By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)

 

Hey, past and present JETs! Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in Nihon-land this week!

 

Onomichi Betcha Festival

When: 1-3 November

Where: Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture

On Culture Day, head to Onomichi for its famous Betcha Matsuri. At the festival, three oni (Betcha, Soba, and Shoki) will “beat” the sickness out of you to bless you with good health for the following year! The festival also a temple walk and amazing taiko performances.

 

Shizuoka City Daidogei Festival

When: 2-5 November

Where: Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka AJET invites everyone to an annual event that features street performers from around the world juggling, dancing, and performing acrobatics, comedy, and aerial acts!

 

Portraits of Japanese Culture

When: 3 November

Where: Moriyama, Kyoto Prefecture

Spend Culture Day appreciating ukiyo-e paintings at Sagawa Art Museum with Shiga AJET.

 

Learn to make Japanese sparklers

When: 3 November

Where: Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture

Did you know that only three companies in Japan make traditional sparklers? KumAJET invites you to join in this exciting workshop that involves real-life gunpowder!

 

Kamamoto Pottery Festival

When: 3-5 November

Where: Miyama, Kagoshima Prefecture

This annual pottery festival is held in the small pottery village of Miyama. Get some Korean-inspired Japanese pottery for your kitchen!

 

Halloween Dinner Party

When: 5 November

Where: Matsue, Shimane Prefecture

It’s never too late to celebrate Halloween. Join in a traditional Halloween dinner party for lots of fall food. Fancy dress is optional but there’s a prize for the best outfit!

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Japan Center Director
Posted by: North Carolina State University
Location: Raleigh, NC
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JETAA North Carolina subchapter’s Kyle Munn for sharing this great opportunity. Would be wonderful to see a JET alum get the job.

Below is a partial description. Click here for full details.

The Director will initiate, coordinate, and oversee a wide range of activities which build relationships and serve academic, research, business, and cultural needs related to interaction between Japan and North Carolina.

Support business initiatives:

• Work with university, state, and local economic development and business organizations to foster increased exports to Japan, and to facilitate Japanese investment in NC.
• Create and maintain programs that help make North Carolina a welcoming environment for Japanese companies and their employees to live and do business.
• Provide workshops and training opportunities for those in North Carolina interested in doing business in or with Japan.
• Organize conferences for businesses engaged in Japan, and contribute to conferences organized by others.
• Build relationships and meet regularly with leaders and representatives of both new and established businesses.

Support academic and research initiatives:

• Engage with the NC State campus community and participate in relevant activities and events on a regular basis.
• Expand and develop relations with prominent Japanese universities and institutes to enhance academic exchange and research collaboration.
• Provide leadership to stimulate increased Japan-related activity at universities throughout the UNC system.
• Seek out and assist in the administration of scholarship funds for North Carolina students planning to study in Japan, and Japanese students planning to study in NC.
• Seek out and assist in the administration of funding to support faculty research.
• Provide support to NC State’s Japanese language program.

Support the general public:

• Oversee the Japan Center’s non-credit Japanese language classes conducted for pre-college students and adults.
• Sponsor workshops, training opportunities, cultural events and art shows throughout the year. Ensure wide publicity and outreach for all events.
• Maintain a library of print, video, and electronic materials about Japan.
• Speak at various public venues about Japan, its history and culture, and its relations with North Carolina.

General:

• Lead the strategic planning for the NC Japan Center, and develop specific goals for the center’s vision.
• Ensure visibility and awareness of the NC Japan Center among all stakeholder groups.
• Manage the operational budget to maximize and build on available resources.
• Initiate and engage in fundraising and development activities, to expand sustainable resources for the operation of the NC Japan Center.
• Supervise NC Japan Center staff.
• Collaborate with and support other units and faculty at NC State that engage with Japanese agencies, universities, or organizations

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Editor and Speechwriter
Posted by: The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, Political Section 
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alum Jessica Wang (Nara-ken) for the following job opportunity:

The Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations is seeking an Editor and Speechwriter for the Political Section.

Requirements/Preferences:

1. Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills at native level required.
2. At least 3 years’ experience in editing/speechwriting or journalism required.
3. Japanese language skills and familiarity with Japanese culture highly preferable.
4. Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
5. Excellent Computer skills, typing skills (60wpm minimum) required.
6. Fair knowledge of international affairs, diplomacy and the United Nations system preferred

If interested, please send a cover letter and your resume by November 3rd, 2017, to the following e-mail address with “PMJ Editor/Speechwriter, Political Section” in the subject line: kokurendai1@dn.mofa.go.jp

More information here: http://www.un.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/job_opportunities.html

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Administrative Assistant
Posted by: Embassy of Japan, Consular Section
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Full-Time

The JET Office would like to share the following opportunity for an administrative assistant at the Embassy’s Consular Section with the JET alumni community. Please see the original job listing at http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/job-consular-assistant.html.

The Embassy of Japan is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of administrative assistant. This individual is primarily responsible for issuing visas to enter Japan and providing consular services to Japanese nationals in the U.S. Please see below for a detailed listing of responsibilities.

The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, paid vacation and sick leave. Working hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with the occasional weeknight and/or weekend work (paid overtime). Salary is commensurate with experience.

Please note: Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder. Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Successful candidates will be requested to submit their background check information.

Responsibilities:

Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: English Teacher Position
Posted by: Kaichi Nihonbashi Gakuen
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alum Jonathan Anzai (Kagoshima-ken) for the following job opening at his school:

Kaichi Nihonbashi Gakuen (KNG) is seeking a full-time English teacher to join its faculty from April 2018. The school is a six-year combined junior and senior school focusing on inquiry-based international education. It is currently an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) candidate school, with planned authorization visits for both programs scheduled next year.

At present, the school is seeking to employ a full-time English teacher who is able to begin teaching classes starting from April 2018. This position is not an ALT position, and candidates are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to teach in a solo capacity.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Serve as a homeroom teacher or assistant homeroom teacher
• Oversee course instruction, curriculum development, and grading in IB Language Acquisition classes and other inquiry-based classes
• Create and reflect on unit plans for each unit of inquiry
• Support the planning and development of grade and school level events
• Participate in subject, grade, faculty, committee, and parent meetings
• Lead and support extracurricular club activities
• Actively collaborate with other teachers to help establish a new, and progressive educational program here in Japan

The successful candidate will be employed under the same remuneration system as the school’s Japanese faculty members, with the possibility of earning tenure based on the applicant’s performance. Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Business Consultant
Posted by: FitSeed Consulting Inc.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to Kyoko Wakabayashi for the following job opening:

• Company: Japanese Consulting Firm
• Job Title: Business Consultant
• Job Description:
  • Organizing and executing assigned business projects according to client’s requirements.
  • Meeting with assigned clients when needed and perform an initial assessment of a problematic situation.
• Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • New graduate / Year and month of graduation: must be between May 2017 and Sep 2019, Age: under 25 (at the time of joining to the company) * There are some restrictions on graduation date and age because this is the job offer for new graduates in Japan
  • Highly self-motivated and goal-orientated
  • Client-focused with a passion for excellence and positive team attitude
  • Eager to start a career as a Business Consultant / Analyst at a fast-growing company in Japan
  • Japanese language skill is a big plus but not required
• Salary: ¥3,500,000 – ¥4,500,000 (DOE)
• Location: Tokyo Japan
  • The company will support a working visa of Japan
• The company information
  • Sales: ¥17,100,000,000 （as of February 2017）
  • Number of employees: 1,273 (as of April 2017)
  • Established:  March 1998

The company is a Japanese firm that provides comprehensive consulting services across a wide variety of fields, both public and private sectors. They support sustainable growth of their client by addressing their issues and achieving concrete impact. Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Posted by: Seigakuin Atlanta International School
Location: Atlanta, GA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alum Aaron Bentzel who works directly at the school for the following job opening:

• Start Date: ASAP
• Required skills:  English editing and proof reading skills, Intermediate Japanese conversation skills, Computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Publisher, File Maker, etc.)
• Duration: Temporary (expected through June 13, 2018)
• Application Process: Please send your resume to employment@seigakuin.us

JETAA Chapter Beat is a periodic mosaic of events taking place in the JETAA sphere. Compiled by AJET‘s Director of Alumni Resources Sara-Jane Seery (Kochi Prefecture, 2016- Present).

 

1. JETAA Minnesota

   

30 Years of Change – JET Program’s 30th Anniversary

Come and join us in celebrating 30 years of the JET Program. We will be talking about the connections between Japan and Minnesota past, present and future. Join us for an amazing multi course meal at Kado no Mise to commemorate 30 years of the JET program! (menu to be posted shortly on our website and Facebook page)

https://jetaamn.org/2017/10/04/save-the-date-jet-30th-anniversary-banquet-event/

When: Sunday, November 12th from 2pm-5pm

Where: Kado no Mise 33 North 1st Ave, Mpls, MN 55401

 

2. JETAAMB

Whale Watching

JETAAMB is hosting its first-ever Whale Watching Trip!

We will meet at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey at 1pm on Saturday, November 18th. Anyone is welcome: JET alumni, family, friends, and anyone interested in Japan. We will be traveling with the Monterey Bay Whale Watch Company, and we will most likely be able to see humpback whales and dolphins.

Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite (https://tinyurl.com/y8ps2mk6). You must buy tickets by October 30th (Monday) at 6pm. RSVPing on Facebook is NOT good enough, you must buy your tickets in advance.

Schedule:

1pm Meet Fisherman’s Wharf (Monterey Bay Whale Watch @ 84 Fisherman’s Wharf Monterey, CA)

2-5pm Whale Watching

5-8pm Nijikai at downtown Monterey Pub to be determined later

Special Notes: Seas may be rough and cold, so bring anti-seasickness medication and warm clothing. The event may be canceled in the event of bad weather. For safety reasons, pregnant women are not allowed on the whale watching but are welcome at the nijikai.

 

3. JETAA NY

Karaoke Marathon

Let’s enjoy a karaoke marathon!. Please RSVP by Monday, November 6 if you plan to attend, so we can reserve an appropriate size room. Huge selection of English and Japanese songs, and other languages are available too. Did we mention some drinks are 50% off? All are welcome, so feel free to invite friends, JETs, and friends of JET alike!

Note: You can bring your own food, but not drinks (you can get drinks at the bar separately; some will have happy hour specials). Also, please make sure to bring your state ID — if even one person doesn’t have it, the whole room can’t drink. (Don’t be that guy!)

Happy Hour details: http://www.karaokeduet.com/index.php?itemid=5

When: Saturday, November 18th, 1pm – 8pm (Come late, leave early – you don’t have to stay the entire time!)

Where: Duet 48 (304 E 48th St, New York, NY 10017)

Cost: $14/person

RSVP/Questions: Email Alexei at alexeisensei@gmail.com and check out more details.

 

4. JETAASC

Natsukashii Nomikai

Come one, come all, to JETAASC’s 9th Natsukashii Nomikai! Every second Friday of the month, JETAASC checks out a new Japanese-owned establishment in the LA area. Relax and enjoy a drink and/or some food with us, because it’s the weekend! This month we’ll be at Ebisu, which has plenty of Kyushu flavor along with great happy hour specials

When: Friday, November 10 at 5:30 PM PST

Where: EBISU Japanese Tavern 356 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, California 90012

 

 

5. JETAA NSW

Career Workshop

The careers workshop is ideal for new JET Returnees but is open to any individuals interested in working on their job hunting, networking or personal promotion skills.

The workshop comes in two parts. Part one is this workshop and part two will be a networking evening where you can use the skills that you have acquired to build your personal and professional network

 

6. JETAA Chicago

Career Development Workshop

Just got back from Japan and looking for a job? Unsure about how to leverage your experiences in Japan? Maybe you have a job and are considering a career change? Wondering what skills you need to get that promotion? Attend JETAA Chicago’s annual Career Development Workshop on Saturday, November 18, 2017 to get guidance on building a path to career success.

The Career Development Workshop is free of charge. Registation will begin at 1:30 PM with the presentations scheduled to start at 2:00 PM and the networking reception scheduled for 5:00 PM.

The workshop will be held in downtown Chicago however the venue for the event has yet to be confirmed. Check back for more details.

When: Saturday, November 18 at 1 PM – 4 PM CST

Where: 400 S Michigan Ave, Ste C, Chicago, Illinois 60605

 

7. JETAA Manitoba/Saskatchewan

JET Program Info Session

Join JETAA Alumni for our JET Program Information session. If you want to know more about the JET Programme please join us.

When: Thursday, November 16 at 10 AM – 11:30 AM UTC-06

Where: 474 University Center. 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2

 

 

JETAA Chapter Beat is a periodic mosaic of events taking place in the JETAA sphere. Compiled by AJET‘s Director of Alumni Resources Sara-Jane Seery (Kochi Prefecture, 2016- Present).

 

1.JETAA Rocky Mountain

Tsukimi welcome back party

When: Saturday, September 30 at 4:30 PM MDT

Where: Chautauqua Park in Boulder, the lower park area near Baseline Road. We will be flying our JETAARM Nobori Flags and should be easy to spot.

900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, Colorado 80302

Join us in wishing an “okaerinasai” to the recently returned JETs at our Tsukimi picnic! Friends and family are welcome to join us for , tabemono (food), hot tea and, of course, moon viewing!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

 

2. JETAA UK

Leicester Japan Club ‘Sushi and Sword’

When: Saturday, September 30 at 1 PM – 3 PM UTC+01

Where: University of Leicester

University Road, LE1 7RH Leicester, United Kingdom

The Leicester Japan Club are organising a talk on Japanese swords and history by Joe Robey from the King Richard III Visitor Centre (he will bring his colelction of Japanese swords) on Saturday 30th September from 1pm until 3pm at the University of Leicester. There will also be sushi @ £5 a head and a chance to buy sweet Japanese bread.

Orders must be made before Friday 22nd September. E mail junko.n.tamaki@gmail.com to register and order sushi.

Read More

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)

What’s on this week? Halloween parties and lots of other unique festivals! Here’s a snapshot of some cool events to check out!

AJET Block 6 Halloween Bash

When: 28 October

Where: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Calling all ghouls and girls! Join Block 6 for their annual Halloween bash. Party includes nomihodai, a costume contest, and a dance contest! Get your groove on!

Omura Halloween Party

When: 28 October

Where: Omura, Nagasaki Prefecture

Is there anywhere spookier to celebrate Halloween than in a cabin in the woods?

Mitokusan Fire Festival

When: 29 October

Where: Misasa, Tottori Prefecture

Are you brave enough to walk on fire barefoot like the monks do?

Iwami Culture Display

When: 29 October

Where: Iwami, Shimane Prefecture

Block 9 JETs, share in this JET Furusato Vision Project cultural event! Join in the Iwami kagura dance and ignite your creative spark with Iwami yaki pottery workshops!

 

 

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: Language Coordinator, Language and Localization
Posted by: TVT
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Contract: Part-Time

Thanks to JET alum Alex Scotcher who works for TVT for the following job opening:

About TVT

TVT works with some of the world’s best-known entertainment brands such as BBC Worldwide, Discovery, A&E and Scripps International to bring their programming to the screen in multiple languages. We offer managed services to help broadcasters and streaming service providers version, comply, localize and deliver their programming worldwide. We take pride in delivering excellence.

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Language Coordinator to lead a fast-growing team of translators / subtitlers. Reporting to the Head of Localization, the Coordinator will manage a team working on a high volume contract. They must be very well organized, able to manage their own time and priorities, and communicate effectively with both team members and management.

The Coordinator is the primary point of contact for multiple freelancers, and the ability to build strong relations and manage expectations in this highly demanding and fast paced industry is vital.

Read More

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Shukan NY Seikatsu. Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.

New York Comic Con returned to the Jacob Javits Center October 5-8, selling a record-breaking 200,000 tickets (an 11% increase from last year) and featuring appearances from some of the contemporary manga world’s most renowned creators, including guest artists Akira Himekawa (The Legend of Zelda) and Hiro Mashima (Fairy Tail).

“New York Comic Con is always a great place to meet fans in person and talk about what titles they enjoy most,” said Tomo Tran, marketing director for New York-based Vertical, Inc., which publishes Japanese comics and novels in English. “We aim to bring titles that are not just mainstream in Japan, but that we feel can be impactful here in the U.S.”

Some of Vertical’s new fare was unveiled at a special panel, introducing the series Pop Team Epic, a comic-strip style parody of manga and pop culture, and the slapstick comedy The Delinquent Housewife!, both coming next year. In addition, Kodansha Comics celebrated its storied sci-fi library with a Q&A of the creators of a forthcoming Ghost in the Shell graphic novel, a new deluxe reissue of Battle Angel Alita, and a 35th anniversary boxed set of the classic “Akira,” which began life in print years before its release as a massively influential anime film.

As for memorable moments? “A female fan approached me and asked about volume seven of a backlisted title, Twin Spica, that we no longer printed,” Tran said. “I told her I would follow up about it, and fortunately we had a few copies at the office. When I gave her the copy at the con the next day, she was so happy with tears in her eyes, since this was one of her favorite series.”

Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment since 2005. For more of his stories, visit http://jetaany.org/magazine.

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Event: Transitions: Opportunities Forum & Networking Expo
Organized by: Pacific Northwest JET Alumni Association (PNWJETAA)
Location: Kirkland, WA, USA
Time and Date: Saturday, October 21, 2017 (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM)

Thanks to PNWJETAA for the passing along this event:

Please join us for Transitions: Opportunities Forum & Networking Expo is the annual career and networking event organized by the Pacific Northwest JET Alumni Association (PNWJETAA), co-sponsored by Northwest University and The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) and generous support from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA and USJETAA.

Originally aimed at recently returned or relocated JET Program participants, Transitions has since evolved into a more comprehensive event, seeking to meet the ever-changing needs of our community, who may not only be seeking employment but are also interested in new opportunities to advance their skills through continued education and greater community involvement.  Whether you are a new returnee or you’ve been back for a few years, it’s our goal to help you explore your options and plan your next steps, regardless of the path you choose to pursue! Read More

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

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Position: ESL/English Teachers
Posted by: R/Lingo Learning Center and Friends Academy
Location: Manhattan, NY, USA or Fort Lee, NJ, USA
Contract: Part-Time

Here’s some part-time work received directly from the company:

Part-time ESL/English teachers needed (NJ or Manhattan)

Position 1  : ESL/English teacher (3-4th Grade level)

• Job Location: R/Lingo Learning Center: Fort Lee, New Jersey
• Schedule : Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Start Date: ASAP

Position 2 : ESL/English tutor (K-12th Grade)

• Job Location 1 : R/Lingo Learning Center: Fort Lee, New Jersey
• Schedule : Monday to Friday : between 3:30 & 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: between 9:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.
• Lessons will be arranged upon requests and availability.

Position 3 : ESL/English tutor (K-12th Grade)

• Job Location : Friends Academy : Manhattan(Upper West Side), NY
• Schedule : Monday to Friday : between 3:30 & 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: between 9:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.
• Lessons will be arranged upon requests and availability.

Position 4 : ESL/English HOME tutor (K-12th Grade)

• Job Locations: NJ area (near Manhattan), Manhattan
• Schedule : Monday to Friday : between 3:30 & 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: between 9:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
• Lessons will be arranged upon requests and availability.

• Employment Status: Part-time
• Degree Level: Native English Speakers + BA (+ K-12 teacher certificate/TESOL + Teaching exp. are preferred)
• Compensation:
  • Position 1-3 :At least $30.00/hour *We pay transportation cost.
  • Position 4 : At least $50.00/hour including transportation cost.

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture) 

Hey JETs, past and present! October’s not even over yet and there’s still a lot going on! Read on to find out how you can get in on all the action!

 

Journey to the end of the night

When: 21 October

Where: Toyama Park (West), Children’s Square, Tokyo

Join in a massive (and free!) game of tag that spans six parks and about 9 km across the city!

 

Hocus Pocus Pub Quiz Night

When: 21 October

Where: Tajima, Hyogo Prefecture

If you like answering Halloween-inspired trivia questions, drinking, and just plain having fun, this one’s for you!

 

Fukui FA Cup

When: 21 October

Where: Fukui Prefecture

Block 5, get ready for the biggest and best co-ed 5-a-side football tournament this side of Japan. No team required!

 

Space World Trip

When: 21 October

Where: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture

Think fast! All JETs are welcome to visit Kyushu’s famous theme park that’s closing at the end of the year.

 

Mount Ishizuchi Hike

When: 21 October

Where: Ehime Prefecture

Hike up the highest mountain peak (1982 m) in western Japan with Ehime AJET!

 

Halloween Costume Contest

When: 22 October

Where: Kanoya, Kagoshima Prefecture

Get in on the Halloween action early with a costume contest and pumpkin weight guessing contest at the Ryujin Taisai Festival!

 

AJET Charity Toyama Scavenger Hunt

When: 22 October

Where: Toyama-shi, Toyama Prefecture

Explore the city, make new friends, and raise money for a good cause! Proceeds will go to the Bridge For Smile charity.

 

Outdoor Climbing Day at Zakkokutani

When: 22 October

Where: Toyama Prefecture

Beginner and experienced climbers, grab your harnesses and let’s go outside!