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 (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 23.11.17
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By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)
Tuck in!
When: 26 November
Where: Matsue, Shimane Prefecture
Even though Thanksgiving is technically over, that’s no reason not to keep the celebrations going this weekend!
Let’s make sasadango!
When: 2 December
Where: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Join Niigata AJET to learn how to make Niigata’s favorite treat, sasadango, from mugwort-flavored mochi, red beans, and bamboo leaves!
All you can eat crab? Sign me up!
All You Can Eat Crab & Onsen Bus Trip!
When: 2 December
Where: Kumihama, Kyoto Prefecture
Sign up for an all you can eat crab buffet, hot springs, and Amanohashidate on a one-day-only trip!
Get lit in Chichibu!
Block 3 AJET Event: Mitsumine Shrine and Yomatsuri
When: 3 December
Where: Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture
Celebrate Chichibu City’s annual festival, Yomatsuri, where dozens of enormous portable shrines are marched through the city after a spectacular fireworks display.
JET Prefecture Round up! 11.06.17
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By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)
Kaimondake, Kyushu
When: 11-12 November
Where: Gokase, Miyazaki Prefecture
Miyaki AJET invites you to spend a packed weekend in Gokase kayaking, taking in the vibrant koyo, making friends at a cabin party, and checking out Heike Matsuri!
When: 12 November
Where: Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture
Kagoshima AJET is inviting all community members to finish off SDC weekend strong by hiking up one of Kagoshima’s volcanoes!
Get ready for the ride of your life!
When: 12 November
Where: Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture
This autumn, join Oita AJET for a wicked biking trip on the Yabakei trail.
HAJET Book Club: The Left Hand of Darkness
When: 12 November
Where: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Why not join HAJET for a chilled afternoon of discussion about books? They will be covering The Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin.
JET Prefecture Round up 30.10.17
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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 Matsuri
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!
Daidogei Festival
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!
Learn how to make a traditional Japanese sparkler
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!
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!
JET Prefecture Round up! 23.10.17
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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!
Halloween parties galore!
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!
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 kagura
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!
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! 10.09.17
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By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)
Hey, everyone! There’s another national holiday this week (Health and Sports Day) so who’s ready for some hiking, kiritanpo, kayaking, parades, beef, and screaming? Read on to find out more!
Kiritanpo, an Akita specialty
When: 7-9 October
Where: Odate, Akita Prefecture
Enjoy live performances and kiritanpo (rice grilled stick and specialty of Akita prefecture) at this unique festival.
29th Yufuin Eat Beef and Scream Tournament
When: 9 October
Where: Yufuin, Oita Prefecture
I scream, you scream, we all scream for beef (literally)! Head to Mount Yufu for this unusual event that combines beef eating and screaming into a stratovolcano.
Yufuin Eat Beef and Scream Tournament
When: 9 October
Where: Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture
Help carry the mikoshi and be part of one of Ogaki’s biggest events for the year!
Yokai parade
When: 14 October
Where: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Celebrate Halloween early by hitting the street with Kyoto’s very own yokai parade.
When: 14 October
Where: Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture
Pack a bento and come kayak Japan’s largest freshwater lake with a professional instructor!
Mount Miune
When: 15 October
Where: Miyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture
Strap on those hiking boots to climb Shikoku’s third tallest peak.
JET Prefecture Round up! 10.02.17
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By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)
Put away that cool biz. October is here! Before you snuggle under that kotatsu, here are some events to get you nice and toasty!
Otsu Matsuri
When: 8 October
Where: Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
Get ready to work it. Shiga AJET invites volunteers to flex those muscles to pull festival floats at the famous Otsu Matsuri.
When: 7 October
Where: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
This fall, Block 6 kicks off their welcome undoukai/picnic in the park for all Block 6 JETs, new and old.
Cruising in Hita
When: 8 October
Where: Hita, Oita Prefecture
Oita AJET welcomes all JETs and friends to hop on a pleasure boat, drink, eat, and relax on Hita’s Mikuma river.
When: 7 October
Where: Nagaoka, Kochi Prefecture
It’s time for HAJET’s annual rafting trip down south. Grab a paddle pronto!
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!
JET Prefecture Round up! 09.18.17
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By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)
Hey, everyone! It’s already past the middle of September and there’s a national holiday (Autumnal Equinox Day on 23 September) coming up. Here’s what’s going on in Japan’s JET community this week and the next!
Oirase Shimoda Matsuri
When: 23 September – 24 September
Where: Oirase Town, Aomori Prefecture
Snap the “living dolls” that ride the giant floats during the Shimoda Festival in Oirase!
When: 30 September
Where: Minamiaso, Kumamoto Prefecture
Pack a tent. It’s party time on the side of the world’s largest caldera for the first ever Kuma Fest!
Whitewater rafting in Japan
Hiroshima AJET’s Annual Whitewater Rafting Trip
When: 29 September – 1 October
Where: Yoshino River, Kochi Prefecture
Block 9 peeps, get your paddles ready! Hiroshima AJET is hosting its yearly whitewater rafting in Shikoku.
When: 30 September
Where: Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture
September can be tough with classes, speech contests, and sports day so rustle up a team and head to the MAJET Trivia Night! It’s also a potluck so bring something yummy to share!
Howl’s Moving Castle
When: 24 September
Where: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
At this sesh, Hyogo JET’s Book Club will dissect Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. P.S. it isn’t considered cheating if you can’t finish the book and only watch the movie instead.
Kagawa AJET Moon Viewing and Party
When: 23 September
Where: Marugame Castle, Kagawa Prefecture
Forget yesterday’s eclipse. Kagawa AJET hosts a moon viewing party at Marugame Castle for the autumnal equinox! Take a tour of the castle, picnic, and enjoy the scenery!
When: 30 September
Where: Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture
Get your drink on at the first ever Kamaishi Wine Festival! It takes place during the Kamaishi Magokoro Food Festival and the Rugby World Cup 2019 Fan Zone Rehearsal Event so drink up, eat up, and join in a game of street rugby!
Lake Biwa
When: 30 September – 1 October
Where: Maibara, Shiga Prefecture
Get ready for a legendary weekend of mad views and copious amounts of Pocari Sweat as Shiga AJETs cycle 150 km (93 miles) around Lake Biwa!
When: 30 September
Where: Nakagami, Okinawa Prefecture
An exciting night of dance performances: hip hop, belly dance, tribal fusion belly dance, jazz dance, popping, flamenco, and more!
JETs in Academia: Understanding Privacy in Japan
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Nathaniel Simmons (Nara-ken, 2007-2009) is currently a communication professor at Western Governors University and lives in Columbus, OH, USA. He teaches a variety of intercultural, interpersonal, and health communication courses. He has researched and published several scholarly articles regarding privacy management between foreign English teachers and Japanese co-workers in Japan and is currently working on turning his research into a book.
What is private in Japan?
If I tell my co-workers I have hemorrhoids, diarrhea, or need to go to the OBGYN will they tell everyone else?
These may not be questions JETs think about when they first go to Japan. It also may not be something JETs consider when they are ill and trying to gain medical care or just discussing information (i.e., relationship status) about themselves with their co-workers.
The reality is Japanese cultural conceptions of privacy might be different than many JETs’ expectations. Depending upon how individualist or collectivist your home country is will influence how privacy is interpreted, expected, and maintained. The concept of “what is private” or “privacy” differs cross-culturally, as do the ways in which privacy values are expressed.
Japan is no exception.
Japan has been largely classified as a collectivistic culture. As you know from your own experiences in Japan, the group matters more than the individual. In other words, in Japan the “we” wants and goals come before the “I” or “me” wants and goals. For collectivists, the very notion of privacy might be viewed as selfish due to an individual’s wants and goals taking precedent over the group’s desires.
Ever notice that privacy is in katakana, the Japanese syllabary used for foreign words? Puraibashi, or プライバシー, is taken directly from the English word for “privacy.” Since traditional Japanese language has no word for privacy, a unique cultural conception of privacy emerged. For example, the idea that one has “the right to be left alone” might signal a lack of cooperativeness with the group and an inability to work well with others. Additionally, controlling one’s privacy information might be perceived as an excess of mistrust. Even Japanese scholars have commented that gaijin might perceive the group interdependence of Japanese people as “suffocating.”
Japanese language use two distinct, yet interrelated meanings of Japanese privacy: shakai ( 社会), or “public,” and seken (世間), or “world/society.” Such terms stress the importance of relationships, interdependence, and group harmony. Shakai contributes to negative aspects of crimes being withheld from the media in order to protect victims and their families. If one was to “break shakai” it would involve speaking publically about private matters which might harm another’s reputation. Seken emphasizes human relations and allows Japanese people the ability to “understand” or at least “explain” what went wrong in a given situation. To the foreign eye, this might look intrusive, or like “gossip,” as one tries to understand one’s home life or culture to explain a tragic event.
As JETs operate on differing values of privacy, this might result in individuals feeling “violated” or “exposed.” Perceived privacy violations can lead to relationship withdrawal, isolation, and negative assumptions/stereotypes about one’s co-worker or Japan in general. Throughout my research, gaijin English teachers reported feeling that their co-workers invaded/violated their privacy expectations. In other words, if they told someone something, it was then told to someone else, who then told someone else…etc. You get the point. In my research, gaijin felt victimized when people knew things about them that they didn’t disclose (i.e., So and so sensei told me you went to the doctor and are on X medication), even if it was something positive (i.e., I heard your dental checkup went well!). My participants felt like “celebrities” because “everyone (i.e., Japanese people)” in their communities knew “everything” about them.
Critics of my participants’ stories have said “Well, they should know it will be different from their home country.” It is easy to say “expect things to be different.” To what extent should this responsibility be shared? No recruiting organizations discuss privacy in their trainings. Perhaps privacy is something so engrained in one’s culture that it is perceived to be “common sense?” Perhaps that “common sense” is where the most difficulties exist when what one “commonly” thinks doesn’t work.
Regardless, this is a collective issue that requires further dialogue and research to better understand how to cultivate meaningful relationships. Several of my participants chose to cut their contracts short or to not renew because of their interpersonal privacy experiences.
That’s costly – it costs financially and personally.
This blog post is an adaptation of the scholarly article: Simmons, N. (2012). The tales of gaijin: Health privacy perspectives of foreign English teachers in Japan. Kaleidoscope: A Graduate Journal of Qualitative Communication Research, 11, 17-38. Retrieved from http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/kaleidoscope/vol11/iss1/3/
