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

As the summer winds fade into fall colors, the weeks ahead are shaping up with these exciting events, ready to be enjoyed after Labor Day.

This month’s highlights include:

Sept. 11-12, 15-17

Ninja Scroll 30th Anniversary

Various theaters

Various prices

Anime Expo Cinema Nights Presents the classic anime Ninja Scroll’s 30th anniversary with an all-new exclusive interview with director Yoshiaki Kawajiri! A mysterious vagabond sets out on a journey to confront his past. Little does he know he is up against a demonic force of killers, with a ghost from his past as the leader. When Jubei saves a young ninja woman from the unthinkable, he assumes that’s the end of it. To his surprise, it’s only just the beginning. Together, the two investigate the mysterious deaths of an entire village which uncovers a conspiracy of demonic proportions! Getting closer to the truth, the demonic forces will stop at nothing to silence Jubei and his companion for good!

Sept. 11-15, 17-19

Basil Twist’s Dogugaeshi

Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street

$44, $58

Dogugaeshi, the award-winning phenomenon by genius puppeteer Basil Twist, is back! Born as a Japan Society commission, this ever-innovative piece now celebrates its 20th anniversary. Enter a mystical world, where a mysterious white fox shepherds you through past and present Japan. Inspired by a disappearing traditional stage mechanism from Japan’s Awa region called dogugaeshi, Twist has created fusuma screens with stunning painted imagery that dance, slide, flip, conceal and reveal to pull audiences deeper into a brain-bending optical illusion. Dogugaeshi is a cross-cultural collaboration with master shamisen player and experimental musician Yumiko Tanaka, whose multi-layered music collage embraces everything from traditional tunes to popular songs.

Sept. 12-13, 7:00 p.m.

Cowboy Bebop LIVE Presented by Bebop Bounty Big Band

Gramercy Theatre, 127 East 23rd Street

From $71.55

Cowboy Bebop LIVE is a complete multimedia experience highlighting the story of critically acclaimed anime, Cowboy Bebop, on the big screen accompanied by live music from the soundtrack performed by the Bebop Bounty Big Band. This 14-piece jazz ensemble features world-class musicians with members from the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center, and the Walt Disney Company. This show is a completely one-of-a-kind production specifically designed to deliver an experience anime fans have never had before. Travel the solar system with anime’s most iconic soundtrack at Cowboy Bebop LIVE!

Read More

October 28 at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
Japan time: October 29 at 9 AM JT
Register free to get the access link:
https://usjetaa.wildapricot.org/event-4528144

In the lead up to next year’s 35th anniversary of the JET Program, join USJETAA for a creative program celebrating JET through the success of the alumni. Highlighting the contributions of JETs to the U.S.-Japan community, this variety show brings together the diverse community of JET alumni with snapshots into their experiences with arts, culture, research, and more!

Join the U.S. JET Programme Alumni Association (USJETAA) and JETAA Western Japan for this upcoming event.

Becoming a Life Coach
May 24, 2021 at 4 pm PT / 7 pm ET
Japan Time: May 25th at 8 am

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rcu-spjMvG9E9FEycUK1GkZWy5-SLd6U

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/24691713708797

Life coach? That’s a profession? Really?!? I’ve never heard of it! Perhaps you’ve heard of a life coach but aren’t quite sure exactly what it entails. Or maybe this is truly your first time. Join USJETAA and JET alum Jeff Singal who will kick off this event with a brief background on his journey from being a JET in Mie (1995-1997) to how he learned about life coaching as a profession and why and how he decided to enter this profession. We’ll cover how to become a life coach and what a life coach does, and much, much more. This event is brought to you by USJETAA and JETAA Western Japan.

The webinar is partially supported by CLAIR and the Japan Foundation CGP.

JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture alumni).

 

Over to Okishima!

When:  May 12

Where:  Shiga Prefecture

This is a perfect opportunity to see a very traditional Japanese community surrounded by unspoilt nature.

 

Chiba AJET Sports day!

When:  May 12

Where:  Chiba Prefecture

Join Chiba AJET and friends in the beautiful Chiba Minato Park and enjoy sports and snacking!

 

AJET Shimanami Kaido 2018

When:  May 19

Where:  Hiroshima Prefecture

Don your neon helmet, reflective armbands, and your tightest biking Lycra to ride over 70 km with AJET.

 

Block 11’s Out There On Okinawa

When:  May 19-20

Where:  Okinawa Prefecture

Block 11 is hitting the seas and bringing the party down to Okinawa!

 

 

21st Annual Oita AJET Charity Bike Ride

When:  May 26-27

Where:  Oita Prefecture

Oita AJET invites you to participate in the 21st Annual Oita Charity Bike Ride!

 

 

JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture alumni).

 

Cherry Blossom Viewing & Potluck Party

When:  April 1

Where:  Shizuoka Prefecture

Enjoy Shizuoka Matsuri under the cherry blossoms. Entrance is free but please bring some nibbles or drinks to share.

 

The Ultimate Hanami and After Party of 2018

When:  April 7

Where:  Tokyo

Celebrate spring with JETs and ALTs in Japan. The event’s totally free, with free snacks and drinks (while they last!). There’s also an after-party once the sun sets.

 

Gumball Rally 2018!

When:  April 14

Where:  Okinawa Prefecture

Calling all OkiJETs! April is just around the corner and you know what that means: it’s Gumball Rally time!! It’s a super cool island-wide event similar to a scavenger hunt where you complete tasks for points.

 

Amazing Race 2018

When:  April 14

Where:  Miyazaki Prefecture

This is one of Miyazaki AJET’s biggest events of the year, similar to the TV show. This year, the challenges and clues will be based on Harry Potter!

 

Regional JET and ALT Gathering

When:  April 20

Where:  Tokyo

Experience a night of elegance and receive special VIP treatment at one of the most acclaimed establishments in all of Tokyo! JETs, alumni, ALTs, or anyone who joins this page will be included as a VIP. Entrance fee is 2500 yen (3500 yen at the door).

 

AJET Hanami in Hirosaki

When: April 21

Where: Aomori Prefecture

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival and Aomori AJET’s Hanami will coincide with its opening day.

 

AJET Tokyo Scavenger Hunt 2018

When: April 21

This will be the 5th Block 4 Tokyo Scavenger Hunt! For this event, you and your team will complete a variety of different missions around the city of Tokyo!

 

Kumafest 2

When:  April 21

Where:  Kumamoto Prefecture

Once again, it’s music and party time on the side of the world’s largest caldera brought to you by Kuma AJET.  For those of you leaving Japan this summer, it’s a great last chance to see friends. Cost is 1000 yen.

 

JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture). 

 

13th Kyoto Vegans Buffet Meetup

When:  February 3

Where:  Kyoto Prefecture

Forget the snow! Join the vegan tribe at Vegans Cafe and make new friends!

 

Chizu Snow Festival

When:  February 3

Where:  Tottori Prefecture

Join in the 19th Chizu Inn Yuki Matsu in rural Tottori prefecture.

 

2018 Shimane AJET Ski Weekend

When:  February 3-4

Where:  Shimane Prefecture

Shimane and Hiroshima AJET welcome you to shred the slopes of Mizuho Highland with them.

 

Niigata AJET’s Northern Snow Out

When:  February 10

Where:  Niigata Prefecture

Join Niigata AJET at the first annual Kaetsu region snow out.

 

Hokkaido AJET Snowcation

When:  February 10-13

Where:  Hokkaido Prefecture

Hokkaido AJET invites all JETs to take part in Snowcation, an annual event to encourage JETs from other prefectures to visit the northern island. This year, it coincides with the Sapporo Snow Festival.

 

Hadaka Matsuri

When:  February 17

Where:  Okayama Prefecture

Join Okayama AJET in celebrating the prefecture’s famous Saidaiji Naked Man Festival.

 

Shizuoka AJET Strawberry Picking and Onsen Trip 2018

When:  February 17

Where:  Shizuoka Prefecture

Join Shizuoka AJET in beating winter with delicious strawberries on the prefecture’s famous strawberry road and a hot soak at the onsen.

 

Winter Formal: the Snowball

When:  February 24

Where:  Aomori Prefecture

Aomori AJET invites you to its final event for the school year, a Snowball inspired by Stranger Things.

 

AJET Block 10 & The Nagazasshi Presents: Lantern Festival 2018

When:  February 24

Where:  Nagasaki Prefecture

Join AJET Block 10 to celebrate a festival started by the local Chinese community to celebrate Chinese New Year.

 

JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture).

Regional JET and ALT New Year’s Gathering

When: 14 January

Where: Tokyo

For the first time ever, AJET is throwing a New Year’s party for all current and past participants of the JET Program as an effort to expand the network between JETs and representatives of various prefectures. Non-JETs are also welcome.

 

YETI Ski Trip Jan 2018 – Chiba Connection

When: 19-21 January

Where: Nagano Prefecture

This annual ski trip is hosted by YETI so feel free to invite your friends!

 

Block 2 Mt. Zao Ski Trip

When: 20-21 January

Where: Yamagata Prefecture

Yamagata AJET invites you to their Block 2 Winter Event, the Zao Onsen Ski Trip! Join them for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding, relaxing in onsens, snow-monster appreciation, and enkais!

 

Okayama AJET does Daisen

When: 27 January

Where: Tottori Prefecture

Okayama AJET will be holding a trip to Mount Daisen for some good old skiing/snowboarding.

 

BLOCK Event: Nara City Scavenger Hunt & Yamayaki!

When: 27 January

Where: Nara Prefecture

Nara AJET invites all members of Block 7 and beyond to a scavenger hunt in the city and a chance to witness fireworks and mountain burning at one of Nara’s oldest and biggest events, the Mount Wakakusa Yamayaki.

 

HAJET Book Club: The Lies of Locke Lamora

When:  27 January

Where:  Hyogo Prefecture

Winter vacation is a good chance to catch up on books so join Hyogo AJET to discuss “The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch.

JET Prefecture Round Up is a weekly mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan, (Tottori Prefecture). 

 

Global Cafe: A Christmas Special

When: 17 December

Where: Kyoto Prefecture

Kameoka International Exchange Association is hosting a Christmas party this Sunday. It’s free for foreigners and includes snacks, games, presents, and a little craft workshop.

 

Shiga Christmas Day Party

When: 25 December

Where: Shiga Prefecture

For those of you who’re staying in Japan for Christmas, you’re invited along to a Christmas day get together and potluck dinner.

 

DIY Kadomatsu Workshop

When: 29 December

Where: Ishi-gun, Shimane Prefecture

Kadomatsu are traditional Japanese New Year decorations. Come visit Iinan and learn how to make your own, using real bamboo and decorations.

JET Prefecture Round Up is a weekly mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan, (Tottori Prefecture). 

 

Become a Samurai Warrior at Sengan-en!

When: 8 – 17 December

Where: Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture

Visit Sengan-en, home of the Shimadzu clan, and become a samurai warrior for a small price! What better way can you create an unforgettable memory of your time in Japan?

 

SAJET Christmas Party 2017

When: 9 December

Where: Izumo, Shimane Prefecture

Try something different this year and celebrate the season with Shimane AJET at Marine Thalasso’s heated indoor pool!

 

Shizuoka AJET Illuminations

When: 9 December

Where: Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture

It’s that time of year again! Catch the best holiday illuminations in Shizuoka and enjoy a meal buffet style with Shizuoka AJET.

 

A Merry Shiga Christmas

When: 9 December

Where: Shiga Prefecture

Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater, bring a pressie, and come share in Shiga AJET’s festivities for one night only.

 

Oita AJET Bonenkai 2017

When: 9 December

Where: Beppu, Oita Prefecture

RSVP if you’d like to partake in this annual all you eat and drink event hosted by Oita AJET.

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!

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)

Konnichiwa past and present JETs! This autumn’s already steaming up with a host of events to keep you occupied. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss!

Bull Sumo Wrestling in Ojiya

When: 1 October

Where: Ojiya, Niigata Prefecture

Forget human sumo wrestlers! Head to Tsunotsuki or bull versus bull wrestling in Ojiya to see which beast comes out on top!

 

Tottori AJET Daisen hike

When: 30 September

Where: Saihaku, Tottori Prefecture

It’s already fall so you know what time that is: time to tackle Daisensan, the tallest mountain in the Chugoku region!

 

Block 4 Welcome Party: Odo Beach Bonfire

When: 29 September

Where: Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture

Calling all Block 4 peeps! Bring some booze and marshmallows and get to know one another!

 

Kamasube! Masaka Rhythm 2017

When: 30 September

Where: Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture

Cozy up with live music from over 20 local artists and groups and nosh some tasty food at this music festival.

 

Goto Island Festival

When: 29 September – 1 October

Where: Fukue, Nagasaki Prefecture

Head to one of the main Goto islands for Nebuta parades, fireworks, dances, and a whole lotta fun!

 

Kanda Float Festival

When: 24 September – 1 October

Where: Miyako, Fukuoka Prefecture

Join in one of Kyushu’s three major float festivals that’s famous for its “fighting floats” where competing floats hit one other!

 

Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.

Every August, fireworks masters from across Japan compete in an impressive music and pyrotechnics show at the All-Japan National Fireworks Competition (Omagari Fireworks) along the Omono River in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the event. Click HERE to read MORE.

Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.

The Tohoku Rokkon (“Six Souls”) Festival is a two-day event where you can see six major Tohoku area summer festivals (one from each prefecture) all in one place!

It was created to encourage the revival of the Tohoku area after the Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami of 2011. This year marks the sixth and final year of the event. It will be held in Aomori City from June 25-26, 2016.

Click HERE to read MORE.

Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.

Inakadate Village (Aomori Prefecture), the pioneer of rice field art, will be holding a Winter Rice Field Art event this February 2016 in collaboration with internationally renowned snow artist Simon Beck, who creates geometrical artworks by walking across/around fields of snow in snow shoes.  He has traveled all over the world creating snow art works, but this will be his first work in Japan.

Click HERE to read MORE.

Mel T (Aomori-ken, 2007-2012) is a Canadian living and working in Towada City, Aomori. For more information about events, sightseeing, restaurants, etc. in Towada City, and around Aomori Prefecture & Japan, visit her blog at http://towada-city.blogspot.com.

Interested in trying out local “soul foods” from all over Japan?

Then the 10th B-1 Grand Prix in Towada is the event for you!

From October 3rd-4th, 2015, sixty-two groups from across Japan will gather in Towada (Aomori Prefecture) to promote their respective cities and local “soul foods”. Enjoy soba, udon, ramen, rice bowls, curry, fried foods, grilled meats, and various other dishes originating from Hokkaido to Kyushuu and vote for your favourite group. At the end of the second day, the most popular group–as selected by attendees–will be awarded the Gold Grand Prix Prize (symbolized by giant golden chopsticks :P).

Often misunderstood as standing for “B-grade” (“B級” B-kyuu in Japanese), the “B” in “B-1” actually stands for “brand.” The goal of the B-1 Grand Prix is to revitalize cities and towns through the promotion of their respective local brands. Apart from serving delicious food, participating groups also try to demonstrate their own unique brand of hospitality through performances, etc. This is why attendees of the B-1 Grand Prix are encouraged to vote for their favourite group and not just the best dish.

So if you want to get a taste of many different cities from around Japan, come to Towada for the B-1 Grand Prix.

十和田に愛に行こう！Towada ni ai ni ikou! Come to love Towada!

Official Website (Japanese): http://b-1towada.com/

Click HERE to learn MORE (English)