JET Prefecture Round Up (February 2018)
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)
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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?
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!
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.
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.
The JET Program was founded in 1987 as a program that fostered ties between Japan and four other nations. Today, the program has evolved to include participants from more than 40 countries around the world, with activities ranging from English-teaching to sports exchanges.
This episode of Asia on Air celebrates 30 years of the JET program by interviewing three former JETs:
- Joy Champaloux, Associate Program Officer at Sasakawa USA and President of the JET Alumni Association of Washington, D.C.;
- Bill Clifford, CEO and President of the World Affairs Councils of America and Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University; and
- Hayley Aron, Administrative and Program Assistant at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation.
Listen in for host Brian Graf’s discussion with our accomplished guests on their experiences in Japan as JETs and how these experiences have shaped their careers and encouraged them to support U.S.-Japan relations.
Host and Creator: Brian Graf
Guests: Bill Clifford, Hayley Aron, and Joy Champaloux
Producer and Engineer: Graham Dietz
Music by HitsLab and Moby Gratis
Asia on Air is a new Sasakawa USA podcast committed to analysis of the latest news in U.S.-Asia relations. Through the lens of the U.S.-Japan relationship, each episode features expert opinions on a variety of subjects ranging from security and foreign policy to economics and culture. Click here to listen to Asia on Air’s SoundCloud channel.
JET Prefecture Round Up 23.11.17
By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)
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!
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 & 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!
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
By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)
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!
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
By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)
Hey, past and present JETs! Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in Nihon-land this week!
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!
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!
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
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!
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?
When: 29 October
Where: Misasa, Tottori Prefecture
Are you brave enough to walk on fire barefoot like the monks do?
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
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
When: 9 October
Where: Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture
Help carry the mikoshi and be part of one of Ogaki’s biggest events for the year!
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!
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
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!
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.
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
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!
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!
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!
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.
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
JETAA Chapter Beat 3.11 5th Anniversary Memorial Edition
Ashlie O’Neill (Hyogo-Ken, 2013-Present) AJET National Council Vice Chair and Director of Alumni Relations. Ashlie is in her second year on the AJET National Council as the Director of Alumni Relations. She works alongside Ryan Hata (National AJET Director of Alumni Resources ) and members of JETAA to strengthen the relationship between former JETs, current JETs and Japan. Please feel free to contact her email at ashlie.oneill@ajet.net or her Linkedin profile. Ashlie helps to keep you up up to date with JETAA happenings around the world.
This month marks the 5th anniversary of the Tohoku Earthquake and the loss of the lives of the two JETs Taylor Anderson and Monty Dickson. Many JETAA chapters around the world are getting together to remember those affected by the disaster as well as raise money for various organisations in Tohoku. This edition of the JETAA Chapter Beat will focus on these events.
About the film: In March 2013, Wesley Julian launched and successfully funded a Kickstarter campaign to create Tohoku Tomo — a documentary film telling the story of true friendship and commitment to Japan’s recovery by the international community following the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Julian and a small team traveled across the United States and Japan to interview individuals who have made and continue to make a difference in Tohoku.
Many of these people dropped what they were doing and dedicated themselves to Japan’s recovery. Many of them even took it upon themselves to establish non-profit organizations aimed at connecting with and rebuilding Tohoku and its communities. At the core of all of these organizations are individuals. Many of these groups were founded by members of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET Program). What started as a love of Japan through teaching blossomed into a true friendship and commitment to the Tohoku region. These founders and many other volunteers have truly become friends of Tohoku. They are, in Japanese, Tohoku Tomo.
Locations
JETAA Alaska
When: February 29th, 6:00pm
Where: The BP Energy Center, Anchorage
JETAA Midsouth/NOLA
When: March 3rd, 5:30pm
Where: Tulane University, Newcomb Campus, Jones Hall 102, New Orleans
JETAA Toronto
When: March 9th, 6:30pm
Where: Revue Cinema
Sasakawa Peace Foundation and JETAADC
When: March 11th, 4:30pm
Where: The Mayflower Hotel, Washington DC
JETAA NSW
When: March 16th, 6:00pm
Where: Japan Foundation, Sydney
JETAA Southern California
When: March 18th, 7:00pm
Where: Occidental College, Choi Auditorium, los Angeles
Florida JETAA-Miami
When: March 30th, 8:00pm
Where: Florida International University, modesto A. Maidique Campus, Room GL 100
Florida JETAA-Orlando
When: March 31st, 8:00pm
Where: Asia Trend/ Y.E.S.S Center
About the Project: The mission of the 113 Project is to create a venue for dialogue and action that reclaims the message of the Tohoku disaster as an opportunity for good. The 113 Project will encourage collaboration among thought leaders, activists, community members and volunteers to continue the critical work of recovery and revitalization in Tohoku as well as to look at and address together challenges faced by others through the lens of lessons learned out of the Tohoku experience.
JETAA Northern California
When: March 8th, 6:30pm
Where: JCCC NC , 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco
JETAA Rocky Mountain
When: March 13th, 2:00pm
Where: Sie Film Center, Denver
PNWJETAA
When: April 22-24th
Where: Cherry Blossom Festival, Seattle
For a full list of Tohoku Tomo and 113 Project events, please see the Tohoku Tomo website at http://tohokutomo.com/screenings/ or email them at info@tohokutomo.com.
Live Your Dream: The Taylor Anderson Story
About the film: This film is a story about Taylor Anderson and all the young people who travel the world trying to make a difference. Taylor was an extraordinary American who dedicated herself to teaching Japanese children, living her dream right up to the events of March 11, 2011. The earthquake and tsunami in Japan were a disaster that no one could have expected.
When:March 13th, 1:00pm
Where: Sendai Mediatheque, Sendai, Japan
Details: http://jetprogramme.org/en/info/greateastjapanearthquake/
Additional Events around the world
D-prep: A disaster Preparation Event
When: March 13th,10:00-3:00
Where:Canadian Academy ,Rokko Island, Kobe
RSVP: by March 10th at this link
For more information, please e-mail Rose Tanasugarn at jetaawj@gmail.com
JETAA Vic/Tas/SA
The Big Bento Lunch
When:March 1st-31st
Where: Anywhere you wish
Hosting a Big Bento Lunch is as easy as rounding up up a group of your friends and work mates and eating some delicious Japanese food!
Since 2012, Big Bento Lunch participants have raise more than $30,000 for many charities by holding family picnics or parties or and getting bentos delivered to work places. It is simple and fun!
To register your lunch and help us support the Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund, visit the Big Bento Lunch website at www.bigbentolunch.com.au