Travel Opportunity: The New Perspectives: Japan
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Shelly Namiki of the Laurasian Institution in Seattle, WA wants to let JET alums know:
We have still have space available for our summer travel program, New Perspectives: Japan. Since JET alumni are familiar with Japan and have experience working with children, we thought this could be a great opportunity for those who are available this summer. There’s more information at www.newperspectivesprogram.org. Contact Shelly with any questions at snamiki [/at/] laurasian [/dot/] org.
Groups: Joshikai San Francisco – A new meet-up for Japanese women and women connected to Japan
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The following is posted at the request of San Francisco-based JET alum Beth Hillman, who has come up with a great idea for a group:
女子力アップ！「女子会サンフランシスコ」決起集会
Are you a Japanese woman or a woman with an interest in Japan? Maybe you just moved here from Tokyo this summer and want to make new friends… Maybe you taught English in Osaka a few years ago and want to revive your rusty Japanese… Whether you are a native Japanese woman or an American (or other nationality) woman with an interest in Japan, Joshikai may be for you!
女子による女子のための女子限定ネットワークイベント「女子会サンフランシスコ」を始動しました。女子同士ならではのよさ、赤裸々な本音トークなどを楽しんで、一緒に女子力アップを目指しませんか？
We are creating a community of Japanese women and women with an interest in Japan, gathering for a monthly meet-up to make friends, share stories and learn from each other. On the second Thursday of each month, we’ll meet at a location that is chic, reasonably priced, and conveniently located (near a BART station and other public transportation) for an evening of drinks and girl talk, where our members can connect and relax over a cocktail. We’ll also have a monthly guest speaker or theme, so that we can share knowledge and empower each other.
You can visit our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199208063212&ref=nf
We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at: @joshikaisf
Meeting: Joshikai San Francisco: The Japan-Connected Women’s Group
Goal: To relax, have a drink and make connections with other women who are Japanese or interested in Japan
Date: Thursday, January 14th (the second Thursday of each month)
Time: 6 pm – 8:30 pm. Come and leave any time — and enjoy happy hour specials for the entire event!
Location: Amber India Restaurant, 25 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco, 94103
/www.amber-india.com/SanFrancisco/
日時：１月14日木曜日午後６時-８時半
場所：Amber India Restaurant(ご好意により、イベント中はドリンク&アペタイザーがハッピーアワーの価格です。Tejiさんナマステ！）
WIT Life #62: Otaku analysis
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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 h
er own observations.
Thanks to Rochelle Kopp at Japan Intercultural Consulting, I was alerted to an article posted to the website Boing Boing by Lisa Katayama, writer and commentator on modern Japanese society. In a previous post this summer, I had discussed Katayama’s New York Times magazine article about the subcategory of otaku men and women who indulge in real relationships with imaginary characters. This time around she focuses on not taking the weirdness of Japan too seriously. As an example, she cites the strange story last month of a Japanese man wedding an anime game character which received much attention.
This morning I was surprised to find the topic of otaku also taken up by Read More
Job: Translator/Linguist-Japanese at Rotary Club (Evanston, IL)
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Via JETAA Chicago’s Webletter:
Translator/Linguist-Japanese at Rotary Club (Evanston, IL)
REQUIREMENTS:
* Undergrad degree from an accredited college, university, schl of translation or commensurate experience.
* Distinct writing and oral ability in own language and English for quality and integrity of source texts.
* Strong analytical and research skills.
* Localization issues and cross-cultural awareness.
* Ability to use tools and reference sources efficiently and profitably, including on-line resources.
* Time management skills and ability to organize work effectively.
* Ability to work independently and demonstrate capacity to work as part of a professional team.
* Ability to handle a variety of assignments, balance priorities, and meet deadlines essential.
* Intellectual curiosity to keep abreast, through reading and other means, with new developments,
shifts in emphasis, newly acquired connotations, and use of native language.
* Good interpersonal skills for contact with originators, RI membership, and leadership.
* Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
* Some supervisory experience a plus. Read More
Job: Associate Manager Policy and Research – Korea and Japan (DC)
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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-Korea Business Council are looking for an Associate Manager of Policy and Research in Washington D.C.
HOW TO APPLY: Click here to apply online.
DUTIES:
- Organize and support visits and missions to Korea and Japan
- Prepare promotional materials and reports on Japan, Korea, and the U.S.-Korea FTA
- Conduct political and economic research and perform analysis
- Draft policy proposals
- Write briefing and position papers, speeches, press releases, articles, and letters
- Develop communications and outreach strategies
- Maintain Web sites and networking communication sites and blogs
- Maintain database; organize luncheons, seminars, and discussion meetings between senior-level U.S. and Korean government officials, business figures, and council members
Job: Japan Specialist, Global Business Development (SF)
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Whether or not you’re in Japan or the United States (or even Europe), you must have caught a glimpse of the cosmetic commercial sensation, bareMinerals, of QVC. Now the fastest growing American cosmetic company with the number one ranked infomercial in Japan, the San Francisco-based Bare Escentuals beauty company is looking for a bilingual Japan Specialist to join their Global Business Development staff. The Japanese love for skin and beauty products have pushed the market at the top of their international sales, according to Wikinvest.
Japan Specialist, Global Business Development
The Japan Specialist, reporting to the Director of Global Business Development, will support the Bare Escentuals Japan business in its continued growth on existing channels (QVC, infomercial) and the 2010 launch of retail. This position will be responsible for communicating with internal business partners (US + Japan) and external vendors (Japan) to implement marketing plans and achieve business objectives for the Japan market.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online here.
DUTIES:
- Work closely with cross functional partners, including global marketing, product development, sourcing, planning, and in-country teams
- The Specialist will understand overall brand strategies, new product launch plans, and marketing campaigns/initiatives to then be able to brief and execute localized creative assets as appropriate
- Lead and manage all creative timelines related to Japan. Write creative briefs and kick-off with in-country team. Ensure Japan team meets all creative deadlines for products and its packaging.
- Proofread and approve all Japanese labels and packaging ensuring fill weights, ingredient and naming is consistent and accurate.
- Support Director of Global Business Development to successfully execute the brand experience across, marketing, PR, visuals, and localized product assortment
- Support local Japan team in the implementation to launch department stores, transition the infomercial in-house and develop integration across channels and within local team members
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Japanese language fluency(spoken & written) required
- Must be adept in use of Microsoft Office & comfortable with email communications in both English & Japanese
- Able to multi-task, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
- University Degree with 3+ years business experience
- Superior communication and analytical skills required
- Strong project management skills are a must – excel in building relationships, listening and understanding while at the same time execute tasks to ensure the end goal is executed on time
- Goal-oriented, self-driven, results-oriented with a positive outlook
- Work hour flexibility – this position will need to be available for occasional conference calls/video conferences after normal business hours based on international time zones
- Passionate about the cosmetics industry
- Experience working internationally a plus
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online here.
Just heard from Aaron Woolfolk (Kochi-ken, 1991-93), writer and director of the film The Harimaya Bridge (starring Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, and Danny Glover, who is also the Executive Producer), that the film is now available on DVD in Japan.
JetWit would love to have a copy of the DVD for JETAA NY purposes, so if you’re in Japan and can get a hold of a The Harimaya Bridge DVD, let me know. (jetwit [/at/] jetwit [/dot/] com.)
Meanwhile, the Aaron has continued showing The Harimaya Bridge at film festivals around the U.S. and reports that the film is due out in theaters in the U.S. in the spring.
JET Alum Writing: Jonathan Golub – Private Fund Investment Advisers Registration Act of 2009
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Jonathan Golub, Esq. (Saitama-ken, 1996-97)
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For JetWit readers working in law or financial services, you may be interested to know that attorney Jonathan Golub (Saitama-ken, 1996-97) was a major contributor to a recent article on the topic of hedge funds and a proposed law that would require many hedge fund managers to register with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).
Jonathan is a senior financial services associate at Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP. He advises investment advisers on a wide variety of matters including private investment fund formation and compliance with securities and commodities regulations.
WIT Life #61: 今年の漢字
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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.
Yesterday at Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple the official announcement of 今年の漢字 (kotoshi no kanji), or the Kanji of the Year, took place. This is an annual contest run by the Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society that had a record number of applications from all over the country this year, 161,365. Coming off of last yea
r’s
selection of 変 (hen) or change, this year’s winner by 14,093 ballots was 新 (shin) or new. Among the reasons why this character was picked were the new political administration and the new strain of the flu.
This morning’s news interviewed both young and seasoned prominent political figures regarding what their picks would have been. One was Read More
Roland Kelts article in PaperSky–in Japanese–on hybridization and travel
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Here’s a column by Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, in the Japanese-language travel magazine, PaperSky (http://www.paper-sky.com/blog/). It’s a “mediation on hybridization and travel” and includes photos of the Tokyo, Sydney and NYC skylines.
Job: Assistant Director for Program Planning, Center on Japanese Economy and Business, COLUMBIA UNIV (NYC)
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Columbia University Business School’s Center on Japanese Economy and Business is looking for a bilingual events organizer from late December to the end of April. The assistant director for program planning * will oversee content in both languages, assisting in event planning/fundraising, and coordinating programs between Tokyo and New York, especially for their spring conference in Tokyo.
*If the link takes you to the main search page, enter 057478 as the Job Requisition Number to go directly to the job listing.
To apply, please click the here and register appropriately. Read More
Jobs: Sales, Tea Specialist and Logistics Coordinator at Ito-En (NYC)
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Ito-en, the world’s largest supplier of green tea and 麦茶, is looking for a part-time tea specialist, a logistical/transportation coordinator, and sales professionals at their American headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. Japanese language skills are a plus, but not required.
Logistics Coordinator/Transportation (Brooklyn, NY) (FULL TIME)
DUTIES:
- Coordinate domestic transportation; schedule and monitor shipments from origin to destination ensuring timely pickups, transit times and deliveries.
- Oversee logistical aspects of all product movements, internationally and domestically
- Analyze all business transportation needs and identify logistical/financial opportunities
- Negotiate competitive rates for all modes of transportation including motor freight, brokerage, and small package
- Provide analysis of all freight activity; monitor carrier and vendor performance
- Manages inventory; oversees merchandise receipts & transfers; conducts and reconciles physical inventories.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of freight invoices.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associates or Bachelors Degree or Equivalent Experience
- 1-2 years international and domestic and transportation experience preferred
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively
- Demonstrated analytical and quantitative skills with strong attention to detail
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic organization
HOW TO APPLY: Send a cover letter and resume to: careers@itoen.com
Tea Specialist (Upper East Side, NY) (PART TIME)
DUTIES:
- 32-40 hours/week (9:30am-5:30pm) or (11:15am – 7:15pm)
- High-end retail experience is must
- Good communication skill is must
- Available to work on Saturdays
- Knowledge of teas is plus
- Japanese speaker is plus
- Position is NOT limited to holiday season
HOW TO APPLY: If you are interested, please send your resume with a cover letter to itoennewyork@gmail.com
DSD/Distributor Sales
ITO EN is seeking energetic, talented, and responsible sales professionals. Candidates should be flexible problems-solvers who thrive in a group-oriented setting. If you’re well organized and have good communication skills, don’t miss the opportunity to start a career with us. Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@itoen.com. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Bilingual is a plus (Korean, Japanese, Spanish or Chinese).
ITO EN (North America) Inc.
Human Resource Department
45 Main Street, Suite 3A
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Fax (718) 246-1325
careers@itoen.com
(Please attach resume in Microsoft Word format)
ITO EN (USA) Inc.
Human Resource Department
125 Puuhale Road
Honolulu, HI 96819
Fax (808)841-4384
careers@itoen.com
(Please attach resume in Microsoft Word format)
WITvid #5: 25 years of “Last Christmas”
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WITvid is a periodic series by Peter Weber (Saitama-ken 2004-07), the JET Program Coordinator in San Francisco.
Although it’s not exactly a Japanese video, the song “Last Christmas” by the group WHAM has become very much a part of the the Japanese Christmas tradition. Celebrating its 25 Year Anniversay, please enjoy the original 1984 video (posted by ClassicXmas) below. You may notice that the video could have easily inspired a few karaoke box videos. Enjoy!
Job: Admin Assistant at Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN (NYC)
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The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (NYC) is looking for an Administrative Assistant in the Social Section to start in mid-January 2010. Japanese language skills is preferred but not required.
Deadline for applications (cover letter and resume) is Friday, 11 December 2009 by 13:00, sent to makiko-hayashi@un-japan.org with “PMJ Administrative Assistant Position” in the subject line. No phone calls.
DUTIES:
- Respond to telephone calls, both incoming and outgoing, with efficiency and professional etiquette
- Assist in logistics/protocol for conferences, meetings, briefings, receptions, and other official functions
- Draft and prepare letters and diplomatic correspondence
- Manage appointment schedules for the section, visiting diplomats and VIPs
- Research and book restaurants, hotels and airlines for reasonable prices and specials
- Receive guests as necessary
- Respond to inquiries
- Assist other officers and staff in the section when needed
Jobs: Sales & Marketing at VIZ Media (SF)
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Recession or otherwise, it seems like nothing is stopping manga from crossing the Pacific into American territory. VIZ Media of San Francisco has seven open positions in their Sales and Marketing division. Owned by three of Japan’s most powerful graphic novel and anime licensing and merchandising companies, VIZ has brought the Naruto, Detective Conan, and Hana-Kimi empires, among others to the United States, the United Kingdom, and more.
Within their sales/product marketing department, they are looking for a Director of Marketing, Magazine Sales & Marketing Associate, Marketing Manager, Retail Development Manager, Online Marketing/Social Media Manager.
They are also looking for Bilingual (Japanese-English) Contracts Administrator and a Billingual Collateral Coordinator.
Although not all jobs require Japanese language skills, interest in manga, anime, and Japanese gaming/entertainment are imperative.
For more specific job description/qualification details and application instructions, please see VIZ Media’s job page here.
