Chin Music Press, the Seattle-based publisher owned and run by Bruce Rutledge (MEF Program Chiba-ken, 1985-87) will be well represented at the Asian American Writers’ Workshop (16 West 32nd Street, 10th Floor btwn Broadway & 5th Avenue) on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 7-9pm when author Todd Shimoda will be read from his latest illustrated novel, Oh! A mystery of mono no aware. He will be joined by poet Hoa Nguyen, author of Hecate Lochia, and Paulo Javier, author of 60lvboembs.
The event is open to the public and a $5 donation is suggested.
Here’s the book blurb:
Shimoda’s Oh! is a fast-paced story about a young Japanese American whose quest for a richer emotional life sets him on a journey to discover the essence of the Japanese appreciation of beauty (‘mono no aware’), the dark past haunting his psychologist-and-poet mentor, and ultimately involves him in the tragic phenomenon of Japan’s suicide clubs.
Also, in June, Oh! was chosen as one of NPR’s Summer Reading Picks:
“The book itself is a fine work of art, with a gorgeous, embossed cover, rice paper-thin pages, and textured paper inserts with illustrations that offer clues to Zack’s fate — a triumphant kick in the pants for anyone who doubts the future of paper-and-ink books.” — NPR
See previous JetWit posts about Bruce Rutledge here and a Japan Times review of Oh! here.
Interesting side note: One other Chin Music Press employee, designer Joshua Powell (Saitama-ken, 2005-07), is also a JET alum.
Roland Kelts appearances at upcoming New York Anime Festival starting Sept 25
Books, Cartoon/Illustration, Celebrity, Events, Japan Trends, Roland Kelts, Writers 
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The New York Anime Festival has announced its bookings for Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, for this year’s event, which commences at the Javits Center on September 25.
Roland will be on with Yoshiyuki Tomino (GUNDAM creator) on Friday, pop sensations AKB48 Saturday, and Yui Makino (voice of TSUBASA) on Sunday.
Here’s the official announcement: http://www.mediumatlarge.net/2009/09/roland-kelts-comes-to-nyaf.html
Job: Manager of Student Services (Sophia University, Tokyo)
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A great job opportunity for job-seekers currently in Japan:
Position: Manager, Student Services for the CIEE Study Center.
CIEE is looking to hire a Manager, Student Services in our Study Center located at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. This individual is responsible for all general aspects of program operations including: student affairs and support, and general office support. This person will also be responsible for the day-to-day management of the summer program. The Manager, Student Services is responsible for ensuring the highest levels of program quality and customer satisfaction. The position includes but is not limited to the responsibilities described and is subject to change. Read More
Job: Full-Time English Teaching Position in Gunma
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Interested parties must apply through Gaijinpot’s job listings:
One full-time teaching position is available in Numata , Gunma with Griff-Eagle: An English conversation school department of a school tutoring company. We are a casual yet professional school in the countryside of Gunma. This area is close to ski resorts, river-rafting, hiking trails and famous hot springs. Numata city is a quiet place. This position is most suitable for someone who likes to live away from the hustle and bustle of a big city and who will find contentment in exploring Japanese culture and lifestyle. Tokyo is three hours away by regular train or one hour and fifteen minutes by bullet train.
Job details: Read More
Event: Why Haven’t They Called Me? What Happens After You Submit Your Picture Book to a Publisher?
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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:
Why Haven’t They Called Me? What Happens After You Submit your Picture Book to a Publisher
with Kerry Martin, Senior Designer, Clarion Books
Time: Saturday, September 26, 19:00-20:30; portfolio reviews 17:30-18:30
Place: Tokyo Women’s Plaza, Conference Room 2
5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
(by the Children’s Castle and United Nations University)
For a map see www.scbwi.jp/map.htm
Fee: SCBWI members 1,000 yen; non-members 1,500 yen
Additional fee for Portfolio Review.
This event will be in English. Japanese interpretation will be available.
Private Portfolio Reviews are available from 17:30 to 18:30. Contact info@scbwi.jp to reserve your ten-minute slot. Portfolio Reviews must be paid for in advance: SCBWI members 3,500 yen; 4,000 yen non-members.
You’ve submitted your book dummy, sketches, or art samples and wonder why the phone isn’t ringing yet. Kerry Martin, Senior Designer at Clarion Books in New York City, will discuss the process of creating a picture book from initial sketch stage to the finished product, including what goes on behind the scenes while you wait for a response. Also discussed will be the dos and don’ts of sending unsolicited art samples. Private portfolio reviews will precede the discussion.
Kerry Martin grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from Parsons School of Design, New York City, in 2001. After graduating, she worked at a design studio, a letterpress print shop, and several magazines. She has been designing children’s picture books, novels and nonfiction for young adults with Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in New York, since 2002. She travels to Japan as often as she can to visit her husband’s family in Tokyo and Yokohama.
www.scbwi.jp info@scbwi.jp
Japan Society (NY) Weekly eNewsletter (Sept 14-20)
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BAPCPA Man #8 – Automatic Stay and Teenagers
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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 larger version 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.
Job: Japan in the Schools Coordinator for Japan America Society (Seattle, WA)
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A great job opportunity forwarded to JetWit by by Gail Cetnar Meadows who writes the Japan America Society Round-up posts on JetWit and also serves as the Editor for Hiroshima JET webzine the Wide Island View:
Dear Members & Friends,
We are pleased to share with everyone that the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington has been awarded a grant by the Center for Global Partnership – Japan Foundation, New York in support of our Japan in the Schools Program for the specific purpose of hiring a full-time JIS Program Coordinator for the next two years. A full grant award announcement will be made at a later date.
The reason for this email is to announce the full-time coordinator position and to ask you to forward it to anyone who might be interested in applying. All those who applied for the previously advertised part-time position have been contacted and asked to re-apply if they are interested in this full time position. The part-time position is no longer available. The application period ends September 20.
Thank you for your support and interest in the Society.
Mark Smith
Executive Director, Japan America Society of the State of Washington, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98121
http://www.us-japan.org/jassw
Japan in the Schools Coordinator
Job Description
The Japan in the Schools Program Coordinator has direct responsibility for the day-to-day oversight and operation of the program including the following:
• Coordinate and schedule school visits of program volunteers
• Recruit Japanese and American volunteer presenters
• Maintain the volunteer database
• Plan and manage volunteer training workshops in cooperation with experienced volunteers and workshop presenters
• Assist by attending school visits when necessary
• Track the location of program suitcases and maintain inventory of program supplies
• Promote the program to school teachers and public
Read More
Japan America Society Roundup 9.13.09
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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…
2009 Annual Cultural Festival — This free fundraising event of JASSC will feature a bazaar where you can buy second-hand kimonos, haoris (jackets) and various Japanese goods like washi, pottery and bonsai. Fill up on sushi and other Japanese cuisine while enjoying taiko and koto music performances, Japanese dance and martial arts demonstrations.
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
- Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Place: Stargazers Theatre and Event Center, 10 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs
- For more information: Email jcarusorathe (at) msn (dot) com or call 576-2229.
- Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter #25 50th Anniversary Celebration — Enjoy a reception with hors d’oeuvers and cash bar and an evening of entertainment including koto music, flute and violin performances and an ikebana demonstration and exhibition.
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 1
- Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
- Place: Phipps Conservatory, Tropical Garden Room, 700 Frank Curto Drive, Pittsburgh
- For more information: Call Nelda Burd at 742-352-5036
Ladies’ Day Trip in Ohio — Recall memories of the inaka while driving through backwoods Ohio. JASK ladies are invited to join a day trip to the Amish restaurant in Plain City, the new Premium Outlets in Cincinnati and the Japanese grocery in Columbus. The cost to JASK members is $45.
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 15
- Time: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- For more information: http://jask.org/events?eventId=84477&EventViewMode=EventDetails
- US-Japan Business Luncheon — Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya will share his reflections on Japan’s government change, Japan’s past government reforms and its relevance to American business today. The luncheon is $65 for JASGP members.
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13
- Time: Noon to 2 p.m.
- Place: The Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
- For more information and to register, click here.
Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Meadows the info.
JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following short-term employment opportunity through the JETAA Toronto group and thought it might be of interest to former JETs in the Toronto area. Stephen is a translator based in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Ken, and he periodically posts job listings and event information for JET alumni.
Position: JET Programme Assistant Coordinator
Position Type: Full Time – Temporary
Location: Japan Information Centre, Consulate General of Japan
Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 22nd – 4:00 pm
Start Date: Friday, October 2nd 2009
End Date: Thursday, November 12th 2009
Position Description:
The JET Programme Assistant Coordinator will provide assistance in the fall recruitment of the JET Programme. She/he will be responsible for answering telephone and in-person inquiries from potential JET applicants; responding to post and e-mail inquiries; liaising with various organisations and institutions regarding the JET Programme; helping maintain data using MS Access; preparing and creating form letters in MS Word; and helping to maintain a few busy schedules. On occasion, she/he may also be asked to assist with work beyond JET.
Bruce Rutledge hired as editor of new Ibuki Magazine, seeks ideas and stories from JETs in Pacific Northwest
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A nice update from JET alum Bruce Rutledge, the owner of Seattle-based publisher Chin Music Press via the JETAA Pacific Northwest yahoogroup:
Hi everyone, I wanted to let you all know about a new magazine about Japanese culture that was launched this summer. It’s called Ibuki.
You can find it on the Web here: http://ibukimagazine.com/
The publisher has hired me to edit the magazine and has said she would love to hear ideas for stories from former JETs in the Pacific Northwest. The magazine is beginning as a quarterly centered on Seattle, but, the economy willing, it will expand both its focus and its readership in 2010. If you’re coming to Aki Matsuri this weekend, you’ll find publisher Misa Cartier there at the Ibuki table (and you’ll find me at the Chin Music Press table).
Please stop either one of us and say hi if you’re interested in contributing.
Cheers,
Bruce
For more information about Bruce Rutledge and Chin Music Press just go to http://chinmusicpress.com
BAPCPA Man #7 – BAPCPA Man vs. Mortgantua
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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 larger version 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.
JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following translation contest through the Japan Association of Translators website and thought that it might be of interest to former JETs. Stephen is a translator based in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Ken, and he periodically posts job listings and event information for JET alumni.
Designed to foster, recognize, and reward excellence in commercial, non-literary translation between Japanese and English by new translators, the sixth annual awards will be given in 2010. A 450-member-strong organization of professional freelance and in-house translators and interpreters, JAT is dedicated to promoting the interests of individual translators and interpreters working between Japanese and English worldwide.
SIXTH ANNUAL JAT CONTEST FOR NEW AND ASPIRING TRANSLATORS
Sponsored by: Japan Association of Translators (JAT)
Purpose: To cultivate new talent in commercial, non-literary translation
Qualification: Anyone with less than three years of commercial translation experience. (JAT membership not required. Except for the winners, entrants in the past contests are welcome to enter again.)
Categories: Japanese-to-English and English-to-Japanese
Entry fee: Free
Awards (each category):
The First Place winner in each category will receive a free trip to IJET-21, to be held on April 24 (Sat.) and 25 (Sun.), 2010 in Miyazaki, Japan, including registration fee, round-trip ticket, and hotel accommodations (3 nights), plus a one-year membership in JAT. Each Second Place winner will receive a one-year membership in JAT.
JetWit Blog Beat by Crystal Wong (Iwate-ken, 2002-04) is a recurring item featuring posts from the blogs of various JET alumni. Crystal is a former English-language writer for Kyodo News. She is now a freelance writer and digital strategist in New York and relishes her constant hunt for the best cheap(ish) eats in the city.
Adventure writer Elizabeth White (Toyama-ken, 1995-98) visited a most amazing vineyard this weekend. Check out her wonderful post here – you can practically taste every sip. Also be sure to scroll down for some delicious-looking recipes with a lot of San Luis Obispo flavor.
Writer Kelly Luce (Kawasaki, 2002-03) checks in with a cute anecdote about her experience at Fishtrap writing workshops.
If only we were in Japan to share this very special Pringles flavor with JET alum Lars Martinson…
Sake World e-Newsletter by John Gauntner (September 2009)
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The September 2009 issue of the Sake World E-mail Newsletter by JET alum and leading sake expert John Gauntner (aka “The Sake Guy”) is now available online. In this issue:
- The Hazards of Nama
- Did You Know? The Toji
- Guided Sakagura Tours
- NEW! Sake Professional Courses in Las Vegas and Japan
- Sake Events
- Learn More About Sake eBooks
- Odds-n-Ends
