Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine 1 Contents Mar/Apr 2010 Vol. 19 Issue No. 2

3 Letters From the Editor, President 4 Nippon News Blotter / Farewell Ono-san 5 JETlog – Featuring David Namisato By Lisa Birzen 6 Andrew W.K.: The JQ Interview By Justin Tedaldi 7 Bobby Valentine at Japan Society By Tristan Child 9 Gearing Up for Grad School By Aly Woolfrey Book Corner: Tokyo Vice By David Kowalsky 10 Concert Review: Hikaru Utada in NYC By Justin Tedaldi 11 The Funny Page

JET Wants You!

Pam Kavalam, Ann Chow, Kirsten Phillips, Alexis Hall and Carleen Ben (behind the camera) genki-ly promote the JET Program at the CUNY International Opportunities Fair on Mar. 5.

We Swear It’s Real

For elites only? At the JETAANY Shinnenkai at Naniwa, Jan. 30. (Photo by Nicole Bongiorno)

2 Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine Letter From the Editor

Last fall we ran a review of The Cove, a fi lm about a seaside Japanese town and the con- troversy sparked by the American fi lmmakers over its annual dolphin hunt. I missed it in theaters, but after it won this year’s Academy Award for best documentary, it became required viewing. While the fi lm is critical of certain Japanese policies, JETs are the ideal audience for it, since we’ve all experienced the emotional tug of war that characterized life in our second home abroad. Maybe this gives us a greater understanding in the end, and a chance to educate others about something important affecting the world. That’s what these brave fi lmmakers and their supporters did. See it.

Editorially yours, Justin Tedaldi (Kobe-shi CIR, 2001-02) [email protected]

Letter From the President

Dear JETAANY Members and Friends,

Did you know that the JET Alumni Association boasts an extensive global network? With 21,000 members rep- resented by 50 chapters in 15 countries, we have a geographic footprint and headcount that rival some of the world’s largest multinational corporations. We have something even more powerful as well—the shared experi- ence of living and working in Japan and the tremendous impact it had on our lives. Regrettably, the 21,000 reg- istered JETAA members represent less than half of the over 50,000 alumni who have gone through the program. One of our major challenges is to engage these people and bring them into our network, and we are constantly looking for ways to appeal to the varying interests and needs of our hugely diverse constituency.

This August, JETAANY will host representatives from the 19 JETAA USA chapters at the annual National Con- ference. One of our goals is to bridge the distance between chapters and members around the world, enabling our alumni to leverage this talented pool of people and impressing upon society the value of the JET experience and the prestige of the program. Through the execution of quality events, the showcasing of our members’ talents, and the impact we make on society, JET and JETAA can become household names recognized by all. As a result, having JET on your résumé would be an immediate signal to any employer of your work caliber and potential.

To be successful in these efforts, we need all of our alumni and stakeholders to work together to “put JET on the map.” As an alumnus, you are a walking advertisement for the JET program and a cultural ambassador for Japan. JET is not just something you have done, but rather it is a part of who you are. By sharing what you have experienced with other alumni and with the public at large, you are making the world a smaller place. Bridging these distances allows for cultural understanding and empathy, and helps all of us realize the extent to which we are interconnected.

As an executive offi cer of JETAANY for the past three years, I have had the privilege of overseeing the activities of one of the most talented and dedicated groups of people with whom I have ever worked. I am ceaselessly amazed at what these individuals are collectively able to accomplish on a part-time, volunteer basis. I have grown both personally and professionally as a result of these experiences, and have learned a great deal about what it means—and does not mean—to be a leader. Naturally, I cannot advocate our alumni association enough, and I hope I can inspire all members to get involved—to take the time to refl ect on what the JET experience meant to you and to share it with everyone around you, to create a space in people’s minds for exchange and understanding, and to create a place in your own lives for the experience to continue to live and fl ourish.

Sincerely,

Megan Miller Yoo (Hyogo-ken, 2000-02) [email protected]

You don’t have to be a rakugo master to contribute to JQ! Be a traditionalist. Order your print copy today. Contact Send your story ideas to [email protected]. [email protected] for info. Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine 3 Nippon News Blotter

2/2/10: The United States stepped up pressure 2/16/10: Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Japan to protect the rights of foreign parents said personal and ruling-party money scandals deprived of access to their children, warning the helped trigger his plunging popularity in Japan emotive issue could put further strain on their fi ve months after sweeping to power. The Cabi- alliance. Washington believes that U.S. parents net’s approval rating dropped to 35.7 percent are being denied contact with more than 100 from 47.1 percent last month and its disapprov- children in Japan, either because of Japanese al score rose to 44.7 percent from 32.4 percent, courts’ one-sided custody rulings or because according to Jiji Press. “One reason for this is the children were abducted. Courts in Japan the issue of politics and money,” Hatoyama told routinely award custody to only one parent, reporters in Tokyo. “We must sincerely accept usually the mother, and almost never to foreign public sentiment.” (Bloomberg) parents. (AFP) 2/24/10: Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota 2/28/10: More than half a million people in 2/5/10: The U.S. government launched an in- Motor Corp., told the U.S. Congress that “we Japan were ordered to higher ground, as coastal vestigation into reported braking problems with never run away from our problems” and apolo- areas across the vast Pacifi c region braced for Toyota’s high-profi le hybrid, the Prius. Toyota gized for accidents in his company’s vehicles. lethal tsunami waves. But only small waves ap- denied reports by the Nikkei news organiza- He added he was “absolutely confi dent” there peared in Japan, which reported minor damage. tion in Tokyo that the company is poised to re- was no design fl aw in the company’s electronic (New York Times) call 160,000 Priuses—100,000 in the United throttle-control system. Scores of reporters States—related to the braking issue. The 2004- from the U.S. and Japan, along with hundreds 3/1/10: The closing ceremony of the 2010 Van- 09 Prius models are part of a separate recall of of members of the public, lined up hours in couver Winter Olympic Games brought an end 3.8 million vehicles launched in October to cor- advance of the 11 a.m. hearing, one of three to competition in a record 86 events that saw rect a problem with the driver’s-side fl oor mat congressional sessions scheduled on Toyota’s Japan win fi ve medals (three silver, two bronze). trapping the gas pedal. (Washington Post) recalls. (Wall Street Journal) Altogether, 26 Japanese athletes placed within the top eight in their events, fi ve more than dur- 2/9/10: Japan will propose scaling down its 2/24/10: According to a senior government ing the 2006 Games in Turin, Italy. troubled annual whale hunt in Antarctica on the researcher studying Japan’s economic decline, (Mainichi Japan) condition that it is allowed to whale commer- child poverty in Japan is increasing at a surpris- cially in its own coastal waters, a fi sheries offi - ing rate. Aya Abe says 15 percent of Japanese 3/8/10: The Japanese fi shing village of Taiji cial said. Tokyo will present its proposal to the children live in poverty, and the government is featured in The Cove, which recently won an International Whaling Commission (IWC) at its not doing enough to help them, citing changing Oscar for best documentary, defended its prac- annual meeting in Morocco in June, the offi cial demographics and social security premiums. tice of hunting dolphins as a part of a long tradi- said, even though a similar plan was rejected by (Voice of America) tion. The movie also claims that dolphin meat is the 85-nation body last year. (AFP) laden with toxic mercury. (AP) 2/27/10: An earthquake measuring 6.9 mag- 2/10/10: Panasonic Corp., the world’s largest nitude on the Richter scale rocked Okinawa 3/10/10: Japan may have one of the lowest maker of plasma televisions, aims to win half Prefecture and its vicinity in southern Japan, birthrates in the world, but researchers at a of Japan’s market for 3D televisions next fi scal according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Japanese university are hoping that a new bion- year, executive Shiro Nishiguchi said. “About 10 The focus of the quake—Okinawa’s biggest since ic baby will help change all of that. The robotic percent of large-screen TVs, measuring 37 inch- 1909—was located some 10 km under the sea 50 infant is known as Yotaro and was developed by es or bigger, will probably be 3D TVs in 2010, so km east off the capital Naha, said the agency. the robotics and behavior sciences laboratory of that’s about 500,000 units to be sold here,” he Two people were reportedly slightly injured in Tokyo’s University of Tsukuba to simulate the said in an interview. (Bloomberg) the earthquake. (Xinhua) behavior of a real human child. (RedOrbit)

Farewell From NY Consul Ono-san

I fi nished my tour of duty in New York and will start a new job in the Philip- pines (Embassy of Japan). I was really happy to meet many JETs and to work with JETAANY for four years. Ms. Kumi Matsumoto takes my place in April. I want to ask for your continued support and guidance to my successor. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

I look forward to seeing you again. Arigatou gozaimashita.

Hirotaka Ono

4 Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine that there was “a growing trend for away…I like kids now, and it made “As the B.O.E. comic deadline ap- JETlog contracting organizations to use me a better person, a better human proaches, I think back to when I By Lisa Birzen CIRs as elementary school teach- being,” David says. was a JET, and when I enter that ers.” mindset, ideas just start fl owing,” (Kanagawa-ken, For anyone who knows any of Da- such as being left out of the enkai 2004-05) “I was terrifi ed!” David recalled. vid’s various illustrations, you know invitation or being confused for an “When I got to Japan and had my that children are now one of his American. For the most part, David By this point, most JQ readers fi rst class, I wanted to run away!” prevalent subjects. In fact, his illus- gets his ideas from stories heard should be familiar with the fea- Every day, he remembered plot- trations are featured in a children’s from friends. tured comic strip Life After the ting “when could I sneak out in the book, Fly Catcher Boy, that came B.O.E. For this issue, we caught up middle of the night and get back out last December. “I’ve never had my bum grabbed by with the comic’s creator and illus- home.” His geographical location someone at the offi ce,” he said, “but trator David Namisato (Aomori- within Japan surprised him just We can all be grateful that David’s we all know someone who has. We ken CIR, 2002-04) to bring you all like to share our stories of what the stories, the inspiration and the we went through in Japan. Hang- process behind this JET alumni il- ing around other JETs is a treasure lustrator favorite. trove for stories.” No matter how much the JET mantra emphasizes Ever since he was young, David that “everybody’s situation is dif- knew that he wanted to be an il- ferent,” David’s comic brings out all lustrator. After graduating from of those experiences and scenarios Toronto University in 1999, he en- that JET alums have in common. rolled in an animation school to en- We can all relate to the topics fea- hance his artistic abilities and fur- tured in his strip and can often see ther his professional goals. Despite ourselves in his main characters. the creative aspects and artistic ful- fi llment of a career in the arts, Da- Currently, all of his illustrations are vid was also fully aware of its harsh created digitally: “I start off with a realities. quick thumbnail on paper and move to the computer.” His illustration “Any career in the arts might mean tools are Photoshop, a tablet, and a that you’ll hang onto a gig at Star- stylus (digital pen) with eraser. Da- bucks longer,” he said. As an illus- vid prefers the modern media form: trator, one might experience alter- “The cleaning-up aspect of using nating periods of heavy workloads traditional media is a chore. Not and sparse assignments and “as having to get paint from under my fun as it is, it can be quite diffi cult; nail is great, [and] the Undo com- the person working at McDonald’s mand is fantastic!” might be making more than you!” By having a tablet that lets him With those grim realities in mind, draw right on the screen, some- David reached a turning point in his Self-portrait of the artist. times when going back and forth life and, ultimately, in his career: between pencil and digital drawing, “I came to a point where I didn’t as much as his unexpected job du- experiences in Japan had this posi- “I fi nd myself trying to hit Control-Z even want to look at a pencil,” he re- ties. “Aomori wasn’t even remotely tive effect; otherwise, we would be on my desk!”, David explained. marked on that time in his life. Hav- close to the places I requested. The denied his creative illustrations of ing extensively immersed himself in only reasons I can think of me being children, many of which can be seen Refl ecting back on his winding ca- the arts up to that point, David felt placed in Aomori are a) God has a on his bilingual Japanese and Eng- reer path to date, David said, “I nev- he needed to break away from that very strange sense of humor, or b) lish blog and online portfolio. er thought that running away would path and try something different. The guys at CLAIR throw darts on have brought me back to the same a map to decide placements,” David His current drawing style is a “hy- place.” He left animation school for His artistic pursuits put aside for mused. brid style that incorporates both the JET Program in the hopes of the moment, David tried to fi nd [Japanese and American] styles,” exploring other career paths, but work that would provide him with Despite his initial reservations, Da- David explained. “Some say it looks in the end returned to his heart’s stability, benefi ts and a regular vid never did manage to success- like anime, and I wouldn’t disagree true calling with a broader outlook paycheck. Having grown up in a fully defect from the JET Program with them. At the same time, be- on life. Japanese-speaking household, Da- and ended up staying in Japan for ing Canadian and growing up with vid was well-versed in the language the next two years. Over that time, North American comics as well, There is no running away now, and and considered the JET Program, David experienced a transformation that’s also a part of me.” David said he’s “in it for the long among other professional options and a change of heart. haul.” Looking ahead, he’d like to available to him. David said he felt To any JET alum with professional illustrate more picture books, cre- the JET Program seemed like “a “I was fortunate that all the kids in artistic aspirations, David shares ate more comics, and adds, “if any good way to facilitate the change in the town were great kids; even the the following nuggets of wisdom alum in New York City is in publish- career,” and ultimately applied for a bad kids were very nice kids,” he gleaned from his fi rst-hand experi- ing, I’d be delighted to come out and position. said. The difference between the ence: “As fun as it is, it can be dif- meet them.” good and the bad kids turned out fi cult. You have to start getting used He chose the CIR position over the to be that “the bad kids preferred to to rejection and be able to pitch For some JET alumni, the experi- ALT role for two reasons: “I could be at the river fi shing” as opposed your work and pitch your ideas.” ence on the JET Program is a collec- speak Japanese, and at that time, to being in school and doing home- tion of past memories. For others, I hated kids.” His decision would work. David fi nds inspiration in “mun- like David Namisato, it serves as a have been a sensible one, given his dane things.” When preparing to source of inspiration. language abilities and work prefer- David would draw in class to ex- create, David said, “I look at a blank ence, had it not been for the fact plain concepts to the children and screen and think, ‘What do I want to For more creations, visit www. that, after David arrived in Japan noticed that they enjoyed his les- draw? What do I want to be doing?’ namisato.org and www.lifeaf- and began working, he discovered sons. “My dislike for children faded I just start drawing.” tertheboe.com. Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine 5 would like to hear me cover, so between the fans and all his releases and the Boredoms’ releases Andrew W.K.: The JQ Interview and my label and my own taste, I think we cre- were always so inspiring. And so vibrant. ated a good selection. By Justin Tedaldi Was your initial success in Japan some- (Kobe-shi CIR, 2001-02) How did your initial contact with Japa- thing that you sought out for yourself, or Cover Photo by Andrew Strasser nese culture get you into listening to Jap- did it happen more naturally with your anese hardcore and other groups? image and what the music was like? That’s a very good question. I’m trying to re- When I started to be Andrew W.K., it was a Musician, author, TV host, motivational member really how it all began. I think, um… worldwide approach, and it all happened so speaker, nightclub co-owner and entertainer because I visited Japan with my family for two quickly. I didn’t really think about the idea of Andrew W.K. is prepping the release of a new weeks, when I was 13. My father is a law pro- doing well in Japan or any other countries; I just two-disc set, the “lost third album” (previously wanted to do well everywhere. Once I started available only in Japan and Korea) Close Calls traveling around and the record started coming with Brick Walls and Mother of Mankind, billed out worldwide, [and] I could see which countries as “21 rare and unreleased songs from 1999- were responding the most, it was always pretty 2010.” JQ spoke with Andrew, whose interest obvious. And Japan, from the very beginning, in Japan runs deep in fascinating ways. they just really, really, really responded, and I didn’t really think of it this way at the time, but What can we expect from the new album? now looking back, I think that was a very spe- Well, the second disc for me is, of course, what cifi c manifestation—loving Japan so much for I’m most excited about because there’s a lot of so long—that my subconscious probably helped material that people have never heard. This was form what I did so that it would be appropri- supposed to be a defi nitive version of all the bo- ate for Japan. I never thought, “Oh, I’m going to nus tracks over the years put together. It’s a col- be high energy because they like that in Japan,” lection of rare and unreleased music spanning but all of the things that make me what I am or my whole career, [and] brand new stuff that I the music the way it is tend to be qualities that just fi nished, including stuff written before my worked well in Japan by default. You couldn’t very fi rst album, I Get Wet. All the odd ones out ask for a better place to be accepted, just the that didn’t fi t together, now they all have a home nicest people and the highest level of quality together on this album. I really do hope it’s an in every single thing that you do, from profes- entertaining experience. sionalism and work and the infrastructure of the country to the kindness of the fan base. It’s I was reading about this album of yours a wonderful, wonderful place to be successful, that I haven’t heard, 2008’s import-only and I’m very grateful to the Japanese fan base The Japan Covers. You did covers of Jap- for allowing me to be so. anese pop and rock songs… For variety, yeah. It was sort of 30 years of dif- They really latch onto it more than they ferent pop hits. do in the U.S., where it’s more concerned “Japan is a wonderful, wonderful place to be success- with pop or singing, not necessarily car- Were there any other songs or artists ful, and I’m very grateful to the fans.” (Mike Lum) rying on the tradition of being a musi- that you had to leave out? fessor, and he was invited to teach in Kyoto, cian. No, I was very pleased with that selection; I actually. We stayed in Kyoto and Tokyo and we That’s true. I will say the fi rst country and pos- thought it was pretty diverse. Of course, there’s may have visited Osaka very briefl y. And it was sibly still the only country that’s ever actually always more music and, if anything, it encour- a life-changing trip, because I don’t think I had asked me questions about music in interviews ages me to make another collection. But one ever been abroad at that point at all; I’d never has been in Japan…I think of myself as an en- thing I would say is, this collection was very been to another country, besides Canada. And tertainer and a performer more, so I understand pop/rock oriented, so there’s some songs on to just go out of the country was exciting, but to about talking about the chords or the notes or there that some people might consider punk go to a culture that’s—they’re Westernized, but the rhythm, but to have someone ask you about songs, but they’re excellent songs. There’s a the foundation is truly unique onto itself and the key of a song and about the intervals and song “Linda Linda” by the Blue Hearts, which also very old—was just mind-blowing, and [the about why did you choose these chords, that’s is just a terrifi c, terrifi c song, and they’re kind of country] is just overfl owing with culture and so incredible. It’s great in Japan that people punky. When I was in high school, I was a real, excitement. And a lot of the aesthetics that I ap- there actually do care about the notes, because real big fan of Japanese hardcore and grindcore, preciate myself, like energy, excitement, color… those are the kinds of questions I always wanted the beginning of death metal. And there’s some an excitement about life, that seems to be part to ask bands: How did you come up with that classic, classic bands from Japan—some of the of the cultural tone of Japan in general. And so chord change, how did it make you feel? When bigger ones are S.O.B., there’s a band called I was just in love with everything I was coming you wrote that melody, was it perfect the fi rst G.I.S.M., also written after the acronym, among across, from very mainstream culture to more time you wrote it, or did you fi ne-tune it? Do many other even more obscure, noisier bands obscure culture. It was all very passionately you realize how amazing that melody is? All I really like. So it would be fun for me to have delivered, and I could enjoy it, even though I those kinds of questions. And it’s so funny that, a chance to play some more of those hardcore couldn’t understand it. oftentimes, they’re not asked…there is no good punk songs. question or bad question, they’re all worth- Which groups were your favorites at the while, but it sure is nice to talk about the music Were those all songs that you were famil- time? when it makes sense. iar with, or did someone turn you on to In earlier years, I was really into this band called them? the Boredoms, who, many years later, made my Your song “Party Hard” was chosen for I’ve loved Japanese culture since I fi rst went dream come true when I actually got to perform Konami’s music video game Drummania over to Japan, but I would never consider myself with them in [Brooklyn], at a special concert 8th Mix. How does something like that an expert, just because I have some friends who they did featuring 77 different drummers. Ya- happen? are experts on Japanese pop culture and music, mantaka Ai, the singer Ai, who sometimes just It can work a variety of ways, from my experi- and J-pop, specifi cally, is a very vast world of goes by Eye, he has other groups, specifi cally ence. When they were making that game, I entertainment all unto itself…I really relied on another group called Hanatarash—like a snotty wasn’t aware that they were making it and that my excellent label, Universal in Japan, to help nosed kid—and that group was probably the they were looking for music, but had I known, I pick the best songs and, I guess, guide me, but most inspiring for me, because that was him certainly would have asked to have my song in- at the same time we also put out a request to my working by himself and it’s just really free. He cluded, just like I want to have my song included fans and anyone in Japan as to what songs they makes original visual art, all the album artwork, in Rock Band and Guitar Hero, [Con’t. on 7] 6 Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine didn’t know dad was at the game,” Valentine’s Day was the reply. By Tristan Child (Wakayama-ken, Valentine turned to managing after 2006-08) an injury shortened his promising Photos by George Hirose career as a player. In his fi rst full season coaching in 1986, working under George W. Bush with the “It is better to have a teahouse Texas Rangers, he showed a lot of where they can refl ect than being promise as a young manager. At the in a schoolhouse where they are end of that same season, Valentine forced to learn something they was invited to give a summit talk at don’t want to learn.” With this line, a baseball conference in Japan with Bobby Valentine, the celebrated his friend Tatsuro Hirooka, who he former manager of the New York worked with to develop the mod- Mets and Chiba Lotte Marines, ern day pitch count. His ties with ended his two-hour talk to a crowd Hirooka-san would remain strong of over 300 at Japan Society on for years after. January 21. Former NY Mets/Chiba Marines skipper Bobby Valentine Speaking at Japan Society. “A lot of my life,” Valentine said, The event paired Valentine with “has had a Japanese piece of silk in- of the Marines, he was fi red at the New York Times sportswriter Ken tertwined with it.” After being fi red end of the season. [Con’t. from 6] games like that. But Belson, who has known Valentine from the Rangers in 1992, this Jap- in that specifi c instance, they just for over 30 years as a journalist in anese piece of silk didn’t take long Following his tale, Valentine fi eld- approached us. I guess the differ- both New York and in Tokyo, where to wind its way back to Valentine. ed questions from the audience. ence is, I say “yes” right away. Be- he was writing for the Times’ Tokyo When asked to compare baseball cause I just want this music to be bureau. After a short introduction Hirooka-san was sent to America to in America to baseball in Japan, he heard in as many places as it can by Japan Society president Mo- study baseball coaches to bring one did not sugarcoat what he believed be, and it’s meant to be played and toatsu Sakurai, Valentine stepped back to head the Chiba Lotte Ma- to be the harsh reality of Nippon it’s meant to be played along with. up to the podium. Wearing a dark rines, and Bobby-san was his fi rst Professional Baseball. When asked I mean, getting to play drums, even gray suit, crisp white shirt and choice. For one glorious season in if he could see himself returning to air drums, to a song, is just the striped yellow tie, he immediately 1995, Valentine and Hirooka put coach again in Japan someday, Val- most fun thing. So to actually have had the spectators under his thumb together a team that fi nished sec- entine said, “I don’t know. The level a brilliant game like that where with the opening line: “I am the ond in its division with a 69-58-3 of baseball is very good, but the you are making sound and play- only person ever to manage in the record. It seemed like the team they business and management is very ing along to it, that’s just a great American League, National League built would develop into a cham- bad.” He continued, “Japan has concept. But to have your song in- and professionally in Japan, but I pionship contender, but unfortu- the second greatest economy in the cluded, to me, is just a great, great am also the only person ever to get nately it was never given time to world, and their number one sport privilege, a great pleasure. I never fi red in all three.” mature: Valentine was let go after is baseball and number two is far turn down opportunities…I think his successful fi rst campaign, being behind, but they are wasting one of of this music as kind of invincible; I Valentine was in a refl ective mood, terminated a year early from his their greatest national resources.” don’t think it can get ruined by be- recalling how he developed an in- two-year contract. ing in a video game, or an ad, or a terest in Japanese culture in high When asked if he thought Japanese movie or something like that, so the school. At 16 years old, he was told “I had a yearning to come back teams could compete with Ameri- more, the better. by his favorite teacher to get off the to America and coach again,” ex- can teams, he said, “My 2005 team sports fi eld and onto the stage. His plained Valentine. Perhaps this could have competed with anyone Do you get any fi nal say in how foray into drama landed him the wasn’t the entire picture, how- in the world.” He proposed that the song turns out? part of Sakini, a Japanese transla- ever, as Valentine also mentioned both teams meet in Hawaii—simi- You can. I did not ask to have fi nal tor, in the play The Teahouse of the a minor “philosophical rift” that lar to the NFL’s Pro Bowl prior to approval, but you can certainly ask August Moon—a role, he said with seemed to have grown between the 2010—and that the benefi ciaries of to have that. Especially in Japan, I a proud aside, that was played by two stubborn and talented coaches. the proceeds from the game be the have a lot of faith in the accuracy Marlon Brando on Broadway. Building on his success in Japan, future generations of baseball play- and the quality of all transcriptions Valentine took a job with the New ers, both Japanese and American. and renditions and covers. And He couldn’t stay away from sports York Mets’ Triple-A affi liate in Nor- they’ve always been really good; for long, and in 1970 as a 20-year- folk, Virginia, and soon got called The fi nal question was about his all the karaoke versions I’ve heard old Minor League Baseball star to run the show late in the 1996 future. It was asked with a hope- have been just fantastic [and] playing in Hawaii, he had his sec- season. He became a household ful tone, perhaps attempting to amazingly faithful, to the point ond encounter with Japan. Valen- name during his six seasons with persuade him to come back to his where I don’t even know how they tine was hit by a pitch in the face the Mets, leading them to several former club, the Mets. His answer: could hear those details and recre- one game, and was rushed to an playoffs and most notably a World “I’d consider it, but it depends ate them so well. I mean, they’re re- ill-staffed Oahu hospital. Attend- Series berth against the New York who’s asking!” ally listening carefully. ing the game, coincidentally, was Yankees in 2000. a baseball fan and plastic surgeon This capped a night of reminiscenc- Must be some guy in an attic from Japan, who had fallen in love After his stint with the Mets, Val- es from the Connecticut-born base- somewhere just listening to it with the game when the Brooklyn entine was lured back to the Chiba ball star destined to have an indel- over and over and over again. Dodgers played some exhibitions Lotte Marines for a second go- ible impact on Japanese baseball. I hope it doesn’t drive him crazy, there in 1956 on their Goodwill round; he quickly picked up where While the 59-year-old Valentine is but it really is true. I’ve heard ka- Tour to Japan. This anonymous he left off, leading the Marines to done with coaching for now, it is raoke versions where it took me savior helped to perform world- the Pacifi c Coast title in 2005, and impossible to believe that the piece a long time to be able to tell if the class plastic surgery on Valentine, then the team’s fi rst Japan Series of Japanese silk he spoke so fondly actual instrumental recording of it but never left his name. Years later Championship since 1974. The of won’t pass through his life again. was a recreation, and it’s almost al- in 2005, Valentine would meet the management’s distaste for Valen- ways been a recreation…when they son of the plastic surgeon, and fi - tine reared its ugly head again in For upcoming lectures at Japan can fool the [original] artist who nally got to say thanks and ask why 2009, and despite a public outcry Society, visit www.japansoci- recorded it, that’s amazing. his father was so secretive. “Mother to keep Valentine aboard as coach ety.org/lectures. [Con’t. on 8] Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine 7 [Con’t. from 7] Speaking of being faithful to A project like this is very rare. day, and it’s absolutely in every way the biggest originals, I was listening to the Gundam It’s really rare, and I can’t imagine it happen- thing I’ve ever been a part of, in terms of the Rock album that you put out last year. ing anywhere else except Japan. These are the size, the scale; I mean, it holds 800 people, it’s How does the author of “Party Til You kinds of things that Japan makes possible. 8,000 square feet, it has the best sound system Puke” and “Slam John Against a Brick in the city, and to say that we built this, but to Wall” get to record an album like this? Are there any other Japanese things that give it back to the city, is really one of the great- Well, again, I was just very fortunate that I was you really love? est privileges I have: to give a stage to New York approached. I mean, had I been aware that [ani- Pachinko. It’s probably my favorite thing in the City, which has given so much to me. mation studio] Sunrise and Gundam were look- world…all that I wanted to do on my fi rst trip to ing for a rock musician to make a 30th anniver- Japan when I was 13 was go to pachinko par- What do you like best about New York sary tribute, I would have certainly thrown my lors. [Later on] I bought a reconditioned, fi xed City, since you live here now? name in the hat, because I had already covered up, older pachinko machine, and kept it in my Probably just all the people…to me, I feel like one of the Gundam songs, the song “Ai Senshi,” basement and decorated it and played with it I’m living on Planet Earth, and not in any one on my Japan Covers album a year earlier. for hours and hours. It was probably the most country or any one part of the world, even. I do excited I ever was about getting anything in my think it’s the best city in the world, and it takes So I’m familiar with the songs, and that’s actu- life. It was the fi rst time I ever saved up all my a lot for me to say that. It is what America’s all ally one of my favorite songs on that whole cov- money to get it; it was about 250 bucks, which about: possibilities. ers album…fortunately, my A&R guy, the guy is a great price. I’ve worked with at Universal in Japan since What do you want to do the next time you my fi rst album, he’s moved up in the company, [As an adult] I have had all my pachinko dreams visit Japan? and now he’s the president of his division, and come true—getting to play the game, winning, I want to just continue to travel around the cit- with a lot of power, so he kind of brings these actually having a fever and getting mountains ies I haven’t been to…I want to see the really opportunities right to me. And after the success of balls and then going and trading those in for small cities. Also, one thing I love, maybe even of the Japan Covers album, Gundam and Sun- the plastic cards and then taking those plastic more than pachinko, are coin pushers, or medal rise actually approached us directly and said, cards around the corner and getting cash ille- games. The scale of the coin pusher games that I we would like you to do an album like that, but gally. And even the biggest dream of all, I just saw in Japan on YouTube videos were the most all Gundam songs to celebrate the anniversary. fi nished recording a song for a pachinko game… over-the-top, huge coin pusher games you’ve And it was a huge project and extremely chal- it’s a song written with [guitarist] Marty Fried- ever seen, and the jackpot, and the way that lenging, but hugely rewarding. man, and he invited me to do it. When he told they had hiked up the concept of a coin pusher, me it was for a pachinko game, I said, “This is is just the most exciting thing I’d ever seen; it’s Did you do all the music yourself for that a dream coming true.” I always try to be aware just like a dream. album? when a dream is coming true, so I can pay re- I played everything on that one. I really did my spect to it. It’s like someone reached into the deepest fan- very best, because I love the original songs so tasies of my brain and created this thing. Next much. I mean, I haven’t done a lot of covers. The The funny thing is, the song is being released time I get to Japan, that’s my focus…it’s just Japan Covers album, that was the fi rst time I’ve as a single and there’s also actually a video on so inspiring. And to think that there’s people— ever covered that many songs in my life. YouTube, it’s called “Kiba,” and I’m singing huge, huge teams of people—whose entire job in in Japanese on this one, which was extremely life is to develop these games, I mean, that, to That must have been a lot of work to put challenging—I had a Japanese language coach me, is heaven. If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing together. come over and literally recorded it syllable by now, I would be very happy to go and work for a It’s a huge, huge, huge, huge legacy, and that’s syllable; I mean, it was the most painstaking re- coin pusher company. again what’s so intimidating about a lot of the cording I’ve ever done for any vocal…because of great Japanese culture. It’s vast—it’s not like the excellent coaching I got, it sounds Japanese. You can always do a song for them some- there’s one book, and you read it and under- The only way to get this song is to get the su- time down the line, right? stand it; it’s endless. It’s like someone trying per jackpot fever, so the number of people who Yeah! Good thinking. to introduce you to The Simpsons or trying to actually hear this song in the game will be very teach you about Peanuts or something, it just few, because it’s so hard to get to, it’s like the big Finally, what makes a great party? goes on and on and on and on…you can spend grand fi nale. Doing whatever you want to do, and letting ev- your whole life being a fan…I don’t know how eryone else do the same. old Astro Boy and Ultraman are—I think those Congratulations, that sounds like a true are earlier—but Gundam, to me, is the be-all honor. Close Calls with Brick Walls/Mother of Man- end-all of giant robots. Thank you, yeah. I’m just blown away. I can look kind is available now. Special thanks to back in time at the childhood me and I can see Lauren Sachs of Big Machine Media for in- Were all the songs that you sang on the myself being blown away. If someone told me terview assistance. Visit Andrew’s home- album newly translated? back then that I’d be able to make the song for page at www.andrewwk.com. Watch the We did the translations the same way we did a pachinko game with the guitarist from Mega- video for “Kiba” at www.youtube.com/ translations for the covers album, where an ex- deth who lives in Japan, I mean, that would watch?v=IdvUwk8jw54. cellent translator that I’ve worked with many just be mind-bending stuff. So that’s the kind of times in Japan wrote out the literal transla- stuff that makes me very happy to be alive and tion, so I had the true understanding of what very grateful. the Japanese lyrics were explaining. And then, my goal with all the songs was to be as true to What are some of the other non-musical the original as possible in every way. So, I tried endeavors that you’re most proud of? to use English words: keep the same meaning, Well, the biggest project in the last three years but fi t the words into the phrase, so a lot of the was opening up a nightclub and music venue in words are different; it’s not a literal translation Manhattan [Santos Party House, on Lafayette anymore. And that was very fun for me, be- Street]…it’s a brand new building that we built. cause I almost felt like it was a collaboration; I I mean, it’s an old building, but there’s never feel like I’m collaborating with the songwriter. been a club in there before, they’ve never had a Because if I get to make up the English words, liquor license, [and] it’s never been zoned. that’s a real creative input. And that’s what, again, made it so rewarding for me—I had some Everyone’s excited any time a new place opens kind of artistic involvement, and when you get in the city, but I’m just one of many people that to sing your own words, it really bonds you with made this place possible, one of many owners the song. and investors and a huge team that runs it every 8 Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine and expand teaching and learning about East stuffed with a bento box, pencil case, work- Gearing Up for Grad School Asia at the elementary and secondary school books, and all sorts of other things that our levels,” and offer a variety of opportunities for municipal and elementary school ALT alumni By Aly Woolfrey involvement. would recognize in an instant. (Aomori-ken, 2005-08) There’s an annual summer institute centered on How does this all apply to JET vets looking for Japanese history that features Japan special- ways to stay connected to Japan through gradu- Did you learn lots of Nihongo while on JET, ists from all over the country, and a constantly ate school? These projects are geared toward and are now looking for an opportunity to use changing series of workshops for educators on education professionals, but that doesn’t mean your new skills? Why not become a Japanese all sorts of topics, from generalized ones outlin- you can’t get involved! Going to the University teacher? Waseda University’s Graduate ing postwar Japan to more maverick-sounding of Colorado for graduate school in any subject School of Japanese Applied Linguistics perspectives such as “Why Matsuo Basho Did would mean volunteer opportunities at the describes itself as “the fi rst independent gradu- Not Write Haiku.” summer institute or workshops, or even simply ate school in Japan at which a teacher train- attendance at the workshops. ing program has been systematically designed based on principles of teaching Japanese as a Events are presented by some of the most ac- second language.” Especially if you took the cor- complished Japan experts in the country, which respondence course in Japanese linguistics and means surefi re networking opportunities for pedagogy from CLAIR, this program should be the aspiring academic. The project maintains a right up your alley. www.waseda.jp/gsjal/ homepage and a monthly newsletter, creating english.html. an opportunity for folks wanting to test their Web design or journalistic talents. In addition, Those of us considering a return to the Land of there are graduate research assistants working the Rising Sun with a corporate job might try constantly on various aspects of the projects, the “weekend MBA” program through McGill giving you the chance not only to get involved, University in Montreal, Canada. Hosted but to get paid for it as well! on location at Sophia University in Tokyo, it’s a two-year program that meets on weekends, To fi nd out more about the TEA Projects and giving its full-time corporate demographic am- graduate school opportunities in Boulder, visit ple opportunity to give their attentions to both The University of Colorado’s Teaching East Asia pro- their homepage at www.colorado.edu/cas/ gram offers an “Elementary School Life” lesson plan. work and school. Summer intensive study back TEA/index.html, or the University of Colo- in Montreal and study tours in China and other The Japan Resource Center is one of the pro- rado’s main site at www.colorado.edu. countries are also possible, embedded right into gram’s main components, a collection of cur- the weekend MBA if you want it! riculum resources for Colorado teachers. With Keep your eyes peeled the next edition of “Gear- www.mcgillmbajapan.com. basics like lesson plans, books and videos, it ing Up for Grad School.” We’ve got something also boasts unique and creative resources such new in the works for you—themes! Next time: This issue’s feature institution is the Teach- as a collection of Edo era woodblock prints that Online resources for fi nding schools and schol- ing East Asia (TEA) program at the Center can be lent to teachers for a special unit on art arships. for Asian Studies of the University of Colorado or history, and a series of “artifact trunks” for in Boulder. You don’t have to be an East Asian students to explore. Got the perfect place for a graduate program, Studies scholar or any other specifi c program study abroad opportunity, or fi nancial aid participant to take part in it. The Japan Project My favorite is called “Elementary School Life.” prospect for this column? Tell us all about it! and others are said to be “designed to enhance It consists of a Japanese-style red randoseru, Contact Aly at [email protected].

I was afraid the book was going to heartbreaking story of an outspo- the eventual release of a Japanese- Book Corner be one of those bad memoirs where ken female work colleague, and language version of the book, there Tokyo Vice Grips an American goes to [insert coun- then we get into the nasty side of may indeed be a whole new wave By David Kowalsky try name] to [fi nd himself/her- the Japanese sex industry, includ- of publicity with plenty of contro- self.] Luckily, those fears did not ing two men behind a human traf- versy. (Hiroshima-ken materialize. After a great prelude fi cking operation. ALT/CIR, 1991-93) that fast forwards in time to grab Watch a 60 Minutes piece on the your interest at a spot designed to The biggest story of the book con- Yakuza here and an interview Books in the last 10 years about the have you asking yourself “how did cerns Tadamasa Goto, the legend- with Jake Adelstein on The Daily “dark side” of Japan are nothing he ever end up in this situation?”, ary Yakuza boss of the Yamaguchi- Show here. new. Examples include Dogs and Vice goes back to the early nineties, gumi, getting a rush liver transplant Demons by Alex Kerr in 2002 and when Adelstein was interviewing in the United States. There is also Shutting out the Sun by Michael for a job at the Yomiuri. He lands yet another heartbreaking story in- Zielenziger in 2007 (reviewed by the job and starts working as a po- volving a friend of Adelstein’s. this writer in the spring 2009 is- lice beat reporter. sue of JQ). I can’t forget to mention the way As Adelstein talks about his work, we meet the super-likable cop Seki- A real “dark side” page-turner pub- the book provides a real fi rst-hand guchi, who teaches Adelstein more lished just last year is Tokyo Vice: “education” on how journalism, the than anyone else about reporting, An American Reporter on the Po- police and the Yakuza (Japanese interrogation, honor and trust. And lice Beat in Japan by Jake Adel- Mafi a) all work in Japan. If that there is the takeaway lesson that stein. Adelstein is currently a writer isn’t enough, the book will also ap- “what matters is the purity of the and consultant in Japan and the peal to fans of true crime, as Adel- information, not the person pro- United States. He was a reporter stein investigates things like a seri- viding it.” for the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan’s al murderer and a British national largest newspaper, from 1993 to living in Japan who went missing. As reported in the Japan Times in 2005, and has the distinction as early 2010, discussions are under- being the only American journalist In the second half of the book, way about a fi lm, and the silence ever to have been admitted to the things really get interesting. Adel- in Japan over the book has been Tokyo Metropolitan Police press stein clearly graduates from being “deafening.” If (or when?) Adel- club. the naïve reporter. There is the stein fi nds a publisher in Japan for Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine 9 attention.” a little better over all the instru- to go, right?” Concert Review “Instead of taking pictures? ^_^” ments, but what she sang was defi - “Of course! I’m gonna do my best. Hikki’s Back “NO! There was actually a cam- nitely clear.” How did you like hearing ‘Auto- era ban at all the shows, and there “So what happened after all that matic’?” By Justin Tedaldi were security guys at both sides of hageshii rock?” “You know how—and this only (Kobe-shi CIR, the stage ready to jump in if they “She kept the energy up with a seems to happen with music— 2001-02) saw so much as a red light go off. cover of a song from this British when you’ve been listening to I didn’t even see any press photog- group, Placebo. Then it was two of someone for a long time and you’re raphers at the front, although it did the more mellow tracks from the reminded of a certain song, you can Monday, February 08, 2010 look like there was a video crew last album, ‘Apple and Cinnamon’ still remember exactly where you 11:42 p.m. fi lming the show from the stage.” and then ‘Come Back to Me.’” That were and what you were doing the “So you didn’t get to take any pic- was the one song where she actu- fi rst time you heard them? “Kon~ban~wa~” “Yes...” “Oh, hi!!! ♪ Did you just get “It was just like that.” home??” “Natsukashii, ne. So was that the “Yep, the train was s-l-o-w tonight.” end of the show?” “I see. So, how was it??” “There were a few more. ‘Dirty De- “Great! There were so many things sire’ is probably the complete op- I was wondering about since get- posite of a song like ‘Automatic,’ ting the tickets last year, so I’m glad but for the one line when Hikki I didn’t read any spoilers from the sang, ‘And you can’t wait to see me/ earlier shows on the fan sites.” To see me in the fl esh,’ this one girl “Yeahhh, it’s good to be surprised, shrieked so loud it was impossible I think.” not to hear her.” “My fi rst surprise was how early “Wow, she has some passionate her diehard fans showed up. Would American fans.” you believe that some lined up as “Defi nitely. Then after some time to early as 2:00 a.m.? Hikki said her cool off came the encores of ‘Simple staff brought them hot chocolate and Clean’ and ‘Me Muero.’ She later in the afternoon to help warm threw autographed foam baseballs them up.” to the crowd with drawings of her “That’s nice. Did you get any hot bear Kuma Chang posing like the chocolate?” Songstress Hikaru Utada performing at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. Statue of Liberty and King Kong.” “Nope, I got there at 1:00 p.m. and tures?” T_T ally broke loose from the album “How did you know this? Did you was still all the way around the “Well…a few. But I had to be very version. It was a nice surprise.” catch one??” block. It was COLD out there!” careful.” “I see.” “Unfortunately, no, but two of the “I believe it. But it must have been “Great! It’s impossible to see Hikki “And then there was so much people around me did. One of them very nice inside, right?” from so close at her concerts in Ja- screaming in the other spots. She bounced off my fi nger.” “Absolutely. We were packed in pan, so it’s a good thing for you. Did would say something like, ‘OK, I’m “So close! It sounds like you had a shoulder to shoulder, very close to you notice a lot of Japanese people going to have a sip of water now,’ great time.” the front. DJ Mike Rizzo opened at the show?” and people would shout at the top “Yes, it was worth all the waiting the show playing remixes of recent “Actually, there were very few. It of their lungs, ‘WE LOVE YOU!!’ At and standing. I was thrilled to sit dance pop hits, but the only time he was mostly teens and young people, one point she actually told a guy in down after it was over. Oh, I want- got any applause was when he said, all very excited to be there, judg- the front to be quiet! ed to get you a souvenir of the show ‘New York City! Utada’s coming on ing from all the screams. I stood “Crazy! How about the ‘classics’?” after it was over, but there was no in 10 minutes!’ The lights were so next to this one Caucasian girl who “I thought you’d never ask. Three merchandise for sale.” low that you couldn’t even see his must have been very young, since in a row—‘First Love,’ ‘Can You “Oh, that’s OK. Maybe we’ll just face.” she was there with her mom, who Keep a Secret?’ and ‘Automatic.’” have to go see Hikki together in Ja- “Probably, everyone must have seemed to be overwhelmed by it all “Now, those are special songs. Do pan one day.” been there for Hikki.” since she had her fi ngers jammed you remember who sang ‘First “I’d like that. Actually, while we’re “You bet. So then the lights in her ears the whole time.” Love’ to you on your birthday?” on the subject of gifts, I had some- dimmed, the fi rst track from her “But her daughter was happy to be “Like I could forget! I wonder if thing waiting for me when I got Exodus album played over the PA, there, right?” you would have had the courage to home…” and then—there she was, looking “She sang along to everything— sing that in front of everyone if it “Really?? It came early, didn’t it?” something like early ’80s Madonna even the Japanese songs!” wasn’t for that pineapple chuuhai “Yes. Why did you decide to bake (she has long tinted hair now!), “Wowww, that’s too cool. Did Hikki we stashed under the table.” heart-shaped chocolates that spell singing ‘On and On.’ The crowd do any other songs from Exodus?” “Mmm…maybeee.” ;) out my name? It’s so sweet of you.” went nuts!” “Those were the next three, just like “Hikki’s version was great and lots “WHY??? I just wanted to do so.” “Were they singing along?” on her last Japanese tour: ‘Devil of people were on the verge of tears “Well, thank you for doing so. I’ll “Yes, to every word. She followed Inside,’ ‘Kremlin Dusk’ and ‘You hearing it live, but I think your ver- have to thank you the next time I that with three more songs from Make Me Want to Be a Man.’ She sion was better, haha. How about visit Japan.” This is the One, then said that she was really headbanging on ‘Krem- the time we were driving up to your “OK, haha. Remember, Fuji-san is was going to do some Japanese lin’ and even slammed on a drum to family’s house in the country and waiting for you. It’s best to climb it songs.” close out the set. Her Brazilian gui- we were listening to ‘Eternally’?” in the summer, you know.” w^()^w “Ahh, so she decided to sing those tarist really cut loose on that song, “Ohh, I remember that. There was “That’s right. Well, I’d better get songs for the American tour.” giving it more of a rock feel.” that one driver on the mountain some sleep, and you have to help “Yep, and I’m glad she did, since “Yeah, that album really had a lot of road late at night in front of us, and your sister at the store. We’ll chat those ones are much more her electronics-type stuff. How was the he was driving so slow and also… again soon. Miss you.” style, I think. She started with ‘Pas- rest of her group?” ahhh..” “I miss you, too. Oyasumi.” sion,’ then moved on to ‘Sakura “It was fi ne. The percussionist was “Swerving all over the place?” Drops’ and ‘Stay Gold’ on the key- the only person with a Japanese “Yes, that’s it! ‘Swerving.’ It’s good Visit Hikki’s homepage at www. board. These songs were more re- name. She had two keyboardists to learn to spell these words by typ- utada.com. Read JQ’s interview cent, but even though most of the and there were a lot of vocal sam- ing this way, isn’t it?” with the artist from our spring crowd didn’t sing along to them, ples to match the albums. Maybe “As long as it helps you practice for 2009 issue at www.jetaany. they were still giving her their full her voice could have carried over your test. You have just one month org/magazine/utada. 10 Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine The Funny Page

February was interview season for new JET Program applicants, and some of JETAA’s members got to help out on the other side of the desk. To lighten the anxiety that all candidates face, JQ presents these completely fi ctional…

Top 14 Things You’d Rather Not Hear at a JET Interview

14. “How did your blood type spark your interest in this position?”

13. “If you were a desk, would you be messy, or unrecognizable?”

12. “Give us the depth, rounded to the nearest centimeter, of a typical inaka drop toilet.”

11. “Which of the Three Great Uni- fi ers of Japan would you most like to have a beer with, and why?”

10. “Any reservations about having to hear ‘Auld Lang Syne’ in the sub- ways every weekend at 1:00 a.m.?”

9. “You said that you’re adventur- ous and like discovering new things about Japan. Are you familiar with kancho?”

8. “What are your thoughts about working at a school built over a fault line?”

7. “I notice you’re wearing a colored shirt under that suit. Do you consider yourself a troublemaker?”

6. “If someone tells you that your Japanese is good, what would you do to sincerely prove them otherwise in order to save face?”

5. “Describe in detail the last time you used janken to resolve a profes- sional dispute.”

4. “Pretend we’re elementary school students. Tell us why Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time.”

3. “Oohana-san, do you smell weed?”

2. “Are you now, or have you ever been a Prius owner?”

1. “Can you use chopsticks?” For more Life After the B.O.E., visit lifeaftertheboe.com.

Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine 11 JETAANY SHOPPING WO SHIMASHOU!!!

12 Mar/Apr 2010 JETAANY.org/magazine