Craft localities currently seeking candidates:

• ・ Oku-Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture (Mishima basketry)
• ・ Seto, Aichi Prefecture (Seto-ware pottery and ceramics)
• ・ Kainan, Wakayama Prefecture (Kishu lacquerware)
• ・ Hamada, Shimane Prefecture (Sekishu washi paper)
• ・ Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture (Kurashiki canvas goods)
• ・ Gunma Prefecture (Gunma silk)

Requirements

• ・Residence in the specified locality or within easy access
• ・Native-level proficiency in English
• ・Level N1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or equivalent
• ・Samples of published work (online or off)
• ・Superb communication skills: research, writing, presentation, J/E translation
• ・Genuine interest in regional craftwork and an intellectual curiosity for the techniques, lifestyle, history and culture on which it is based
• ・Passion, dedication, integrity, respectfulness, service mentality

Duties (Senior Communicator)

• ・Work with artisans and other stakeholders in the locality to identify and develop stories that promote the area’s craft tradition, products, nature, history, and food
• ・Promote the locality and its featured craft in English through established social networks, official websites, and creative collaborations
• ・Pitch stories to the media, prepare media kit, field inquiries
• ・Organize and execute press and FAM trips for media coverage
• ・Interpret for artisans when interested parties from abroad visit
• ・Serve as liaison for product inquiries in languages other than Japanese

Duties (Junior Communicator)

• ・Research and write English social-media posts and website updates on a regular basis
• ・Interpret for artisans when interested parties from abroad visit

The hiring process includes an interview. Prior experience in sales and/or distribution channels is not required.