Apr 16

Shiseido is looking for a international new marketing head. As one of the top brands in Asia, looks like a great job for those with experience.  (Thanks to JET alum Kendall Murano for sending this one over.)

Contact: resumes [at] sac.shiseido [dot] com

Qualifications:

  • Professional and effective communication skills, especially with Tokyo HQ and local subsidiaries.
  • Ability to manage several projects at any given time
  • Flexibility related to situations, high problem-solving skills
  • Ability to create and evaluate English written materials
  • Some domestic and international travel necessary
  • Japanese(native level), English(business-native level)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Apr 16

Job: English Teacher at the Seigakuin Atlanta International School (Atlanta)

Via JETAA Southeast:

Seigakuin Atlanta International School (a school accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education) is looking for English Language Arts teachers (Pre-K through 6th Grade). Position starts August 2009.

In their own words:  “Our school offers a unique Japanese-English Two-Way Immersion program. Our students’ families are Japanese, Japanese-American, and American (plus other nationalities) .”

Qualifications Required: Teacher’s License and/or ESL-ESOL Certification.

Skills: Japanese language ability would be an asset, but not required.

Application: Please send resume and letter of interest to Maki Brown at employment [at] seigakuin [dot] us.


Apr 16

Job: Admin Assistant at the Japanese Mission to the United Nations (NY)

Straight from our folks at JETAA NY:

Administrative Assistant at the Japanese Mission to the United Nations

http://jetaany.org/forum/jobs/topic-592/


Apr 16

NYTimes: Young Japanese head to inaka for work

Interesting article in today’s NY Times about how a lot of young Japanese adults are heading to the inaka to work on farms.  This simultaneously helps with some of the unemployment in Japan and also helps replace a lot of the aging farm workforce and perhaps even in terms of improving inefficient farming processes.

Demographic shifts also tend to have other consequences as well.  I wonder if any current JETs out there are seeing this trend first hand.  And I wonder if there might be any impact on the JET experience or even the JET Program in some way over time.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/business/global/16farmer.html?emc=eta1


Apr 16

JETAA Toronto – Japanese Language Classes

JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following Japanese language classes being held by JETAA Toronto and thought they might be of interest to former JETs in the Toronto area.

Spring Japanese lessons are here again!

Teacher: Sugimoto-sensei
Place: Toronto Reference Library, Basement Meeting Room 1
Time: 6:15 – 8:15pm

Dates: Mondays
April 20, 29
May 4, 11, 25 (skips Victoria Day 18th)
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Cost: $60 for 10 weeks
(Option available of paying $6 for the first lesson to ‘try it out’ and then pay balance upon joining.)

If you or anyone you know wants to brush up on their Japanese, please forward inquires to Sonia.


Apr 16

J-News Mini-Roundup: Ichiro Breaks Record

ichiroJ-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.

One of the inspirations of this blog entry is to translate directly Japanese news stories from Japanese to English. It is often interesting and enlightening to get the Japanese perspective. After reading an American paper’s account of Ichiro breaking the record and realizing there was no interviews with the man, it became necessary to write about what Ichiro himself said about his record breaking achievement.

Asahi (I was hitting “for dear life”) When Asahi asked Ichiro what it was like up at bat during the seventh inning, when the record could be broken, he exclaimed, “I had no time to think about what was actually going on, or that this was a special moment. It was like I was hitting for dear life.” Asahi then asked, “Can you explain what you mean by “dear life””? Ichiro replied, “Well basically I wanted to take advantage of the moment that my team was doing well. I wanted to add to the flow of the game.”

Asahi also asked if he felt good after playing the game. Ichiro replied “Well I actually had a bad feeling. It was that the current record holder would get upset, hearing cheers after the record was broken.”

Yomiuri (“Not bad at all.”) Ichiro’s feelings while he was at bat, according to Yomiuri, “I was thinking, not bad at all. I should take advantage of the flow of my team. Although I say take advantage, I don’t mean just the act of “taking”, but I think I was more wrapped up in the feeling of the moment.”

Nikkei (“I’ve surpassed the current record holder”) The Nikkei focused on the actual act of breaking the record. Ichiro in the seventh inning left a mark by getting the 3,085 hit of his career. It also went on to explain that Ichiro had stomach pains and was out for eight games last season, and he seems to have recovered well this season. Ichiro exclaimed “I’ve now passed the current record holder.”


Apr 15

JETAA Chapter Beat 4.15.09

Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…tax-day

JETAA Northern California

  • East Bay Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, April 16th, 6:00 at Ichi Japon in Oakland. Celebrate the passing of another tax day with a drink and friends at JETAANC.
  • Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” on “Life after Death” – Saturday, April 18th, 3:00 at a location yet to be determined. This month’s discussion focuses on “Life after Death,” touching on religion, philosophy and other theories on this intriguing subject.

JETAA D.C.

  • JBook Book Club – Monday, April 20th, 6:30 at the Penn Quarter Teaism. This month’s book is “An Artist of the Floating World” by Kazuo Ishiguro. Come share your thoughts and impressions with JBook.
  • Spring Koto Recital – Sunday, April 26th, 2:00 at the University of Maryland’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. The Washington Toho Koto Society is putting on their 37th Annual Spring Recital. It’s open to the public, so why not spend the day absorbing some Japanese culture.
  • J-Lunch – April 30th, 12:00 at Kopitiam. Have lunch and catch up with your friends at JETAADC.

JETAA Pacific Northwestryoheitanakaart

  • Spokane Japan Week – Saturday, April 18th – Sunday, 26th. It’s the 17th annual Japan Week in Spokane, including music by JET Alum Shun Endo’s band, The Liquid Now, “Hara-Hara” night(celebrating urban fashion in the spirit of Harajuku and Sakura-Con), and other Japan related events. Opening ceremonies are on Saturday at Spokane’s Riverpark Square, don’t miss it.
  • Japanese Paper Cutting Exhibit and Talk – Thursday, April 16th, 5:30 at the Cullom Gallery. Artist Ryohei Tanaka will be giving a talk and demonstration of his work on Japanese Paper Cutting, “kiri e.” Learn about this traditional and interesting form of art from a true master.

JETAA British Columbia

  • Asia Voila – UBC Asia Open House – Saturday, April 18th, 11:00 to 4:00 at the University of British Columbia. This weekend is UBC’s Asian Open House with a variety of Japanese activities including a Tea Ceremony, Haiku, Buddhist Chants and more.

JETAA New Yorkhfs_cherry_blossom_042807

  • Spa Castle Onsen Experience – Sunday, April 26th, at the New York Spa Castle in Queens. Melt away the last of winter’s cold with a day at the only onsen in New York with JETAANY. Four floors of spas, pools and saunas await you, don’t miss it.
  • Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens – Saturday, May 2nd, 11:00 at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Spend the day with JETAANY outside under the cherry blossoms. Activities include ikebana, taiko and other Japanese related fun.
  • Book Club Meeting – Wednesday, May 6th, 7:00 at a location yet to be determined. The selected work this month is “The Housekeeper and the Professor” by Yoko Ogawa. Start reading so you can join in on the discussion come May.

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.


Apr 15

The Release of the Mini Coop, in Japan

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.

BMW has just released a new version of their convertible in Japan, the Mini Coop Convertible S and the Mini Coop Convertible. Each newspaper focused on different features that its readers would enjoy.

mini

Nikkei (New Functionality) The Nikkei focused on the new engine and catchy functionalities that come with the “newly improved mini coop.” The car “employs an effective new engine, with gas consumption performance increased by 40%.” The roof is now able to close mid drive, in reaction to unexpected rain storms. Its closing time has also been decreased to 15 seconds; quick enough so it can close in the time it takes for a stoplight to turn green. Although both newspapers list the car has come out in two models, the Nikkei lists the models as a selection process, with the faster type “more equipped with a 1600cc engine”.

Asahi (New Comfort) The Asahi describes the car as a “new release” in Japan, with different characteristics than previous models. The Asahi talks about the space available in the car, both when driving with the top down and top up. Not only is there luggage space which exceeds 170 liters when the top is up, but it then goes on to elaborate how 2 people can fit in the back comfortably. The space overall has increased by 55 liters as compared to the last model.

NHK and Yomiuri (Crane Accident) Both the NHK and Yomiuri this morning did not run articles on the mini coop but instead focused on the tragic crane accident in Tokyo. 6 people were injured when a large crane suddenly collapsed on its work site and nearby sidewalk. The cause of the accident is currently being investigated.


Apr 14

Job: Payroll Admin for TransPerfect (NY)

Via JETAA DC yahoogroup (interestingly enough):

Payroll Administration for TransPerfect in NY

Position Summary: The Payroll individual to manage, process and coordinate all aspects of bi-weekly and monthly payrolls for over 1,000 national and international employees. Read More


Apr 14

JETAA Law finds good JET resource for aspiring lawyers

Zach LeNarz, founder of the JETAA Law Group (now on Facebook) posted a link on the group’s wall to the powerpoint slides (in PDF format) used in a presenation at the 2008 Yokohama returner’s conference. The presentation was given by an Australian woman then working for the law firm of Herbert Smith in Tokyo and provide a good way of thinking through any JET’s decision to study law and the various career options.

http://www.jetprogramme.org/documents/conference/crj/2008_crj/Law_ppp.pdf


Apr 14

Jobs: 4 positions at Outdoor Research (Seattle area)

Via JETAA Pacific Northwest:

If you or someone you know is interested in one of these positions, please refer them to the Employment Section of the OR website (  http://www.outdoorr esearch.com/ site/jobs_ listing.html ) and have them submit a resume to jobs at outdoorresearch dot com.


Apr 13

J-News Mini-Roundup: The Rise of the LDP and Prime Minister Aso?

dpjJ-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.

Various news articles released over the weekend show the differing views of the popularity of the DPJ (Democratic Party of Japan) vs. the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party).

Nikkei (Local Elections say “yes”) – The Nikkei’s article about Akita’s governor race stated “The DPJ’s support in the region was broken” by the election. They continued stating the main reason for the loss is the recent scandal involving the DPJ’s Ozawa and his secretary being charged with taking campaign funds from Nishimatsu Construction Company. The Nikkei also cited the domino-like-effects across regions, where Chiba also recently elected an LDP governor over a DPJ one.

ldp1

NHK (Public Opinion says “yes”, well kind of) – The NHK ran the results of their public opinion poll today. The prime minister’s approval ratings jumped from around 17 to 30%. Also when asked in a survey who the Japanese would like to see as prime minster in the next election, Prime Minister Aso of the LDP was favored over Representative Ozawa of the DPJ (Democratic Party of Japan). How decisive an outcome was it? Well, 19% favored the Prime Minister, while 14% favored Ozawa. 60% of Japanese said neither of these candidates would be good choices.

Asahi (Neither party is popular) Asahi seemed to use the unpopularity of politicians to their advantage in an interview with Prime Minister Aso. They asked the Prime Minister “You’ve been saying in budgetary committee, “Create a budget! Reconcile differences!” But between your party and the opposition party, which side do you think the public supports?” Aso replied “As of right now, umm…currently, looking from…Wait, you have evidence that this budget is supported by the public? Well, do you?”


Apr 13

Japan America Society Round-Up 4.13.09

Current Hiroshima-ken JET Gail Meadows shines a light on some of the upcoming events and activities of various Japan America Societies …

JAS of Kentucky

JS of Northern California

  • Haiku Program – Learn about the origins of the art of haiku from a well-known translator of the medium, Jane Reichhold, during her program “The Secrets of Haiku from Master Basho”. Reichhold will discuss Japan’s legendary 17th century poet Matsuo Basho, the creator of haiku. The cost is $8 for society members, $15 for non-members. Society members must call ahead to get the lower rate: (415) 597-6705. 

JAS of Indiana

  • Lecture by Dick Hebdige – Hebdige’s lecture is titled “After Love, After Punk: Takashi Murakami and the Contemporary Japanese Dreamscape.” The JAS describes it this way: In the 30 years since punk icons Richard Hell and Johnny Rotten snagged the public’s attention, punk has become an anti-fashion statement, a marketable music genre and a secessionist lifestyle. The same period of time has witnessed the invasion of the international art- and media-scape by Japanese anime and art phenomenon Takashi Murakami. This talk by Dick Hebdige, who explores punk’s relationship to the mainstream, uses Murakami’s work as a lens to view how ideas and attitudes about youth culture, consumerism, sex and love have changed in the three decades since Hebdige’s book Subculture: The Meaning of Style was published in 1979.

JAS of Georgia

  • Asia Breakfast Briefing: Economic Developments in Asia – Learn how the global financial crisis is impacting the Pacific Rim, with serious implications for U.S. companies doing business in Asia. Speakers come from Jones Day’s offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Taipei. RSVP required.
    • Date: Friday, April 24
    • Time: Registration & Breakfast 8 to 8:30 a.m.; Program 8:30 to 10 a.m.
    • Place: Jones Day, 1420 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 800, Atlanta
    • For more information: http://www.jasgeorgia.org/

Does your Japan America Society have an upcoming event you’d like to share with JetWit readers? Email Gail Meadows the info.


Apr 13

Job: Technical Japanese to English Translator in Seattle

Just spotted this posting for a Japanese to English translator with a computer programming background needed for a few months in Seattle. For further info check out the original post on the Honyaku discussion group.


Apr 11

Event: Indoor Rock Climbing (Toronto, ON)

JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following event through the JETAA Toronto April newsletter 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.

Bring back the triumphant memories of scaling Mt. Fuji by scaling Joe Rockhead’s Indoor Rock Climbing wall at the upcoming sports event, FUJI-SAN ROCK CLIMBING. The group of us will be given a 1-hour beginner’s lesson to rock climbing, followed by 2-hours of instructor-guided practice and technique.

We will be led by some of the finest instructors in the country, at Joe Rockhead’s, the first climbing gym ever opened in Canada. The environment is fun, controlled and safe for all participants.

Read More


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