Baker’s Dozen 二番： Should I Stay or Should I Go?
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Eric Baker (Fukuoka-ken, 2006-08) hopes he is approaching the end of a year of travel and reconnecting. He’ll be writing about his thoughts and experiences as he transitions back to working in the States.
Should I stay or should I go now?…
This indecision’s bugging me.
Post-JET I hit the road for five months and ran into all sorts of people. For the inevitable question “where are you from?” I kept stock answers based on who I was chatting with. So for the toothless Syrian shepherd who’s English consisted of “Bush. Bad!”—vigorously illustrated with furrowed brow and shaking head—followed by “Obama. Good!” I threw out my vigorous nose point and Japanese accented “America.” This built enough rapport to move on to higher-level discussions, like “Clinton! Very good!” followed by suggestively arched bushy eyebrows, gaping smile and hip gyrations.
For the umpteenth hawker, I’d occasionally throw out something exciting like “I’m Japanese” or “I’m from Holland.” Either they’d be confused or annoyed and leave me alone or we’d start in on a more interesting conversation. “(playfully) Noooo. Really, where are you from?” In a small Egyptian town I spent two insightful days hanging out with a shopkeeper and his friends after starting a conversation like this.
I loved being able to connect with Japanese backpackers, who were universally びっくり！ that I could speak Japanese. I often had to say a few sentences in Japanese before they could comprehend that this white face was Read More
Japanese culture trends in NYC
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Many of us are now aware that modern Japanese culture has essentially turned New York City into New York-ku, with Pocky and Pretz widely available, new ramen shops and izakayas popping up every week and Japanese hair salons throughout the city. And of course you can’t swing a Kinokuniya bag without hitting a Japanese style karaoke bar.
But yesterday alone I noticed yet three more examples of Japanese culture–perceived as so impentrable by much of the world–penetrating further into New York-ku:
- City Bakery’s (3 W. 18th St) baked goods now all seem to have Japanese subtitles on the little signs sticking out from the muffins and other items.
- Opening of the Japanese Culinary Center (the “Other JCC,” as New York Magazine calls it) on 711 Third Ave. (entrance on 45th St. between Second and Third aves.) nymtc.com
- Gamar Jobat, a Japanese silent comedy duo (i.e, manzai) currently performing at the New Victory Theater (https://secure.newvictory.org/newvictory/tickets/production.aspx?PID=767&emailsource=GAMAR1212)
Have other examples to share? Post a comment or send an e-mail to jetwit [at] jetwit [dot] com.
JET alum sake expert John Gauntner at Japan Society May 19
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Just saw a Japan Times article on JET alum sake expert John Gauntner, and then this popped into my inbox:
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LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
Annual Sake Tasting & Lecture
Koji-making is the heart of the sake brewing process. Koji is steamed rice onto which a special mold has been grown with great precision and skill that converts starches to sugars, which in turn are fermented to yield alcohol. Making good koji requires precise regulation of temperature and moisture, and nothing has a greater impact on the final flavors and aromas of sake. Like much of sake brewing, koji-making is more art than science. Sake expert John Gauntner discusses the art and science of making koji, what it is, the myriad ways it can be accomplished, and how tiny changes to koji can result in major differences in sake flavor. Followed by a sake tasting. Co-sponsored by the Sake Export Association. Tickets: Purchase tickets online or call the box office at 212.715.1258 |
JETAA Chapter Beat 5.13.09
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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.
- J-Dinner – Thursday, May 14th, 7:00 at Meiwah.
- JBook Book Club – Monday, May 18th, 6:30 at Penn Quarter Teaism. May’s topic of discussion is “Moribito” by Nahoko Uehashi. New members always welcome, so drop on by.
- JETAA DC Alumni Social Event at Pimlico Race Course – May 23rd at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD. The first race is 11:30 and admissions is free.
- Camp JET at Lake Arrowhead – May 29th – May 31st at Lake Arrowhead. Spend the weekend roughing it with JETAASC.
- Pre-Departure Seminar Volunteers Needed! – Saturday, June 27th, 8:00 to 5:00 at Almansor Court. The 2009 JET participants are gearing up for their adventure to Japan, and JETAASC is looking for JET Alumni to guide them on their way. Share your experiences, wisdom and laughs with the new crowd and become a volunteer.
- Pre-Departure Seminar Volunteers Needed Canada Style – Saturday, June 27th at BCIT Downtown Campus. JETAABC is looking for volunteers to help prepare the newest crop of JET participants.
- Spring Family BBQ Cook-Out – Saturday, May 16t, 12:00 at the Chattahoochee River Park in Roswell. JETAASE along with the Japan-America Society of Georgia is holding its annual Young Professionals Spring Family BBQ Cook-Out. Spend the day outside grilling, chatting and seeing old friends.
- JETAANY Book Club Meeting – Wednesday, May 13th, 7:00 at a location yet to be announced. This month’s selection will be, “The Housekeeper and the Professor” by Yoko Ogawa.
- Sushi Rolling at Satsuko – Tuesday, May 27th, 7:00 at Satsuko. Learn how to roll your own sushi so you’ll never go hungry again.
- East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, May 21st, 6:00 at Conga Lounge. Celebrate summer’s imminent arrival with Mai Tais, friends and JETAANC.
- JETAANC Book Club Meeting – The next official meeting of the Book Club is happening in June. The discussion will center around “Silence” by Shusaku Endo. Start reading so you’ll be ready come June.
- UWA Japanese Studies Society’s River Cruise – Thursday, May 14th, 7:00 departing from Barrak St. Jetty. Test your Japanese and your sea legs at this year’s River Cruise.
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.
Thanks to JET Liason Noriko Furuhata and JET alum Eric Campbell, both of whom work at the Consulate General of Japan in New York, for sharing the link to this Japan Times article about JET alum John Gauntner who has established himself as the leading non-Japanese sake expert in the world. And this on the heels of a recent JETAA NY sake tasting event at Bao Noodles, a restaurant owned by JET alum and sake sommelier Chris Johnson (Oita-ken, 1992-95).
Great stuff. Then again, is anyone really that surprised that JET alums would know sake so well? :-)
For more info, here are links to:
- the Japan Times article: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090404a1.html
- John’s website: http://www.sake-world.com/ (filled with lots of good stuff)
- The five books he’s written on sake: http://www.sake-world.com/html/books.html (Yet another published JET alum author!)
- His Nihonshu columns that he wrote for the Japan Times for 8 years: http://www.sake-world.com/html/jt-archives.html
Perhaps going forward it’s time for JetWit to start keeping its eyes peeled for JET alum shouju sommeliers.
Kirsten’s World: Oh, I’m a Joyous Glad T.V.
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By Kirsten Phillips (Niigata-ken, 2005-08)
I would pay a ton of money to be a Japanese-comprehending fly on the wall of a Glico marketing conference. Summer approaches and Japan requires a new gum.
Eureka! I’ve got it! Monkey gum!
No one’s gonna buy monkey gum, idiot.
I tell you some folk can’t resist the idea of monkey gum! It’ll be a sensation! The people will embrace it by storm!
3 people will embrace it by storm–the guy in the strait jacket and the two men in white chasing him with a net.
You just don’t see my vision, man!
Ok. What exactly does monkey gum taste like?
I believe we may have found an appropriate vehicle for our as yet unlaunched gobo-yuzu series.
In what blanking universe does gobo OR yuzu have anything whatsoever to do with primates?
Who fucking cares??? It’s monkey blast! Simmianrific! Sarutastic! My mojo’s on the yen, baby! Tart it up, get Kamenashi in a chimp suit to whore it out and it’ll sell like スルメ in a Nursing Home!
The ironic thing is, ladies and gents? It likely will. In fact, it might even launch an American remake.
Such a fickle lot the Japanese are. Just when I’d start developing a bitching jones for キャラメル 味 Kit-Kats, I’d find them cruelly yanked come Winter and Read More
JapanInfo Newsletter – April 2009
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The April 2009 edition of JapanInfo is now available online. JapanInfo is published by the Consulate General of Japan in New York/Japan Information Center and is a great source of info for Japan-related things going on in New York and the surrounding area.
Highlights include:
Ambassador Nishimiya Takes Office- Ambassador Nishimiya Visits Philadelphia
- Ms. Toshiko Calder of the Princeton Community Japanese Language School is Honored
- JETAANY Hosts First Author Showcase
- The World Heritage Sites in Japan: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
- Manga as a Tool for Learning Japanese
- And plenty of things to do and see on the Events Calendar.
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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.
When I was in Japan back in March, a topic that was on everyone’s minds (or at least those of my single friends) was 婚活 (konkatsu), 
the idea of pursuing a marriage partner in the same way you would look for a job. The flip side of the coin is the companion term 離活 (rikatsu), referring to rikon katsudou or similar efforts regarding divorce. In keeping with the times, new dramas this spring season revolve around these themes. In the interest of anthropological research as well as satisfying my Japanese drama addiction, I checked out 「婚カツ！」 and 「コンカツ・リカツ」 .
The former stars SMAP member Masahiro Nakai as Kuniki Amamiya, a 34-year old who Read More
Job: Assistant English Teacher (Hokkaido)
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Via JETAA Pacific Northwest:
Greetings from Hokkaido,
I remember this gig as being a sweet one if anyone is interested in coming back to Japan and living up in Kamui Mintara (Ainu for “God’s Country”) of Hokkaido. If so, please check out the below and get in touch with them directly.
If you are interested in coming over to the Kamui Mintara this summer for some good ol’ fashioned (straw bale) wall raising, check out the blog listed in my signature for information on our workshop the first weekend in August.
I hope all is well back in The Pac. NW!! Ogenki de!!
-Toby
Hokkaido, Japan, Earth
http://maikotobybomber.blogspot.com
*************
The Shintoku BOE is seeking an enthusiastic applicant to fill one of its two Assistant English Teacher (AET) positions. Read More
Job: Bilingual English/Korean Assistant Recruiter (Southern California)
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Via JETAA Southern California:
Assistant Recruiter Wanted
Description
Major Japanese trading company is looking for Assistant Recruiter(Human Resource Department)! This company holds nineteen branch offices througout the United States, Canada, Tokyo, Kobe and Shanghai China. They offers Japanese food to the world , and offers international food to Japan. Read More
J-News Mini-Roundup: The Sumo Tournament for Losers, Asashoryu Included
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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.
Background: Last night sumo’s match was an upset for the returning champion sumo, Asashoryu. After an accusation from the sumo authorities for “playing soccer in Mongolia”, among other charges, he was officially banned from sumo for an extended period of time in 2007 to 2008. Now this year he’s back along with his arch rival, Hakuhou. While Hakuhou was undefeated last tournament, Asashoryu racked up two losses. Last night also demonstrated that Asashoryu is not going to be able to come out of this tournament unscathed. Each newspaper had a slightly different take on Asashoryu, Hakuhou, and the tournament last night at Ryogoku, in Tokyo.
Yomiuri “Asashoryu hits the floor, Hakuhou racks up a third win.” The Yomiuri, compared with the other two papers, focuses on Asashoryu’s loss and him literally “hitting the floor.” His rival, Aminishiki, pushed him out of the ring by a well positioned start. The Yomiuri then describes this defeat as the seventh time Aminishiki has beaten a sumo champion. Hakuhou on the other hand, as they describe in their second paragraph, has racked up his third consecutive win.
Nikkei “Asashoryu’s first defeat, Hakuhou and Haruma win” The Nikkei cleverly gives the spotlight in their headline for a win to both…
(Click HERE to read the rest of the post)
Job: English editor, Chinese>English translation for bank (Hong Kong)
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Via JET alum Tim Tsang (CIR Hyogo-ken) of the Tardis Group, a global executive search firm:
A Chinese bank is searching for an English editor for the research department in Hong Kong. Successful candidate will edit English professionally and is capable of translating Mandarin Chinese to English as well. Current writing/editing experienced candidates only please. Please send an email/call for an initial confidential discussion.
http://www.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=67&PageNumber=1&JobID=15307214
Professional translator Joel Dechant (CIR Kagoshima-ken, 2001-04) is now guest blogging for Fukuoka Now
Before moving my humble abode to the heart of Hakata, I had the esteemed pleasure of living in Beppu—the hot spring capital of the world—for 3 years. I worked at a university, did some volunteer guided tours and even got on TV several times One of my most memorable odysseys in Spa Land was taking my son all over the city in a quest to become Hot Spring Masters.
Hot Spring Master?
Yes, I can proudly say that I am a Hot Spring Master. Here’s how it works. You go to the tourism bureau or train station and pay 50 yen for a hot spring passport, the Spaport. Then, you pick up a copy of the Onsenbon (Hot Spring Book) which lists all of the participating hot springs and comes chock full of coupons. After enjoying each hot spring (in whatever order you choose), you show your Spaport to the onsen staff and get it stamped. Every 8 hot springs, you advance to the next level, and you have the option of paying 500 yen to the tourism bureau to get a nifty certificate and colored towel, a la the different colored belts in karate. Once you reach 88 hot springs, you pay the final fee of 1500 yen to get the granddaddy of all towels, the black and gold Hot Spring Master towel. You get another cool certificate, and your photo goes on the Wall of Fame at Hyotan Onsen. Then you can tell everyone, “You know what? I’m a Hot Spring Master!” It makes for great party conversation, and it’s a great way to get to know Beppu.
So what does this have to do with Fukuoka?
Continue reading “Masters of the Noodleverse” at the FukuokaNOW blog!
The Digitalists: State of the Media 2009
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For the benefit of all the JET alum journalists, aspiring journalists and writers of all stripes out in the JET-osphere, I thought I’d share a recent post from my bookworm brother Greg, who works in online marketing and is in the process of digesting the Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism’s extensive report:
Good overview from the Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism. I’m still working through the complete report (which apparently tops out at 700 pages), so for now I’ll just focus on some of the major trends they identify:
The growing public debate over how to finance the news industry may well be focusing on the wrong remedies while other ideas go largely unexplored.
Forget about micropayments and changing to non-profit status. And forget about a single revenue source being the magic bullet that will save the news business. Most likely, it will take a combination of new ideas, including “online retail malls” and “subscription-based niche products for elite professional audiences.” That last point is an important one; while it’s nearly impossible to get an audience to start paying for a service they’ve been receiving for free, there are always opportunities to upsell premium offerings to segments of your audience.
Power is shifting to the individual journalist and away, by degrees, from journalistic institutions.
This sounds like a good thing for journalists, but as Spider-man would say, with greater power comes greater responsibility; specifically, the responsibilities journalists used to depend on organizations to take care of such as editing, marketing and publicity.
On the Web, news organizations are focusing somewhat less on bringing audiences in and more on pushing content out.
This is another trend that’s potentially liberating, but also scary. When publishers bring users to their content, they also control the options for monetizing it. Even if (…continue reading)
Via JETAA Texoma (Chapter 9):
Dear Texoma JET Alumni:
The Consulate-General of Japan at Houston is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for a special Research Student Scholarship available only to past JET Program participants. Like ordinary Research Student Scholarships, this opportunity provides recipients with round-trip airfare to Japan, all tuition expenses, and a monthly allowance of 152,000 yen (approx. $1450) per month. The scholarship term will be one-and-a-half to two years, extendable if the recipient is accepted to a masters or PhD program.
To qualify, applicants must be previous JET participants, citizens of the United States, have been born on or after April 2, 1975, and should be in good health. Furthermore, applicants must be able to arrive in Japan between April 1 and April 7 or between October 1 and October 7, 2010 and have intermediate or higher level Japanese ability. Proposed fields of study should be the same or related to a field applicants studied previously.
More details can be found at: http://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/culture/page11-2.htm. The deadline for applications is June 26, 2009, so please start your applications soon. Be sure to include your JET experience on your application. If you have any questions, please contact me at 713-652-2977 x2114 or jetcoord@cgjhou. org. This is a tremendous opportunity, so we hope many of you will apply.
