An "edutational" career

Forget boring textbooks. When it comes to learning English, these days your television is your best friend. "Edutainment" cable channel Oki Doki has put the fun into English language learning. With a rapidly expanding business, they are in the market for producers and editors who get creative when it comes to education. Georgia Jacobs talks to Takashi Shibayama of C&E Inc. about the channel and what they are looking for in a producer or web editor.

Takashi Shibayama, C&E Inc.' Director of English Edutainment Photo by Mitchell Coster

Tell us a little bit about Oki Doki and C&E Inc.
C&E Inc. was established in 1996 as a digital, multi-channel station to provide programming for PerfecTV! (now SkyPerfecTV!). C&E stands for "communication and entertainment." We are a rapidly growing company with two channels. ACCESS! (255ch) is the traffic information channel, and Oki Doki (275ch) is the English edutainment channel, which provides programs to learn English casually and in a fun manner. Rather than being too educational, our programs basically help viewers become familiar with English in an entertaining way. The message is: "Communication is most important. Don't be afraid of making mistakes." We have several different programs produced by our own staff. One of the programs is a travel program, where you can learn conversational English first hand. It is also unique in the sense that it is culturally oriented, so you learn about various cultures and learn English. There is a live show that allows you to ask any questions you have about English and the host will answer it in English. Also, there is a weekly informational show from Hawaii and more programs from other countries.

What is the website about and how does it fit with cable television in Japan?
Because of the rapidly changing world of multimedia, we are now amplifying our business not just in broadcasting, but also other communication networks, including the internet. Recently we launched "i-mode ACCESS!," a traffic information service on DoCoMo's i-mode network. There are more projects coming up for Oki Doki, like a portal website for English edutainment, a mobile English-lesson service and more. The website will meet worldwide demands for English learning and entertainment. The contents will include online English lessons, travel information, homestay programs, edutainment games, English news, test support programs, a translation service, an online shopping service, auctions, job searching, mail magazines, real time audio communications and so on. We are also preparing a publishing business in both analog [print] and digital forms. It includes books, magazines, video tapes, DVDs, and online content. Our goal is to be a total content provider in all media.

What positions are you seeking to fill?
We are looking for an Assistant Director for TV production to help produce English Edutainment programs (directing, writing, producing, translation) and a Web Editor to edit the English edutainment website and other Oki Doki content. We are always looking for native speakers who want to be hosts, reporters, or entertainers on Oki Doki.

What are you looking for in a candidate?
We are seeking motivated people with strong communication and presentation skills. We need people who are able to solve problems and give direction when creating a new program. Of course, creativity is a key factor, but one also needs to learn quickly, be flexible and work well in a team. Computer literacy is highly recommended and fluency in English and Japanese is a must. Knowledge of Japanese and foreign culture is helpful.

How is broadcast media different from print media?
Broadcast media gives more dynamic information, both visual and audio, and must allow viewers time [to make the shows easy to understand]. It requires more communication skills to create content for broadcasting because producers must not only be capable script writers, but also be able to direct the actors in front of the camera as well.

To apply for either position contact T. Shibayama at C&E Inc., Shibuya Shimizu Daiichi Bldg 5F, 1-11-8 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002. Email info@ce-inc.co.jp

Do you have a postion to fill? Email editor@tokyoclassified.com