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Japan Alumni eNews (Vol. 26) 
Japan Alumni eNews Vol. 26 June 10, 2011
1. Life in Japan by Photo -- Life in Japan shown through photos. We look forward to your submissions!
2. Alumni News -- News on International Students / Introduction of “Prospective International Students“ /Introduction of “Japan Alumni Associations”/Introduction of “Programs for former international students”
3. Academic News -- Introducing Faculties/Graduate Schools / Scholarships/ Grants/ Invitation/ Awards, etc. / Scholarships/ Grants/ Invitation Information and Reports / Academic Societies / Japanese Language Test
4. Business News -- Job Hunting-Related Event Information? / Job Hunting Reports from Former International Students / Job Hunting Consultations / Convenient Job Hunting Information
5. Visit Japan -- Why not try traveling throughout Japan? Famous places, events, and cuisine information from around Japan!
6. NIPPON Time Machine -- This section features enjoyable stories about pop culture, traditions, dining, cutting-edge technology, and more!
7. JASSO News -- Japan Education Fairs / Japan Education Seminars / Information about Study Abroad in Japan Events Participated in by JASSO / Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) / Scholarships by JASSO / International University-Exchange Seminars
8. From the Reader -- Impressions from our readers!
Life in Japan shown through photos. We look forward to your submissions!
Here are the photos of “My favorite place at school” we received from our readers this month.
(Dispense with the Mr. and Mrs.)
■Shulan Qin (China)
This is a place in the library of Yamaguchi University Medical Department. I could read newspapers from many countries, so I enjoyed reading them when I had free time.
■Saeron Eom (Korea)
I liked this place best when I chose the school in Japan. This is a terrace of Tanaka Chiyo Fashion College. Wide sky, the view in front of us at the terrace was impressive. In the spring, we took lunch, talked about the assignments, there are many memories here. The other day, TV crew was here and I saw a famous Japanese actor. The college is located in a convenient area, the view from the terrace is very good, the TV crew uses here, I am very proud of this place!
■Kenn Ka (China)
After lunch, I always spend time with my friends at the outside of communication hall, “Paulownia”in the Chubu Gakuin University & College. I make many friends there. Every day I enjoy the time with my friends at “Paulownia”. I like the outside of “Paulownia” very much!
So, how did you enjoy our article? All these places introduced here are indeed where anyone can spend peaceful time alone or enjoy with friends. In our July issue, “Life in Japan by Photo” will introduce the summer scenery of this country.
Introduce news related to international students and student experiences!
1) News on International Students
News 1: The number of international students entering Japan is increasing
According to Kokusaijinryu (May 2011 edition, the Japan Immigration Association), the number of people entering Japan with the status of residence of “College Student” was 5,996 people during the week directly before the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake. This increased to 16,781 people from March 26 to April 1, and to 22,022 people from April 2 to April 8. The reason for the increase is the greater number of international students entering Japan for the new semester. In the survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on April 20 to 70 national, public, and private universities that accept international students, approximately 90% of international students were confirmed as being within commuting distance of their universities in seven regions excluding Tohoku (Hokkaido, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu).
News 2: Chuo University held an explanatory meeting on earthquake disasters in Shanghai
On May 15, Chuo University (Hachioji City, Tokyo) held an explanatory meeting regarding earthquake disasters in Shanghai City. Chuo University President Kazuyuki Nagai explained the current situation of the earthquake disaster to Chinese international students and their parents. This was the first time that a top figure from a university in Japan put on an explanatory meeting in China regarding the effects of an earthquake. President Nagai spoke on various topics, and said, “Starting next year, I would like to indicate the university’s efforts for safety in order to reassure new students who hope to study abroad, as well as their parents.”
News 3: The 3rd Japan-China-Korea Committee for Promoting Exchange and Cooperation among Universities
The 3rd Japan-China-Korea Committee for Promoting Exchange and Cooperation among Universities was held on May 17 in Jeju, Korea. In addition, the International Symposium on Guaranteeing Quality Higher Education in East Asia, which is jointly sponsored by the governments of Japan, China, and Korea, will be held in Japan this autumn. The results of the committee will be shared throughout Asia, and discussions will be held regarding exchange between universities in line with guaranteeing quality in the Asian region. The symposium was scheduled to be held in Japan in March 2011.
News 4: Sharing the voices of international students with the world
Starting in April, NHK World began showing Manabi-ya -- Learning and Living Abroad in Japan --, a program that shares the actual condition of international students living in Japan with approximately 120 countries and regions throughout the world. This program covers the lives of international students, and introduces their life at school, job hunting circumstances, Japanese customs, and more. It is broadcasted on the first and third Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. JST, and is planned to run a total of 12 times until the end of September. The program scheduled for June 14 includes “part time job hints” and other topics.
* Previously broadcasted programs can be seen at the following website
Japan International Broadcasting Inc. (JIBTV)
.
2) Introduction of “Prospective International Students“
Mr. Wong Junlin (Malaysia)
To be a student of Nagoya University (from October 2011)
Graduated High School: Chong Hwa Independent High School Kuala Lumpur
I am Wong Junlin, a 19-year-old Malaysian aspiring to pursue a degree program in Biological Science in Japan. I have recently completed my high school syllabus at Chong Hwa Independent High School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
I made my decision to further my studies in Japan, as it was one of the more Oriental countries with a culture relatively similar to that of my home country and it would be much easier for me to adapt to the norm in Japan. There are several highly reputed institutions of tertiary education in Japan, some of which has nurtured some of the best talents in the world, and all of which provided up-to-date technological equipment to complement a comprehensive syllabus.
Having made my decision, I subsequently started applying for degree courses in Japan and was eventually accepted by Nagoya University with a scholarship to do my degree in Biological Sciences, which I immediately accepted with much joy and anticipation.
My degree program commences in October and I will then be leaving my home country to do a 4-year course in Japan. Although I am excited and grateful to have been given this opportunity offered to few, I shall miss my friends and family dearly and would like to be able to travel home often, in particular to visit my parents whom I love deeply and who have worked long and hard for me to be able to further my studies abroad.
I do consider myself blessed to have been offered an opportunity such as this, to be able to pursue my dreams and learn to stand on my own feet in a foreign country. I am eternally grateful to Mr. Phua and the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia, as well as to the Japanese Student Services Organization, without the help of whom I would not have been able to secure a scholarship offered by a university of such repute and prestige. I owe my heartfelt thanks to Nagoya University for having considered and approved my application and I sincerely look forward to becoming part of Nagoya University in coming October.
3) Introduction of “Japan Alumni Associations”
JDS Alumni Association, Bangladesh
Organizing people is one of the toughest challenges one might face. JDS Alumni Association Bangladesh came into existence in 2009 with 127 fellows. As every year 15 new members are joins, the organization is growing fast and it has 143 members currently. Its members are professionals in different field, studied different discipline in different universities in Japan and most importantly working different fields of development upon their return to Bangladesh. The overarching objective of the Association is therefore focused on replicating members’ experiences gathered in Japan in the development process of Bangladesh. Although it took quite some time to form such an association due to lack of a reasonable number of fellows in first few years of JDS program in Bangladesh, the organization already came into lime-light with its grand launching ceremony, exceptional and focused objectives and steady but selective activities so far.
The activities of the organization are guided by a well written constitution which was ratified by the Annual General Meeting in 2009. Regular activities of the organization are performed by 11 members Executive Committee.
It would be incomplete if some important characteristics and objectives of the Alumni Association are not mentioned which we believe gave the organization uniqueness. Besides promoting non-political and non-profit motives and also promoting friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding among JDS fellows, the Association aims at strengthening the bond of friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, maintaining liaison with JICE, Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh and JICA in pursuance of its objectives. The association also aims to use the benefit of mutual bondage between JDS fellows and relevant Japanese institutions in applying academic and development excellence acquired while studying in Japan in the development of Bangladesh.
Deviating from the conventional approaches, JDS Alumni plans to publish newsletter, journal, periodical directory and other materials in print and/or electronic means for achieving the status of "Organization of Excellence" by supporting the professional interest of the members of the association. Other mode of disseminating members’ experiences would be organizing seminars/ workshops/ conferences in various sectors focusing contemporary socio-economic issues related to the development of Bangladesh.
Cooperation strengthened through cultural intimacy and therefore JDS Alumni commits itself in awareness building for promising Bangladeshi students about the academic systems and opportunities for higher studies in Japan, promoting academic exchange and exchange of scientific, technological and cultural activities between Bangladesh and Japan.
To mark its modest yet vivid existence, following are some of the activities the organization has performed so far:
・Formation member e-mail group
・Publication of JDS Alumni Directory (with details of each member)
・Launching of the Alumni web site
・Orientation program for outgoing batch
・Letter to relevant authorities for suitable placement of JDS returned fellows according their area of specialization
・Handing over a Condolence Note of H.E. Ambassador of Japan in Bangladesh for the Earthquake and Tsunami victims in Japan
・Dispatching the JDS Alumni Members’ contribution to the Earthquake and Tsunami victims in Japan
Aligned with the objectives, the upcoming events of the JDS Alumni Association Bangladesh are:
・Reception for the 7th Batch returned fellows and their induction into the Association
・Seminar on contemporary national priority issues- presentation of selected masters thesis by JDS fellows
・Orientation Program for outgoing JDS fellows
・Eid Reunion- A social gathering of fellows and their families following the biggest festival in Bangladesh.
We are committed to serve Bangladesh better.
For further information on the JDS Alumni Association Bangladesh, please visit our website http://sites.google.com/site/jdsbdalumni/
Iqbal Abdullah Harun
General Secretary, JDS Alumni Association Bangladesh
and
Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of Bangladesh.
(Graduated from the Graduate School of Economics, Yamaguchi University, 2003-2005)
Note: JDS (Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resources Development Scholarship) is operated by JICE (Japan International Cooperation Center) for studying abroad in universities and graduate schools, etc. in Japan.
4) Introduction of “Programs for former international students”
Kanda University of International Studies “Report from the Japanese and International Students in Indonesia Joint Alumni Meeting”
As of April 2011, the Kanda University of International Studies has formed international exchange agreements with 40 universities in 18 countries and regions. Each year, from 60 to 70 international students are mutually dispatched and exchanged through these exchange agreements.
After students who have come to Japan as international exchange students graduate from their home schools, they are active in Japan-related fields in such ways as returning to Japan to enter graduate schools or hunt for jobs, working for Japanese corporations in their home countries, or becoming Japanese-language teachers.
This article introduces an alumni meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia in March 2011 by KUIS graduates (Japanese and international students), Japanese students currently studying abroad, and instructors from KUIS and schools it has concluded agreements with. KUIS has currently concluded international exchange agreements with Atma Jaya University and the LIA Institute of Foreign Languages in Jakarta.
The KUIS Jakarta Alumni Meeting held in March 2011 at a hotel in Jakarta was attended by a large total of 20 people, including three Japanese students from KUIS who are currently studying abroad in Jakarta, seven former international students who studied abroad at KUIS as international exchange students in the past, two Japanese people who graduated from KUIS and are currently working in Jakarta, a professor from the International Exchange Center at Atma Jaya University (a school KUIS has concluded an agreement with), and family members of former international students.
Former international students are active in a wide range of fields, including a person employed as a doctor at a hospital managed by a Japanese in Jakarta, a person employed at a Japanese automobile manufacturer, and a person who has started his (her) own businesses. Japanese graduates are also making use of their abilities in Indonesia at the consulate in Jakarta, Japanese supermarkets, etc. KUIS students who are currently studying abroad in Jakarta appeared to be further motivated by seeing the activities of their upperclassmen.
The KUIS Alumni Association is believed to be very important for creating an overseas network, and international students who have studied abroad at KUIS in particular are thought to be very precious alumni. The KUIS Alumni Association will continue to make efforts to create an overseas network, and also intends to work to be able to provide support to graduates who are active overseas.
■Related website: KUIS Alumni Association (In Japanese Only)
Introduce scholarships, grants, unique efforts by universities, and more!
1) Introducing Faculties/Graduate Schools
International Course of Marine Environment/Energy Specialist Training, Master’s Course in Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology – The Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology
[Profile] (Current as of
May 2011
)
◆Name: International Course of Marine Environment/Energy Specialist Training, Master’s Course in Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology – The Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology
◆Location: 4-5-7, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
◆URL:http://www.g.kaiyodai.ac.jp/english/index.html
◆Students Matriculated in the Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology: 699
◆International Students Matriculated in the Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology: 171
◆Countries of Accepted International Students (entire university): 26
[Program Outline]
"Japan-China-Korea Intercollegiate Exchange for the Development of Highly-Specialized Professionals for the Fiscal 2010" is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s University Educational Reform Program. Taking into account that promoting interuniversity exchange in Japan, China, and Korea as wells as in other Asian countries was agreed upon at the 2nd Japan-China-Korea Summit, this open recruitment operation lends intensive support to efforts that provide practical education. To contribute to enhanced cooperation and development in the same regions and to aim in nurturing highly-skilled and practical-minded individuals responsible for growth, the program works in partnership with industries in an environment where foreign students from Asian regions such as China and Korea are accepted to cooperate with and study hard together.
For this operation, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology was approved as “Japan-China-Korea Advanced Training in Marine Professions – International Education in the Field of Marine Environment and Energy”. The university aims to nurture highly-skilled professionals with systematic expertise to realize conservation of marine environment and sustainable use of energy in the waters (East China Sea, Yellow Sea, Sea of Japan) where all three countries of Japan, China, and Korea share borders with.
Specifically, the “International Course of Marine Environment/Energy Specialist Training” (max. 15 students) has been set up in the Graduate School’s Master’s Course in Marine Science and Technology where international and practical education in the fields of marine environment and energy will be provided including ocean environmental investigations using training boats, internships at environment-related companies, etc.
The course’s future goal is to produce international individuals with systematic expertise in scientific technologies such as ocean environment conservation and clean energy who may play the role of becoming a bridge in Asia.
[Course Feature]
The course offers systematic curriculum that lets students develop a wider perspective and also develop skills to discover and solve problems so that they may apply such issues to the real world as those extensively related to ocean development and usage including environmental conservation and efficient use of energy.
(1) Practical Training using Sea Vessels
Practical training and observation will be conducted from the standpoint of environment/energy by using 6 training boats and 4 field facilities owned by the university. This will allow students to develop their understanding of the oceanic structure and learn how to observe/research the ecosystem as well as environmental evaluations.
（2）Lectures Collaborating with Industries
By inviting experts from companies, research institutions, and partner universities, the course allows students to acquire practical skills for various problem-solving processes for such cases as actual ocean environmental issues.
(3) Internships
Students may develop more practical and extensive knowledge by participating in long-terms internships (3 months or longer). We are planning to send them to private companies and research institutions with background of working on researches or partnering with the university.
(4) Academic Environment
Because the course overlaps with existing curriculums, an environment is provided where students may learn together in class and/or at training with international or Japanese students from other courses. As a result, it allows a stronger bond between international students or with Japanese students.
(5) Academic/Lifestyle Support in Chinese and Korean
Full-time coordinators who speak Chinese, Korean, and Japanese will support the students not only with their studies but also with their everyday lives.
(6) Japanese Language Learning Support
Self-study programs, etc. will be available for successful applicants so that they can acquire enough Japanese language skills adequate for their stay in Japan.
(7) Employment Support
So that they may be employed by Japanese and/or overseas companies, a complete job-hunting support structure is offered to the course students.
(8) Tuition
Examination fee and admission charge are waived for students enrolling in the course and they are exempt from paying the first-year tuition. It is also possible to apply for a tuition waiver from the second year. Additionally, students are given first priority to move into the dormitories.
[Past Major Activities]
・January 2011: Symposium held featuring this project at Shanghai Ocean University (China).
・February 2011: Entrance examination for students enrolling in October 2011.
・May 2011: Mini-symposium also introducing the university’s researches for students and faculty at Pukyong National University (Korea).
[Student Recruitment and Selection]
・Acceptance Period: October 2011(some may also enroll in April)
・Students: Priority given to students selected from consortium schools (*) in China and Korea (currently considering to also cover other universities in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia)
・Selection Method: Screening of application materials at the consortium schools and oral examination (interview) conducted by the university’s faculty
・Selection Period: appropriate period between June 2011 – February 2012 (vary according to respective universities)
・Costs: Students are exempt from paying examination fee and admission charge and the first-year tuition after enrollment is waived (currently, annual cost of 535,800 yen)
*Consortium Schools: Ocean University of China, Shanghai Ocean University, Zhejiang Ocean University, Pukyong National University, Korea Maritime University
2) Scholarships/ Grants/ Invitation/ Awards, etc.
TEPCO Memorial Foundation
●Program name: Research grants (Electrical / Energy General Research)
■Summary: To find important or interesting challenges pertaining to technology in the electrical / energy industries and to inspire interest in technology in this area widely among persons related to the field.
■Deadline: June 30 (Thu), 2011
■URL:http://www.tgn.or.jp/tmf-zaidan/english.html
●Program name: Scholarship
■Summary: To contribute towards the cultivation of excellent personnel who will be responsible for future academics and industry in the electrical / energy fields.
■Deadline: June 30 (Thu), 2011
■URL:http://www.tgn.or.jp/tmf-zaidan/english.html
The Sumitomo Foundation
●Program name: Basic science research grants
■Summary: This grant is intended to support basic scientific research which, though important, is underfunded - in particular, exploratory research by young researchers with new ideas.
■Deadline: June 30 (Thu), 2011
■URL:http://www.sumitomo.or.jp/ (In Japanese Only)
Kansai Research Foundation for technology promotion
●Program name: International Exchange Activities Grant (Inviting foreign researchers)
■Summary: The aim of the grant is to subsidize the travel expenses and living costs of foreign researchers publishing research papers or invited to conduct lectures at international conferences related to research fields in the spirit of the grant.
■Deadline: July 29 (Fri), 2011
■URL:http://www.krf.or.jp/koryu.htm (In Japanese Only)
The Univers Foundation
● Program name: Research grants
■Summary: Conducting 'research promotion' with "aiming for the building of a prosperous and vibrant long-lived society" as its basic theme. It is intended to aid the following "International investigative research relating to three issues" and "research which contributes to the promotion of the founding spirit and aims of the Univers Foundation".
(1) Social security, policy and economics in a long-lived society (2) the minds, health and lives of the elderly (3) the realization of a prosperous long-lived society
■Eligibility: (1) Persons engaged in research and educational activities at universities, research labs, research institutes, educational institutions, etc., (3) Students who are enrolled in a postgraduate or masters degree course or who have completed their courses, or those who possess comparable qualifications or ability. (However, applications by students enrolled in postgraduate or masters courses require a cooperative teacher. This does not apply to applications from doctoral students. )
■ Deadline: Received by July 29 (Fri), 2011
■URL:http://www.univers.or.jp/top.html (In Japanese Only)
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
●Program name: JSPS Invitation Fellowship Program for Research in Japan (Short Term)
■Summary: The aim is to inviting foreign researchers of outstanding research achievement to Japan, short term, to contribute towards the development of related research fields through discussion, exchange of ideas, and lectures, etc., with Japanese researchers.
■ Application period: August 29 (Mon), 2011- Sep 2 (Fri), 2011 (Application must arrive by this date.)
■URL:http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-inv/short_term12.html
●Program name: JSPS Invitation Fellowship Program for Research in Japan (long-term)
■Summary: The intention is for researchers in Japan to invite researchers from other countries to stay in Japan, long-term, and engage in joint research.
■ Application period: August 29 (Mon),2011- Sep 2 (Fri), 2011 (Application must arrive by this date.)
■URL:http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-inv/short_term12.html
●Program name: JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Foreign Researchers
■Summary: The aim is to support the advancement of the research of individual research fellows, along with contributing to the advancement of science and scholarship in Japan and other countries.
■ Application period: August 29 (Mon), 2011 - Sep 2 (Fri), 2011 (Application must arrive by this date.)
■URL:http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/fy2012/appli_long_2012.html
3) Scholarships/ Grants/ Invitation Information and Reports
Features information about scholarships and the experiences of international students who are actually receiving scholarships. The following scholarship is introduced this month.
Nitori International Scholarship Foundation
International Scholarship Student
http://www.nitori-shougakuzaidan.com (In Japanese Only)
-- Who can apply? (Eligibility)
Non-Japanese nationals who have come to Japan from overseas to study as privately-funded international students.
Undergraduate students: Students who will enroll as third or fourth-year regular students in April 2011.
Postgraduate students: Master's students who will enroll as first or second-year regular students in April 2011.
In addition, there are other conditions such as not having had to repeat a year and not being in receipt of another scholarship, etc.
For further details, please check the requirements on the website.
-- What is the amount?
Undergraduate students: 60,000 yen per month; Postgraduate students: 80,000 yen per month.
* As a general rule, it is paid until the final year of the enrolled course, for a maximum of two years
-- When do I apply?
Please apply from the Foundation's website.
Note that applications for 2011 are closed. Applications usually start around October or November and around March and April.
Scholarship Recipient Experience
Ms. Firouzi Sanaz (Iran) Graduate School of the University of Tokyo
-- How did you find out about this scholarship?
I came to Japan to study because, in the future, I hope to become a great scientist and help many patients (particularly children). Someday I hope to build my own hospital, carry out research and development of drugs and work for the sake of those who are dying in developing countries. However, as I came to Japan not understanding a word of Japanese, I was unable to do any part time work and so had great difficulty getting by from day to day. At that time, I looked at my university's website and found out about the Nitori International Scholarship Foundation. I applied straight away.
-- How is life as a student on a scholarship
Since becoming a scholarship student, I have been devoting myself to my research from around 8 o'clock in the morning until 9 o'clock at night on weekdays. I also live quite far away, so it is tough travelling to and from school, etc., each day, but I am having a lot of fun, and I am working hard in order to realize my dreams, as well as to repay those who are supporting me.
I enjoy the biannual exchange parties where scholarship students from all over the country gather together. Last spring we had a hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) party on the roof of Nitori's Tokyo head office, and in autumn we enjoyed a uniquely Japanese play. I was once again able to appreciate Japanese culture a little more. In addition, scholarship students from 21 nations reported on the results of their research, etc., over dinner and introduced ethnic dancing, and more. Furthermore, the representative director gave us some essential advice on becoming a member of society. All in all, we were able to spend a very rewarding evening.
・<Literature, Philosophy, Education, Psychology, Sociology, History >
Tôyô Ongaku Gakkai
URL: http://wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/tog/index_e.html
・<Law, Politics>
Japan Labor Law Association
URL: http://wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/jlla/indexE.html
・<Economics, Commercial Science, Management>
The Society for the History of Japanese Economic Thought
URL: http://web.econ.keio.ac.jp/staff/mkomuro/atoc-JET/index.html (In Japanese Only)
・<Science>
The Geothermal Research Society of Japan
URL: http://wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/grsj/index-e.html
・<Engineering>
The Imaging Society of Japan
URL: http://www.isj-imaging.org/isj(e).html
・<Agriculture>
The Vitamin Society of Japan
URL: http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/people/vsojkn/eng.html
・<Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences>
Japanese Society of Phlebology
URL: http://www.js-phlebology.org/index_e.html
Japanese Language Proficiency Test
Date: Jul 3, 2011 (Sun)
J.TEST (Test of Practical Japanese)
Date: Jul 10, 2011 (Sun)
Business J.TEST (In Japanese Only)
Date: Jul 10, 2011 (Sun)
JSST
Taking the examination in Japan or countries other than China (In Japanese Only)
Date: As needed
Taking the examination in China (In Chinese Only)
Date: Jun 18, 2011 (Sat)
Provide information related to job hunting for current international students and graduates!
1) Job Hunting-Related Event Information
*Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners
●Job paper seminar for international students (Jun 17, 2011)(PDF:25KB) (In Japanese Only)
●Job-hunting guidance for international students (Jun 30, 2011) (In Japanese Only)
●Job interview seminar for international students (Jun 24, 2011) (PDF:35KB) (In Japanese Only)
*Nagoya Employment Service Center for Foreigners
●Employment-support guidance for international students (Every 2nd Wednesday a month) (PDF: 223KB) (In Japanese Only)
●Employment-video seminar for international students (PDF: 546KB) (In Japanese Only)
●Employment-support practice interview for international students (Every Tue, Thu, 2011) (PDF: 496KB) (In Japanese Only)
*Osaka Employment Service Center for Foreigners
●Career guidance for international students (Jun 22, 2011) (PDF: 104KB) (In Japanese Only)
●Internship for international students (In Japanese Only)
*Fukuoka Gakusei Shokugyo Center
●Practice interview (Every Tue, Fri, 2011) (In Japanese Only)
●Job fair prep seminar (Jun 14, 21, 2011) (In Japanese Only)
●Job fair for international students (Jun 23, 2011) (In Japanese Only)
※Although Practice interview is for Japanese students, international students can also attend the interview.
<For International students>
●International Foreign Students Association Career Forum (Osaka, Jun 11, 2011 / Tokyo, Jun 19,2011) (International Foreign Students Association) (In Japanese Only)
●Career Forum for International Students (Tokyo, Jun 13, 2011) (DISCO International, Inc.) (In Japanese Only)
●KANAGAWA CAREER EXPO 2011 (Yokohama, Jun 20,2011) (Kanagawa Shimbun / NISSO BRAIN) (In Japanese Only)
<Program for International Students>
●Career Gateway to Asia (CGA) (Career Design Program for Foreign Students) (Application Period Apr 25 – Jun 24) (In Japanese Only)
<For both International and Japanese students>
●Niigata joint recruting fair (Niigata, Jun 18, 2011) (Kohoshien) (In Japanese Only)
●All Japan 12 Newspaper-sponsored Joint Recruiting fair (In Japanese Only)
・Jul 10 Utsunomiya (Tochigi Pref.) (Shimotsuke Shimbun)
<Site list for International Students>
●Nikkei Shushoku Navi “For International Students”(Nikkei Human Resources Inc./ DISCO International, Inc.) (In Japanese Only)
●MYNAVI “A Guide to Employment for Foreign Students”(Mainichi Communications Inc.) (In Japanese Only)
●Shushoku Japan (The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry/ JAFSA/ Japan Date Vision) (In Japanese Only)
●Gakujo Navi “For International Students” (Gakujo Co., Ltd.) (In Japanese Only)
<"Job Fair and Seminar" Site list>
Shukatsu Lab 2012 (ACCESS HUMANEXT CO., LTD.) (In Japanese Only)
"Gou-setsu.com" 2012 (Chikanari. Co.,Ltd.) (In Japanese Only)
Gakujo Navi 2012 (Gakujo Co., Ltd.) (In Japanese Only)
Shukatsu Navi 2012 (Diamond-big and lead Co.,Ltd.) (In Japanese Only)
Career Forum 2012 (DISCO International, Inc.) (In Japanese Only)
Bunnavi! Job Seminar 2012 (BUNKAHOSO Career PartnersCo.,Ltd.) (In Japanese Only)
MAINAVI Job Seminar 2012 (Mainichi Communications Inc.) (In Japanese Only)
Rikunabi LIVE 2012 (RECRUIT CO., LTD.) (In Japanese Only)
JOBWAY 2012 (The National Conference of the Association of Small Business Entrepreneurs) (In Japanese Only)
2) Job Hunting Reports from Former International Students
Name: Mr. Lee Young-Ho
Nationality: Korea
University in Japan: Chuo University Graduate School
Major Field of Study: Law
Period of Stay in Japan: 1998 to 2004
Name of Company: MiniMini-Chuo Corporation
The level of Japanese-Language: JLPT Lv. 1
- What was the reason why you wanted to work in Japan?
I wanted to use the Japanese etiquette, customs, human relationships, and ways of thinking which I had learnt during my time in Japan in my daily life and continue to study whilst living in Japan. I felt that from an economic point of view too, Japan was attractive and so I decided to look for a job here.
- What was the reason why you chose the company you are now working for ?
I had always been interested in real estate and I wrote my graduation thesis on the real property system. I also wanted to study Japan's real estate system and how contracts work, so I aspired to enter the real estate world.
For most people, the basics of life are food, clothing and accommodation. When I was a student, I could buy food and clothing as long as I had the money, but I had trouble finding accommodation, due to things like guarantors and screening by landlords, etc. And so, I chose my current employer because I thought that, if I worked at a real estate company, I might be able to provide juniors with a better living environment than I had as a student.
- Please describe the business of your company and your job.
I assist landlords and tenants with rental agreements. For international students, Japanese rental agreements differ in many ways from those of their home countries. By explaining etiquette, daily living habits and lifelines, I help international students to enjoy their lives in Japan.
- What and how did you appeal to the employer?
I appealed my ability to use my language skills to resolve the problems which can arise when foreigners are moving into apartments or with contracts. Through me, landlords can convey their feelings to tenants, and tenants can convey their feelings to their landlord, without misunderstanding, and they can feel at ease. I also appealed that this would lead to both parties being satisfied.
- When did you start your job hunting activities?
I started job hunting after graduation from my master's course. It was from mid-April.
- How many companies did you apply to?
I applied to about 50 companies and attended information sessions.
- Would kind of job-hunting activity did you do exactly? (Seminars and websites you used)
I used MyNavi, Rikunabi, Nikkei Shushoku Navi, and also my university's careers center.
- What did you refer to for your advance preparation and company research?
I mainly looked at company websites and attended information sessions to research the companies.
- What did you find difficult in your advance preparation and company research?
I analyzed myself and the company and thought about how I could contribute to the company and what role I could play there. I had great difficulty preparing documents that could convey to recruiters the role I could play in their companies.
- What were you careful about in making your job entry sheet or curriculum vitae (CV)?
I carefully worked out my appeal method. Moreover, I made sure that my strong will to work for the company was being adequately expressed. I had my Japanese friends check my Japanese.
- What did you pay attention to in preparation for your job interview?
I was very nervous at the interview, but I endeavored to express everything that I felt. In conversation, I chose words which were easy to pronounce and also easy for the interviewer to understand.
- What were you asked in job interviews?
I was asked questions concerning my self-introduction, my reason for applying, my future dreams and my strengths and weaknesses. - What were experiences that you found confusing, problems you faced, or impressive episodes in your job searching activities?
I had no problems with Japanese in my daily life, but I found the Japanese section of the company entrance test to be the most difficult.
- What did you find good things about working in Japan?
When I resolved a misunderstanding between a landlord and a tenant and saw them both satisfied, I felt glad that I chose this job.
Furthermore, seeing customers happy to have found just the apartment they were looking for gives me get a strong sense of satisfaction.
Please let us know your hopes, objectives and plans for the future.
In future, I hope to assist more international students in finding apartments, and have people say "If you ask Mr. Lee from MiniMini, you will find a great apartment".
- Please give a message to those who are thinking about finding a job in Japan.
Working as hard as you can is such an ordeal that even just thinking about having to take a further step is tough. Whether or not you take that extra step in a tough situation is up to you, but I think that afterwards there will be a big difference between those who took the step and those who didn't. Not only living, but also job hunting in Japan may be tough, but let's do our best for a brighter future!
An expert on job hunting will reply to your questions below.
Words of caution when continuing with job-hunting activities after graduation
Question:
I was able to change my visa to allow me to continue looking for a job after graduating from university. So my question is this: can I continue doing the part-time job I was doing during my job-hunting? Furthermore, can I return home temporarily? Also, I have a wife and child. They are still on the same "family stay" visa that they were on when I was on a student visa. Is it OK to continue like this?
Answer:
In the last issue, I explained that international students may change their status of residence for "student" to "designated activities", in order to continue looking for work after graduation. A "designated activities" visa invariably comes with a "certificate of designation", and you are only allowed to engage in the "designated" activities specified in the certificate of designation. In this case, the designated activity is obviously "job-seeking". However, for international students continuing to look for job, part-time work in one's spare time, in order to supplement living expenses, is permitted. In this case, just as for a student visa, it is necessary to first get "permission to engage in activities outside the scope of the visa". Furthermore, you may also get a "re-entry permit" if you wish to leave the country temporarily while you are continuing with your job search.
So, what about the families of people continuing their job search? They will need to change their visa status from "family stay" to "designated activities". Even if the person looking for a job changes their status of residence, their family's visa does not change automatically. If, like the questioner, someone comes to Japan to study alone, and then later, after having become familiar with Japanese customs and culture, they bring their family over to join them, the period of stay of the "family stay" visa will not match that their "student" visa. When the person changes their status of residence to "designated activities", their family will also have to change their current visas to "designated activities" [fig].
Moreover, even once the family's visa changes to "designated activities", like the person looking for a job, they are also permitted "permission to engage in activities outside the scope of the visa" and to get a "re-entry permit".
Next time I will explain the procedures for when you receive a job offer during your continued job search.
※ The continuation of post-graduation job-hunting activity is known as "continued seeking of employment" by the Immigration Bureau.
【 Answerer: NPO Visa Support Center Hiroshima Notary Public, Mr. Koji Masuda】
(Note)
This article is current as of May 2011. Systems and procedures related to residence in Japan may be changed, so please check with the Immigration Bureau for the latest information.
4) Convenient Job Hunting Information
Useful information that will surely be of help to you during your job hunting activities!
Internship Report 1
In Convenient Job-Hunting Information, we will introduce some stories of internship reports in a 2-part series. In part 1 we spoke to three participants in the internship which forms part the "Career Gateway to Asia (CGA)", program run by NPO WIL, which aims to link international students with Japanese society and enterprise.
(from the left)
Mr. Bunprasert Thanawat (Thailand – 2nd year of master’s program at Waseda School of Advanced Science and Engineering postgraduate)
Ms. Lim Fong zyin (Malaysia – 2nd year of master’s program at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering)
Ms. Hu Wen ye (China – 4th year at Keio University Faculty of Economics)
Internship leads to job offer
—What kind of experience did you have?
(Hu) I was at a travel agents for two weeks, where I received lectures and prepared the presentation I was to give on the last day. The lectures covered everything from the company's financial affairs to IT; they pretty much taught me everything.
(Lim) I went to an electrical equipment maker. Together with some Japanese students, I observed the factory and took part in group discussions, and it gave me an opportunity to think deeply about work and my future. As a result of using the experience in my subsequent job hunting, I was able to secure a job offer from a different maker.
(Bunprasert) At the IT service company I went to, I gave a presentation on Thai IT in the overseas investment department. It was tough preparing materials for my presentation in Japanese. On my Internship at an industrial machinery maker, we had group discussions and an observation of the factory to learn more about the company and its products. Ultimately, they offered me a job.
—It would seem that there are many things you do not get to experience at Japanese companies.
(Lim) In Malaysia, students get to do the same work as regular employees.
(Hu) It's the same in China. My friend who did training at a hotel for the same travel agent got to actually experience taking care of guests; however, I felt that most Japanese internships are more about learning about the company than about actual work.
Curious "conversation" between workers
—Were you able to feel any "corporate Japaneseness"?
(Hu) I was surprised by the fact that everyone seems to be thinking of work-related ideas during lunchtime. Moreover, the fact that everything seems to be decided by such conversations seemed typical Japanese style.
(Bunprasert) I was also noticed these conversations in the company. I particular, even when a conflict of opinion becomes like a fight, afterwards they continue working together. I sensed the strong solidarity in the company.
—What was difficult about it?
(Bunprasert) At the company, there was a lot of explanation of administrative work, which was very difficult for me as my knowledge of economics is limited. But I felt that it was no harm in having knowledge of something outside of my specialty, so I made an extra effort to absorb it.
(Hu) I felt that, in practice, working at a company was harder than I had imagined. I think I understand the process from zero until something is completed.
[Advice]
Internships are a good chance for students to get to know about a company. You will surely make new discoveries about yourself too. By taking another look at oneself, issues or strengths will become apparent. This process is indispensable when appealing oneself to a company. Why don't you use your summer holiday and experience it yourself, before your job hunting gets into full swing?
Interview Cooperation: NPO Japan Forum for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) (In Japanese Only) CGA Secretaria
Text: Japan Alumni eNews Editorial Department
Why not try traveling throughout Japan? Famous places, events, and cuisine information from around Japan!
The June and July issues of Visit Japan will introduce Kyoto, the ancient Japanese capital.
Kiyomizu Temple
Do you know the saying, “Jumping down from the stage of Kiyomizu?” Indeed, at the Kiyomizu Temple, there is a stage located in a very high place. This saying expresses a person’s will to do something extremely bold just like diving from a high stage. In December 1994, this temple was registered as a “cultural asset of the ancient capital of Kyoto” on the World Heritage List based on the “World Heritage Treaty.” The view from the stage of Kiyomizu is utterly breathtaking. It is where you will be able to take many beautiful pictures.
Kiyomizu Temple
Kamogawa Noryo-Yuka (traditional waterfront decks along the Kamo River)
Kamogawa Noryo-Yuka is a tradition that has been conducted since the 17th Century. You will see about 90 restaurants and cafes along the Kamo River that flows through the city. Sit on the wooden “decks” and feel the cool breeze of Kyoto. This is a seasonal tradition only available from May 1 to September 30.
Kamogawa Noryo-Yuka Association (In Japanese Only)
Shojin Ryori (Zen Vegetarian Cuisine)
Shojin Ryori is a type of cooking that refrains from using any seafood or meat but only crops such as vegetables and soy beans. It was invented based on the idea of valuing life and has mainly been eaten by monks. Such dishes as Tofu, Yuba (bean curd skin), and deep-fried Tofu used frequently in Japanese foods have been created as forms of Shojin Ryori. Temples in Kyoto offer authentic Shojin Ryori for visitors.
Zazen (meditation) Experience
Do you know “Zazen?” This type of meditation incorporated into Buddhist training is also utilized as a way to train one’s mind regardless of religion in Japan. If you perform Zazen at a temple or in other peaceful settings, you will experience better effects such as the heightening of your concentration. You can try authentic Zazen at the Seishonen Bunka Kenshu Dojo (Cultural Training Center for the Youth).
Seishonen Bunka Kenshu Dojo (Cultural Training Center for the Youth) (In Japanese Only)
Transform into a Maiko (apprentice geisha)
When talking about Kyoto, the beautiful appearance of Maiko would probably pop into the minds of many. In the city, there are quite a few stores that help tourists transform into Maiko. Wouldn’t it feel nice to walk on the streets of Kyoto clad in a traditional Japanese costume? With an additional charge, professional photographer will take your photos which will definitely turn into great memories.
Kyoto City Tourism Association (In Japanese Only)
Click “Maiko Experience Facilities” on the Kyoto City Tourism Association’s website to look for stores where you can try on the costumes.
Japan National Tourism Organization’s Introduction to Kyoto
This section features enjoyable stories about pop culture, traditions, dining, cutting-edge technology, and more!
More than the real thing? The world of food samples.
I'm hungry. But, I don't even know what kind of food they serve here, let alone what's on the menu.
Imagine you were placed in this situation, don't you think that Japan's "food samples" are a really visitor-friendly invention?
Now, let's have a little quiz.
These food samples are said to have originated in the early Showa era. Which of the following was the first step in the process for making, for example, a "tempura food sample", around the time when the food sample was born?
1 ... Draw a tempura blueprint
2 ... Draw a detailed picture of tempura
3 ... Fry some real tempura
The answer is ... that's right, 3, "fry some real tempura".
Firstly, after making the real thing, place it inside a box-shaped container and pour in agar gel all around it. After the agar has set, remove the tempura from the agar and you are left with a mould for the food sample.
Pour wax of roughly the same color of tempura into the mould, and once it has hardened, take it out and paint in the details. That was apparently how it was done.
Incidentally, nowadays we are apparently moving from the "wax and agar age" to the "silicon and resin age"; however, the dependence on manual skills for most important process – to make it look real (i.e. coloring) – has not changed.
Let us return to the period when food samples were born. I said that they originated in the early Showa era, but what special meaning does the beginning of the Showa era have for the Japanese people?
It was during this period, that unusual, western-style food and a lifestyle where the whole family went out to eat - both of which had never been experienced up until then – together became established in Japan. Moreover, reflecting these two elements, the "department store dining hall" gained overwhelming popularity around this time.
And, in order to deal with the all the shoppers who would crowd in at once at lunch time,
1. the food ticket system, which made it possible to handle payments for meals in advance, and
2. food samples, which made it possible to show exactly what finished dishes would look like,
became established and spread throughout Japan in an instant.
The opportunity to see these food samples which dominated in this way have decreased a great deal nowadays. That said, they are still used, for example, for the familiar deluxe Osechi ryori sold around the end of the year. So, food samples are actively used as you all know, and (this is probably not so well known) food samples are also being used, for example, for the purpose of nutritional guidance, such as for instructing diabetics on nutrition and diet, enabling instructors to introduce meals and calorie calculation in an intuitive way.
After imitation "models" of food became a form of "culture" and reached their peak, their role as "models" was rediscovered ... I guess that pretty much sums up the transitions that the food sample has undergone.
Reference: "The Japanese eat with their eyes - this is how the food sample was born" (2002) Hiroshi Nose (Asahiya Publishing Co., Ltd.)
Food sample photo by: yo_see (photost.jp)
Text: Kimiaki Suzuki
Introducing JASSO Scholarship information, invitation program, Japan Education Fairs, the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students（EJU）
1) Japan Education Fairs / Japan Education Seminars
[Scheduled to be held]
Japan Education Fairs will be held on July 23 in Taiwan (Kaohsiung) and July 24 in Taiwan (Taipei)
2) Information about Study Abroad in Japan Events Participated in by JASSO
■ Event name: Japan Expo 2011
■ Date: June 30, 2011 (Thu) to July 3 (Sun)
■ Venue: Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center (Paris, France)
■ Content: JASSO will have a booth at the upcoming "Japan Expo 2011" to be held in Paris. Attendees will be able to get pamphlets and other useful materials for studying in Japan, as well as directly ask questions relating to studying in Japan. It is an opportunity to get information on studying in Japan, by taking part in one of the largest Japanese culture festivals in Europe. The Japan Alumni eNews editorial staff will also participate. We look forward to seeing our readers there.
■ Admission: 9 euro (June 30), 12 euro (July 1), 15 euro (July 2), 12 euro (July 3)
■URL：http://www.japan-expo.com/en/
3) Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
Examination Date: Sunday, June 19
Mailing Date of Score Report: Friday, July 22 (scheduled)
(Notice)
Special Makeup Examination for the (1st) Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students 2011
We will be offering a special makeup examination for applicants who have been afflicted by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Please check the following website for details:
http://www.jasso.go.jp/eju/eju_2301additional.html
- Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students (In Japanese Only)
This scholarship program provides monthly sums of 65,000 yen (graduate level) or 48,000 yen (undergraduate level) to support privately financed international students.
Selection result notification: Late June (From JASSO to School)
(Notice)
Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students (Additional Adoption for Disaster Victims) (In Japanese Only)
To provide assistance to privately financed international students who were affected by the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake and/or the Northern Nagano Earthquake, JASSO will offer additional honors scholarships for four months from April to July for privately financed international students who are studying abroad at universities or other institutions located in the regions where the Disaster Relief Act applies.
Selection result notification: Late June (From JASSO to School)
Other scholarships by JASSO（273KB）
5) International University-Exchange Seminars
Seminar Reports for the FY 2010
-University of Fukui “2010 International Symposium on Advanced Mechanical and Power Engineering & Global Seminar for the Graduate School of Engineering”
- Nagoya University “Educational Science and Human Development Seminar: For the Social and Vocational Development of Youth and the Creation of Asian Citizenship”
Impressions from our readers!
I'm glad that for most of the text.
I am currently a graduate student, Thailand.
Chithtavon Simuang (Thai)
(Dispense with the Mr. and Mrs.)
[From the Editor]
“Life in Japan by Photo” in the June issue introduced “My favorite place at school” sent in by our readers such as the school terrace or library.
As for myself, I really loved the music room where I spent most of my time in high school. Since I was a member of the brass band, I remember practicing almost everyday there regardless of the day of the week. This was the same room where I had lunch with my close friends and talked about our future as well as studied for exams together.
Although many years have passed since graduating from high school, I still remember the music room very clearly. I hope that those of you studying here may also make great memories that you can smile and talk about after completing your studies in Japan. Please don’t forget to send such wonderful memories to our editorial team!
On a final note, the July issue of “Japan Alumni eNews” is scheduled to be distributed on July 8. Please look forward to it!
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Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
2-2-1 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8630 JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-5520-6033
Fax: +81-3-5520-6034
E-mail: alumni-newsletter@jasso.go.jp
* Information in this issue may change without notice. Please visit their web sites for latest information.
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