Call for Applications: Sakae Japan Internship Program

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Paula

The Sakae Japan Internship Program (SJIP) is looking for motivated students and recent graduates who would like to start a career in Japan through tailored internships. SJIP arranges internships in a wide variety of industries on a case-by-case basis, with our main goals being to help students find gainful employment in Japan, and help Japan diversify its workforce. Those placed in internships with our affiliate companies are usually offered full-time employment should the internship proceed successfully. Application and participation is free.

We assist applicants through the entire process, from application all the way until even after beginning a full-time position with a company. We also regularly communicate with our affiliate companies and participants to ensure a healthy working environment. We provide guidance for housing, visa applications (if necessary), getting around Japan, etc.

While applications are open to everybody, there are two categories in which placements are more likely to be made at this time: for those with approximately N2-level proficiency or higher in Japanese, or those with a strong computer science background and any level of Japanese proficiency. Recent graduates and those close to graduation are also highly encouraged to apply.

For more details, please see our website: www.japan-internships.com

To register, please visit www.japan-internships.com/register/

Posted in announcements, graduate school, job openings, jobs, undergraduate | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Resource: All Research is Fieldwork: A Practical Introduction to Studying in Japan as a Foreign Researcher

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Travis

The Asia-Pacific Journal (Japan Focus) has just published an excellent preliminary guide to approaching fieldwork in Japan, by Prof. Levi McLaughlin (Philosophy and Religious Studies, North Carolina State). In it, he touches upon

  • the importance of building personal connections with professors, graduate students, librarians, and archivists at the institution where you’re based in Japan
  • how to secure a letter of affiliation from a Japanese institution to begin with (for fellowship applications, etc.)
  • how to approach forging contacts in other institutions or other circles, including but not limited to the groups you may be looking to research
  • some tips on preparing for and conducting interviews
  • documents and equipment to prepare to have with you
  • managing and safeguarding your data (have backups upon backups!)
  • some tips on research ethics
  • among other points and topics

You can read the full article here: https://apjjf.org/-Levi-McLaughlin/3388/article.html.

Posted in graduate school, living abroad, useful links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Call for Papers: Okinawan Art in its Regional Context

Posted on May 27, 2019 by Travis

University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
October 10-11, 2019

Deadline for submissions: June 14, 2019

We are pleased to announce the international conference entitled ‘Okinawan Art in its Regional Context: Historical Overview and Contemporary Practice’, which is to be hosted by University of East Anglia and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC) between 10 and 11 October 2019.

The aim of the conference is to offer an international stage to distinguished scholars, and to discuss Okinawan arts and cultures. We hope to re-evaluate the significance of mutual influences among the islands of the Okinawan chain in regional, transregional, and transnational contexts.

This two-day conference will address the socio-cultural complexities of Okinawan identity over the course of history, and explore the intersection between art, politics, and identity from an interdisciplinary perspective. The object of the conference and its ensuing studies is to shed light on how Okinawan arts and cultures have been shaped by internal political situations and by a triple subjugation to the United States, Japan, and China.

We intend to undertake a collaborative project that will expand interdisciplinary research in the humanities, contributing to a growing literature that engages with the intersection between art, politics, and identity. UEA will foster links with partners such as SISJAC and SOAS (University of London), as well as re-affirm a number of valuable existing links in Japan such as with the Okinawa Prefectural University of the Arts, the Cultural Promotion of Okinawa Prefecture, and Waseda University. In so doing, as part of this conference, we will bring together a unique selection of scholars in art history, history, politics, sociology, and performing arts, primarily to identify historical and political processes behind art and cultural forms. Intended speakers would have all undertaken case studies of Okinawan art and culture, and how it relates to changing identities and regional struggles.

We are inviting abstract proposals for presentation that, in the context of Okinawa-Japan, Okinawa-China, and Okinawa-United States relations, will regard the politics of Okinawan art and culture in Japan, or expressions of regional Okinawa, national, and international Issues.

Please submit a 250 word abstract, along with a 50 word presenter biography and contact information by Friday 14th June 2019 to Dr. Eriko Tomizawa-Kay, Lecturer, University of East Anglia, at e.tomizawa-kay@uea.ac.uk.

Posted in announcements, conferences, graduate school | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Call for Applications: Noh Training Project UK 2019

Posted on May 26, 2019 by Paula

Noh Training Project UK 2019
17 – 30 August

The Project is open to anyone with an interest in Noh: actors, directors, dancers, musicians, students and academics interested in extending their performance skills are encouraged to apply. Those who have no prior experience of Noh are very welcome, as are those who already have some experience of the form. The Project will be conducted in English or with translators; Japanese language skills are not necessary.

We are pleased to announce that master actor Akira Matsui will once again join the project for the final week.

There are three possible ways to participate in the project:

Taster Weekend (17-18 August)
7-day Intensive (17-23 August)
Full Project (17 – 30 August)

For more details, please see our website: http://nohtrainingprojectuk.org

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Job Opening: Consulate General of Japan (Detroit)- Cultural and Public Affairs Coordinator

Posted on May 18, 2019 by Paula

The Consulate General of Japan in Detroit is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Cultural and Public Affairs Coordinator at the Consulate office in the GM Renaissance Center, Downtown Detroit. Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Green Card holder. All candidates will be subject to background checks.

Applicant must apply by May 27th

For full information: https://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000476744.pdf

Posted in announcements, job openings, jobs | Leave a comment

Call for Applications: 2020 Fondation France-Japon de l’EHESS Fellowships

Posted on May 11, 2019 by Paula

The Fondation France-Japon de l’EHESS is presently calling for applications for two thematic fellowships sponsored by our partners:

  1. Air Liquide Fellowship: “Visioning the Future of Human-Machine Relationships: Collaborative Researches between Japan and France“
  2. Valeo Fellowship: “Innovative Technologies for a Sustainable Mobility“

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2019. Applications are to be submitted by email to applications_ffj@ehess.fr.

The fellowship may last 5 or 10 months, between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2021, depending on the fellow’s availability.

The core objective of the fellowships of the Fondation France-Japon (FFJ) at EHESS is to lead to a close collaboration between the fellow, FFJ, and its partner. The FFJ Fellowships enable the fellows to pursue their research work, according to the research project they presented in their application with objectives specific to their stay in Paris (comparative analysis, access to French resources, etc.). They will benefit from the large network of researchers in social and human sciences, as well as the international and interdisciplinary environment of the Parisian academic institutions. Besides, the collaboration with strategic and research departments of the partner will be an excellent opportunity for them to access to a network of extra-academic experts. The fellows are hosted at EHESS in Paris in a shared office; they benefit from administrative assistance, and have access to meeting rooms and libraries.

For more information: http://ffj.ehess.fr/chaires.html

Posted in announcements, funding, graduate school | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Call for Applicants: Reischauer Policy Research Fellows Program

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Paula

Program Overview:

Inaugurated in May 2013, the Reischauer Policy Research Fellows Program is a critical element of the Reischauer Center at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, DC. It is designed to support the Center’s various research initiatives, while also providing recent undergraduate or graduate students with broad practical experience regarding the public and private-sector analysis process. Fellowships are paid and tenable for one academic year beginning in August 2019 with the potential for renewal for an additional year.

More information about our activities can be found on the Reischauer Center’s website (www.reischauercenter.org) and Facebook page (@ReischauerCenter). Please direct any questions about the position or application process to the Research and Program Coordinator at reischauer@jhu.edu.

Job Description:

Research Fellows personally assist Dr. Kent Calder, Director of the Reischauer Center, with projects related to the Center’s mission of supporting the study of transpacific and intra-Asian relations. Recent topics include, but are not limited to: policy best practices in U.S.-Japan relations such as infrastructure, public diplomacy, and public health; the role of cities in global governance; the functioning of Washington’s ‘idea industry’ and government-business relations; global energy policy; and comparative Eurasian political economy. This year will primarily focus on security cooperation and the changing role of Washington DC.

Fellows also provide logistical support for seminars, luncheons, and conferences offered by the Reischauer Center. They are able to interact with senior researchers affiliated with the Center as part of our Visiting Scholars Program, who typically join us for one academic year from various government agencies in Japan. Furthermore, Fellows are welcome to participate in events in the larger Johns Hopkins SAIS community and are frequently able to attend courses relating to Japan Studies and Asian political economy.

Ideal Qualifications and Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Political Science, International Relations, Economics,
  • History, East Asian Studies, or a related field
  • Interest in East Asian regional issues, especially Japan
  • Exceptional research, writing, and editing skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarly with online academic databases
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
  • Work experience in East Asia, such as the JET Program, preferred
  • Fluency in relevant languages such as Japanese, Korean, or Chinese

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and a 1,000 word writing sample to the Reischauer Center at reischauer@jhu.edu. Previously submitted papers or memos are acceptable, as well as excerpts of longer works.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with final decisions made no later than July 2019.

Posted in announcements, graduate school, summer program, undergraduate | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Job Opening: Visiting Assistant Professor in Japanese Studies, UCSB

Posted on May 4, 2019 by Paula

The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultural Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, invites applications for the position of Visiting Assistant Professor for the 2019-2020 academic year.

We seek applicants with expertise in Japanese literature from the Meiji Period to the present and Japanese film from a cultural studies perspective. We seek candidates with active research agendas who will participate in research activities in the department and be available to graduate students with relevant topics. The candidate will be expected to teach five courses related to their expertise and to advanced language training: Survey of Modern Japanese Literature, Topics in Modern Japanese Literature (topics to be chosen by the candidate), Japanese Cinema, and two classes of advanced Japanese readings (readings to be chosen by the candidate) or one class of advanced Japanese readings plus a second class to be determined. The candidate would also be asked to contribute to department programs by planning events related to their expertise, such as film showings and visiting speakers.

The position will remain open until filled, but complete applications received by May 13, 2019 will receive full review.

Website:     http://www.ucsb.edu/

For full details, see: https://www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=58521

Posted in announcements, job openings, jobs | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Call for Applicants: Mediated and cultural representations in East Asia, Italy and Europe

Posted on May 4, 2019 by Paula

Mutual Images Research Association has announced its Call for Applications for its first international summer school, which will be held on 16-19 July 2019 at the University of Messina (Italy):

Mediated and cultural representations in East Asia, Italy and Europe

This Summer School offers an intensive learning experience where under-graduate, graduate, and post-graduate students will have the opportunity to consolidate their theoretical and methodological skills and engage in thought-provoking conversations. This program, in addition to offering lectures and lessons on specific topics, will provide students with the opportunity to partake in discussions with international scholars.

The program will focus on the mediated and cultural representations between East Asia (namely Japan and Asia), Italy and Europe. The disciplinary fields upon which the school’s teaching sessions as well as the keynote lectures will be based are cultural and media
sociology, cultural studies, literary and film studies, aesthetics and philosophy. The general range of themes is furthermore informed by the growing importance of the transnational and transregional dynamics involving the circulation of popular cultures and creative industries in Italy/Europe, Japan, and China, and the role of the intellectual and material outputs involved in the mutual receptions/perceptions of the national/cultural contexts at the centre of the school’s interdisciplinary discussions and analyses.

Fee
The total cost of the tuition and supplementary activities is 350 euro. This sum coversfive nights accommodation, three official meals
(two lunches and a dinner together), free access to wi-fi in the campus and to the libraries and university facilities, small refreshments
for the session breaks, and the transportation for the organised tour. The other meals as well as additional nights and transport to and from Messina University, or any other expenses, remain at the charge of each participant.

Applications

Interested applicants are kindly required to send (as Word or PDF documents) a short CV and a one-page Motivation Letter
to the Organising Committee with the following subject: Summer School 2019-Application. E-mail address: mutualimages@gmail.com

Deadline for Applications: 24 May 2019

Full details for the summer school can be found here: https://www.mutualimages.org/summerschool2019

Posted in announcements, conferences, graduate school | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Call for Applicants: PhD Studentship in Modern Japanese History

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Paula

The Department of History at the University of York is delighted to invite applications for a three-year PhD studentship to work on the history of Japan as a major producer of the natural insecticide, pyrethrum. This studentship forms part of the Wellcome Trust funded project “The Chemical Empire: A New History of Synthetic Insecticides in Britain and its Colonies, c 1920-1970”, led by Dr Sabine Clarke in the Department of History. This project will transform our understandings of the use of insecticides in the past by exploring the neglected experience of insecticide use in Britain and its colonies. It will play close attention to the interplay of cultural, political, economic, technical and business factors important in a range of contexts that have not been previously explored or sufficiently distinguished in order to produce a new history of synthetic insecticides in the twentieth century.

The PhD Project:

Pyrethrum is a naturally occurring insecticide that can be extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. Japan established a pyrethrum industry at the end of the 19th century and Japanese scientists were responsible for innovations in insect control such as mosquito coils. By the start of the Second World War, Japan was the major supplier of pyrethrum to Britain and the US. This project will investigate aspects of the rise of the pyrethrum industry in Japan such as its international significance, and its relationship with the new synthetic insecticides that emerged after 1940. The project would suit a candidate with an interest in fields such as the history of science, technology and medicine, environmental history and/or economic and business history. Candidates will need a good reading knowledge of Japanese.

The student will be jointly supervised by Dr Sabine Clarke and Dr Oleg Benesch and based in the History Department at the University of York. This is a great opportunity to pursue your academic interests as part of a diverse and dynamic scholarly community at the University of York.

Further details regarding the studentship and the application process can be found here:

https://www.york.ac.uk/history/postgraduate/funding/#tab-2

The deadline for applications is midnight (BST) on Friday 17 May 2019. Please feel free to share this advertisement with colleagues and students, and I’m very happy to answer any questions at: oleg.benesch@york.ac.uk

Posted in announcements, job openings, jobs | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment