by Nick Harling
on February 28, 2013
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In this episode, Nick speaks with Ayako Smethurst and Drew Scronce about Kizuna Across Cultures. Ayako is the President of Kizuna Across Cultures and Drew is the organization’s Educational Director. Drew also teaches Japanese at Langley High School, just outside of Washington, DC.
Kizuna Across Cultures is an innovative educational organization that uses technology to build relationships between students in Japan and the United States. This is definitely more than a classic pen pal exchange. Listen to the episode to learn how this organization is inspiring youth to embrace diversity.
Anyone interested in learning more about this great organization can visit: www.kacultures.org
I would like to thank the listeners who have emailed me their thoughts about the Let’s Talk Japan Podcast, and also everyone following the podcast on Twitter @letstalkjapan.
I’m excited to announce that the Let’s Talk Japan Podcast is now listed in the iTunes New & Noteworthy section under the Society & Culture podcast category. Next time you visit the iTunes Store, please be sure to leave the podcast a positive rating. Doing so will ensure that the podcast continues to move up that list and catch the attention of other listeners.
by Nick Harling
on February 15, 2013
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In this episode, Nick speaks with Keiko Eto Fore, a close family friend, about her experiences growing up in wartime Japan, surviving the Hiroshima atomic bomb, and raising a family in rural America.
Keiko and her older sister Michiko
Keiko in kimono standing on the far left with her father behind her. Keiko’s mother is standing far right. [Bottom Photo]
Keiko and Jesse on a date.
Keiko and Jesse, center, with their infant daughter and Keiko’s extended family.
Keiko and Nick at Keiko’s home.
Some of the many certificates at Keiko’s home recognizing her extensive volunteer work.
Here is an article from a local newspaper about Keiko’s life.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to leave a positive rating in iTunes. As always, email questions or comments to letstalkjapan@gmail.com and follow the podcast on Twitter @LetsTalkJapan.
by Nick Harling
on February 1, 2013
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In this episode, Nick Harling speaks with Jennelle Root Martelle and Paul Rothman about the mission of Sister Cities International. Jennelle is the Director of Programs and Grants and Paul is the membership coordinator at Sister Cities International.
Topics covered in this interview include:
- An explanation of what a sister-city partnership is
- The history of sister-city partnerships worldwide and how they have evolved over time
- How Sister Cities International encourages and helps sister-city partners maintain their relationships
- The current state of U.S.-Japan sister-city partnerships
For more information on Sister Cities International, please visit their website: www.sister-cities.org
If you have any questions about how to start a sister-city partnership, improve upon an existing partnership, or restart a dormant partnership, email Paul at prothman@sister-cities.org
As always, feel free to email questions or comments to: letstalkjapan@gmail.com and follow the podcast on Twitter @LetsTalkJapan
by Nick Harling
on January 15, 2013
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In this episode, Nick Harling talks with Sara Tilliotson, program director of the JET office at the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., about the JET Program application process.
Together, they discuss the JET Program’s:
- purpose & history
- types of positions & responsibilities
- eligibility criteria
- salary & benefits
- common application mistakes
- application deadline & hiring process timeline
Other Recommended JET Program Resources:
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please go to the Let’s Talk Japan page in itunes, click on the “ratings and reviews” button and leave us some feedback. Doing so, will ensure that other listeners looking for Japan-related content can more easily find us.
As always, feel free to email questions or comments to: letstalkjapan@gmail.com and follow the podcast on Twitter @LetsTalkJapan
by Nick Harling
on January 1, 2013
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In this introductory episode of the Let’s Talk Japan Podcast, host Nick Harling discusses his personal relationship with Japan, why he decided to create the Let’s Talk Japan Podcast, and what he hopes it will achieve.
