Introducing the 2009-10 JETAA DC Council
JETAA Chapters 
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Via JETAA DC:
2009-2010 JETAA DC Council
- President: Michelle Spezzacatena
- Vice President: Justin Manger
- Secretary: Brooke Howell
- Treasurer: Susan Gundersen
- Ad Hoc Chair: Heather McDonald
- Outreach Chair: Margaret Burton
- Newsletter Chair: Abby MacBain
- Online Chair: Ben Bucher
- Returnee Handbook Chairs: Abby MacBain and Jeff Herman
- Social Chair: Cynthia Hawkins (Rosalyn Adams)
- Volunteer Chairs: Naomi Basik and Stacey Yanagawa
- Non Profit Chair: Mac Maloney
Japanese art and anime festival at the Orlando Public Library
Events, Japan Trends, JETAA Chapters Comments Off on Japanese art and anime festival at the Orlando Public Library
Via JETAA Florida:
There will be a Japanese art and anime festival at the Orlando Public Library Friday, March 13 through Saturday, March 14. Check it out. http://ld-e.com/jclub/J.Fair2009.jpg
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Big news to announce. This event is a direct outgrowth of the Writers Interpreters Translators (WIT) Group and JetWit.com.
Click on image to go to jetaany.org/authors to access full-size PDF of the poster.
Read on for more details about the event and the authors.
By Kirsten Phillips (Niigata-ken, 2005-08)
My first year in Japan schooled me.
Learn how to suck it up, you soft American pansy. This is Nippon and we don’t care if your carcass is rotting and your soul is spiraling rapidly towards damnation. We will smile and hand you the five letter dirty word: G-A-M-A-N. Now get your sorry ass into that tanmoku of 40 revved up first years or we will not be amused.
Going in to work sick is a part of life. You popped your meds, filled your water bottle and dragged your dead weight to class. Some days you just don’t have the juice to perform. When you haven’t seen the sun for 3 straight months and Kocho thinks its a swell idea to keep the heaters turned off in January to save money, you sometimes have to look under the couch of your soul and hope to scrape up some change in order to get through the day.
Nonetheless, sick is sick.
I only ever got heinously ill once in Japan. Heinous enough to see a Japanese doctor, that is. The guy was curt, handed me a vast array of Read More
Bankruptcy Bill #12 – Facebook #1
Cartoon/Illustration, Humor, Writers Comments Off on Bankruptcy Bill #12 – Facebook #1
Bankruptcy Bill is a cartoon created by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) and Gideon Kendall. To see more strips as well as original bankruptcy haiku, go to bankruptcybill.wordpress.com.
*Note: For those unfamiliar with the bagel reference, you can find the explanation in this NY Post article along with some additional modern bankruptcy cultural history in this NY Observer article.
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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.
In these tough economic times we are all looking to save money where we can. In eco-conscious Japan, this is taking the form of restaurants looking to reduce their amount of waste. Not only is this better for the earth, but they are also able to decrease processing costs so it’s a double bonus. An interesting phenomenon is that this idea is being applying to the ubiquitous enkai, known to be the worst waster of food. Instead of putting out a great spread and having much of it end up as leftovers, Read More
JETAA Chapter Beat 3.3.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community…
- JASW Sushi Making Workshop – Sunday, March 8th, at Maneki Neko Restaurant. Workshop A begins at 10:00, Workshop B begins at 1:00. Come learn how to make perfect sushi rice, flawless maki rolls and some nicely shaped nigiri sushi with Chef Tao.
- JASW Discussion: Comparing US & Japan Litigation Processes – Thursday, March 5th there will be a discussion about US and Japanese litigation laws. Do not miss the conversation about this interesting subject.
- Events at the Freer – March 6th through April 5th at the Freer Gallery there will be a series of free screenings of films by Nagisa Oshima. March 13th be sure to join the free shamisen/violin/computer concert. Don’t miss the fun.
- FLUID Pub Night – Wednesday, March 4th, 6:30 at Fluid. Have an Asahi and catch up with old friends at this month’s Fluid night.
- JETAA Speed Dating – Wednesday, March 25th, 7:00 at James Fleet Place. Looking for that special someone? Join JETAA London for some fun and romance.
- Sake Tasting – Sunday, March 22nd, 12:30 at Yumenoki Restaurant. Learn about Japanese sake with a qualified sake lecturer and enthusiast. See how it is made and get a taste for yourself.
- Happy Hour – Friday, March 6th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Toss back a drink with old friends at this month’s happy hour.
- Seattle Buddhist Temple Spring Bazaar – Sunday, March 15th, 11:00 to 3:00 at the Seattle Buddhist Temple. Come out for some home made Japanese food including sushi, barazushi, curry rice and apple pie.
- Nomikai Happy Hour – Thursday, March 5th, 6:00 at Jade Bar. Join JETAANC for a drink and some conversation at Jade for this month’s happy hour.
- Tax Seminar – Wednesday, March 4th, 6;30 at the Japan Information Center, Consulate General of Japan in SF. Wondering how to get your taxes in order after spending the last year(s) in Japan? Come get some help from your local JETAA community.
- Japanese Discussion Group “Taboo” – Saturday, March 7th, 3:00. The topic for the discussion is marijuana and Japan and the legalization/illegality of it and other drugs in Japanese society. Come have a hand in this interesting topic.
- JETAA Meeting – Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00 at Jerry’s Deli. All members welcome, so join in if you can.
- JETAA Job Fair – Saturday, April 4th, 12:00 to 5:00 at the Japan Information Center. Mark your calendars for this important chance to network with Chicago Japanese businesses.
- Japanese Literature Book Club – Tuesday, March 17th, 6:00 at the Japan Information Center. Chicago is starting a new book club to meet once a month and discuss a Japanese novel or short story. This month’s selection will be Haruki Murakami’s short story collection “After the Quake.”
- JETAA Wisconsin Subchapter Party – Sunday, March 22nd at Edo Japanese Restaurant. Come out and join the fun in Wisconsin! Talk, share experiences and, best of all, get some good food.
- Quiz Night – Thursday, March 19th, 7:00 at the UWA Tavern. Join in for the ever popular Quiz night. Food, drinks and some trivia. Don’t miss it.
- AGM – Friday, March 27th, venue to be determined. If you are interested in joining the JETAA committee this year please come by and participate.
- Returnee Reception and Family BBQ Write Up! – On Friday, February 20th there was a welcome-back reception at the CG’s residence for ’08 returnees. It was great to hear some natsukashii stories. Most of the committee was in attendance, along with the usual line-up of dignitaries. The next day, Saturday, February 21st, we held the annual JETAA Family BBQ at the Synergy Parkland at Kings Park. Despite his busy schedule, Hidenori Yoshikawa from CLAIR was kind enough to attend the event, along with plenty of JETAA members, family, CD representatives, Japanese residents of Perth and juicy watermelons. Photos will be up shortly on Facebook.
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.
Job: Development Assistant Manager (bilingual) (LA & SF)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Development Assistant Manager (bilingual) (LA & SF)
Via JETAA Southern California:
Development Assistant Manager
Requirements:
- Japanese/English bilingual a must
- Must have minimum 3 years experience in development
- Visual Basic 6 knowledge and experience is preferred
- Oracle SQL knowledge and experience is preferred
- Crystal Report knowledge and experience is preferred
Locations
San Francisco, CA & Los Angeles CA
If you are interested in this position, please send resumes to t.hashiudo@ tsconsult. com
Today’s NY Times has an article about the attempts of citizens in Hitoyoshi to block a dam that the Japanese government has wanted to build.
Any JET alums or current JETs out there who are familiar with this area and can add some perspective? Anyone have experience with anti-centralization movements in Japan?
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 now works as a media planner in Chelsea and sorely misses all her favorite midtown ramen joints.
Even though it doesn’t seem like it here in New York, the calendar tells us spring is right around the corner. Here’s a smattering of some freshly picked blog posts with same dashes of whimsy to round out your web surfing.
Robert P. Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04) wishes a happy birthday to someone with a key part in inspiring his book Zorgamazoo.
Rose Symotiuk (Hokkaido, 2003-2005) shares some truths about ringing in March with a New York snowstorm.
For all the old-school Batman fans out there, Jamie Patterson offers this video clip.
And from Lee-Sean Huang’s (Oita-ken, 2003-06) blog, he shares an intricate performance art game developed for his Visual Music class. He’ll also be performing at Arlene’s Grocery this Wednesday with JC Cassis’ band.
Job: English Language Program Director, Office of International Education – Virginia Commonwealth University
Jobs Comments Off on Job: English Language Program Director, Office of International Education – Virginia Commonwealth University
Via the Chronicle of Higher Ed’s international programs job page:
3/2/2009
- Virginia Commonwealth University (Virginia) : English Language Program Director, Office of International Education
Learn more in our Employer Profiles
The Chinese/Mexican Restaurant: A New York Phenomenon
Blogs, Food & Drink Comments Off on The Chinese/Mexican Restaurant: A New York Phenomenon
Devon Brown (Tokyo-to, 2002-04) is a freelance writer with a focus on food. You can read more of her writing at TravelingTastebuds.blogspot.com.
Have you ever walked into a Mexican restaurant only to find it staffed entirely by Chinese people? For 
those of you outside the New York area, I’m sure the answer is no. Last week I wrote a piece about this subject for bushwickbk.com and thought it might be interesting to share with a wider audience.
In 1991, motivated by the market saturation of Chinese restaurants, a Chinese immigrant named Mr. Zheng opened…
Click here for the rest of the story
Health Insurance and Freelance Translators
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For any freelancers–translators or others–there’s a good discussion of what various freelance translators in the U.S. do for health insurance on the Honyaku GoogleGroup at http://groups.google.com/group/honyaku/browse_thread/thread/ede45eb284546152?hl=en. (You need to sign up and be a member of the group to see the discussion, btw.)
Writing opportunity: JQ (JETAANY Quarterly) seeks writers
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JQ (JETAANY Quarterly) Magazine editor Justin Tedaldi is seeking writers for the below assignments. If interested, contact Justin at magazine /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org.
1. JETAA ALUMNI AUTHOR SHOWCASE – MARCH 22 @ 1:00 p.m.
On March 22, JETAA NY is pleased to present three great authors – Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06) and Robert P. Weston (Nara-ken, 2002-04) – who will discuss their books, the craft and business of writing and how their JET experience fits into the picture. Here’s a chance for you to write a story about this unique, first-time ever event!
Moderator: Randall David Cook (Fukui-ken, 1991-93) is the author of the acclaimed off-broadway plays Sake With the Haiku Geisha and Fate’s Imagination.
*Click https://jetwit.com/wordpress/library/authorsbooks/ to see a full list of JET alumni authors.
*Special guest appearance by Akira Sugiyama, Director of the Japan Information Center of the Consulate General of Japan in New York .
This event is being organized in cooperation with the Consulate General of Japan in New York.
2. JAPAN NITE ’09 CONCERT – MARCH 22 @ 8:00 p.m.
Since 1996, BENTEN Tokyo & SXSW Asia Rep have held an yearly showcase called JAPAN NITE U.S. TOUR including SXSW appearance and has introduced countless Japanese Artists to the world. 2009 will mark its 13 year anniversary. The performer’s brilliant musical performances, unique character and variety of style has won the acclaim of many, and Japan Nite evolved each year to become one of the most popular showcases in SXSW. The event has featured over 60 bands, including the likes of LOVE PSYCHEDELICO, ORIGINAL LOVE,,Lolita No.18, Number Girl, Petty Booka,TsuShiMaMire, noodles, PE’Z, Stance Punks, ELLEGARDEN, HY,The 50 KAITENZ, ASAKUSA JINTA, PISTOL VALVE, THE EMERALDS, ORESKA BAND and GO!GO! 7188 and more. We have Two Japan Nite shows during this year SXSW and after that we travel 7 other cities as always. Please check out the schedule below and come to see awesome new bands! You know Asakusa Jinta and detroit7 are coming back again. I am sure they are going to be one of the highlights of the tour and I am so happy to introduce new all girl bands and also Japanese punk legend band, SA. You should check out indie band hero, SPARTA LOCALS also. It’s so nice and unbelievable that one of the best alternative band, GRAPEVINE also join the tour!
Concert is Sunday, March 22 at NY’s Bowery Ballroom with: detroit7/SA/SPARTA LOCALS/FLiP/Omodaka/GRAPEVINE/ ASAKUSA JINTA
Anyone interested in reviewing the show or interviewing the coordinators or talent?
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=1000416699
3. JET ALUM PUBLISHES BOOK OF POEMS
JETAA Chicago Newsletter editor Elizabeth Friedman told me about James Shea, a Chicago-based JET alum who has a new book of poetry recently out on Amazon. His info is posted on the Authors page in the JetWit Library, and an article about James would make a great story to share with JETAA Chicago for their next issue.
James Shea, a former ALT and Monbukagakusho research student, published his first book of poetry in November of last year. The book is entitled Star in the Eye and is available on amazon.com. Some of the poetry is inspired by his experiences in Japan as an ALT. The book has won the 2008 Fence Modern Poets Series Prize and was also named as one of the “Favorite Books of 2008″ by the Chicago Sun Times. For more information, please visit the following link: http://www.amazon. com/Star- Eye-James- Shea/dp/19342001 4X
4. JOKICHI TAKAMINE PLAY, APRIL. 10-11
JetWit contributor Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-Ken CIR, 2000-03) told us about a play running for two days in April (10-11) that we can we profile. It’s about Jokichi Takamine, the Japanese doctor who discovered adrenaline at the turn of the century. He married an American and after some time in Japan they moved back here and bought a Japanese estate called Shofuden that had been displayed at the 1904 World’s Fair. Stacy saw a DVD of a performance in Tokyo , and her company is a sponsor. Stacy will attend one of the performances and can possibly arrange tickets to anyone interested in writing an article.
5. NEW YORK-TOKYO.COM PROFILE
This is a group that frequently sponors exclusive films, music and multimedia events here in New York . We run a story about them and I’ll put you in touch with someone in charge to provide more info.
Started in 2001, NEW YORK – TOKYO (NYT) is a NYC – based event media production and marketing communications company that is uniquely positioned to tap into the creative cultural vibe between New York and Tokyo , media capitals of the world.
http://www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/about/
6. JAPANESE CONSULATE FEATURE
The article “Nihonjin in New York ” in the current issue spotlighted the JLGC. For the next issue, I’m thinking of getting in touch with someone at the Consulate-General’s office. They publish an online newsletter of their own, and have at least one CLAIR representative we can speak with.
http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/html/index.html
7. JOB PROSPECTS FOR JETS, CIRCA 2009
I’m interested in a piece that talks about the challenges new returnee JETs face after coming home and looking for work in this economy, as well as other JET alums considering new jobs or just looking for work. This could be as simple as anecdotes (along the lines of our “How’s the Economy Treating You?” feature from fall 2008), but I’d like to turn this into an actual feature story, with at least three volunteers providing the details.
8. THE HISTORY OF JAPANESE NEWSPAPERS IN NEW YORK
There are close to a dozen newspapers and magazines in Japanese that are distributed for free at grocery stores and other select places in teh city. The question is, why are there so many, who runs them, what is there staff like, and how can they be more in touch with the JET community?
9. TOKA…
Justin is also looking for contributions for next issue’s Nippon News Blotter and East Meets West along with additional story ideas, and would also like to talk ad sales for anyone interested in making warm calls to follow up with contacts he’s e-mailed the new issue to. The more advertisers JQ gets next time, the more it can grow and evolve content- and style-wise.
Any questions, e-mail Justin at magazine /atto/ jetaany /dotto/ org.
Job: Director of the Office of International Education (Pittsburgh)
Jobs Comments Off on Job: Director of the Office of International Education (Pittsburgh)
Via Chronicle of Higher Ed international program jobs:
Position: Director of the Office of International Education – #5659
Salary: Unspecified
Institution: Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Pennsylvania
Date posted: 2/26/2009 Read More
