Film Festival: Castles in the Sky: Miyazaki, Takahata and the Masters of Studio Ghibli (Chicago)

We’re a little late on this, but there’s still a whole month of Ghibli films to enjoy at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago!

“Charm as innocent, vibrant and entertaining as this cannot be constructed electronically; it lives and breathes in the spirit of its creators.” —Angus Wolfe Murray, EyeForFilm.co.uk

From June 8 through August 2, the Gene Siskel Film Center presents “Castles in the Sky,” a tribute to Japan’s renowned Studio Ghibli, screening fifteen animated features showcasing the work of founding directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and founding producer Toshio Suzuki. Creator of some of the most beloved animated films of all time, Studio Ghibli conjures up the magic that has captured the hearts of fans around the world of all ages through films including CASTLE IN THE SKY, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE, and SPIRITED AWAY.

Trademarks of the Studio Ghibli film include breathtaking visual style, characterizations often derived from Manga (Japanese comic books), a concern for the environment and the interrelationship of mankind and nature, and a deeply affecting, expansive view of family and community. Studio Ghibli continues to create films through the labor-intensive technique of cell animation, requiring thousands of hours by artist/technicians to draw each frame. Directors Miyazaki and Takahata have each developed a unique style, which may be savored through the range of work in this series

All but two films screen in new 35mm prints, and two titles, ONLY YESTERDAY and THE OCEAN WAVES, have never been released in North America. Where available, and as noted below, we offer the option of seeing films in the original Japanese-language version with English subtitles (indicated in the listings below), or in the English-language version with voices by major stars.

The Gene Siskel Film Center thanks Dave Jesteadt and GKids for assistance in making this series possible.
—Barbara Scharres

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Job Opening: Publicity Coordinator, Japan Information and Culture Center

Company: Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington, D.C.
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
Deadline: not listed

The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the Publicity Coordinator position. This individual is responsible for supporting the JICC’s goal to promote a better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture by disseminating information about the JICC and various Japan-related events to the public and media. Possessing excellent writing skills, this individual will have primary responsibility for creating and designing promotional materials and will also be responsible for drafting speeches for Embassy of Japan diplomats.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Superior writing and editing skills in English; experience in journalism or writing for public relations preferred
  • Ability to use Adobe Creative Suite preferred
  • Strong computer skills
  • Proficiency in Japanese
  • High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects
  • Experience living or working in Japan preferred
  • Understanding of Japanese culture and passion to teach others
  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in relevant field: e.g. Communication, East Asian Studies, International Relations

For full details and to apply, see full posting on the JICC website.

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Job Opening: Senior Development Officer, Asia, Middlebury College

Institution: Middlebury College
Location: Middlebury, VT
Application Due: Open Until Filled

Education: Bachelor’s required, advanced degree preferred

The Senior Development Officer increases the College’s fundraising capacity through the successful cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a pool of prospective donors with the capacity to make gifts in the $100K to $1M range and assessment of selected prospects on an ongoing basis. This position has a strong focus on international prospective donors, particularly Asia, requiring foreign language proficiency and cultural sensitivity.

Experience

  • 7-10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience.
  • Experience in closing leadership-level gifts is required
  • Proficiency in foreign language and culture, particularly related to Asia (speak and read Chinese or Japanese).

For full description and to apply, see the original posting on Middlebury’s website.

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Internship Opportunity: Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, Fall 2012

Company: Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: unpaid
Intership term: Fall 2012 (early September – early December)
Application period: June 8, 2012 – July 13, 2012

The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan seeks unpaid, part to full-time interns (12-35hrs/week) for Fall 2012. Internship start/end dates and hours are customized with the academic schedule of the chosen candidate.

The JICC is a part of the Public Affairs section of the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. Our primary role is to promote a better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture by providing a wide range of information and events to the American public, particularly in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. We strive to build bridges between the two cultures through various activities, such as film screenings, art exhibitions, lectures, an online newsletter, and school programs. The JICC is the gateway to connect the American public to Japan and the interns are an integral part of our efforts.
Requirements
Studies:

  • Enrolled in a four-year degree program and have at least two years of undergraduate study completed. Graduate students may also apply.
  • Enrolled in a U.S. accredited university throughuot duration of internship.
  • Major in International Studies, Japanese Studies, Asian American Studies, Public Diplomacy, Political Science, or a related field.

Languages/Skills:

  • English: Proficient to fluent in speaking/reading/writing
  • Japanese: Proficient to fluent in speaking/reading/writing
  • Excellent writing, public speaking, and organizational skills
  • Superior interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to take initiative and work successfully both indepenently and in teams.

For full details and to apply, see original posting on JICC.

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Job Opening: International Studies Abroad Advisor Executive Assistant II, University of San Diego

Institution: University of San Diego
Location: San Diego, CA
Application Due: July 9, 2012
Type: Full Time
Education level: Bachelor’s degree

The International Studies Abroad Office supports all student study abroad programs conducted in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. The International Studies Abroad Advisor will serve as the first contact for the international study programs in the International Studies Abroad Office and assist the Director of International Studies Abroad in the management of over 80 international programs. This position provides the necessary administrative functions to offer successful academic programs abroad; coordinates pre-departure preparations including international visa requirements; manages the office and ensures accurate records; supervises administrative assistants and advises students; promotes the various programs while working with critical deadlines, serves as principle budgetary officer for each of the faculty-led programs under their jurisdiction; conducts overseas site visits as necessary; serves as on-site coordinator abroad as necessary; serves as a translator when necessary. Operates under the general guidance and direction of the Director of International Studies Abroad. Works in cooperation with the other International Studies Abroad Advisors and the Administrative Assistant; Exercises general supervision of the work-study students, student program specialists and graduate assistants.


Job Requirements

Education and Experience:
(A) Preference for individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree in related fields (i.e. International Relations, Foreign Languages, Business Administration, etc).
(B) Travel and international experience such as working in an International Center advising international students or domestic students on opportunities for abroad programs.
(C) Minimum of 2 years work experience in an administrative/executive level atmosphere with knowledge of office functions/procedures, especially budgets and accounting or a minimum of 4 years of office environment experience.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

(A) Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and a second language
(B) Strong proofreading and grammar skills
(C) Ability to serve as translator as required
(D) Knowledge of international travel and cultural awareness/sensitivity….
(M) Preference for individual with personal experience in international study

For full description and to apply, see original posting on USD’s website.

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Job Opening: Asian Studies

Institution Type:   Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts
Location:   British Columbia, Canada
Position:   Full Professor; Asian Studies Instructor

ASIAN STUDIES INSTRUCTOR  Competition Number 12-66

The Asian Studies Program in the Faculty of Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University invites applications for a Non-Regular type 2 (contractually limited) position beginning January 1, 2013. This one-year term position will have an annualized workload of between 50% and 100% (4-8 sections) depending on the successful applicants ability to teach existing courses in our program.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, university teaching experience, and be able to teach courses in two or more of the following areas:

Religions of East Asia
History of Hong Kong
History of Taiwan
History of East Asian immigration to North America
The Chinese overseas
South Asians around the globe
Classical and modern Chinese literature in translation
Classical and modern Japanese literature in translation
Classical and modern Indian literature in translation
Cultural foundations of East and South Asia
Contemporary Chinese and Japanese culture
Introduction to Chinese and Japanese cinema
East or South Asian folklore
Women and/or gender in modern East Asia
Women and/or gender in modern India

Applicants with the expertise to teach in other areas within the field of Asian Studies will also be considered.

A complete application includes a covering letter, current curriculum vitae, sample course outlines, peer and student reviews, a statement on teaching philosophy, copies of transcripts of all degrees, and the
names of three referees. Applicants may be requested to present a short sample lecture.

Contact: The deadline for applications is August 20, 2012.  Interviews will be conducted in September 2012.

Please forward your application quoting the competition number 12-66 to:  Human Resource Services, 12666 72 Avenue, Surrey, BC  V3W 2M8 or email to employ@kwantlen.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
However, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Website: www.kwantlen.ca

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Funding: Japanese Studies Fellowship Program

This program provides support to outstanding scholars in the field by offering the opportunity to conduct research in Japan.

2013-2014 Fellowship Categories

Scholars and Researchers (Long-Term) (2-12 months):

Scholars and researchers in the humanities or social sciences. Applicants must hold Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience.

Scholars and Researchers (Short-Term) (21-59 days):
Scholars and researchers in the humanities and social sciences who need to conduct intensive research in Japan. Applicants must hold Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience.

Doctoral Candidates (4-12 months):
Doctoral candidates in the humanities or social sciences. Applicants must have achieved ABD status by the time the fellowship begins.

Application deadline: 11:59pm EST on Thursday, November 1, 2012

(Please note: Different deadline applies to applicants who do not hold American citizenship, permanent residency and Americans with permanent residency in other countries. Please read 3. Eligibility of Program Instruction.)

Notification of results: Principal awardees will be notified starting April 2013. Alternate awardees will be notified as fellowships become available.

For further information, see the website here:

http://www.jfny.org/japanese_studies/fellowship.html

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Funding: Call for Applications: Harvard Academy Scholars Program

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2013-2014

The Academy Scholars Program identifies and supports outstanding scholars at the start of their careers whose work combines disciplinary excellence in the social sciences (including history and law) with a command of the language, history, or culture of non-Western countries or regions. Their scholarship may elucidate domestic, comparative, or transnational issues, past or present.

The Academy Scholars are a select community of individuals with resourcefulness, initiative, curiosity, and originality, whose work in non-Western cultures or regions shows promise as a foundation for
exceptional careers in major universities or international institutions. Harvard Academy Scholarships are open only to recent Ph.D. (or comparable professional school degree) recipients and doctoral candidates. Those still pursuing a Ph.D. should have completed their routine training and be well along in the writing of their theses before applying to become Academy Scholars; those in possession of a Ph.D. longer than 3 years at the time of application are ineligible.

Academy Scholars are appointed for 2 years by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies and are provided time, guidance, and access to Harvard University facilities. They receive substantial financial and research assistance to undertake sustained projects of research and/or acquire accessory training in their chosen fields and areas. Some teaching is permitted but not required. The Senior Scholars, a distinguished group of senior Harvard University faculty members, act as mentors to the Academy Scholars to help them achieve their intellectual potential.

Post-doctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of $64,000, and pre-doctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of $28,000. Applications for the 2013-2014 class of Academy
Scholars are due by October 1, 2012. Finalist interviews will take place in Cambridge on December 10.  Notification of Scholarships will be made in January, 2013. For complete information on how to apply
visit: www.wcfia.harvard.edu/academy.

Laurence Winnie
Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies
Harvard University
1727 Cambridge St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
ph. 617-495-4253
f. 67-496-9592
Email: lwinnie@wcfia.harvard.edu
Visit the website at http://www.wcfia.harvard.edu/academy

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No Fun Link Friday Today

Sorry guys, I’m out of town and internet is sporadic, so no Fun Link Friday this week. But I’m sure you can find something out there on the web to brighten up your weekend, if you’re not tackling our long list of previous Fun Link Fridays.

Have a great weekend!

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Job Opening: Modern Japanese History

Institution: International Christian University, Department of History
Location:   Japan
Position:   Associate Professor, Full Professor

Department of History, International Christian University

Field: Modern Japanese History

The College of Liberal Arts, International Christian University is pleased to announce an open search for a full-time faculty position in the Modern Japanese History.

The successful applicant will be expected to teach general education, foundation and area major courses as well as graduate courses. The candidate should be able to teach in English, but necessarily have
research and speaking skills in Japanese.

Position: Associate Professor, Senior Associate Professor or Professor

Qualification:
1. Ph.D. or equivalent is required.
2. Language of instruction: English.
3. Commitment to the universitys Christian mission
4. Relevant teaching experience is desirable.

Deadline for applications: September 1, 2012
Starting date: September 1, 2013

Continue reading

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