Celebration of JET Alumni – October 28
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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 (May 2018)
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JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture alumni).
When: May 12
Where: Shiga Prefecture
This is a perfect opportunity to see a very traditional Japanese community surrounded by unspoilt nature.
When: May 12
Where: Chiba Prefecture
Join Chiba AJET and friends in the beautiful Chiba Minato Park and enjoy sports and snacking!
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 (April 2018)
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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.
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.
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).
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!
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 (February 2018)
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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!
When: February 3
Where: Tottori Prefecture
Join in the 19th Chizu Inn Yuki Matsu in rural Tottori prefecture.
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.
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.
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.
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 (January 2018)
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JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture).
Happy 2018!
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!
The mountains await!
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!
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.
Crack open a book for the new year!
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 12.16.17
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JET Prefecture Round Up is a weekly mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan, (Tottori Prefecture).
Happy Christmas!
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.
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.
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 12.02.17
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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?
Channel your inner warrior.
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!
Light it up!
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.
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.
Bonenkai time!
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.
JET Prefecture Round up! 10.16.17
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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!
Are you ready for a Halloween-themed pub quiz?
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!
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!
Get your kit on!
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!
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.
Space World
When: 21 October
Where: Ehime Prefecture
Hike up the highest mountain peak (1982 m) in western Japan with Ehime AJET!
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!
Explore Toyama city and help a worthy cause!
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!
JET Prefecture Round up! 09.25.17
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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
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!
Mount Daisen
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!
Bonfire
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!
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.
Nebuta parade
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!
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!
Japan Local: Omagari All-Japan National Fireworks Competition 2016
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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.
Japan Local: Tohoku Rokkon (Six Souls) Festival
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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.
Winter Rice Field Art
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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.
Japan Local: B-1 Grand Prix in Towada
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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)
Japan Local: Inakadate Rice Field Art
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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.
2014 Inakadate Rice Field Art
Inakadate Village (Aomori Prefecture) has a long history relating to rice. The site of an ancient rice field dating back to the mid-Yayoi Period (300 B.C.～300 A.D.), the Tareyanagi Iseki was discovered in Inakadate in 1981. This was a significant find as until its discovery, it had been believed that rice fields were not cultivated in Tohoku during the Yayoi Period. The Tareyanagi Iseki was designated a National Historic Site on April 11, 2000.
To celebrate and promote its history of rice production, Inakadate began offering rice planting experience tours. In order to make the experience more interesting, they decided to use different coloured rices to draw a picture of Mt. Iwaki with the words 弥生の里いなかだて (Yayoi no sato Inakadate) meaning “Yayoi Village Inakadate.” This was the humble beginning of rice field art–although at the time it was not referred to as “art” but simply as “rice characters” (稲文字 ine moji）.
Since its beginnings as “rice characters,” the drastic improvement in technological and artistic levels have made Inakadate’s rice art an increasingly popular site for both domestic and international tourists. It has proved so popular that in 2012, a second rice field art site was started at the Michi no Eki (Roadside Station) Inakadate “Yayoi no Sato.”
The theme for 2015’s rice field art is “Gone with the Wind” for the main site and “Star Wars” for the second site (Michi no Eki Inakadate “Yayoi no Sato”).
