winter 2003
Volume 8. Number 4
The JET Quarterly Update The newsletter for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of British Columbia
iN THIS ISSUE JETAABC AGM & Shinnenkai February 7, 2003 Details page 3 From Japan focus on achieving more of a balance i.e. Donald: 1-2 Anitra not just all work, but also some form of reLife Lessons in laxation/outside activity.
Clay
3 4
JETAAI Recap JETAABC AGM & Shinnenkai
Book Review Japan on the Web Movie Review
5 6
JETAABC Events & Announcements Consulate / CLAIR Announcements Editor’s Thanks
7 8
Classified Ads About JETAABC UpcomingEvents
About Us
Bowls of various sizes
From Japan - Thoughts From A Third-Year JET: Life Lessons in Clay By Anitra Donald (neechiwa@yahoo.com)
Current ALT, Annaka-shi, Gunma-ken Happy New Year, everyone! In the busy rush of the holiday season, I thought I would take a moment or two to jot a few ideas down for Stefan, who has been very patient with me! Thanks, Stefan! When considering various ideas and topics for this article, I thought I would read over what I had written for the Summer 2000 newsletter (*editors note: Anitra wrote a spot in the July 2000 newsletter 3 weeks before she left for Japan). I couldn’t help but smile as I remembered the roller coaster of emotions I experienced on a daily basis prior to my departure that July. However, I knew that whatever lay ahead for me in my Japanese adventure, I would come away a changed (and hopefully wiser) person. As most of you probably remember (or perhaps you’ve tried to forget!), culture shock is a very real issue. However, I found that my life in Japan began to take on some semblance of normalcy when I started to
I realized that I was interested in cultural pursuits and so for a time, tried one thing after another. I studied ikebana at my local bunka centre. I also did some kirie (traditional paper cutting art) under the direction of a local lady. I learned how to wear a kimono. I attended a nearby taiko class. I studied Japanese cooking. I even did the rounds of all the local izakaya s (grin). But I kept on looking. I was searching for just the right hobby for me. Finally, I decided to pursue the rumours that I’d heard of a famous potter living in my town and after some investigation, was able to track down the directions to his place. After driving down meandering country roads for a while, I came upon a very rustic looking building on a hill, faintly reminiscent of West Coast post and beam architecture, yet wholly Japanese. I ventured in, and introduced myself to the potter, Noboru Aoki, and his gracious wife, Reiko. They quickly assured me that though I would be their first foreign student, I was welcome to study with them when I was able and their kindness was like a salve on the abrasions I’d earned on a daily basis in the scuffles with my strict and stern BOE. continued on page 2
Sushi set, plates & hashioki
Volume 8, Number 4
PAGE 2
Winter 2003
Consul Dinner (L-R): JETAABC Pres. Ryan Butt, Consul General Toshiro Ozawa, JET Liason Steve Chevalier, Past Pres. Liz Stephens
JETAAI Vancouver A Success Story (Left) The rice bowl that started it all; (Right) Tea ceremony bowl
I got up the nerve to join one of their classes and started at the end of April 2002. Everyone was so kind and patient with me, even when I felt like giving up when I found out how difficult and challenging even the most basic task like kneading clay actually was. Aoki sensei told me that it usually takes students about 3 years to learn how to knead clay properly. Also, most students had to study for 3 years before they could use the electric wheel (great shades of Ghost !) My heart sank when I realized that that was basically the length of my entire time in Japan! However, when I thought about my life-long fascination with pottery, I decided that I owed it to myself to at least give it my best shot. Just before summer break, I was told that we would have July and August off, classes would resume in September and then in mid-October, we would be required to exhibit 10 or more pieces of our own creation at the City Gallery in one of the biggest cities in our prefecture. My face fell, since I knew I would have a long, hard, road ahead of me. Every time I sat in front of a new lump of clay, the familiar feelings of helplessness would well up. I would sit there for a minute or two and think, “I can just give up, or I can try to make something...if I don’t like it, I can always squish it up and start over, I guess.” Aoki sensei would come by my table and ask me what I was doing. My answer was always, “I’m thinking!” He told me, “ Don’t think so much, just do something .” At first my reaction was, “That’s easy for you to say, you have been doing this for longer than I have been alive!” but then I realized that his simple words held a lot of truth. They could even apply to my post-JET decisions that have been occupying a lot of my recent thought life. What will I do after July 2003, take another contract and stay in Japan? Do an M.A. in TESOL? Go home and try to find a job that will enable me to keep paying down that never-ending student loan? Then, when it seems like the answer will never come, I hear Aoki sensei’s voice in my head, telling me to just forge ahead and try something. I will end up where I am meant to be and all the worrying in the world will not change that. Anitra started out with a humble rice bowl and ended up with many interesting handcrafted pieces of pottery (including a sushi set!), which were shown in the exhibition where they were oohed and aahed over by many astonished locals. She continues to study under the patient tutelage of Noboru and Reiko Aoki, and is extremely grateful for her new ‘pottery family’ and the kindness they have shown to her.
The 2002 JETAAI Conference was hosted this year in Vancouver by JETAABC from November 21st to November 24th. In previous years the conference was held in London and Tokyo. This year there were 45 delegates from 43 chapters from 12 countries around the world. With the support of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
2003-4 JETAAI Executive (L-R): So-Young Kan, Snaiet Shalav, Liz Stephens, Tony Rikkers
CLAIR New York these delegates were able to come to Vancouver for the conference. A wide variety of issues were discussed from membership to fundraising to chapter activites. The conference was a stunning success for our chapter as it highlighted both Vancouver and the many great activites and members JETAABC has. Thank you to Consul General Ozawa and Consul Hideaki Kawai for their support; Paul Donovan, Julian Rendell, Stefan Chobotar and Matt Fedoruk for their techinal assistance; Adele Pransky for help with registration; all the JETAABC volunteers who did such a great job moderating and note taking and a really big thanks to Liz Stephen for her hours and hours of hard work. I look forward to seeing all of you again at our AGM in February. Ryan Butt President of JETAABC Hotel and Travel Chair of the 2002 JETAAI Conference Vancouver
PAGEPAGE 3 3
JETAABC 2003 AGM & Shinnenkai! When: Friday, February 7th, 2003. Where: The Roundhouse Community Centre (Davie and Pacific Blvd.)
What: AGM - The AGM will be from 7-8pm in the Multi-purpose Room C, Main level Shinnenkai - will be from 7:30pm-10pm in the Multimedia Room, Upstairs
Volunteers needed: I’m also looking for some volunteers to help set up from 6-7pm.
Parking: On-street parking is available and there is paid parking in and around the Yaletown area.
Cost:
$8.00 JETAABC members (pre-paid by cheque made out to JETAABC) if RSVP and mail Matthew a cheque by February 1st, 2003. JETAABC 2003 AGM/Shinnenkai, c/o Matthew Fedoruk, 702 - 969 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1A8
RSVP:
Your RSVP is kindly requested by February 1st, 2003. Email Matthew Fedoruk at treasurer.bc.jetaa.ca
Volume 8, Number 4
PAGE 4
Winter 2003
Book Review by Kristin Olson
Book Review: Flight Paths of the Emperor by Steve Heighton
This was a very comforting book to read after returning to Canada. It is a series of short stories, all dealing with the experience of being a foreigner. The uneasiness felt by those who dangle between two cultures is fully explored. The review in the Globe and Mail says, “Heighton is like the young Ondaatje.... a superb craftsman at ease in foreign places and distant times.” Entertaining and touching, “Flight Paths” is an excellent read.
Japan on the Web Japanese News Resources Contributed by Geoff Reid
Japan Today - www.japantoday.com Metropolis Magazine - metropolis.japantoday.com The Japan Times Online - www.japantimes.com Asahi News English Online - www.asahi.com/english/english.html The Daily Yomiuri Online - www.yomiuri.co.jp/index-e.htm
Movie Review by Stefan Chobotar Movie Review: Kikujiro Directed by Takeshi Kitano Do you remember Takeshi Kitano the Director or Beat Takeshi the actor? Well, they are the same person but depending on whether he directs or acts in a film he will be credited differently. Although I’ve never seen his other films, infamous for their “ultra-violent” gangster content (see “Hanabi”, “Gonin”, “Sonatine”), I knew Beat Takeshi from his various appearances on Japanese TV (he appears in up to 5 shows a week). He always struck me as an interesting character, his sense of humour was off the wall, some might even say weird and his appearance was grizzled and tough, a sharp contrast to the refined and delicate characteristics of so many other Japanese TV celebrities. Kikujiro no Natsu (Kikujiro is the English Title) signifies a departure from Kitano’s traditional genre. This was a conscious decision by Kitano, a consummate artist continually re-inventing himself. The plot is a simple story revolving around a young boy’s quest (Kikujiro) to find his estranged mother, Kikujiro is joined by Kitano’s character a razor-faced ojichan with a sordid past. Adventures ensue during their journey but what I most liked about the film was the “natsu kashi” value of the scenes shot during a Japanese Summer. Kitano has a beautiful eye and he captures the curious contrast between Japan’s dense urban life and the dense nature which surrounds it. During my years in southern Japan, I lived in a bustling city of 60 000, but the mountains and thick forests of vines and bamboo were quiet sanctuaries that I could escape to, explore and take some time out to just listen to the wind blowing through the treetops. Similarly, Kitano’s films always include a nature scene (usually near the sea) where his characters play children’s games and seem to find their innocence again. So, if you’re looking for that “homesick for Japan” antidote...check out Takeshi Kitano’s “Kikujiro”. (More info can be found here: http://us.imdb.com/Name?Kitano,+Takeshi)
PAGEPAGE 5 5 Social Events Co-ordinator: this person is responsible for organzing one social event a month. For all steering positions there is also the requirement to attend steering committee meetings which are held once a month and to attend most JETAABC events.
Upcoming Events JETAABC 2003 AGM Positions for Feb 7th 2003 by Ryan Butt
2002 has been a great year for JETAABC with a successful JETAAI Conference in November and many other great events. It is now time to elect a new executive to continue on with plans for the 2003 year. I want to encourge all of you to consider running for the steering committee at the AGM. We need to have a energetic and hard working executive to continue organizing activites for the over 400 members of JETAABC across the province. Here is a list of the postitions on the steering committee with a brief description of each one. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at rjbmaui@hotmail.com or email any other executive member. Past President: this is a non-elected position held by the retiring president. President: this person is reponsible for chairing meetings and representing the chapter at the national and international level. Prep Seminar Co-ordinator: the person would be responsible for organizing the prep seminar to be held in June for departing JETS. Career Seminars Co-ordinator: this person would be responsible for organizing the career re-entry seminar to be held in October along with career workshops to be held through-out the year. Treasurer: this person is responsible for the financial records of the chapter including the preparation of a budget and the signing of all cheques. Newsletter Editor: this person is responsible for publishing four newsletters a year. Membership Co-ordinator: this person is responsible for maintaining and updating the database which is in Access. The person should have access to a computer and be able to use the Access Database program. They would also prepare the mailing labels for the newsletters and be the moderator for Yahoo Groups. Secretary: this person is responsible for taking the minutes at each steering committee meetinng.
Thank you again for your interest and support of JETAABC and I hope to see you all at the AGM in February. Even if you are unable to put your name forward for an executive position please attend the AGM and vote for the new executive members. Yours truly, Ryan Butt President of JETAABC
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER: The Jet Quarterly Update is a newsletter that provides current information about JET Alumni Activities & Japanese Cultural Events in BC / Yukon. Got an idea for an article or want to post an announcement contact the editor via email: newsletter.bc@jetaa.ca
February Career Think Tank Sessions by Kristin Olson
JETAABC is hosting a series of Think Tanks for alumni who are interested in discussing career issues (resumes, interviews, networking, career ideas, etc). Sponsored in part by the David Lam Centre SFU Harbour Centre, the second think tank will be held on Fri. Feb.28.2003. 6:308:30pm at SFU Harbour Centre. Experienced career counsellor Toshimi Ono will also be in attendance to offer her perspective. You need not have attended previous career seminars/think tanks to participate. Contact Kristin Olson **AFTER FEBRUARY 6**, for more information. (I will be travelling until the 6th, and my hotmail account is very tiny. genkisushi@hotmail.com)
Sign up for the JETAABC e-tree! Are you a newly returned JET who has signed up for the JETAABC and still feel out of the loop? Then become a member of the Yahoo Groups list and receive JET / Japan related information via email. Signing up for JETAABC, doesn’t automatically subscribe you to this list...so follow this link and get connected: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jetaabclist/join
Volume 8, Number 4
PAGE 6
NEWS FROM THE CONSULATE
Winter 2003
by Steve Chevalier Assistant to the Consul, Cultural Affairs The Consulate of Japan
JET Programme Deadline Past The application deadline for the 2003-2004 JET Programme has past. The Embassy in Ottawa is currently busy reviewing application forms to decide who will be granted an interview in February. This year’s interviews will be held February 19, 20 and 21 in Vancouver.
Japanese Lanuage Training Program JET Programme Essay Contest The 11th Annual JET Programme Essay Competition will be conducted along the following guidelines, so have your submissions ready! 1. Entrant Prerequisites Entrants must be a present or past JET Programme participant. 2. Essay Topics Grass roots internationalization at the local level Foreign language education International exchange through sports The JET Programme experience The JET Programme experience and how it has affected my after-JET life 3. Format Language: Entries must be submitted in Japanese or English Length: 1500-2000 characters (Japanese) 1500-2000 words (English) 4. Submission Deadline Entries must be postmarked by Friday, March 14th, 2003. 5. Miscellaneous For further details regarding application criteria, mailing and application forms, please refer to the information listed on the JET Program m e hom epage: http://www.jetprogramme.org. Should you have any queries, or if you cannot access the Internet, please feel free to contact Jeremy Shaw or Toru Ageta at CLAIR, Tokyo: 03-3591-5968.
Editor’s Thanks: 2002 Year in Review Hello Alumni, 2002 was an eventful year in JETAABC. With a newly elected executive, our president and myself attended the JET Canada conference in Winnipeg in May. June was a busy month, as Kristin Olson (our secretary / program chair) successfully organized the Prep
seminar. The summer saw 163 new JETs depart for parts known (at least by us Alumni) for a minimum one year adventure. In the Fall Kristin Olson stepped up to guide the JETAABC Welcome Back / Career Seminar. Thanks to Matt Fedoruk who organized a Wine & Cheese Welcome Back party. The JETAAI Conference Vancouver, came together in November after tireless work by Pres. Ryan Butt and Past Pres. Liz Stephens. Special thanks to technician Paul Donovan and handbook editor Julian Rendell. Big thanks to JETAABC volunteers who recorded minutes, tallied votes and moderated speeches. Tremendous support for JETAABC has been given by the Japanese Consulate (in my case Mr. Hideaki Kawai / Steve Chevalier) and Ms. Toshimi Ono director of SFU’s Japanese Culture and Communication Program. Finally, thank you newsletter contributors, Kawai-san, Harvie at Copytime and the JETAABC executive. So I’ll sign off and wish everyone and the 2003-4 JETAABC Executive a healthy and happy 2003. Mata ne…Stefan
PAGEPAGE 7 7 Skill Requirements: Education: Completion of high school, Some college/ CEGEP/vocational or technical training, Some university
Classified Ads Accomodation SUBLET AVAILABLE - Hi fellow JETs. Happy New Year! I am going away Feb. and March and would like to sublet my downtown studio apartment (Burrard at Drake) It is furnished. $600/month (heat included). If you know of anyone who’d be interested, please let me know ASAP. My telephone number is (604) 801-6400 or cindy_reeves@hotmail.com Cheers, Cindy
Employment ENGLISH TEACHER My name is Haruo Iida. I am the principal of the Shanghai Japanese School in Shanghai, China. We â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;d like to employ some native Englishspeaking teachers. If you yourself or your acquaintances are interested in teaching English to Japanese children in Shanghai, please contact me. We prefer AET or NET experienced persons with a letter of recommendation from the board of education in Japan where you worked. As you know, Shanghai is now remarkably developing in industry and commerce. And the number of Japanese in Shanghai is also increasing. Our school now has more than one thousand students from 1st grade to 9th grade. We have already had some native English-speaking teachers (from the U.S and Canada) but we need more excellent teachers. Please get in touch with me. Home e-mail <harukaze@uninet.com.cn> Office e-mail <sjs10@uninet.com.cn>
Credentials (certificates, licences, memberships, courses, etc.): First Aid Certificate, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate Experience: 0 - 6 months Languages: Speak English, Read English, Write English Other Assets: 2nd lang (Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese) Work Setting Experience: Camp Generic Skills: - Working with others (ex., work with individual or team; build consensus) - Problem-solving skills (ex., identify problem causes; determine steps to resolve; assess solution) - Speaking and listening skills (ex., communicate clearly and effectively; follow directions; mediate disputes) Other Information: Positions available in Whistler, Vancouver and London, Ontario How to Apply: By Fax: (604) 899-4481 By E-mail: rcoelho@tamwood.com Business Profile: Tamwood Summer Camps are for International students wishing to improve their English. Campers attend English classes as well as participate in activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, mtn biking, camping etc. Advertised until: 2003/01/20 MEDIA DEVELOPER / COORDINATOR To oversee production of multilingual promotional material.
Haruo Iida, Principal, Shanghai Japanese School
CAMP COUNSELLOR Employer: Tamwood International College Web Site: http://www.tamwood.com/tam_jobs.asp Terms of Employment: Temporary, Full Time, Seasonal Salary: $1,860.00 Monthly for 40 hours per week, Other Benefits Other: This is a live-in position with full room and board provided Anticipated Start Date: 2003/07/02 Location: Howe Sound, British Columbia (1 vacancy)
Qualified candidates must have formal training and proven professional success in graphic design, website development, video production, CD-ROM authoring and Power Point presentation. The successful candidate must demonstrate international/multicultural sensitivity in media development and a strong artistic/creative talent. Fluency in English, Japanese and a third language, preferably Spanish is required. Applications with complete resume, including web portfolio to: President Bodwell College, 2026 West 12th Ave Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2
Type of Clients: Children, Adolescents Source: Vancouver Sun/Province Posting Date: Dec. 14th, 2002
EVENTS CALENDAR
2002-2003 Steering Committee President - Ryan Butt (h) 604.775.5590 (e) president.bc@jetaa.ca
Past President - Elizabeth Stephen (h) 604.738.3360 (e) pastpresident.bc@jetaa.ca
Secretary - Kristin Olson (h) 604.730.8426 (e) secretary.bc@jetaa.ca
Treasurer - Matthew Fedoruk (e) treasurer.bc@jetaa.ca
Newsletter Editor - Stefan Chobotar 1756 East 11th Avenue Vancouver BC V5N 1Z1 (h) 604.709.4527 (e) newsletter.bc@jetaa.ca
Assistant Newsletter Editor - Julian Rendell
What is this organization called JETAABC? So, you’ve signed up for JETAABC, now what? Luckily, you’ve signed on with one of the most active and organized JET Alumni associations in Canada. This is a rough list of what we do: o Produce a newsletter every four months. o Join the Mokuyokai on a hike each month.
(e) assistantnewsletter.bc@jetaa.ca
o Organize an orientation seminar for new JETs in the Spring.
Programs and Events Director - Suzette Bradford
o Organize a re-entry and career prep seminar in the Fall.
(e) events.bc@jetaa.ca
Membership - Elizabeth Stephen (e) pastpresident.bc@jetaa.ca
o Hold major gatherings in September, January, and June.
(e) island.bc@jetaa.ca
o Send a delegate to the JETAA international conference.
Chapter and JETAA Canadian Representative
o Help produce the Cross Canada newsletter once per year.
Elizabeth Stephen
o Keep a website up to date
Island Representative - Alida Abbott
(h) 604.738.3360 (e) pastpresident.bc@jetaa.ca
Consulate General of Japan Contacts 900 - 1177 West Hastings Street Vancouver BC V6E 2K9 (t) 604.684.5868 (f) 604.684.6939
Mr. Steve Chevalier culturalcentre@consuljpnvan.com
Questions or comments? info.bc@jetaa.ca
CONTACT INFO: JETAABC Bentall Centre PO BOX 48121 Vancouver, BC V7X 1N8 WEB ADDRESS http://bc.jetaa.ca WEBMASTER: info.bc@jetaa.ca
January January 9 - February 12 Akira KurosawaRetrospective Pacific Cinematheque 604 688 FILM January 13 - 22 (M, W) or January 18-19 JET Programme Career Development Program SFU at Harbour Centre, Vancouver 604-291-5117 or japanese@sfu.ca (see JETAABC Update Fall 2002 p 3) January 16 Mokuyokai – Pub Night TC Lions Pub 5:30pm – whenever January 23 - February 3 Presentation of Japanese Arts and Gallery Talks UBC Asian Centre Building Auditorium 604-224-2050 / 604-822-4839 February February 7 JETAABC Shinnenkai February 11 Foundation Day (Japan) February 19-21 JET Programme Interviews February 27-Mar 2 Lulie The Iceberg - Theatre Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BC 604-254-2551 or vjls@vjls-jh.com -based on the story by Imperial Princess Takamodo February 28 Career Think Tank Seminar see p.5
Thank you Contributors Anitra Donald, Ryan Butt, Matt Fedoruk, Geoff Reid, Steve Chevalier, Kristin Olson,
PROMOTE, EDUCATE, INFORM - send articles here newsletter.bc@jetaa.ca