Job Opening: Program Development Officer, The Eurasia Foundation

Posted on August 22, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: The Eurasia Foundation
Location: Washington, D.C.
Education: BA required, MA preferred
Deadline: Sept. 15, 2013

Job description
Program Development Officer

Eurasia Foundation (EF), a US-based international development organization promoting civic and economic participation, is accepting applications for a Program Development Officer for Eurasia and Asia.

Position Summary

The Program Development Officer is a key member of EF’s Program Development Department and is responsible for supporting EF’s new business efforts in the Eurasia and Asia regions. These countries include the countries of the former Soviet Union as well as select Asian countries, including China, Myanmar and Mongolia. The position will focus primarily on raising USG funds and will support the development of competitive proposals in EF’s core competency areas, including advocacy, NGO strengthening, citizen engagement, civic education and entrepreneurship.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

  • Identify/track funding opportunities; conduct background research and analysis on new opportunities.
  • Contribute to the design and conceptualization of new programs.
  • Support the establishment and maintenance of new partnerships across the two regions.
  • Draft key proposal components, including statement of need, program description, sustainability, monitoring and evaluation plans, and institutional capacity.
  • Support cost proposal development efforts.
  • Support formatting and packaging of proposals and ensure delivery of proposals in accordance with donor requirements.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
  • At least 3 years of proposal development experience, particularly for USG funding agencies.
  • Previous experience in supporting civil society programs in the Eurasia and/or Asia regions.
  • Candidates must possess exceptional analytical, organizational, written and oral communication skills.
  • Proficiency in a language relevant to the Eurasia or Asia regions required.

Full application details at Idealist.org.

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Resource: Old Photos of Japan

Posted on August 21, 2013 by LM
Yokohama 1890s: The Grand Hotel

Yokohama 1890s: The Grand Hotel

Ever wonder what Japan looked like in the Meiji period? Old Photos of Japan is a curated collection of photos from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods, roughly 1860-1930. The website is curated by DUITS, boutique journalism and stock photography agency in Tokyo. According to their mission statement,

“You have to know the past,” wrote American Astronomer Dr. Carl Sagan (1934-1996), “to understand the present.”

This is especially true for Japan’s dramatic transformation from an isolated feudal country to a modern world power between the 1850s and 1930s. It is during this period that the modern Japan that we know today was born.

Many of the customs that are now called traditional were invented during this time. And many that are still seen as new can trace their origins to this time as well.

Using rare vintage photographs, stereoviews, glass slides, negatives and postcards as a starting point, Old Photos of Japan shows what life, architecture and urban planning was like in Japan during this period.

The photos show not only historic buildings but images of everyday life: weaving, dressing, eating. Each carefully documented photo has an essay explaining the history and location of the image. Additionally, the website is bilingual, which will make finding the Japanese place names easy for research. Definitely useful for visual anthropologists, historians, and photography-lovers alike!

Via RocketNews24.

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Job Opening: Head of Student Recruitment (Asia), The University of Sydney [Australia]

Posted on August 20, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: The University of Sydney
Location: Sydney, Australia
Application Due: 08/25/2013
Type: Full Time

STUDENT RECRUITMENT
STUDENT RECRUITMENT & ADMISSIONS GROUP
REFERENCE NO.1510/0713
Senior position in a world-renowned educational institution
Lead on the development and implementation of recruitment plans for Asia
Excellent work environment and competitive remuneration package including 17% super
The role:

We are currently seeking to appoint a Head of Recruitment (Asia) who will lead on the development and implementation of recruitment plans for Asia that support the University’s recruitment strategy.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven professional who is passionate about student recruitment to join the University’s leadership team, and play a key role in enhancing the University’s reputation and achievement of strategic objectives.

In this position you will:

  • develop strategies to raise the profile of the University and help to achieve student recruitment profile targets for the region;
  • research, write and review recruitment plans;
  • provide leadership and guidance to the (Asia) team, ensuring that all recruitment activities are managed effectively;
  • manage the University’s representation for the region at international events, recruitment and education exhibitions;
  • develop effective working relationships with a range of external audiences, including agents.

The team:

The Student Recruitment and Admissions Group is responsible for supporting the University’s objectives in relation to recruiting and admitting outstanding domestic and international students across all programs and courses. It comprises four teams: Student Recruitment, Admissions, Contact and Customer Service, and International Services.

Leading the development, coordination and implementation of the University’s student recruitment plan, Student Recruitment ensures the brightest international and domestic students are attracted to study at the University.
It comprises of the following teams:

  • International
  • Product (faculty relationship management)
  • Postgraduate (Australia & NZ)
  • Undergraduate (Australia & NZ)
  • Operations & Contact and Customer Service Team

The candidate:

To be successful in this role you will have:

  • extensive experience in the development and implementation of international student recruitment strategies, including region responsibilities for Asia;
  • proven professional leadership and management experience in a large complex organisation;
  • knowledge of the wider internationalisation agenda within global higher education;
  • the ability to communicate in Mandarin would be an advantage;
  • high level planning and organisational skills and ability to co-ordinate stakeholders.
  • The position is available on a full-time continuing basis.

Remuneration package: a competitive remuneration package is available (consisting of a base salary, leave loading and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation).

See application details on HigherEdJobs.com.

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Call for Papers: Interdisciplinary Graduate Student Conf Buddhist Studies

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Paula

call for papers [150-2]Charlottesville, VA, February 28-March 2, 2014

The Buddhist Studies Group at the University of Virginia is pleased to announce an interdisciplinary graduate student conference to be hosted on the University of Virginia Grounds in Charlottesville, VA, from February 28 to March 2, on the theme of “Buddhist Meditation: History, Culture, Development, Science.”

In recent years, Buddhist meditation has come to be studied within an increasing number of academic disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, as well as the physical sciences. At the same time, there has also been an explosion of interest in the functional applications of Buddhist and Buddhist-derived meditation techniques within a wide range of professional fields including education, medicine and care giving, athletics, and business.

This conference will provide a collaborative forum for both established and emerging scholars from a diverse range of academic and professional disciplines to showcase their research and engage in discussion about the range of methodological approaches currently being brought to bear on the study of Buddhist meditation and to discuss and contextualize current appropriations and transformations of Buddhist contemplative practice. The conference will include:

* A Keynote Address by Georges Dreyfus (Williams College) [to be confirmed].
* Innovative interactive panels, in which selected graduate students will present and discuss their research.
* A symposium investigating contemporary definitions and applications of contemplative practice (details to follow).

Call for Paper Proposals:

Along the lines of this year’s theme, we are looking for paper proposals from students currently enrolled in M.A. or Ph.D. programs from a diverse range of disciplines including: Religious Studies, Area Studies, History, Cognitive Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Neuroscience, Medicine and Care-giving, Visual and Performing Arts, Education, and Art History. We strongly encourage proposals that stretch received boundaries and challenge the way we study and think about Buddhist meditation. The papers that will be chosen for presentation will be those that not only reflect excellent research and inquiry within their respective fields of study, but also demonstrate a relevancy to other disciplines and illuminate some of the challenges that arise when we approach Buddhist meditation in the academic world. Some potential approaches include:

* Problems in studying the historical development of Buddhist meditation
* Critical investigations into the secularization and re-contextualization of Buddhist meditation practices
* Behavioral, interpersonal, and ethical dimensions of Buddhist meditation
* The role of the visual and performing arts in Buddhist meditation practice
* How the body has been perceived and utilized within specific Buddhist contemplative systems
* The role of creativity and innovation vis-a-vis lineage and “tradition”
* Therapeutic and instrumental (vs. soteriological) applications of Buddhist meditation
* Institutional and pedagogical frameworks
* The role of the literary in Buddhist meditation traditions (e.g. biography, philosophical literature, poetry, etc.)

Paper Proposal Submission Guidelines:

Please submit an abstract of your paper of not more than 500 words, along with your name, university and department affiliation, and a brief bio, to gradbuddhismconf2013@gmail.com by September 30, 2013. You will be notified by November 15 of the status of your proposal, after which we will publish a detailed schedule of the conference.

* Due to generous support we are pleased to announce that we will be able to provide accommodation and partial travel stipends for those accepted panelists who are unable to secure funding from their home institutions.

We also warmly welcome and encourage non-presenting graduate students and academic scholars to attend at their own cost. Regrettably, we cannot provide letters of invitation to international presenters and attendees for visa purposes, as we are not equipped to take legal responsibility for international visitors. Thus, all travel and visa arrangements are your own responsibility.

If you require further information or clarification, please contact the conference organizers at: gradbuddhismconf2013@gmail.com

Christopher Hiebert
University of Virginia
gradbuddhismconf2013@gmail.com

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Conference: Performance and Japanese Literature

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Paula

 

call for papers [150-2]Registration is now available for
PERFORMANCE AND JAPANESE LITERATURE
the 22nd annual Association for Japanese Literary Studies conference
hosted by the Japan Studies Committee of the University of Chicago

October 18-19, 2013 at International House (1414 E. 59th St. Chicago, IL 60637)
Visit the Website http://lucian.uchicago.edu/blogs/ajls2013/ for details.

“Performance and Japanese Literature” is designed to encourage innovative modes of scholarship as performance, with a focus on stimulating productive discussions across boundaries of genre, historical period, and institution. Paper proposals have been selected from scholars of Japanese literature, modern and classical, as well as from kindred genres, including theater and performance studies, film and media studies, and music. Presentations may be made in either English or Japanese. This gathering will provide a forum in which to share best practices for the research and teaching of Japanese literature. The organizers encourage reflection on literary scholarship and issues of pedagogy and see this event not only as a venue in which to present research, but also as an opportunity to reconsider current disciplinary boundaries and investments.

As part of this conference, we are pleased to announce a special keynote performance: On October 18, 2013, The University of Chicago will host the first-ever appearance outside of Japan by HAYAKAWA Yoshio (b. 1947), a legendary figure in the history of Japanese popular music. In his Chicago performance, Hayakawa will be joined by SAKUMA Masahide (b. 1952), another key figure in Japanese popular music history. This free performance will be streamed live over the web so that fans anywhere can enjoy the show. But don’t let that stop you from coming in person if you can! Visit the concert event page http://lucian.uchicago.edu/blogs/ajls2013/schedule-and-keynote/keynote-performance/ for more information and to listen to samples.

For more information and to register for the conference, visit http://lucian.uchicago.edu/blogs/ajls2013/. Questions? Contact the event coordinator, Sarah Arehart, Associate Director at the Center for East Asian Studies (sarehart@uchicago.edu).

 

 

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Funding: Japan Foundation grant programs

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Paula

money [150-2]Please find below information on Japan Foundation’s grant programs in Japanese studies:

Japan-America Collegiate Exchange Travel Program – Call for Applications (First Deadline: Jul. 1, Second Deadline: Sep. 30)

This program is designed to facilitate exchange and understanding between Japan and the U.S. by providing travel funds for short-term travel to Japan. Geared toward undergraduates, instructors teaching a Japan-related course are invited to propose study tours that are incorporated into course syllabi and arranged to build on course contents. For further details, please click here.

 

Institutional Project Support (IPS)-Small Grant Program – Call for Applications (Deadline:Sep. 30)

This program is designed to: (i) support institutions that face difficulties maintaining current levels of infrastructure due to cuts in funding for Japanese studies in the US; and (ii) stimulate interest in Japanese studies by small and newer institutions without an established program of Japanese studies or those that lack personnel or resources.　For further details, please click here.

 

Institutional Project Support (IPS) Program for Japanese Studies – Call for Applications (Deadline: Nov. 1)

This annual program is designed to encourage innovative and sustained growth of Japanese studies in the US.Each institution should formulate convincing proposals that enhance the teaching of Japan, the quality of research on Japan, the quality of equipment and materials (including libraries), and provide opportunities for students and faculty to travel to Japan. For further details, please click here.

Japanese Studies Fellowship Program – Call for Applications (Deadline: Nov. 1)

The Japanese Studies Fellowship program gives scholars, researchers, and doctoral candidates the opportunity to conduct research in Japan. The deadline for submission is November 1, 2013.

For further details, please click here .

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Book Announcement: Hachi: The Truth of the Life and Legend of the Most Famous Dog in Japan

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Paula

hachiHachi: The Truth of the Life and Legend of the Most Famous Dog in Japan

a Kindle e-book

by Mayumi Itoh, 2013, ASIN: B00BNBWDQ4 at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNBWDQ4

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Birth and Adoption of Hachi
Chapter Three: Hachi and Ueno Hidesaburou
Chapter Four: Hachi and Kobayashi Kikusaburou
Chapter Five: Hachi and Saitou Hirokichi
Chapter Six: Hachi and Andou Teru
Chapter Seven: Death of Hachi
Chapter Eight: Bronze Statues of Hachi and World War II
Chapter Nine: Assessment: Hachi and the People Around Him
Chapter Ten: Conclusion: Legacy of Hachi

* * *

An Akita-inu, Hachi (November 1923-March 1935), waited for his master at Shibuya Train Station, Tokyo, for almost ten years after his master’s death and until his own death, and became a living legend. Unfortunately, his fame also created misunderstandings and myths about his life. Examining all the available documents on Hachi, this book assesses generally-believed stories of his life and presents an accurate and true life of the most famous dog in Japan, which was full of twists and turns and was “stranger than fiction.”

Hachiko is the most famous dog in the world. Two movies starring two of the most famous actors in the world (Richard Gere and Tatsuya Nakadai) have chronicled the dog’s story: the dog who faithfully went to the Shibuya (Tokyo) train station for years to meet his master long after he had died at his office at Tokyo University. I remember seeing the 1987 Japanese movie in Japan with my wife and young daughter. Never have so many tears been shed by an audience while watching a movie. Now, Mayumi Itoh, the author of six previous books on Japan and the groundbreaking book on Japanese wartime zoo policy, meticulously examines the story of Hachiko and exposes the lies and distortions of the story that every Japanese knows. This book really helps us understand Japanese traditions and society. It is another piece of highly original, excellent research by one of the best scholars on Japan.
–Dr. Ronald J. Hrebenar, Professor of Political Science, University of Utah

Finally! Everything you ever wanted to know about Hachiko. Mayumi Itoh reveals fascinating, little known facts about Japan’s most beloved dog. You will be riveted!
–Vicki Shigekuni Wong, film producer, “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” starring Richard Gere, VickiWongandHachi.com

Mayumi Itoh is a former Professor of Political Science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has also taught at Princeton University and Queens College, City University of New York. She is the author of several books and has written extensively on Japanese foreign policy and domestic politics in academic journals.

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Job Opening: Coordinator for Public Relations, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco

Posted on August 17, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Via JETwit.com

Institution: Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, CA
Education: BA
Deadline: Aug. 19, 2013

The Coordinator for Public Relations works closely with consulate officers and other local staff to promote greater interest in and understanding of Japan and Japanese culture in Northern California and Nevada. S/he also works with the Japan Information Center (JIC) Director to handle Japan-related press and public affairs issues that arise within areas served by this office. In addition, as a staff member of the Consulate, applicants must be willing to work as a part of a team, sharing responsibilities and occasionally working overtime for evening/weekend programs as needed.

Please note that the Consulate is unable to provide visa support for prospective employees, and as such all applicants are required to have the appropriate legal permission to work in the United States.

POSITION DUTIES:

  • Monitoring media organizations and keeping Consulate staff informed on a daily basis of press coverage on Japan-related issues in local newspapers
  • Planning public and cultural programs and coordinating project activities with co-sponsoring community organizations
  • Maintaining relations with local media outlets and sending out press releases
  • Writing and editing speeches, remarks and correspondence for consular officials
  • Website maintenance in the capacity of Assistant Webmaster
  • Assisting in the arrangement and coordination of meetings for Consulate staff and visiting Japanese officials
  • Creating and distributing the online publication “Northern and Central California Sister City Newsletter”
  • Distributing publications and maintaining inventories and mailing lists
  • Creating and distributing promotional materials
  • Recruiting interns and overseeing the JIC internship program
  • Responding to inquiries from the general public in both English and Japanese
  • Assisting with various JIC programs and projects as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications:

  • Three or more years of related work experience.
  • A Bachelor’s degree.
  • Strong communication and writing skills in English
  • Strong Japanese language ability (speaking, writing, and reading)
  • Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
  • Proficiency with standard office software, including the MS Office suite and social media.
  • Experience updating and maintaining a website with working knowledge of Photoshop, Dreamweaver and HTML.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Additional desired qualifications for this position include:
  • Experience working in a Japanese office environment and familiarity with Japanese communicative and operational styles
  • Knowledge of and interest in US-Japan economic, political, and cultural relations
  • Experience and/or demonstrable interest in media relations

Full application details on the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco website.

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Job Opening: Political and Economic Affairs Assistant, Consulate-General of Japan in Houston

Posted on August 17, 2013 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: Consulate-General of Japan in Houston
Location: Houston, TX
Education: college degree
Deadline: August 26, 2013

Title : Political and Economic Affairs Assistant
Salary：Commensurate with experience
Benefits : Paid vacation, medical/dental insurance, US federal and some Japanese national holidays
Working hours : 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday * some evenings and weekends required for special events and receptions

Primary Duties & Responsibilities :
– Research and analyze political and economic issues for the states in the Consulate jurisdiction (currently Texas & Oklahoma), with a heavy concentration on local industries and regional politics
– Write daily news reports summarizing relevant local, regional, national and Japan related news articles
– Assist with preparation and planning of events and receptions related to the Consulate
– Write speeches and presentations for diplomats
– Assist in writing of letters
– Assist other sections of the Consulate as required
– Other administrative duties and assisting the diplomats with day-to-day tasks

Required qualification :
– US nationality or possession of work permits in US
– College degree in a related field
– Native-level English ability
– Strong organization and communication skills
– Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications
– Basic Knowledge of Japan
– Japanese language skills (favorable)

See the Consulate-General page for full application details.

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Job Opening: Modern Japanese History in relation to Asia, Associate or Full Professor

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Paula

job opening - 5Institution:   Nagoya University
Location:   Japan
Position:   Associate or Full Professor, Modern Japanese History in relation to Asia

Nagoya University
Global 30 International Programs
Nagoya, Japan

http://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/global-info/employment/

The Japan-in-Asia Cultural Studies Program in the Nagoya University Global 30 International Programs seeks to fill a full-time, non-tenure-track, Associate, or Full Professor position. The successful candidate will work in the Graduate School of Letters. She/He will teach no more than 8 courses per year (8 komas per year*) including possible evening and weekend courses. As a full-time faculty, she/he will be expected to hold office hours, provide academic advising for students and perform the normal duties associated with teaching as well as research activities.  (*In Japan one course or koma is equivalent to one 90-minute class per week for 15 weeks.)

Possible courses that the successful candidate will be expected to teach:
Introduction to Japanese history, Introduction to history of Asian culture
Japanese culture in Asia, Thesis Writing
Seminar: Modern Japanese history

Continue reading →

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