WIT Life #44: 水筒男子
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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.
暑中見舞い (shochuu mimai) or mid-summer greetings to everyone! I apologize for my absence, but I was traveling across the country for the past three weeks as an interpreter for a Japanese delegation participating in the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). My co-interpreter and I shared some wonderful adventures with this group that I will detail in a post soon to come.
First I would like to talk about the rage currently overtaking Japan: water bottle boys! As you probably know, the Japanese love to find trends and attach catchy names to them, thereby creating a stir. For example, in a previous post I mentioned the phenomenon of 草食男子 (soushoku danshi), “herbivorous men” who are cooperative, family-oriented and kind but not very aggressive when it comes to romance. This time around the trend is 水筒男子 (suitou danshi), or men who carry around their own bottles.
Manufacturers are coming up with a variety of masculine styles to appeal to this previously neglected market. One store in Tokyo revealed Read More
JETAA Chapter Beat 7.15.09
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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.
- East Bay Nomikai – Thursday, July 16th, 6:00 at Club Mallard in Albany. Drop by this month’s event for a drink, possibly followed by a karaoke nijikai.
- 18th Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” – Saturday, July 18th, 3:00 at the Inner Sunset in San Francisco. The topic of this month’s discussion is “Health Care System in the US and Obama’s reform plan,” moderated by Shinya Yokota.
- 2009 JET Programme Pre-Departure Reception – Friday, July 17th, 6:00 at the Consulate General’s residence. Catch up with old friends and bid the newbies a fond farewell at this year’s reception. Space is limited so make your plans soon.
- Kaiwa – Thursday, July 16th and 30th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice your Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
- Seattle Bon Odori – July 18th and 19th, 4:00 to 10:00(Sunday 3:00 – 9:00) at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple. Dancing, martial arts, crafts, food and more. Don’t miss it.
- Summer Picnic – Saturday, August 8th, 1:00 at the Mercer Island Luther Burbank Park. Semi-potluck(burgers and hot dogs provided) with prizes, puppet shows and games. Don’t miss it.
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.
Announcing the NEW YORK – TOKYO MUSIC NIGHT
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New York – Tokyo wanted to start something fun with our old friends, new friends, and all the to-be-friends this summer. So, this Friday night we’re kicking it off with a “prototype party”. Join us all night, party people! We’ll have good music and Japan’s #1 beer, Asahi Beer! All for *FREE*! See you Friday.
RSVP: www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/nytmn/
Jobs: International Education Programs (Chronicle of Higher Ed.)
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Via the Chronicle of Higher Education’s international education programs job listing:
7/9/2009
- New York University (New York) : Associate Director, International Programs and Services; Stern School of Business
7/8/2009
- Miami University (Ohio) (Ohio) : Assistant Director of International Programs
J-News Mini-Roundup: GOOD Economic News in Japan
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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 language learning options. Their main service is private one on one Japanese language lessons in the NYC area, where the student chooses where and when to have lessons.
Economics Minister Along with Prime Minister Aso
Background: With America still recovering from the worst job numbers in recent memory, Economists are still pondering the question is the economic recession bottoming out, or continuing to get worse? Although there are some signs from America the economy’s taking off like housing sales up and mortgage rates now climbing, overall the picture is still unclear.
Japan’s economic news today offered hopes that perhaps the world’s second largest economy is showing signs of economic recovery. Despite the comparatively strong yen (it’s been hovering close to 90 yen to the dollar) which hurts Japanese exports, the Monthly Economic Report published by the Japanese authorities today had positive comments on the economy. Each newspaper told a different story on the economic climate.
Yomiuri “The Monthly Economic Outlook Revised Up 3rd Month in a Row”
(CLICK HERE for the rest of the article, that includes Japanese News Summaries)
Sake World E-Newsletter by John Gaunter (July 2009)
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The July 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:
- All I Really Need to Know…
- Did You Know?
- Guided Sakagura Tours
- Sake Professional Course
- Sake Events
- Learn More About Sake eBooks
- Odds-n-Ends
JETAA Chapter Beat: Tampa Natsu Matsuri a success!
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The Tampa Natsumari was held on July 11, organized by JETAA Florida’s Tampa Kumi together with the Consulate General of Japan in Miamiaa (where JET alum Abby McBain is now the JET Liaison). And according to initial reports it was a big success!
Approximately 150 people attended the event, which was not just for JET alumni but a community event. And Tampa Kumi’s John (the event coordinator and chief emailer) says, “A very big thank you to all of our volunteers. You are what makes this festival possible.”
O-tsukare sama deshita, Tampa Kumi! (If you have any photos, send them on to JetWit and we’ll post them.)
JETAA DC: Japan Through Our Eyes: Photographs by JET Program Participants
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Via JETAA DC:
Greetings JETAA DC members!
We are proud to announce plans to hold a JETAA photo exhibit entitled, “Japan Through Our Eyes: Photographs by JET Program Participants,” which will be held at the Embassy of Japan’s Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) this December. This exhibit will highlight the works of current and former participants as a way to celebrate Japan and give JET Program participants an outlet for sharing their favorite memories of their time on the JET Program.
The objective of “Japan Through Our Eyes: Photographs by JET Program Participants” is to educate the public about Japan via the eyes of current and former JET participants.
To make this possible, we need YOUR photo submissions! We are now accepting photographs taken in Japan. Full submission guidelines are listed below. Make sure to send your photos by September 12th in order to be considered!
This exhibit is coordinated by JETAA DC, JICC, the JET Program office at the Embassy of Japan, and the Center for Professional Exchange (CEPEX).
I’m very excited that we’ve been given the opportunity to exhibit our photography at the Embassy of Japan. Let’s show the DC area our images from Japan! I look forward to seeing everyone’s submissions.
With best wishes,
Heather McDonald
Ad Hoc Chair
jetaadc_photos [at] yahoo.com
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
NOTE 1: Please limit your submission to no more than 3 photos.
NOTE 2: By entering your submission you are deemed to have accepted Terms and Conditions provided in the Group Rules, below. Read More
Roland Kelts Australia tour
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Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, is en route to Australia where he’ll be making several appearances. For JET alums in Australia, here are the dates and locations where you can catch him. And if you do happen to see him, by all means go up and say “G’day.” He really appreciates meeting other JET alums out there.
- July 13-16th, Sydney, AU, JSAA Conference, University of Sydney
- July 17th, Sydney, AU, The Japan Foundation: Panel w/Susan Napier and Rebecca Suter
- July 20th, Brisbane, AU, The University of Queensland: Panel w/ Susan Napier and Rebecca Suter
- July 22nd, Melbourne, AU, The University of Melbourne: Panel w/Susan Napier and Rebecca Suter
Roland will be back in the U.S. to host a talk with Hayao Miyazaki in Berkely, CA on July 25. Click here to see video clips of Roland speaking at the JETAA NY Alumni Author Showcase event held back in March 2009, here for photos from the event and here to read a review of the event.
Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99) signs a copy of his book at the JETAA NY Author Showcase held in NYC in March 2009.
Japan America Society Roundup 7.12.09
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Current Hiroshima-ken JET Gail Meadows, co-editor of Hiroshima JET webzine the Wide Island View, shines a light on some of the upcoming events of various Japan America societies…
Japanese Ventriloquism Performance — Now here’s one form of entertainment most JET alumni probably missed during their stay in Japan. So don’t miss this chance to see it. The Japanese Language School of Greater Cincinnati and JASGC have teamed up to present “An Afternoon of Ventriloquism with Takeshi & Shu Ikeda.” Mr. Ikeda is chairman of the Japan Ventriloquists Association (JVA), and he and his wife, Shu, have toured all over Japan and the world, performing at public festivals, elementary schools, churches and conventions. They will be in Northern Kentucky for the Vent Haven International Ventriloquists Conference and have agreed to give two free performances in Japanese for the language school students and JASGC members and their families.
- Date: Saturday, July 18
- Time: First performance is 1:10 to 1:40 p.m. (Kindergarten – Third Grade). Second performance is 2:10 to 2:40 p.m. (Fourth Grade and up).
- Place: Northern Kentucky University, Eva G Farris Auditorium, Business-Education-Psychology Building, Room 200. (In the same building as the Japanese language school.)
- For more information, including maps and parking: http://www.jasgc.org/japaneseventriloquist.html
Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Meadows the info.
By Kirsten Phillips (Niigata-ken, 2005-08)
Echigo Koutsuu spoiled the ever-living fuck out of me.
If I was ever for any reason required to place myself in Tokyo, I had four options:
1) The Shinkansen. Though I will forever be devoted to the miracle and blessing of the bullet train, one way on that horse cost 9,000 yen and required a trip to Nagaoka. Fast, clean, and idiot-proof, riding the Shink is kind of like God giving you a shoulder rub as you magically transport to any major Japanese city in .14 nanoseconds-mit snacks.
2) My Taxi: This was one of a few van shuttle services that picked you up from your front door and dropped you off exactly where you needed to be. Using this option required a keitai and a fairly efficient amount of Japanese as you had to be able to make the reservation and let the driver know where to find you in the terminal. Yes, once upon a time my Japanese was serviceable.
I often used this option when I was coming home from Narita. I could just as easily have taken the Shink but Read More
A guide to useful iPhone apps in Japan
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A quick word from Gail Meadows, JetWit contributor of the Japan America Society Roundup and co-editor of Hiroshima-ken JET webzine the Wide Island View…
If you’re living in Japan and sporting a slick new iPhone, there are a number of nifty applications available for download to make life a bit easier, or at least a little more fun. From kanji flashcard drills to TV listings to a maps program that helps you find your way around cities with nameless streets, there’s no shortage of potentially useful apps. Hiroshima-ken JET Brody Nixon offers a helpful guide to some of his favorite apps in his story A guide to useful iPhone apps in Japan on the Wide Island View. Check it out, and if we’ve missed one of your favorite apps, feel free to let us know in the comments section. Happy reading!
J-News Mini-Roundup: Japan and Russia Still Deadlocked over Generation-Long Dispute
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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 language learning options. Their main service is private one on one Japanese language lessons in the NYC area, where the student chooses where and when to have lessons.
All smiles...but is that a good thing? - Picture from the Asahi
Background: On the conclusion of World War II, Japan was forced to give back a lot of its territory it had received from its imperial reign. However it did manage to hold onto Okinawa, and multiple island chains. The one island chain that was never “given” back to Japan, and remains disputed to this day, are “The Northern Islands”; or the Kurile Islands, according to Russia. Because neither side can concede on who really controls the islands, Russia seeing it as a symbol of their conquest during WWII, a peace treaty has still never been signed between the two countries.
Yesterday President Medvedev and Prime Minister Aso met to discuss this territorial issue. Last October, Medvedev met with Prime Minister Aso and said “this territorial dispute cannot be handed down to the next generation.” This May when Putin came to visit Japan he stated that Prime Minster Aso and Medvedev should explore “every option” this July when they meet in Italy. Despite expectations, the Japanese newspapers reported on the lack of decision this July.
Asahi “The Northern Territories: No New Proposal from Russia…”
(CLICK HERE for the rest of the article, that includes Japanese News Summaries)
JETAA Chapter Beat 7.8.09
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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.
- Wilson Park BBQ – Saturday, July 11th, 12:00 at Wilson Park in Torrance. Spend a day of sun and fun with friends, family and the new JETs.
- Studio Square Beer Garden – Saturday, July 11th, 1:00 at the new Studio Square Beer Garden in Long Island City. Have a drink or indulge in one of the many tasty offerings with friends and JETAANY.
- Movie Night: Tampopo – Friday, July 31st, 7:00 at Narrabundah. JETAA Canberra will be screening Itami Juzo’s classic film “Tampopo” with pizza and popcorn.
- Japanese Film Noir – July 16th through August 13th at the Arc Cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive.
- Tampa Natsu Matsuri – Saturday, July 11th, 9:00 to 11:00. Celebrate the summer Japan-style with Japanese food, games and even a yukata/jinbei clothing contest.
- Karaoke Night – Saturday, July 18th, 7:30 at Muse Cafe. Asian style karaoke for JET alumni and new JETs alike, so come out and show off those singing skills for all to see.
- J-Dinner – Tuesday, July 14th, 5:30 Happy Hour, 7:30 Dinner at Asia Nine. This month’s event includes a happy hour and the normal dinner, so drop by and have a laugh with old friends.
- July Happy Hour – Wednesday, July 15th, 5:30 in the courtyard of Hotel Monaco/Poste. Relax after a hot day with a cool drink and JETAADC.
- July Happy Hour – Friday, July 10th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya in Belltown. Start the weekend right with good friends and a cold drink.
- Seattle Bon Odori – July 18th and 19th, 4:00 to 10:00(Sunday 3:00 – 9:00) at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple. Dancing, martial arts, crafts, food and more. Don’t miss it.
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.
Jobs: International Education Programs (Chronicle of Higher Ed.)
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Via the Chronicle of Higher Education’s international education programs job listing:
7/6/2009
- Azusa Pacific University (California) : International Director Master of Arts in Transformational Urban Leadership (MATUL) Program
- Ball State University (Indiana) : Director of International Student Services; Rinker Center for International Programs
- Council on International Educational Exchange (Germany) : Resident Director – Berlin, Germany
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minnesota) : Director of Education Abroad
6/30/2009
- Institute of International Education – D.C. (D.C.) : Program Officer
6/29/2009
- Fairmont Private Schools (California) : International Student Counselor
- Hartwick College (New York) : Senior Associate Director of Admissions – International Recruitment
6/25/2009
- Berry College (Georgia) : Director of Multicultural and International Student Programs
6/23/2009
- West Valley-Mission Community College District (California) : International Student Services Supervisor
