Job Opening: Technology and Information Coordinator, Japan Information Center

Posted on December 31, 2012 by LM

Via JETWit jobs mailing list.

Institution: Japan Information Center, Consulate General of Japan at Chicago
Position Available: Technology and Information Coordinator
Location: Chicago, IL
Posted Dec. 24, 2012
Deadline: Jan. 18, 2013
Education: not listed

Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Japan Information Center
1) Edit and manage all content on the Consulate’s English website
2) Write, edit, and publish a monthly e-mail newsletter detailing Japan-related
events in the Consulate’s 10-state jurisdiction
3) Coordinate the Consulate’s social media presence on Facebook and Twitter
4) Assist organizing cultural events and Japan-related presentations to local
schools
5) Draft speeches/remarks for Consul General and other staff
6) General office responsibilities, including assisting for conferences/receptions
and supporting other staff members as need arises

Qualifications:
1) US citizen or permanent residency holder (working permit holder)
2) Majoring in information processing or related area will be highly desirable.
3) Excellent communications and writing skills
4) Strong computer skills (database knowledge is preferred)

Languages: English and Japanese is the working language in Japan Information Center.
Fluency in oral and written English is required. Good working knowledge of
Japanese is preferable.

Please submit a cover letter and resume by January 18, 2013 to:
Consulate General of Japan
Japan Information Center
Attn: Mr. Yasuhiko Kamada
737 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611

(Note) If necessary, in-person interviews would be held for the shortlisted applicants in
late January at the Consulate. If you have any inquiry, please send an e-mail to
jicsaiyo @ gmail . com. We won’t accept any inquiry via phone call.

Original posting on the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago (opens as pdf).

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Book Announcement: Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan’s Ancient Religion

Posted on December 30, 2012 by LM

http://www.uhpress.hawaii.edu/p-8926-9780824837136.aspx

Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan’s Ancient Religion
Author: Cali, Joseph; Dougill, John;

Of Japan’s two great religious traditions, Shinto is far less known and understood in the West. Although there are a number of books that explain the religion and its philosophy, this work is the first in English to focus on sites where Shinto has been practiced since the dawn of Japanese history. In an extensive introductory section, authors Joseph Cali and John Dougill delve into the fascinating aspects of Shinto, clarifying its relationship with Buddhism as well as its customs, symbolism, and pilgrimage routes. This is followed by a fully illustrated guide to 57 major Shinto shrines throughout Japan, many of which have been designated World Heritage Sites or National Treasures. In each comprehensive entry, the authors highlight important spiritual and physical features of the individual shrines (architecture, design, and art), associated festivals, and enshrined gods. They note the prayers offered and, for travelers, the best times to visit. With over 125 color photographs and 50 detailed illustrations of archetypical Shinto objects and shrines, this volume will enthrall not only those interested in religion but also armchair travelers and visitors to Japan alike.

Whether you are planning to visit the actual sites or take a virtual journey, this guide is the perfect companion.

232 illus., 150 in color

Visit Joseph Cali’s Shinto Shrines of Japan: The Blog Guide: http://shintoshrinesofjapanblogguide.blogspot.jp/.

Visit John Dougill’s Green Shinto, “dedicated to the promotion of an open, international and environmental Shinto”: http://www.greenshinto.com/wp/.

A Latitude 20 Book
University of Hawai’i Press
232pp. November 2012
Paper – Regular Price: $24.99
ISBN: 978-0-8248-3713-6

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Job Opening: Cinema Studies/Visual Culture (East Asian), Modern Japanese Literature or Cultural History

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Paula

job opening - 5Institution: Nagoya University, Graduate School of Letters
Location: Japan
Position: Associate Professor or Full Professor, Cinema Literature Culture

The Graduate School of Letters of Nagoya University, Japan, invites applications for two faculty positions beginning in October 2013: one position in Cinema Studies and/or Visual Culture and the other in Modern Japanese Literature and/or Modern Japanese Cultural History. The faculty members will be particularly expected to teach courses in English in our planned Japan-in-Asia Cultural Studies Program, which is scheduled to start in October, 2014. The entry must arrive by January 21, 2013.

In both positions, applicants should study Japanese culture and/or relations between Japan and East Asia from a global perspective. Scholars who specialize in Korean cinema and/or Chinese cinema but also secondarily study Japanese cinema are welcome.

Contact:

Prof. Hideto TSUBOI
Graduate School of Letters, Nagoya University
Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Fax: (81)52-789-2666 from overseas and (052)789-2666 from inside Japan

Website: http://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/

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Fun Link Friday: Designer Nori

Posted on December 28, 2012 by LM
Image from Jeannie Jeannie.

Image from Jeannie Jeannie.

After the destruction the earthquake and tsunami caused in Tohoku in March 2011, Miyagi-based seaweed shop owner Umino Hiroyuki got creative, asking Tokyo advertising agency I&S BDDO to help him create an online campaign to rebuild their business.  In the statement for entry into the Spikes Asia Awards, I&S BBDO wrote,

 But it’s hard to think of a product that could spur less interest online than a black square of seaweed. The design of a square of nori has not changed since its creation in the 15th century.

Their response?

We carved into nori various classic patterns (MonYo) from Japanese history that signify happiness, long-life, etc. By combining a traditional product with a modern laser cutter, these patterns create an entirely new type of nori never seen before.

After the design won a number of awards, including gold at the Spikes Asian ’11 and Best in the category of Design Lotus at AdFest in Thailand a number of design blogs covered the product, including  Jeannie Jeannie (“Designer Nori: Delicate Laser Cut Seaweed Patterns”), which has really excellent detailed images of the product. In addition, Daniel Nishina of RocketNews24 has an English-language interview with Umino Hiroyuki, the owner of the seaweed shop, here. Finally, to see the laser-cutting process in acts, AD STARS Festival has a video here.

Normally I would say that this product looks too pretty to eat, but I actually wish I could get some for my next dinner party.

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Call for Applications: Harvard Summer School in Kyoto at Doshisha University

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Paula

We invite you to take part in Harvard Summer School’s 8-week program at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan.  Students enroll in 2 courses:  Professor Mikael Adolphson’ s course, “Japan: Tradition and Transformation,” which explores the nation’s tumultuous move to modernity. Professor James Robson’s course, “Introduction to the Study of East Asian Religions,” covers the development and history of Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto, and various forms of popular religion in a cross-cultural setting.  Students reside with local families where they have the best chance to experience the Japanese way of life.  In addition, a myriad of field trips coincide seamlessly with coursework, linking the classroom with the surrounding city.  Non-credit Japanese language instruction with Doshisha staff is provided for students with no previous exposure to the Japanese language.

For detailed information on the program and application instructions
please visit:
http://www.summer.harvard.edu/programs/study-abroad/kyoto-japan

Details —
* Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 1 year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply
* Application deadline: January 31, 2013
* Program Dates: June 2 – July 27, 2013
* Cost: $7,750, and includes the following:
– Tuition
– Room and some meals
– All scheduled excursions and extracurricular activities
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
– A health insurance fee (waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
– Transportation to and from Kyoto
– The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
– Any immunizations

WEB: http://rijs.fas.harvard.edu/

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End of the year cleaning

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Paula
Photo by Gudlyf

Photo by Gudlyf

Hope everyone is enjoying their holidays! Since this semester swallowed us whole here at Shinpai Deshou, there was a lot of backlog for updating site links and info. But right now there’s about three inches of snow and sleet on the ground, so it’s as good a time as ever to get caught up. We’ve updated the past 12 Fun Link Fridays, our 4 newest articles, a few resource posts, and about 20 funding opportunities! So have a browse around the site before you have to get back to work! We’re also catching up on emails, organizing new online resources, and soliciting guest writers, so look forward to some great new stuff in the coming year!

Best wishes for happy holidays and safe travels,

Paula

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Call for Papers: The Imperial Court in China, Japan, and Korea: Women, Servants, and the Emperor’s Household (1600-early 1900s)

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Paula

call for papers [150-2]Location: California, United States

The University of San Francisco Center for the Pacific Rim is pleased to announce the call for papers for The Imperial Court in China, Japan, and Korea: Women, Servants, and the Emperors Household (1600 early 1900s) a symposium to be held at the University of San Francisco on Thursday and Friday, April 18-19, 2013.

The symposium will provide a forum for the examination and comparison of the imperial courts/houses and court life of China, Japan, and Korea through the lens of women, servants, and those who managed the Emperor and Empress households from the 1600s through early 1900s. Proposed themes include but are not limited to: imperial women, servants, and household managers with a particular focus on aspects of court life, relations of power, issues of gender, cultural identity, modernity, education, literature, and household economics and management. Papers which address border crossing themes or comparisons of the above mentioned imperial courts or those that explore relations between the different groups are particularly encouraged.

The deadline for proposals is Monday, January 7, 2013. Please e-mail your 250 word (maximum) abstract and Curriculum Vitae to mdale3@usfca.edu subject line Imperial Court Proposal.

The Center for the Pacific Rim will provide grants to assist presenters with travel (as per USF travel policies).

Melissa Dale
Executive Director & Assistant Professor
Center for the Pacific Rim
University of San Francisco
2130 Fulton St., KA-185
San Francisco, CA 94117-1080
Email: mdale3@usfca.edu

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Job Opening: Asian Art, Skidmore College, Vstg Asst prof

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Paula

job opening - 5Institution: Skidmore College, Art History
Location: New York, United States
Position: Visiting Assistant Professor

Skidmore College invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor, 1-year leave replacement, starting Fall 2013.  PhD or ABD in Art History; salary commensurate w/experience.  Teach 20 credits over two semesters, including an all-Asia art survey and upper level courses in East, South, or Southeast Asian art.

We encourage applications from historically under-represented groups as well as individuals who have experience with diverse student populations; women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. The college is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service.

Review of applications will begin January 7 and will continue until the position is filled. Please indicate if planning to attend CAA.

To learn more about and apply for this position please visit us online at:

https://careers.skidmore.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=54420

Skidmore is a highly selective liberal arts college that fosters creative approaches to teaching and learning. With its relatively small size and student-faculty ratio, the College is a close-knit academic community. Skidmores faculty of teacher-scholars are devoted to the instruction and mentoring of approximately 2,400 talented undergraduate men and women from some 47 states and 46 countries.

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, military or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics or prior arrest or conviction record or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.

Contact:

Skidmore College
Human Resources
815 N. Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Website:

https://careers.skidmore.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=54420

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Funding: Toyota Foundation Grants

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Paula

http://www.toyotafound.or.jp/english/02program/

The Toyota Foundation offers a number of grant opportunities for research and activities in Japan. Although the theme specifics for some programs listed are geared towards previous years, they include:

  • Grant Program for Community Activities

In keeping with our theme “Connnecting People, Activating Localities: Crating Frameworks to Forge New Communities”, we are supporting ambitious approaches that, while firmly grounded in the community character, breed independent initiative, forge mutual ties, and help to resolve local issues. This fiscal year, we have instated a special program exclusively for areas and people victimized by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Its thrust is support for activities aimed at the rebuilding of lives as well as the revival and reconstruction of local communities.

  • Asian Neighbors Program

In 2012, the Program offers a one-year specific special-purpose grant scheme. It aims to support an organization or a network to conduct both (a) to bring together people from different countries who have been working to tackle various issues in Asian countries, and (b) based on their experiences and mutual learning, to compile a report showing a vision and paths towards a prosperous and diversified Asia in the future.

  • Research Grant Program

Based on the theme of “Exploring Knowledge to Build a Better Future,” the program provides support to researches uncavering new relations between people, nature, and culture, and aspiring to an enriched society in which people sustain each other. In particular, the program targets research projects with important social significance that adopt a pioneering stance based on flexible ideas that are not limited by existing frameworks.

  • Communication with Society Program

This Foundation-driven program, which provides funding only to past grant recipients, is aimed at promoting the results of past projects funded by Toyota Foundation grants.

  • Initiative Program

This Foundation-driven program primarily supports the following sorts of projects.
— Projects undertaken in partnership with the Toyota Foundation’s own survey activities or study groups
— Initiatives that strengthen and develop the NPO sector as a whole by bolstering the organizational and activity foundations for private-sector NPO organizations
— Initiatives that address socially important issues that are difficult to support via the application-based programs
— Other initiatives that are recognized to be particularly urgent

—-

The length and amount of grants varies. Detailed information on each individual grant can be found on the homepage: http://www.toyotafound.or.jp/english/02program/

Be aware that some applications are Japanese only!

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Book Announcement: Plotting the Prince: Shotoku Cults and the Mapping of Medieval Japanese Buddhism

Posted on December 23, 2012 by LM

http://www.uhpress.hawaii.edu/p-8620-9780824834630.aspx

Plotting the Prince: Shotoku Cults and the Mapping of Medieval Japanese Buddhism
Author: Carr, Kevin

Plotting the Prince traces the development of conceptual maps of the world created through the telling of stories about Prince Shōtoku (573?–622?), an eminent statesman who is credited with founding Buddhism in Japan. It analyzes his place in the sacred landscape and the material relics of the cult of personality dedicated to him, focusing on the art created from the tenth to fourteenth centuries. The book asks not only who Shōtoku was, but also how images of his life served the needs of devotees in early medieval Japan.

Even today Shōtoku evokes images of a half-real, half-mythical figure who embodied the highest political, social, and religious ideals. Taking up his story about four centuries after his death, this study traces the genesis and progression of Shōtoku’s sacred personas in art to illustrate their connection to major religious centers such as Shitenno-ji and Hōryū-ji. It argues that mapping and storytelling are sister acts—both structuring the world in subtle but compelling ways—that combined in visual narratives of Shōtoku’s life to shape conceptions of religious legitimacy, communal history, and sacred geography.

Plotting the Prince introduces much new material and presents provocative interpretations that call upon art historians to rethink fundamental conceptions of narrative and cultic imagery. It offers social and political historians a textured look at the creation of communal identities on both local and state levels, scholars of religion a substantially new way of understanding key developments in doctrine and practice, and those studying the past in general a clear instance of visual hagiography taking precedence over the textual tradition.

72 illus., 32 in color
264pp. September 2012
Cloth – Price: $40.00
ISBN: 978-0-8248-3463-0

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