Apologies for the delay ? technical issues galore. The New York bureau of Japanese television network Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) ? producers of college-fave MXCas well as more serious fare ? dropped by the library earlier today, interviewing several attendees and resident career experts for the folks back in Asia. We wrangled producer John Ellis away from his journalistic duties to give us the inside scoop on why TBS, which only airs its news programming in Japan, is interested in covering a job market half a world away. Logically, Ellis pointed out Tokyo?s symbiotic relationship with Wall Street, noting that ?this global (economic) crisis affects huge swaths of the world population? and confirming that the Japanese workforce isn?t ?just thinking locally.? With cameraman Motomi Sugita in tow, Ellis said he noticed a trend among the job-seekers he interviewed today: ?People are generally saying it?s really important to stay positive,? he said. ?They?ve been discouraged by general job search approaches, and that?s why they?re coming to this event.?

Ellis proceeded to explain that working for the bureau of a foreign-based media outlet has its perks: Aside from being tasked with covering stories of international relevance?he covered Condoleezza Rice?s no-vote as the U.N. Security Council called for a ceasefire in Gaza two weeks ago, for example?he finds it easier to convince people to go on record. According to Ellis, ?I?ve noticed that working for a Japanese channel that only airs in Japan often takes away (a person?s) inhibitions, and often that?s helpful.? One such daring soul: Vault VP of Recruiting John Flato, who imparted some soon-to-be-subtitled advice before darting off to moderate the day?s second recruiting panel.

--posted by Ben Fuchs, Vault Staff Writer