By Jack McDonough, 2021 prospective JET

Think of something you regret; one thing that gnaws away at you; if only you could change it. What if you could? What if you had that chance to go back in time and change the past? Now imagine that your choices concern life and death matters, and you can only go back in time when someone is dead or dying: specifically the deaths of your mother and childhood classmate are riding on matters that are seemingly benign. Erased explores that reality.

Boku Dake ga Inai Machi (“The Town Where Only I am Missing”) is a mystery/thriller manga written by Kei Snabe and published by Kadokawa Shoten from June 2012 to March 2016. Erased is the anime adaptation that follows Satoru Fujinuma and his “revival(s)” (called “rerun” in Japanese), where Satoru is sent back in time involuntarily when someone near him dies; he sees a blue butterfly, and his consciousness is sent back into the past. Despite his power, Satoru is a failing mangaka who works at a pizzeria and lives alone in a cramped Chiba apartment; his only friend being Airi Katagiri, who is his coworker at Oasi Pizza.  Out of the blue, his estranged mother, Sachiko, comes to visit him. After leaving his mother in his apartment, he comes back later and finds her murdered. A blue butterfly flies in front of him and he is sent back to 1988; back to his 5th-grade self. 

Erased has a lot going for it in addition to the interesting plot. The soundtrack for the show is perfect and Satoru’s determination motif is reason enough to binge the anime. The music, written by Yuki Kaijura, adds an air of mystery, wonder, and sorrow that is unlike anything else you’ve heard before. Asian Kung-Fu Generation performs the intro song to the anime, which is one of the best openings to an anime out there. In terms of direction, Director Tomohiko Itou’s masterful attention to detail turns every scene into an art piece. Now that I’ve convinced you to watch the show, look out for the scene between Satoru and Kayo in the park. Every interaction between the characters offers more than mere plot progression or comedic relief; the depictions of friendship, family, and despair feel real and will hit you where it hurts. 

Erased is my favorite anime. The show has a controversial place in the anime community: some think the plot was too generic and that the ending was unsatisfactory. I disagree, but I do see why they have that opinion. The anime and manga do differ in their endings, so if you do wish for a different ending, you can always check out the manga.  Without spoiling the ending, while I wasn’t particularly surprised, I felt that the mystery is just the hook; the real meat of the story is Satoru’s relationship with Airi, Sachiko, and Kayo. Erased is more than just a time-travel mystery, it’s about a man who failed in his relationships, whether in small choices or big acts and what he does when he gets the chance for reconciliation. Satoru gets to go back and spend time with the people he loves the most; he gets to relive those precious, little moments that we all take for granted. He learns that he should’ve stopped and appreciated those times. You can’t go back in time. You can’t relive those moments, so learn from Satoru’s mistakes and cherish every minute.

About this event 

Super Mario, Pac-Man, Sonic, Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, and Metroid. If you’ve ever played a video game, chances are you’ve probably heard of some of these titles. Perhaps these titles might even evoke fond, nostalgic memories of childhood to some players who grew up with them. While many of these Japanese games are widely recognized, loved, and still played by many fans worldwide today, players might not realize just how integral these games were in popularizing the videogame culture in the west, and influencing both the growth and course of the global videogames industry. 

For our first episode focusing on the topic of videogames, we will be joined by Mr. Chris Kohlerand Dr. Mia Consalvo, who will be taking us on a historical journey with their presentations; delving deep into the history of the Japanese videogames industry, specifically focusing on events which kickstarted this global phenomenon, along with some of the issues which caused it to lose its way and fall behind its western counterpart in the 2000s.  

Dr. Rachael Hutchinson will moderate our discussion following the presentations, continuing the narrative of how the Japanese games industry recovered, and rediscovered its position in the global landscape, once again becoming an influential powerhouse in the international games market from the mid 2010s. 

The discussion will be followed by a live Q&A. If you have any questions about your favorite Japanese videogames, now is your chance to ask the experts! Please ask your question when you register for the event via Eventbrite. Live commentary will also be enabled on the YouTube stream, so you can participate in the Q&A session on-air as well. 

This is a FREE event. Registrants will receive the link to the stream via email. 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Eventbrite Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-the-japanese-video-game-industry-found-lost-and-rediscovered-its-way-registration-161812729229 

About 

JFNY Literary Series invites notable writers in Japanese literature and their translators to discuss their work, speak on the art of translation, and touch upon the current literary scene in Japan. 

This session features Hiroko Oyamada and her translator David Boyd, moderated by Kyoko Yoshida. Lucy North from the collective Strong Women, Soft Power and interpreter Bethan Jones also joins the session. Oyamada is an Akutagawa Prize-winning writer and the author of The Factory and The Hole, both of which were translated by Boyd. The Japan Foundation supported the English publications of The Hole through the Support Program for Translation and Publication on Japan. 

The event is now available to watch on our YouTube channel! Watch the event here: https://www.jfny.org/event/jfny-literary-series-hiroko-oyamada-x-david-boyd/ 

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Various Positions
Posted by: Stanford University
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alumna, Jennifer Hwang (Shizuoka-ken, 2008-2012) for passing along the following job openings at her institution:

Associate Director, EDGE Doctoral Fellowship Program: https://careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/associate-director-edge-doctoral-fellowship-program-12918

Educational Events and Programs Planner: https://careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/educational-events-and-programs-planner-12933

Executive Assistant: https://careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/executive-assistant-13112

This week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast…

Did you know New Orleans is the home to the Gulf Coast’s only sake brewery? The Krewe didn’t until a few weeks ago! Nigel & Doug sit down reminisce about their first encounters with sake before sitting down for a sake deep dive with Brian Ashcraft, author of the award winning Japanese Sake Bible. Brian talks about what led to his interest in Japan and sake, shares some behind-the-scenes info into the creation of his comprehensive guide to Japanese rice wine, and provides insight on things that all sake enthusiasts need to know. Kanpai!

And check out last week’s episode in case you missed it! Episode 19 – Greatest Anime of All-Time pt. 3 – Modern Day Anime (2010 – present) – closes out the anime mini-series, spotlighting some of the biggest anime of today (we’re looking at you Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, & My Hero Academia). The Krewe also digs into how sub-genres took the main stage and how streaming platforms completely changed the game.

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Teaching Position
Posted by: Remsen School for Environmental Engineering
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Below is a job opening passed along to us by a JET alumnus who wishes to remain anonymous. 

Public School 147 The Isaac Remsen School for Environmental Engineering is the proud home of the first and only Japanese Dual Language Program within the New York City Department of Education. Located in the highly desirable area of East Williamsburg/Bushwick Brooklyn, NY, PS147 is looking for two (2) highly motivated and dedicated Japanese Teachers who share our values for equity and excellence in service to all students.

Students receive daily Japanese Language home language arts and literacy instruction through the subjects of Science and Social Studies. Opportunities for creativity through multi-disciplinary, hands-on learning experiences that foster meaningful and real-world connections are welcomed.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please view the below document.

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Part-time Public Relations Assistant
Posted by: Consulate General of Japan in New York
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Part-Time

Here’s a part-time job received directly from the Consulate General of Japan in New York:

Are you passionate about Japanese culture and love sharing engaging content on social media? Come join the Consulate’s Japan Information Center (JIC) as a part-time Public Relations Assistant!

This is an entry-level CONTRACT position that assists the JIC staff with day-to-day social media management, consulate events, and other public relations initiatives. The contract will run from August 2021 until end of March 2022- start date is negotiable. Working hours will be Monday through Friday, 25 – 29 hours per week.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here – https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jobs/2021-06-17_JIC.html

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Part-time Bilingual Japanese/English Opportunity
Posted by: The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM(R))
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Contract: Part-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

Who we are 

At the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM®), we believe that well-managed properties improve the quality of life for people who live, work and shop in them.  We are the champion of the property management professional—from college students to industry veterans across both commercial and residential portfolios.     The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM®) is an international force of nearly 20,000 individuals united to advance the profession of real estate management. 

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Program Officer
Posted by:  Japan Center for International Exchange
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job passed along to us directly from The Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA):

The Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA) seeks a full-time Program Officer to support our mission to promote US-Japan collaboration on common challenges and leadership on regional and global issues. Our programs aim for policy impact through leadership exchanges, intellectual dialogues among policymakers and scholars, and engagement of civil society and the international community.

In addition to US-Japan Political Exchanges, Congressional Staff Exchanges, US-Japan Women Leaders Dialogues, and philanthropic initiatives, our current programs address topics including global health, healthy aging, and strengthening democratic governance in Asia.

Application Process: For information on how to apply, please click here.

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: English Teacher
Posted by: Kobe College High School
Location: Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Please see the below files for a job received directly from the KCC-JEE Teacher Recruitment Committee.

Application Process: Should you have any questions regarding the files, please contact, Kanae Takenaka at <programs@kccjee.org> or +1 (847)-386-7661.

************By Makoto Shirai, secretary, Japan-Insights Research Institute (Non-profit organization in Tokyo)

Dear Friends,

Have you visited to the Kanayama megaliths?

Let me introduce an essay from Japan-Insights archives.

The sixteenth one is on Jomon Astronomy by Dr. Harriet H. Natsuyama.

https://topics.japan-insights.jp/Public/pdf/japan-insights_jp/topics/JIN_KanayamaMegaliths.pdf

Please share this expert’s experience!

Japan-Insights is a nonprofit open database compiled by leading experts in Japanese studies. The posts present a broad range of historical and contemporary topics that encourage visitors to engage with the real Japan through immersive experiences. Follow the Facebook page and website to learn about and share these insights from around the country!”

#japan #japaneseculture #magalith

Episode 8 of the USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast an interview with Scott Alprin (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-95) of Alprin Law Office, P.C. Scott is trademark and intellectual property attorney who speaks Japanese and works with many international clients. He discusses his career path and shares insights on law and practicing as an IP attorney.

JET alum Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94), in collaboration with Daniel Edelson of USLawEssentials.com, recently launched “USLawEssentials: Law & Language,” a legal English podcast intended for foreign lawyers, law students, and LLM students as well as other non-native English speakers who want an enjoyable way to improve their legal English. The podcast episodes cover a variety of topics including legal news events and discussions of recent cases as well as interviews with multilingual lawyers. The discussions use accessible language with helpful explanations along the way.

JET alum Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94), in collaboration with Daniel Edelson of USLawEssentials.com, has launched a new legal English podcast titled “USLawEssentials: Law & Language.”

The podcast is intended for foreign lawyers, law students, and LLM students as well as other non-native English speakers who want an enjoyable way to improve their legal English. The podcast episodes cover a variety of topics including legal news events and discussions of recent cases as well as interviews with multilingual lawyers. The discussions use accessible language with helpful explanations along the way.

Notably, the first two multilingual lawyers interviewed are both JET alumni! Brian Hersey (Fukuoka-ken, 1994-96) and Brenda McKinney (Hyogo-ken, 2006-09)

Horowitz, the founder of JETwit.com, is a Professor of Legal English and the Director of Online Legal English Programs at Georgetown Law School. He previously served as Director of Legal English Programs at St. John’s Law School.

Edelson is an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. John’s Law School and a practicing attorney in addition to founding USLawEssentials.com. He has previously taught English in Japan and has taught legal English in Korea.

Horowitz and Edelson encourage readers to share the podcast with students and others they know who are seeking to improve their legal English or simply their English in connection with sophisticated topics.

This week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast…

JET Program acceptance letters have gone out & short-listers are on the edge of their seats waiting to find out their placements. Nigel, Jennifer, & Doug talk about the months-long emotional roller coaster of preparing to relocate to a new country (for JET or any program). Departing JETAA Mid-South President Megan DeVille stops by to talk about her pre-departure JET experiences, from interviews to arriving at a tiny regional airport in Aomori Prefecture. She also talks about life after JET and how to keep Japan in your life despite returning to your home country.

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Graduate Program Manager, Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures
Posted by: Columbia University
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job passed along to us by a JET alumna who wishes to remain anonymous:

The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALAC) at Columbia University is seeking an experienced and dynamic administrative professional to fill the position of Graduate Program Manager. 

Reporting to the Director of Academic Administration and Finance and working closely with the Department Chair, Director of Graduate Studies, MA Program Director, and Business Officer, the Graduate Program Manager (GPM) provides day-to-day and overall administrative and operational support for all aspects of the Department’s MA and PhD programs, including coordinating the graduate curriculum, assisting with financial planning, graduate student/TA hiring, fellowship tracking, admissions administration, recruitment, student registration, enrollment/data reporting, and departmental record-keeping. 

The incumbent works closely with administrators in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) offices, including the GSAS Financial Aid, Admissions, Student Affairs, Compass Careers, and Dissertation offices to facilitate the path for graduate students through and beyond the EALAC graduate program, from recruitment to graduation to alumni outreach.

Application Process: For more information and to apply, please click here.