Japan America Society Roundup 10.3.09
Japan Society Round-up 
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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…
Lecture on Japanese Folding Fans — Japanese fans got us all through the miserable Japanese summers, but we should appreciate them for much more than that. They are used in a number of Japanese cultural practices, including Kabuki dance and Noh performances. Japanese fans have, in the past, been a major export from Japan, thought today this accessory to Japanese culture can sometimes be overlooked. During this lecture by Kanji Ishizumi, you can learn about the process of Japanese fan making and its craftsmanship, which have been passed down from generation to generation. The event is free, but places are limited. To reserve a place, e-mail event (at) jpf (dot) org (dot) uk.
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Place: Japan Foundation, Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EH
- For more information, click here.
Classic Japanese Hair Styling — Keiichi Hanada, one of Kyoto’s most prominent contemporary hair stylists, will introduce classical Japanese coiffures of the 18th and 19th centuries and reveal their enduring beauty. This is a free event. Registration is required.
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 14
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Place: Showa Boston Institute, 420 Pond St., Boston
- For more information, click here.
Presentation about Japanese employment — Dr. Norma Field of the University of Chicago will give a presentation titled “What’s happening to Japanese workers: What you won’t read in the Wall Street Journal or Business Week.” The perception that nearly all Japanese work for stable, team-oriented, paternalistic employers has been spread by the media over the years, but this is far from reality today. A seismic change has been taking place, with nearly a third of the Japanese labor force now classified as irregularly employed. What is often reported in the Japanese press these days are stories about the “income-gap society” (kakusa shakai), “working poor” (waakingu pua), and more recently, “lost generation” (rosu jene).
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 10
- Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Place: The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 3rd floor (Michael Moskow Auditorium), 230 N. LaSalle St., Chicago
- 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.
BAPCPA Man #10 – Bedtime for BAPCPA Man
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BAPCPA Man and Bankruptcy Bill are cartoons created by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) and Gideon Kendall. For more cartoons, original bankruptcy haiku and even a bankruptcy country song, go to bankruptcybill.us.
Click here to see a larger image of the cartoon.
Additionally, if anyone would like to take a stab at translating the cartoon into Japanese for JetWit’s Japanese fans out there, feel free to post in the comments section of this post. Some cultural explanation might be helpful as well, given that Japanese bankruptcy laws are very different than the U.S.
JETAA International Conference Twittered live from Jamaica!
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JETAA Jamaica (ya’ mon, there really is a JET alumni chapter in Jamaica) is hosting this year’s JETAA International Conference today and all weekend. And in a nice use of new media, Ryan Hart, one of JETAA USA’s three country reps, is Twittering live from the conference and doing a great job.
Welcome to the JETAA International Conference!!!
Here’s the feed for all the JETAA conference junkies out there: http://twitter.com/jetaausa
And here’s a sampling of some of the tweets so far (some of which are clearly in my interest to re-post):
Steven H at JETWIT got another special mention in the CLAIR presentation. Steven will be on the next JET Streams too. awesome!32 minutes ago from mobile web
JET Streams newsletter is only being distributed over email and online this yearabout 1 hour ago from web
GIA form deadines are even more important with the new system. Don’t Miss them!about 1 hour ago from web
CLAIR reminded us to save Basic GIA receipts in case of auditabout 1 hour ago from web
After lunch, CLAIR Tokyo is confirming GIA changes JETAA chapters received at the US National Conference.about 1 hour ago from web
Gloria mentioned Steven H spoke as key note at the JETAA Canada National conference. Getting serious kudos in Jamaica. Hope u have an agent!about 2 hours ago from web
The Regional Tech Conference in Portland is creating quite a buzz! Tech is definitely a huge theme for the conference. We are aligned!about 3 hours ago from web
Shree is showcasing USCapters activities with highlights on the JETAANY career forum and author showcaseabout 3 hours ago from web
Roland Kelts to speak at anime event in St. Louis – Sat, 10/3
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Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, will be giving a talk in St. Louis tomorrow as part of the Anime at UMSL event featuring renowned translator of anime and manga, Frederik L. Schodt, as well as a screening of the film PAPRIKA. The event is being run by the University of Missouri at St. Louis’ Center for International Studies.
All you Missouri JET alums out there, make sure to introduce yourself and say hi if you happen to attend.
Click here for full details: http://www.umsl.edu/services/cis/special_projects/ANIME_at_UMSL/anime_at_umsl.html
JET alums in Nevada?
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A recent JET alum gathering in Las Vegas?
Message to JET Alumni in Nevada
Dear JET Alumni,
Our office will be traveling to Las Vegas and Reno to recruit for the 2010 JET Program from October 6-9. If you are free during this time we would like to meet with former JETs to discuss the JET Program, future JET events, and the possibilities of forming sub-chapters in these regions. We also will be available to speak to future JET applicants and/or conduct JET information meetings.
Please contact Peter Weber at jet@cgjsf.org with your availability. Below I have listed my availability:
Las Vegas: Thursday, October 6 (free in the evening); Wednesday, October 7 (busy 10:00am – 3:00pm at UNLV); Thursday, October 8 *(free in the morning and daytime)
Reno: Thursday, October 8 (free in the evening); Friday, October 9 (free throughout the day)
Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely,
Peter Weber
JET Program Coordinator
Japan Information Center, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, Attn: JET Program, 50 Fremont Street, Suite 2200, San Francisco, CA 94105; Phone: (415) 356-2462; FAX: (415) 777-0518; www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jet/
Event: Third Annual Japan Writers Conference
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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:
Do you wonder what’s the best way to get your ESL textbook into print and to market? Or how you can have your poem catch an editor’s attention? What’s the best way to get that rough draft novel smoothed out and readable? Why is an abstract such a big deal? How do different translators approach a Japanese text? Or more simply, where are the others who share your interest in the written word?
Possible answers to those and almost any other question one might have about writing, editing, translating, and publishing will be offered up at the Third Annual Japan Writers Conference. This year’s Conference will take place on the weekend of October 17th and 18 on the campus of Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts in Kyoto.
More than thirty writers, journalists, editors, translators, film makers and other wordsmiths will offer up their expertise in fifty-minute presentations, filling both days. And what is perhaps most remarkable is the event is completely free and open to all who want to attend. The Conference is a completely volunteer event.
Among those scheduled to present are novelist and children’s book author Holly Thompson, author/anthologist Hillel Wright, columnist Arudou Debito, literary translator Juliet Winters Carpenter, journalist Eric Johnston, article writer John Spiri, and poet Jane Joritz-Nakagawa. Novelist and diplomat Vikas Swarup has also agreed to appear. There are also plans for various writing groups and organizations to hold special meetings to introduce themselves to prospective members. And there will be a gathering for all attendees and presenters at a local restaurant on Saturday evening.
According to Juliet Carpenter, whose school is hosting this year’s conference, the Imadegawa campus of Doshisha Women’s College, across from the Gosho, is “a terrific location, easily accessible. We have a very nice campus that has a brand-new building with state-of-the- art ‘bells and whistles,’ and some beautiful Meiji-era Registered Cultural Property buildings, nicely preserved.”
Although the Conference takes place in Japan and has a decidedly Japanese focus, it will be a predominantly English-language event. It is also an international affair, with presenters from Canada, the US, China, India and other nations. While some of the presenters are Japan residents, others are short-term visitors and will provide a more global perspective on the writing life.
Complete information about the Third Annual Japan Writers Conference can be had at:
JETAA Northern California Newsletter: Summer 2009 Pacific Bridges now online
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Via Mark Frey (Kumamoto-ken, 2002-06), Editor of Pacific Bridges, the JETAA Northern California quarterly newsletter.
The 2009 Summer Issue of the official JETAA NC newsletter, Pacific Bridge, is now available here! Get caught up on all of your local alumni happenings! Read it online here: http://www.jetaanc.org/newsletter.html or in the “Files” area of our Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jetaanc/files/
This issue’s theme is “Tradition.” Read about how alumni like you are keeping up various traditions near you, as well as other goings-on in the JET alumni world, including:
– Upcoming events like the Shobu Cup Dodgeball Match!
– Stories about local super-star alumni
– Taboos broached in SF Japanese discussion group
– New website for JET writers, interpreters, translators and job-seekers: JetWit.com
– JETAANC Scholarship Winner, Lukas Bonick, Three Years Later
– Natsu Matsuri Picnic Report
– JETAA National Conference report
– Oyaji’s advice column
– Top 10 List
– …and much more!
Please send any comments to [newsletter(at)jetaanc(dot) org]. Share your talents and build your portfolio by volunteering for the next issue (we seriously need more help)! Thanks to everyone who helped to produce yet another great issue.
Mark Frey (Kumamoto-ken, 2002-06)
Editor, Pacific Bridge
Job: HPLC Column Sales (NYC, midtown)
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HPLC Column Sales (Midtown)
A Japanese HPLC column manufacturer seeks a motivated individual to fill their sales position. The main job responsibility is to expand and develop their business in North, Central, and South America by determining and executing detailed sales action plans under the directions of Company’s strategy and Sales/Marketing Manager. This is an entry level position. Read More
WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Interpreter/Translator/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.
Big news for expecting parents. Going into effect today in Japan (October 1), child care costs will be borne directly by hospitals. Previously pregnant women would have to pay the one-time delivery/child rearing costs up front and later received 380,000 yen back, but now it will be directly paid by the hospitals at a 40,000 yen increase of 420,000 yen . This was initially proposed in Read More
JETAA Chapter Beat 9.30.09
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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.
- Little Tokyo Walking Tour – Saturday, October 10th, 10:30 A.M at the Little Tokyo Koban. Learn about Little Tokyo and spend the day outdoors with old friends and new returnees.
- Meishi Exchange – October 29th will be JETAASC’s annual Meishi Exchange, an excellent opportunity to meet friends and network. Stay tuned for more details.
- Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, October 1st, 5:30 at Golden Gate Park Cafe. Drop by for this month’s event.
- Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” – Saturday, October 3rd, 3:00 at a location yet to be determined. The topic of this month’s discussion will be “What Will Happen to Hatoyama Japan,” moderated by Shinya Yokota.
- Happy Hour – Thursday, October 8th, 5:00 at Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza. Stop by, have a drink and a few laughs with JETAADC
- Jbook Discussion Group – October 19th, 6:30 at Teaism. This month’s selection is “My Year of Meat(s)” by Ruth L. Ozeki. Get reading so you can be a part of the discussion.
- Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, October 2nd, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.
- Happy Hour – Monday, October 5th, 6:00 at Zake. Start the week off right with your friends at JETAA Texoma.
- Happy Hour – Friday, October 2nd, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Relax after a long week of work with the gang at PNWJETAA.
- 4th Annual Imonikai – Saturday, October 3rd, 11:00 in a Cabin near Crystal Mountain, WA. Imonikai is a party up in the mountains to celebrate the arrival of autumn. Breathe the cool mountain air while sipping hot soup and seeing old friends.
- Transitions 2009 Opportunities Forum and Networking Expo – Saturday, October 17th, 12:00 to 5:30 in Kirkland, WA. Sign up now for this year’s Transitions meeting, a job fair and career forum sponsored by PNWJETAA, the Consulate-General of Japan and some local businesses.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
J-News Mini-Roundup: Yen Rises, the Japanese React
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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.
Some of the biggest economic news in Japan, besides the stock and job markets, is always the exchange rate. When the yen gets stronger against the dollar, big Japanese exporters always worry. Their prices become relatively more expensive in other countries, and with that comes a drop in sales.
The newspapers this morning each reported on the reaction to the increase in the yen to 88 yen per dollar. The Asahi focused on this as a headline in their newspaper, where as the Nikkei and Yomiuri decided to list it as second page news.
Asahi It Went Up! Cried Farmers and Factory Workers Alike The Yen, on the morning of the 28th rose to…
Click here for the rest of the article, including other Japanese language and culture articles
From the Hokkaido JETs Yahoo Group:
School: EFL Club (English School for Children)
Position: Full-time children’s English teacher (female preferred)
Potential for promotion to Head Teacher, Teacher Trainer, Assistant Principal for suitable candidates
Starting From: Immediately or as soon as possible
Read More
Job: In-House Interpreter Position with a Global Management Consulting Firm (Tokyo)
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JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following interpretation opportunity through the Honyaku E <> J Mailing List and thought it might be of interest to former JETs in the Tokyo area. Stephen is a translator based in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Ken, and he periodically posts job listings and event information for JET alumni.
McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, seeks an interpreter for its Tokyo office.
The successful candidate would:
* Interpret from Japanese to English and vice versa for consultants and clients in all types of business meetings, from one-on-one interviews to large-group presentations
* Be proficient in consecutive interpreting, whispering, and simultaneous interpreting using a transmitter or in a booth
* Demonstrate capability across a range of industries, with specialization in one or two, e.g., finance, pharmaceuticals, or high tech.
Applications from university graduates with excellent spoken English and Japanese, and at least five years worth of interpreting experience are welcome.
To excel in this role, you must be flexible in responding to consultant and client requests, strongly motivated to continue improving your performance, and work well under pressure. You must be confident of commanding respect from demanding colleagues, and feel comfortable managing your schedule while working with multiple teams. Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity are required.
The initial contract will be full-time for three to six months, with potential renewal depending on performance and demand.
Interested parties should e-mail their resume in English and Japanese to Helen Iwata by Thursday, October 8, 2009.
Event: Get Your Job Now! – How to get a job with a foreign company! (Tokyo)
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JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following career workshop being held by CareerCross, and thought it might be of interest to former JETs in the Tokyo area. Stephen is a translator based in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Ken, and he periodically posts job listings and event information for JET alumni.
CareerCross is holding a special seminar designed to give job seekers an added advantage when interviewing at a foreign company in Japan.
Due to corporations reducing their work force over the past year, the market is flooded with experienced job seekers making it an extremely difficult time to get a job. To succeed in an interview you must be 100% prepared and ready to prove you are the best candidate for the job.
CareerCross has brought in Japan’s leading interview skills trainer to teach you how to “Get Your Job Now!” From your cover letter and resume to the interview, learn exactly what works and doesn’t when interviewing in English or at a foreign company in Japan.
You will be able to answer the difficult questions with confidence, as you will be prepared and coached by the very best.
There will also be a section on finding your job online and how to use CareerCross more effectively.
Join CareerCross for one afternoon designed to prepare you for success.
— Get Your Job Now! Space is limited, so sign up now! —
CareerCross Japan Presents:
***************************************************************
TITLE: Get Your Job Now! – How to get a job with a foreign company!
SPEAKERS:
Michael Ghiglione and Bernd Kestler
DATE: October 8th (Thur), 18:30 – 21:00 or October 10th (Sat.), 9:30 – 13:00
ORGANIZER: C.C. Consulting Co., Ltd. / CareerCross
LANGUAGE: English
VENUE: Anaheim University; click here for a map of the venue
COST: 5,000 yen
REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION DEADLINE: October 6th, 2009
***************************************************************
Japan America Society Roundup 9.26.09
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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…
Japanese Obento and Food Culture Workshop — This full-day workshop is designed to introduce Japanese culture to K-12 educators through the life of a lunch box, or “obento.” The workshop will cover related topics about the history of rice cultivation, obento as depicted in the arts, an examination of regional variations in obento and a hands-on session that features how to prepare Japanese style rice and assemble an attractive obento package.
- Date: Monday, Oct. 12
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Place: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 E. Waterfront Dr., Homestead, Penn.
- For more information: http://www.us-japan.org/jasp/obentoworkhopflyer.pdf
- 10th Annual Asian Film Festival — Watch the latest Japanese films on the big screens. JSSDT members can get special discounted tickets for $8 through Oct. 5.
- Date: Oct. 15 to 29
- Place: Hazard Center UltraStar Cinemas
- For more information, click here.
Japanese Anime Lecture and Slideshow — Local otaku Keith Goode will discuss a brief history of anime, reviewing some of its stylizations and niches, and showing how it fits into the grand design of Japanese popular culture. Learn about what some of the most popular animes have been and what’s popular now.
- Date: Monday, Oct. 5
- Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Place: Casa de Luz, 1701 Toomey Road, Austin
- For more information, click here.
- “Celebrate Colorado’s Japanese!” Family Day — JASC members are invited to learn about the contributions of Japanese immigrants to Colorado during this event at the Colorado History Museum. Colorado’s first Japanese immigrants worked on railroads, in coal mines and on farms. Celebrate their enduring legacy with crafts, activities and artifacts available for the whole family. There will be a Denver Taiko performance at noon and 2:30 p.m., and a Japanese tea ceremony demonstration at 1:30 p.m.
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
- Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Place: Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway, Denver
- For more information, email jascolorado (at) att (dot) net
Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event that you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Meadows the info.
