at the history of this crop that is so central to Japanese culture is fascinating. The author’s description of a rice-producing area of Niigata suffering from a rural exodus is vividly drawn, and interviews with some of the residents are eye opening. While reading the article I kept flashing back to my experience of doing Read More
Japan Society: Isaac Shapiro book signing
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From the Japan Society of New York
Born to Russian Jewish parents in Tokyo in 1931, Isaac Shapiro grew up in the shadows of war torn Japan. Mr. Shapiro, who went on to become a prominent Manhattan attorney and president of Japan Society, shares his fascinating tale of his Russian/Jewish/Chinese/Japanese childhood in wartime Japan.
Moderated by Rabbi Marvin Tokayer, Honorary Lifetime Rabbi, Jewish Community of Japan.
Followed by a book signing.
DATE Thursday, January 14 6:30 PM
LOCATION
This program will be held at the Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017 (at First Avenue).
Tickets:
$11/$7 Members, seniors & students
Buy Tickets Online or call the Japan Society Box Office at (212) 715-1258, Mon. – Fri. 11 am – 6 pm, Weekends 11 am – 5 pm.
Japan Society: Talkin’ Baseball with Bobby Valentine
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From the Japan Society of New York:
The only manager in baseball history to lead a team to both the Japan Series and the World Series, Bobby Valentine discusses his experiences as one of the most successful baseball managers in the world. Valentine led the Chiba Lotte Marines to the Japan Series championship in 2005, their first title since 1974. Valentine also managed the Mets to the post season in consecutive years for the first time in club’s history in 1999 and 2000. To the vocal disappointment of fans in Japan, Valentine completed his tenure in Japan in 2009, and now serves as a baseball analyst for ESPN, as well as the owner of Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery Café in Stamford, CT.
Moderated by Ken Belson, The New York Times
TIME: Thursday, January 21 6:30 PM
LOCATION: This program will be held at the Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017 (at First Avenue).
Tickets:
$15/$12 Japan Society members, seniors & students
Buy Tickets Online or call the Japan Society Box Office at (212) 715-1258, Mon. – Fri. 11 am – 6 pm, Weekends 11 am – 5 pm.
C-DOC: Learn Chinese NYC – Where to Start and The Basics
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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 language learning options. Their main service is private one on one language lessons in the NYC area.
Congratulations on choosing to learn the most prominent Asian language for the new decade in 2010. Learning Chinese has become the new linguistic pursuit in schools throughout NYC. Individually when networking I’ve also come to find out that businessmen, government employees, parents concerned about their children’s future, or just individuals interested in Asian language or culture have all at least discussed the possibility of learning Chinese. The possibilities with the language seem limitless, but where to start learning Chinese? What is the most efficient way of learning about the Chinese language and culture?
Learning Chinese, as with learning any Asian language, will take dedication and the ability to open your mind to a new way of thinking. Although it might seem cheaper at first, it’s not recommended to focus your efforts on learning Chinese with…
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Chinese language and culture articles
WIT Life #67: Hard power
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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Translator/Interpreter/Writer Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken, 2000-03). Recently she’s been watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese and sharing some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her 
own observations.
Today’s NYT features an interesting editorial from Joseph Nye about the Okinawa base location issue threatening this year’s 50th anniversary of the US-Japan Security Treaty. This Harvard professor and former assistant secretary of defense coined the term “soft power,” but his article focuses on how he believes our hard power should be used in regard to this matter. Basically he is urging us to not throw the baby away with the bath water, and advocates a more patient and strategic approach in order to prevent “a second-order issue [from threatening] our long-term strategy for East Asia.” PM Hatoyama (who Nye describes as being “caught in a vice”) wants to push off resolving this issue until May, but we’ll see what the new year (decade!) brings.
In weather news, we are experiencing quite a cold winter and Read More
J-News Mini-Roundup: Japanese Finance Minister Resigns – Blow to Hatoyama
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J-News Mini-Roundup 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 Japanese and Chinese language learning options.
Background: Since becoming Prime Minister last September, Yukio Hatoyama has had a dedicated cabinet. The Prime Minister and his cabinet have stood fast to battle both a horrible economic downturn in Japan and also the many issues arising from an aging population. However in recent weeks concerns have risen in regards to his Finance Minister’s health (aged 77), in particular high blood pressure. The Prime Minister’s initial reaction was to try to keep him on regardless, as Fuji-san is one of his most experienced and capable cabinet members.
Last night however the Prime Minister called a press conference where he caved in to letting Finance Minister Fuji step down. Each newspaper reported a slightly different take on the event:
Yomiuri ” Next Finance Minister Nominated, he’ll share the position…
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Japanese language and culture articles
Job: TELL English Life Line, Communication Coordinator (TOKYO)
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TELL, the Tokyo English Life Line, a new free, anonymous telephone counseling for English-speakers in Tokyo is looking for a full-time Fundraising, Events & Communication Coordinator in Tokyo
DUTIES:
- Responsible for managing fundraising events
- Supporting other fundraising efforts
- Recruiting and managing volunteers
- Coordinating media relations in order to enhance the financial and volunteer resources critical to the organizational health of TELL
HOW TO APPLY: To apply for this position, send a resume and cover letter to: Jason Chare, Director of Life Line Services lifeline1@telljp.com To learn more, click here.
Roland Kelts on Confucianism in Japan, in AdBusters, Big Ideas of 2010 Issue
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After the Walkman and the Prius, Is it time for the West to adopt the Confucianism from the East? Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the US, asks that in the latest issue of AdBusters. As a part of the magazine’s Big Ideas of 2010 issue, Kelts challenges the West: “Let’s listen to our neighbors in the East. A culture that prizes quiet contemplation, self-abnegation, community and stability should not threaten us in the West. We can do better if we learn from one another. And with our entire planet threatened by extinction, we need to.”
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Chin Music Press, the Seattle-based publisher owned and run by Bruce Rutledge (MEF Program Chiba-ken, 1985-87) is thrilled to host several reading events this week in Seattle and Vancouver for their newest release, Big in Japan: A Ghost Story.
The debut novel from Hawaii-based author M. Thomas Gammarino is a deadly funny story of haunted progressive rock composer Brain Tedesco. The book has already received rave reviews; PF Kluge says it’s “seductive and devastating” and Ron Currie Jr. calls Brain “the perfect hero for the Age of Anxiety.”
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If you’re near Seattle or Vancouver, catch Tom and the Chin Music Press team at one of these events:
1/6 Third Place Books Ravenna, 6504 20th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 7pm
1/7 Sophia Books, 450 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, 6:30pm
1/8 Big in Japan: Bold In Seattle. Little Red Bistro, 400 Dexter Ave. N, Seattle, WA, 6pm
Big in Japan: A Ghost Story is designed by JET alum Joshua Powell (Saitama-ken 2005-07) and marketed by fellow alum Jessica Sattell (Fukuoka-ken 2007-2008). The book is available through the Chin Music Press website with promotional free shipping to the U.S. and Canada or at major booksellers.
For book reviews and more information, visit Big in Japan’s website. Check out previous JetWit posts about Bruce Rutledge and Chin Music Press here.
