Volunteer

Everyone who works on KJ is an unpaid volunteer.

This is a key aspect of KJ. It’s collaborative, focused — and fun. Whatever your personal interests and skills, there is probably a way that you can contribute.

We especially look for interns who are interested in helping out with writing, designing, researching, interviewing, transcribing, and especially, helping us with work on our revitalized website. (We also have a big project under way, transferring files from old MO discs to online archive format, that we particularly need help with).

We welcome self-motivated people who can take responsibility for specific projects, according to their own interests and time availability. Previous experience is helpful but not a prerequisite. Editorial staff will advise and give feedback, so interning is a good opportunity to gain experience in a real-world but out-of-the-ordinary publishing setting.

We are eager to see Kj develop in new ways through fresh input, especially in new online media, such as podcasts, iMovie video and interactive features. If any of the above fits your interests, please don’t hesitate to contact us! (If you are in an academic program and need credit for practical experience, we can provide evaluations).

Another unusual aspect of KJ — there is no KJ office. Essentially, we work from home, so it is necessary to have an email connection and your own computer. John Einarsen’s house in Okazaki is often the venue for KJ meetings, but we use email for most of our communications. Our interns often reside here in Kyoto, but this is not vital (though being here makes it easier to be involved in KJ-related activities — and Kyoto itself is a very nurturing environment).

Apart from interning, we also welcome assistance in the form of feedback, useful contacts, and suggestions for Asia-related content — and reviews. Send in your favorite quotes by Asian writers, or suggestions for our “In Translation” feature.

We also are looking for someone who could take on the important role of handling subscriptions.

If you would like to contribute writing or visual material to KJ, please read our Submision Guidelines. We are especially interested in receiving material for our “Asian Encounters” section, whether in text, podcast or even short video.