Journey to Tohoku: Miyagi with the Japan America Society of Chicago

JETAA Chicago is excited to support this event by the Japan America Society of Chicago. In this presentation, the speaker will showcase the beauty of Miyagi in all four seasons, as well as its potentials as a travel destination.

About this event

A wide range of popular tourist spots in Miyagi will be featured, from famous ones such as Matsushima, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan (nihon-sankei), and the Zao Mountain, to some of the less well-known hidden gem destinations such as Lake Izunuma and Yakurai Garden.

The speaker will also briefly go over the history of Miyagi Prefecture as well as introduce a number of local specialty products and gourmet dishes in Miyagi for foodies.

About the speaker

Nagi Cao is a Coordinator for International Relations at the Miyagi Prefectural Government currently residing in Sendai City. Originally from Seattle, he has spent the better part of his adult life living in Japan and has been working for the Miyagi Prefectural Government since 2018. His job duties involve translating and interpreting for government officials and visiting dignitaries, as well as introducing the beauty of Miyagi to people around the world. In his free time, Nagi enjoys traveling and has visited over 30 prefectures in Japan.

Sign up here!

Japanese Language Series: April Fun & Games TOMORROW @ 6 pm CST!

Remember to join us for the return of the Japanese Language Series on Tuesday, April 26th from 6-7 pm CST! These events are intended to bring together JETAA members and supporters who want to stay engaged with Japanese language learning and use.

We’ll be kicking the season off with a few Kanji Jukugo Puzzles, followed by PowerPoint Karaoke, relay style!

Never played before? Unsure of your proficiency level? That’s okay! All levels of experience with Japanese are welcome!

Click the button below for full event details and to sign up via Guestlist.

Sign up here!

*This event is for JET alumni and Friends of JET.

Questions? Email Rurik Tywoniw at networking@jetaachicago.com

Program Manager – Full Time (Remote) for U.S.-Japan Council

This job opportunity was shared by an alumni. See the original posting here.

U.S.-Japan Council

Program Manager – Full Time (Remote: Washington, DC or continental U.S.)

The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) (www.usjapancouncil.org) is an educational 501(c)3 non-profit organization that develops and connects diverse leaders to create a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship. Founded by Japanese Americans, the Council brings together leaders of the United States and Japan from across backgrounds, sectors, and generations to partner for a better future for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. USJC also administers the TOMODACHI Initiative (https://www.usjapancouncil.org/tomodachi/), a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan.

We are currently seeking a Program Manager who can offer managerial, administrative, and operational support to Council programs from concept to implementation. The Program Manager will be involved in developing, managing, and implementing new and existing USJC signature, regional, and other educational programs in areas such as bilateral security, trade, and other related issues; legislative and government affairs; business and civil sector engagement; climate and sustainability; technology and innovation; women, youth, and minority leadership; academic exchange, and more.

Candidates should be committed to the goals of the organization and bring experience in developing interesting programs that educate and engage audiences who are interested in U.S.-Japan relations. Hands-on event management and execution experience is required, and he or she must be able to multitask and work efficiently in engaging various resources in a fast-paced environment. This position is full-time remote work (Washington, DC or continental U.S.), and travel (domestic and international) will be required as needed. The Program Manager will report to the Director of Program Development.

Responsibilities may include:

• Develop, implement, and manage signature, regional, and educational programs that support and promote USJC’s mission.

• Manage educational exchange, delegation, and scholarship programs.

• Provide lead and back-up technical support to virtual programs and events.

• Work together with the President, Staff, Board of Directors, USJC members, think tanks and other experts to develop program content and seek appropriate speakers for virtual, in-person, and hybrid events.

• Create program budgets and plan resources for the implementation of programs.

• Manage the day-to-day activities of programs, which involves coordination with speakers, planning logistics, managing event registration, and coordinating staff and volunteers.

• Work together with the communications staff for the promotion of events.

Qualifications

• Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines, manage multiple priorities, and delegate effectively.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in working independently and as a member of a team and developing effective working relationships with Board & Council members, donors, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.

• Event management experience: small educational programs (less than 50 participants) to large-scale conferences (500+ attendees).

• Commitment to professional ethics in working with highly confidential, sensitive information.

• Minimum 2-3 years event management, coordination, or related experience (required).

• Extensive computer skills, including intermediate or higher-level proficiency with Microsoft Office (EXCEL, PowerPoint, and Word) and experience working with electronic online event management and communication platforms, as well as event delivery systems (Zoom).

• Lives in the continental U.S. (required).

• Bachelor’s degree (required).

• English fluency (required); Japanese proficiency (preferred).

To Apply

Candidates should provide a cover letter, resume and 2-3 professional references to hr@usjapancouncil.org. Please make sure you submit all necessary information and documents. Successful candidates will be contacted for a phone or virtual interview.

The U.S.-Japan Council does not sponsor visas to work in the United States nor relocation expenses.