Fun Link Friday: “How the heck is nori made?”

Posted on March 1, 2013 by LM

My FLFs are always about food, aren’t they? At the risk of being a bit one-note: Alice Gordenker of The Japan Times‘ “So What the Heck Is That” column has a new article in JT as well as a great post on her blog about how nori, the dried squares of seaweed in sushi rolls, is made.

Image via The Japan Times.

Image via The Japan Times.

The chopped seaweed gets mixed with water into a slurry, which is in the big yellow bucket below. You set a squarish wooden frame atop a woven mat. Then you scoop up a measure of the slurry in a rectangular wooden box. While holding the frame lightly in place atop the mat, you slosh the slurry over the mat inside the frame, working quickly so it spreads evenly. Not as easy as it looks.

The photos, particularly on her blog post, are great for reference. Itadakimasu!

“Nori” in The Japan Times

“How the heck is nori made?” on Alice Gordenker’s blog

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Job Opening: Japanese Lecturer, University of Helsinki

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Paula

job opening - 5The Department of World Cultures (www.helsinki.fi/worldcultures) is engaged in interdisciplinary Area, Linguistic and Cultural Studies. The department is part of the Faculty of Arts, University of Helsinki.

The Department of World Cultures invites applications a position of

UNIVERSITY LECTURER

commencing 1 August 2013. The field of the position is Japanese.

Japanese Studies is part of East Asian Studies in the Department of World Cultures. The University Lecturer’s post in Japanese is teaching-led, focusing first and foremost on the teaching of Japanese language.

The University Lecturer’s duty is to teach Japanese at basic, intermediate and advanced levels and to conduct independent academic research. The teaching-led nature of the post means that added weight is given in the selection process to teaching experience, pedagogical training, ability to produce study materials and other teaching merits.

According to the University of Helsinki Regulations, university lecturers are required to hold an applicable doctoral degree, to have the ability to provide high-quality research-based teaching and to supervise theses and dissertations. Research merits will also be considered. Good interactive skills are appreciated. The appointee is also expected to, if needs be, to take care of other duties to be jointly agreed, such as the setting and marking of entrance examinations.

The salary will be based on levels 5–7 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance. There is a four-month trial period for the position.

Applications are addressed to the Head of Department, Dr Lars-Folke Landgrén and are delivered to the following postal address with the required enclosures: Registry of the University of Helsinki
PO Box 33 (Yliopistonkatu 4), 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland. Email applications should be sent to hy-kirjaamo@helsinki.fi.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 5 March 2013. The registry closes at 15.45 local Helsinki time. Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications a CV, list of publications and a report of the merits which they deem relevant for the evaluation of teaching skills. A number of applicants will be invited to an interview and to give a demonstration of their teaching skills.

For more information, please contact Professor Rein Raud, rein.raud(at)helsinki.fi.

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Conference: Premodern Maritime Frontiers in Asia

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Paula

Maritime Frontiers in Asia: Indigenous Communities and State Control in South China and Southeast Asia, 2000 BCE – 1800 CE

Pennsylvania State University
Two-day international conference: April 12-13, 2013
Organizers: Kate Baldanza and Erica Brindley

Funded by the American Council of Learned Society/Chiang Ching-kuo
“Comparative Perspectives on Chinese Society” conference grant; Penn State Asian Studies, and Penn State’s Center for Global Studies

This conference provides a platform for discussing maritime frontier zones in premodern China and Southeast Asia.  Specialists from around the globe will convene to examine the historical and archaeological records of South China and Southeast Asia as part of a single cosmopolitan trade network since ancient times, referred to by recent scholars as the “maritime silk road,” or the “Jiaozhi Ocean trade network.” In particular, this conference highlights techniques of state control in conjunction with local ways of avoiding, inverting, or adapting to such techniques in the regional cultures of the South China Sea. The main mega-group under examination will be the various peoples who inhabited the frontier zones of what is now China and Vietnam. Other peoples, such as Taiwanese (aboriginals and Min-nan), Japanese, Cham, Khmer, Indian, Muslim, and European peoples will also enter into our discussions, adding an even greater comparative, transnational perspective and demonstrating the strategic importance of this region throughout history.

Presenters: Francis Allard, Wu Chunming, Jiao Tianlong, Erica Brindley, Michael Puett, Eric Henry, Hugh Clark, James Anderson, Niu Junkai, Sean Marsh, Tansen Sen, Robert Antony, Greg Smits, Michele Thompson, Kate Baldanza, Liam Kelly, John Whitmore, Wing-Sheung Cheng, Billy So

Keynote Speaker: Eric Taggliacozzo

Roundtable: Kate Baldanza, Erica Brindley, Magnus Fiskej?, Ronnie Hsia, Victor Mair, Stephen O’Harrow

Please contact Erica Brindley, efb12@psu.edu; or
Kate Baldanza, ktb3@psu.edu for more information.

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Conference: Asian Studies Conference Japan (ASCJ), June 29-30

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Paula

Online Registration: Asian Studies Conference Japan (ASCJ), June 29-30

Early Bird online registration for ASCJ 2013 began on February 20.  Please see registration details below.

All scholars of Asia are invited to attend the seventeenth annual meeting of the Asian Studies Conference Japan (ASCJ) which will be held on the campus of J. F. Oberlin University, Tokyo, Japan on June 29-30, 2013.

The list of accepted panels and individual papers, registration materials and other information are posted on the ASCJ website: http://www.meijigakuin.ac.jp/~ascj/  The conference will consist of
approximately 45 sessions (panels, roundtable, and individual paper sessions) that address a broad range of themes relating to Asian Studies. All sessions are conducted in English.

Those wishing to attend ASCJ are asked to complete the online registration form on the ASCJ website:   http://www.meijigakuin.ac.jp/~ascj/  Early Bird online registration is available between February 20 and April 20. The Early Bird registration fee of 3000 yen (1000 yen for graduate students) may be paid by PayPal, credit card or by domestic bank transfer. Between April 21 and June 21, online registration remains open, but at a higher rate: 4000 yen (graduate students 1000 yen). Onsite Registration is possible, but pre-registration is highly recommended. This allows the ASCJ staff to prepare name tags and other conference materials. Those wishing to attend the reception on Saturday night (June 29) should also register and pay in advance. All participants whose names will appear on the conference program are requested to register during the Early Period registration period.

All persons interested in Asian Studies are welcome. Please address inquiries to the ASCJ Secretariat: ascj20xx@gmail.com

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Call for Papers: Histories of the Japanese Book: Past, Present, Future

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Paula

call-for-papers-150-21University of California Santa Barbara    Japan Foundation Summer Institute Histories of the Japanese Book: Past, Present, Future May 30  June 3, 2013

The 2013 University of California at Santa Barbara    Japan Foundation Summer Institute will serve as a forum for intensive exploration of topics relating broadly to Japanese book history and the ways in which knowledge and reading experiences are structured by material form. Issues that may arise include the past, present, and future of books, magazines, journals, printing, publication, circulation, bookstores, booksellers, reading, readers, letter-writing, library collections of Japanese books inside and outside Japan, online databases and other resources, and the digital humanities.

Paper proposals dealing with any of these issues, or others relevant to the theme of “Histories of the Japanese Book: Past, Present, Future,” are welcome.

Continue reading →

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Job Opening: Japanese Film/Media, Assistant Professor and Faculty Fellow (2 year appointment)

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Paula

job opening - 5Institution: New York University, East Asian Studies and Department of Comparative Literature
Location:   New York, United States
Position:   Assistant Professor, Fellow

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR/FACULTY FELLOW
Department of East Asian Studies and Department of Comparative Literature
ARTS AND SCIENCE
New York University

The Department of East Asian Studies & Department of Comparative Literature at New York University invites applications for a two-year Assistant Professor/Faculty Fellow position in Japanese film and media. We are especially interested in candidates whose teaching and research will treat the relation between literary, social, and cultural forms, and in broad East Asian and global contexts. The candidate will be jointly appointed in East Asian Studies and Comparative Literature, with teaching (three courses per year, at both undergraduate and graduate levels) divided between the two departments. Appointment will begin September 1, 2013, pending budgetary and administrative approval.

Contact: Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and 3 letters of reference to Japanese Film & Media Search Committee. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on March 1, 2013, and will continue until the position is filled.  To apply, see the NYU Department of East Asian Studies web site at http://eas.as.nyu.edu.  Instructions can be found under the homepage link “Employment”.  Please note that we do not accept electronic applications.

NYU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Website: http://eas.as.nyu.edu

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Book Announcement: Prof. Risley and the Imperial Japanese Troupe: How an American Acrobat Introduced Circus to Japan–and Japan to the West

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Paula

Japanese Imperial Troupe“Professor” Risley (Richard Risley Carlisle) introduced the Western circus to Japan in 1864. Three years later, this former acrobat gave many in the West their first glimpse of Japan when he took his “Imperial Japanese Troupe” of acrobats and jugglers on a triumphant tour of North America and Europe. Over the next few years,the Troupe performed before presidents, monarchs, and ordinary citizens. Schodt argues compellingly that such early popular entertainments helped stir a curiosity about all things Japanese that eventually led to japonisme, The Mikado, and, in our time, the boom in manga and anime.

Schodt’s depiction of Risley and his Troupe is enlivened by portraits of the circus demimonde and supported by 19th-century photographs, posters, and drawings, many in color. His accounts of these first meetings between Westerners and Japanese shed new light on how different cultures meet, mingle, and influence each other. Descriptions of crowds, dazzling routines, and superstar Troupe performers like the famous Little All Right are a delightful revelation to anyone interested in Asia, the circus, and popular entertainment.

Frederik L. Schodt has authored numerous books about Japan, including Manga! Manga! and Native American in the Land of the Shogun. In 2009, for his work he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.

http://www.stonebridge.com/shopexd.asp?id=369

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fb20121209a2.html

http://www.japantoday.com/category/arts-culture/view/professor-risley-and-the-imperial-japanese-troupe

http://direct.voanews.com/audiovideo/stevenson-report-professor-risley-and-imperial-japanese-troupe

http://jetaany.org/2012/11/24/jq-magazine-book-review-professor-risley-imperial-japanese-troupe-american-acrobat-introduced-circus-japan-and-japan-west/

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Job Opening: 3-Month Visiting (Senior) Research Fellowship Appointments

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Paula

job opening - 5National University of Singapore, Asia Research Institute

3-Month Visiting (Senior) Research Fellowship Appointments
Location:   Singapore

Applications are invited for 3-Month Visiting (Senior) Research Fellowships at the Asia Research Institute (ARI) to commence in October 2013 or January 2014. The positions are intended for outstanding researchers whose work focus on Asia, with a balance anticipated between senior and junior scholars. Interested applicants should have at least a PhD with a few years of postdoctoral research experience. Applicants are invited to indicate which ARI clusters they like to be affiliated with. Interdisciplinary interests are encouraged. The position is essentially a writing fellowship, and at least one published outcome is expected. Applicants who do not normally publish in English will be encouraged and assisted to do so.

This fellowship comes with a monthly honorarium of S$2,250, plus complimentary university housing and travel assistance.

Contact:  ABOUT THE ASIA RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ARI)

The Asia Research Institute (ARI) was established as a university-level institute in July 2001 as one of the strategic initiatives of the National University of Singapore (NUS). Its mission is to provide a world-class focus and resource for research on the Asian region, located at one of its communication hubs.

ARI engages the humanities and social sciences broadly defined, and especially interdisciplinary frontiers between and beyond disciplines.

INVITATION TO APPLY

For more details on the fellowships, areas of research focus and application procedures, please refer to our website at http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/events/ari-job-opportunities.htm

For submission of applications, reference letters and/or queries, email to joinari@nus.edu.sg

Closing date for applications and submission of reference letters is 8 March 2013.

Website: http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/events/ari-job-opportunities.htm

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Fun Link Friday: The Famous Foods Of Every Japanese Prefecture

Posted on February 22, 2013 by LM
Ishikawa's famous foods. Image from Tofugu.

Ishikawa’s famous foods: Kabura-zushi, jibuni, Kaga ryouri. Image from Tofugu.

Every region in Japan is famous for local food. One might even say that Japan is famous for being famous for food! Koichi on Tofugu has collected three famous foods from each prefecture from Hokkaido to Okinawa in this two-part series. Itadakimasu!

The Famous Foods Of Every Japanese Prefecture [North, East, Central]

The Famous Foods Of Every Japanese Prefecture Part 2 [West, South]

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CareerForum.Net (CFN) Sydney Career Forum 2013 [Australia]

Posted on February 21, 2013 by LM

Location: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Hall 6, Sydney, Australia
Dates: May 11-12, 2013
Cost to Attend: Free
Open to current undergraduate & graduate students, exchange students, graduates, and professionals.

img1

DISCO Inc., the producer of International Career Forums around the world, will be starting a new event in Sydney, Australia in 2013. Australia was chosen for this new event because it is an active member of the Asian Pacific’s people, culture, and business interactions, while still retaining world-ranking universities. It is the best place to hire the English bilingual business leaders of Asia for the future. The event is being focused on companies that want Japanese-English bilinguals as well as other Asian-background bilingual students and mid-career professionals residing in Australia, New Zealand, and other surrounding Oceanic countries.

Qualifications to Participate

《Japanese English Bilinguals》

  • Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D. program outside of Japan
  • Exchange students currently enrolled in Japanese universities
  • Individuals with career experience
  • Career-minded students, even if they are not near graduation

《Asian Bilinguals》

  • Technical major or highly skilled students and graduates fluent in English and any Asian language

Some travel scholarships are available for students.

For full details and to register, see CFN’s page in English; 日本語のウェブサイトはこちらです。

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