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!

 

Kuma Fest 2017

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.

 

Miyazaki JET Trivia Quiz

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!

 

Hyogo AJET’s Book Club

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!

 

Kamaishi Wine Festival

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!

 

Shiga AJET’s Biwa Bike Trip

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!

 

Night of Dance

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!

 

 

 

Updated with media coverage of the visit.

Boston and New York had the honor of hosting Kumamon’s North American debut last week! Who is Kumamon you may ask? The rosy-cheeked, sack-shaped bear is the official mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu. Voted the top “Yuru-kyara” (cuddly mascot character) in Japan, he has taken Japan by storm and sold more than $300 million worth of merchandise in 2012 alone.

Kumamon’s remarkable success in promoting his rural prefecture across Japan–there is even an exclusive “Kumamon Goods” store in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza neighborhood–is being studied in government offices and marketing departments across Japan. In fact, no less than the Wall Street Journal has published no fewer than three articles about the phenomenon.

If you’d like to learn more about Kumamon, including what he does every day, I recommend checking him out online:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kumamotodiary.en
Home page: http://kumamon-official.jp/

Governor Kabashima is an interesting person. He was an “at-risk” student who grew up poor in Kumamoto. Against all odds, through hard work and dedication he ended up earning a PhD from Harvard and becoming a political science professor at University of Tokyo. His launch of the Kumamon public relations campaign is one of the great local promotion success stories of recent times.

Kabashima has also gotten a lot done in Kumamoto, including making some real headway in repairing Kumamoto’s troubled finances (he started by cutting his own salary), trying to resolve remaining issues related to Minamata disease, and blocking Tokyo’s plans to build a huge dam in the prefecture. A very good article about his life can be found here in the Asahi newspaper. The governor introduces himself and his views in two videos, here and here.

From the start, Kumamoto Prefecture and local communities have been dedicated supporters of the JET Program. Year after year, the prefecture has been near the top of the list in hosting the most JETs, hosting around 100 this year. I myself was a Kumamoto JET. I grew to love the prefecture while I lived there, and now consider it to be my “second home.”

I encourage everyone to take some time to visit Kumamoto while traveling in Japan. The prefecture boasts some of the best onsen hot springs in the country. Aso-Kuju National Park is one of the natural wonders of the world, with its giant ancient crater that is so large that an entire volcano and six towns exist inside of it (I lived in one of them!). Kumamoto Castle is one of the three finest castles in Japan. Beautiful parks and gardens, beaches and mountains, history and culture, Kumamoto has it all!

If you are a JET alum from Kumamoto, I encourage you to join the LinkedIn Group for Kumamoto JET alumni here. In fact, I encourage all alumni to join their prefecture’s LinkedIn Group. You can find yours here. It’s a great way to stay connected with other alumni from your prefecture.

I’m glad JET alumni had a chance to welcome Governor Kabashima and Kumamon to the U.S. Congratulations on the great success of their first U.S. tour together!

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Sam Brewster, (Akita-ken, Kazuno-shi, 2011-present), gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan. To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Sam at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

Events by Region

Chubu Region

Nagano

• Snow Splash party in Hakuba at The Pub on February 25th.

Shizuoka

• The 22nd Annual Sakura Kawazu Matsuri will take place from February 5th to March 10th.
• Ski trip 2 – Le Retour at the Aqua Alpine Hotel and Lady Diana Hotel from February 17th to 19th.
• Shizuoka JETs are heading to this year’s Fujinishiki Sake Matsuri on Sunday 18th March in Fujinomiya-shi.

Kansai Region

Nara

• Nara JETs take on Hadaka Matsuri – the Naked Man Festival – in Okayama on February 18th.
• Nara Bunkasai 2012 takes place this year on February 25th at Loco Loco, showcasing the best of Nara ALTs’ talents for charity!

Kantou Region

Ibaraki

• Makabe Hina Doll Festival in Sakuragawa, from February 4th to March 3rd.

Kyushu Region

Kagoshima

• Charity Party for Earthquake Disaster at Recife Bar On Sunday 19th February
• The KAJET Annual Pub Quiz takes place this year on March 10th

Kumamoto

• KumAJET is auctioning off its ALTs for charity at this year’s Valentine’s Day Auction, held on February 18th. Last year they raised a whopping 238,000yen!
• The Kumamoto City International Center Japanese cooking workshop is being held this year on February 26th

Nagasaki

• Nagasaki JETs are holding a three day intensive English course for students to take part in various cultural activities and games, beginning February 15th.

Shikoku Region

Ehime

• Ehime Jets are volunteering on February 26th, playing games and doing crafts with children at the Hatadera Children’s Center.

**************

Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

 

Events by Region

Tohoku Region

Iwate

• AJET’s Thanksgiving Cabin Party is November 26th-27th!

 

Kantou Region

Chiba

• Chiba JETs are prepping for the Tokyo Yamathon 2011.
• Chiba JETs 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner is November 23rd!

 

Chubu Region

Shizuoka

• Shizuoka JET Christmas party is December 9th!

Nagano

• November 26th is the Nagano AJET Thanksgiving Dinner and Charity Auction in Ina!

Toyama

• Lots of International Festivals in Toyama this season! Next up is the December 10th Namerikawa International Day.

Kansai Region

Nara

• The Christmas Smile Kids Japan visit will be on Saturday, December 10 from 1-4pm.

Hyogo

• Hyogo will host the Awaji ALT Football Tournament on Awajishima Friday 18th – Sunday 20th November.
• Hyogonians get their “JETs on Jitenshas” on in the Fall PEPY Ride in Himeji November 20th.
• The Shiso Sale is happening until December 10th, to benefit PEPY and Cambodia!
• Thanksgiving Dinner in Kobe, November 23rd!
• A Very Shiso Thanksgiving will be held in Shiso on November 26th.

Osaka

• Osaka JETs are re-visiting Shinodoyama Orphanage in Izumi-shi on November 23rd.
• Moustache Bash is December 2nd in Osaka!

Wakayama

• Path of Prayer (Kumano Kodo) takes its next walk on November 20th in Shingu!

 

Shikoku Region

• Shikoku Field Day will be held in Shikoku Saburo no Sato, in Mima City, Tokushima on November 26th and 27th.

Ehime

• All JETs and their JTEs are invited to the Skills Development Conference Enkai at Hadaka no Osama in Matsuyama on December 1st!
• Jam for Japan is scheduled for December 10th to raise money for donation  to Tohoku.
• Ehime JETs are doing a Christmas Party and Secret Santa orphanage visit in Matsuyama on December 17th

Kochi

• Kochi JETs are invited to Tea Ceremony on November 23rd in Takajo-machi.
• Kochi JETs are invited to a free tour of Tengu Highlands on November 26th!

 

Kyushu Region

Oita

• Oita International Fair is November 23rd!
• The Annual Oita AJET Sumo Trip is coming up on Saturday, November 26th!

Kumamoto

• KumAJET will climb the 3,333 steps on November 19th!

Kagoshima

• The 2011 SDC Reception Party is November 24th in Kagoshima City!
• 2011 Annual Sata Misaki Marathon & Walk is December 4th!
• Kagoshima JETs will sing at Hark the Herald ALTs and Friends Sing on December 10th at AmuPlaza.

**************

Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

 

Events by Region

Tohoku Region

Akita

• The Akita Halloween Dance Party will be October 29th!

Fukushima

•  Halloween SHINE is October 22nd in Aizu Wakamatsu City.
• The 2011 International Festival Aizu is October 29th!
• Fukushima ALTs are doing a Home Visit Program in Aizu on November 5th.

 

Kantou Region

Chiba

• Chiba JETs are prepping for the Tokyo Yamathon 2011.

 

Chubu Region

Shizuoka

• Shizuoka JETs are attending TWI’s Halloween Party on October 28th.
• Shizuoka JETs are invited to the 2011 Halloween Party on October 30th.

Nagano

• October 22nd is the Pasta and Poker night in Komagane, Nagano!
• October 23rd is the International Picnic at Alps Park in Matsumoto.
• Nagano NagaYes presents The Ninja Games on November 12th in Togakushi!
• Nagano JETs are invited to enjoy a Taiko (Japanese drums) workshop for beginners, a visit to a rare bonsai garden and a tea ceremony on November 12th in Okaya City.
• November 26th is the Nagano AJET Thanksgiving Dinner and Charity Auction in Ina!
• The National JET Christian Fellowship held its Fall Retreat on October 7th-10th in Nagano-ken.

Kansai Region

Nara

• The Nara AJET Halloween Party will be at the Wormwood Café on October 29th.

Hyogo

• Himeji Haunted Halloween Party is October 28th!
• The Tajima Halloween Party will be October 29th in Yabu.
• Hyogonians get their “JETs on Jitenshas” on in the Fall PEPY Ride in Himeji November 19th.
• Hyogo will host the Awaji ALT Football Tournament on Awajishima Friday 18th – Sunday 20th November.
• A Very Shiso Thanksgiving will be held in Shiso on November 26th.

Osaka

•  Block 6 & 7 Amemura Spook-tacular Halloween Party is presented by Osaka AJET in Shinsaibashi on October 29th.
• RISE – an Art and Music Charity Event for the Tohoku Earthquake will be November 13th and 14th in Shinsaibashi.

 

Chugoku Region

Tottori

• Tottori JETs go on the Mt. Mitoku Walk in Matsuzaki on October 23rd.

Shikoku Region

• Shikoku Field Day will be held in Shikoku Saburo no Sato, in Mima City, Tokushima on November 26th and 27th.

Ehime

• October 23rd is the Matsuyama Orphanage Visit.
• Ehime JETs are climbing Mt. Ishizuchi on November 5th!
• November 12th is the Ehime AJET Dinner in Matsuyama.

Kochi

• Kochi JETs are getting artsy at Mouth to Mouth: a meeting of makings on October 23rd in Kochi City.
• Kochi-JETs are helping with Halloween Party in an abandoned school building on October 28th.
• There is a Chorus and Gospel Concert October 28th and 29th in Kochi City, and JETs are invited both to enjoy it, or take part in workshops.
• There will be a Halloween party for kids at Kochi Misono Tenshien at midday on October 29th, and JETs will be helping out!
• The Hirome Halloween Party is October 29th in Hirome.
• The Third Board Game Night will be November 12th-13th in Yusuhara.
• Kochi JETs are invited to Tea Ceremony on November 23rd in Takajo-machi.

 

Kyushu Region

•  The 1st Annual “Together Alone” Fall Bike Trip will pass through Oita, Miyazaki, and Kumamoto prefectures October 22nd and 23rd. The group is going to bike from Taketa down to Mt. Aso, then stay at a beautiful campground/log cabin place in Kumamoto prefecture. On the second day they’ll bike to Takachiho and then back to Taketa.

Oita

• October 22nd, Oita International Plaza hosts its monthly Japanese Conversation Circle!
• The Annual Oita AJET Sumo Trip is coming up on Saturday, November 26th!

Kumamoto

•  The Tamana Halloween Party will be October 29th in Nankan, Tamana-gun!

Miyazaki

• There will be a Halloween party in Miyakonojo on October 29th at Dreci!

Kagoshima

• The Ibusuki Onsen Festival is October 22nd to 23rd!
• Dragonboat Halloween is October 29th in Nejime.
• Kagoshima JETs are dancing in the Ohara Matsuri on November 3rd.

**************

Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

 

Events by Region

 Hokkaido

• Hokkaido JETs are going to Hike Mount Rausu on October 1st!

 

Tohoku Region

Iwate

• Iwate AJET will be climbing Mt. Iwate on October 8th on the Umagaeshi trail.

Yamagata

• Connect 2011 is happening October 8th-10th at Kurosawa in Oguni, Yamagata.

Fukushima

•  Halloween SHINE is October 22nd in Aizu Wakamatsu City.
• The 2011 International Festival Aizu is October 29th!
• Fukushima ALTs are doing a Home Visit Program in Aizu on November 5th.

 

Kantou Region

Chiba

• Chiba AJET Baseball Game trip goes to see the Chiba Marines on October 1st.
• Chiba JETs go Camping in Otaki October 8th-9th!
• Chiba JETs are prepping for the Tokyo Yamathon 2011.

Gunma

• Gunma JETs join the football tourney in Nagano on October 1st.

 

Chubu Region

Shizuoka

• Shizuoka JETs go to Costume Karaoke on October 1st!
• Shizuoka AJET makes an excursion to Fuji-Q Highland on October 15th.
• Shizuoka JETs are invited to the 2011 Halloween Party on October 30th.

Nagano

• Cricket Game: Nagano vs. Hakuba, October 19th.
• October 16th, the Ina English Guide Club will present Zazen Meditation.

Toyama

• Toyama JETs are going on a Kyoto Trip, October 7th-10th.
• Toyama AJET is holding a Cheesecake Bakeoff on Sunday, October 16th, in Nanto city.

 

Kansai Region

Kyoto

• Kyoto AJET takes part in the Mikoshi Challenge, October 9th.

Nara

• The Nara AJET Halloween Party will be at the Wormwood Café on October 29th.

Hyogo

• Hyogo JETs Rant and Rave at the Lock Up in Kobe, September 30th.
• There will be an art event (dance, music, theater, visual arts, performance art, sculpture, installation, etc.) in the Fukuchiyama abandoned train tunnel on October 1st.
• Akashi Disc Summit, featuring Beach Ultimate, will be October 2nd at Okura Beach in Akashi.
• Hyogo JETs go rafting and canyoning in Shikoku, October 9th and 10th.
• The Tajima Halloween Party will be October 29th in Yabu.

Osaka

• Language Exchange Meetup is October 1st in Namba.
• Osaka AJET will have its fourth meeting on October 12th.

Wakayama

• Lots of Wakayama JETs are attending a birthday dinner party on October 1st.
• Wakayama JETs are going camping on Friend Island, October 15th.

 

Shikoku Region

• Shikoku Field Day will be held in Shikoku Saburo no Sato, in Mima City, Tokushima on November 26th and 27th.

Ehime

• October 1st-2nd is the Niihama Welcome Party, held on the beach in Niihama.
• There will be a drifting event at Setonaikai Circuit in Saijo on October 9th, complete with a Pro D1 Grand Prix driver (Takashi Haruyama) who’s coming out to help judge the competitions!
• October 15th Ehime JETs will climb Mt. Ishizuchi, tallest mountain on Shikoku.
• Ehime JETs assist with the Yoshida International Association’s Halloween party for the local elementary and junior high school students on October 15th.
• October 23rd is the Matsuyama Orphanage Visit.
• November 12th is the Ehime AJET Dinner in Matsuyama.

Kochi

• Kochi JETs will make an excursion to Nahari Hotel Beer Garden on Friday 30th September.
• October 8th-10th is Surf Camp in Kuroshio-cho for Kochi JETs.
• Kochi JETs are getting artsy at Mouth to Mouth: a meeting of makings on October 23rd in Kochi City.
• Kochi-JETs are helping with Halloween Party in an abandoned school building on October 28th.

 

Kyushu Region

Oita

• The Notsu City’s annual Halloween Party will be October 8th, and Oita JETs are helping out!
• The Annual Oita AJET Sumo Trip is coming up on Saturday, November 26th!

Kumamoto

• KumAJET and DiscSports Japan present Ichi Kyuu Bee on October 1st, featuring 4 ALT Teams (Saga, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kumamoto) and 9 Japanese Teams (Shakaijin and college students from all over Kyushu).
• Kumamoto JETs will be rafting down the Kuma River on Saturday, 15th October with LandEarth.

Nagasaki

• On 1st October, Nagasaki JETs will take a walk through Hasami. The attractions include tiered rice fields, crazy scarecrows, pottery, and pretty temples.

**************

Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

 

Events by Region

 

Tohoku Region

Aomori

• Aomori AJET Welcome Party was September 10th at Shichinohe Campground.

Iwate

• Iwate AJET will be climbing Mt. Iwate on October 8th on the Umagaeshi trail.

Miyagi

• MAJET Bandai Trip is September 17th-19th , a camping adventure at Mount Bandai in Northwest Fukushima.

Yamagata

• Connect 2011 is happening October 8th-10th at Kurosawa in Oguni, Yamagata.

Fukushima

• The Aizu Festival 2011 is September 22nd-24th in Aizu Wakamatsu City.
•  Halloween SHINE is October 22nd in Aizu Wakamatsu City.
• The 2011 International Festival Aizu is October 29th!
• Fukushima ALTs are doing a Home Visit Program in Aizu on November 5th.
• Fukushima JETs attended Volunteer Day at a Children’s Home on September 3rd at Iris Gakuen in Fukushima City.

 

Kantou Region

Chiba

• Chiba AJET Baseball Game trip goes to see the Chiba Marines on October 1st.
• Chiba JETs are prepping for the Tokyo Yamathon 2011.

 

Gunma

• Gunma JETs join the football tourney in Nagano on October 1st.

 

Chubu Region

Shizuoka

• Shizuoka JETs go to Costume Karaoke on October 1st!
• Shizuoka AJET makes an excursion to Fuji-Q Highland on October 15th.

Nagano

• Cricket Game: Nagano vs. Hakuba, October 19th.
• October 16th, the Ina English Guide Club will present Zazen Meditation.

Toyama

• Toyama AJET is holding a Cheesecake Bakeoff on Sunday, October 16th, in Nanto city.

 

Kansai Region

Over the weekend of September 2nd,  Typhoon Talas crossed through Japan, dumping massive amounts of rain especially on the prefectures of Wakayama, Nara, and Mie. There are volunteer opportunities available to JETs in and around the Kansai area to help the victims of this typhoon.

Kyoto

• Kyoto AJET takes part in the Mikoshi Challenge, October 9th.

Nara

• The Nara AJET Halloween Party will be at the Wormwood Café on October 29th.

 

Hyogo

• Hyogo AJET leads a hike through the Fukuchiyama abandoned railroad on September 24th in the Takarazuka area.
• Hyogo JETs Rant and Rave at the Lock Up in Kobe, September 30th.
• There will be an art event (dance, music, theater, visual arts, performance art, sculpture, installation, etc.) in the Fukuchiyama abandoned train tunnel on October 1st.
• Hyogo JETs go rafting and canyoning in Shikoku, October 9th and 10th.

 

Osaka

• Osaka Smile Kids Japan group makes its next visit on September 25th.

Wakayama

• Wakayama JETs are going camping on Friend Island, October 15th.

 

Chugoku Region

Okayama

• Bound in Japan comes to Okayama! Workshops will be in Okayama City on September 17th and 18th, in Maniwa September 24th, and in Tsuyama September 25th.

Tottori

• Beerfest Daisen 2011 will take place at Mt. Daisen in Tottori, September 23rd, featuring craft brews.

 

Shikoku Region

• Shikoku Field Day will be held in Shikoku Saburo no Sato, in Mima City, Tokushima on November 5th.

 

Ehime

• October 1st-2nd is the Niihama Welcome Party, held on the beach in Niihama.
• October 15th Ehime JETs will climb Mt. Ishizuchi, tallest mountain on Shikoku.
• October 22nd is the Matsuyama Orphanage Visit.
• November 12th is the Ehime AJET Dinner in Matsuyama.

Kochi

• Beer, Sake, Baseball, and BBQ will be September 17th at Hagi Park.
• Kochi JETs will make an excursion to Nahari Hotel Beer Garden on Friday 30th September.
• October 8th-10th is Surf Camp in Kuroshio-cho for Kochi JETs.
• Kochi-JETs are helping with Halloween Party in an abandoned school building on October 28th.

 

Kyushu Region

Oita

• The Annual Oita AJET Sumo Trip is coming up on Saturday, November 26th!

 

 

Kumamoto

• The Amakusa Waterwheel event is September 23rd in Amakusa, Kumamoto!
• Kumamoto JETs are helping out with the 5th annual Nagasu Ferry Event on September 25th, Sunday!
• KumAJET and DiscSports Japan present Ichi Kyuu Bee on October 1st, featuring 4 ALT Teams (Saga, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kumamoto) and 9 Japanese Teams (Shakaijin and college students from all over Kyushu).
• Kumamoto JETs will be rafting down the Kuma River on Saturday, 15th October with LandEarth.

Nagasaki

• JETs are invited to the O’hana Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Party on September 16th.
• On 23rd September, JETs will check out the wild boar races in Kawatana.
• On 1st October, Nagasaki JETs will take a walk through Hasami. The attractions include tiered rice fields, crazy scarecrows, pottery, and pretty temples.

**************

Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

 

Events by Region

Hokkaido

• The HAJET Eastern Welcome Party will be September 3rd-4th at Saroma Sougou Park.
• The HAJET Northern Welcome Party will be September 10th-11th.
• The HAJET Southwest Welcome Party was August 27th-28th in Shiraoi.
• The HAJET Central Hokkaido Welcome Party was August 20th-21st at Lake Shikotsu. (facebook event)
• The HAJET Sapporo area Welcome Party was August 13th in Sapporo City.

 

Tohoku Region

Akita

• Akita JET Welcome Party is September 3rd-4th in Yuri Honjo.

Iwate

• Iwate AJET will be climbing Mt. Iwate on October 8th on the Umagaeshi trail.

Miyagi

• MAJET Bandai Trip is September 17th-19th , a camping adventure at Mount Bandai in Northwest Fukushima.

 

Kantou Region

Chiba

• Chiba AJET Welcome Dinner was August 26th at the Pirate’s Kitchen.

Gunma

• Poker Night in Minakami, September 4th!
• GAJET Canyons trip, September 10th-11th in Minakami.
• Gunma JETs join the football tourney in Nagano on October 1st.

 

Chubu Region

Shizuoka

• Surfing lessons and beach party at Shizunami Beach, September 10th.
• Shizuoka AJET makes an excursion to Fuji-Q Highland on October 15th.
• Shizuoka AJET conducted a Mt. Fuji climb on August 27th.

Nagano

• September 4th will be the first meeting (Alice in Wonderland) of the Nagano Book Club.
• Matsumoto Conference AfterParty will be September 30th.
• Nagano JETs are going camping October 8th-10th in Kamikouchi.

Toyama

• Charity Auction Buffet is September 10th at the Peace Street Kitchen.

 

Kansai Region

Wakayama

• JETs continue their exploration (this time from Kobiro-oji to Hosshinmon-oji) of the Kumano Kodo, or Path of Prayer, on September 11th.

Nara

• The Marty Party will be postponed until the 17th of September.
• Ultimate Nara JETs area gearing up for the Akashi Ultimate Frisbee Beach Tournament, taking place on October 2nd in Kobe.
• Nara JETs will make a trip to Hiroshima‘s Sake Festival, October 7th-10th.

Hyogo

• Moon Party is September 11th in Kobe.
• Hyogo JETs are going rafting in Shikoku on October 9th and 10th.

Osaka

• Osaka JETs Welcome Event (part one) will be September 10th. Part two will be later that evening.
• Osaka Smile Kids Japan group makes its next visit on September 25th.

 

Chugoku Region

Okayama

• Bound in Japan comes to Okayama! Workshops will be in Okayama City on September 17th and 18th, in Maniwa September 24th, and in Tsuyama September 25th.

Tottori

• Beerfest Daisen 2011 will take place at Mt. Daisen in Tottori, featuring craft brews.

 

Shikoku Region

Ehime

• October 1st-2nd is the Niihama Welcome Party, held on the beach in Niihama.
• October 15th Ehime JETs will climb Mt. Ishizuchi, tallest mountain on Shikoku.
• October 22nd is the Matsuyama Orphanage Visit.
• November 12th is the Ehime AJET Dinner in Matsuyama.

Kochi

• Beer, Sake, Baseball, and BBQ will be September 17th at Hagi Park.
• Kochi JETs will make an excursion to Nahari Hotel Beer Garden on Friday 30th September.
• October 8th-10th is Surf Camp in Kuroshio-cho for Kochi JETs.
• Kochi-JETs are helping with Halloween Party in an abandoned school building on October 28th.

 

Kyushu Region

Kumamoto

• The AJET beach party will be happening on Saturday, September 3rd at Otachimisaki Koen Beach in Ashikita.

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Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

 

Events by Region

Tohoku Region

Aomori

• The 2011 Everest of Apples Aomori Scavenger Hunt will take place on September 10th; participants explore Aomori-ken while getting to know each other and supporting education in Cambodia and Nepal.
• Aomori’s Welcome Party will be right after the Scavenger Hunt on September 10th.

 

Chubu Region

Nagano

• Summer Splash is September 3rd!
• Nagano will host the all-Japan JET soccer tournament on October 1st and 2nd at Sugadaira Sania Park.
• Nagano’s AJET Camping Trip will be October 8th-10th in Kamikouchi.
• Saku Welcome Shindig was August 20th.

Kansai Region

Wakayama

• JETs continue their exploration (this time from Kobiro-oji to Hosshinmon-oji) of the Kumano Kodo, or Path of Prayer, on September 11th.

Nara

• Nara JETs return to Takatori Thursdays on August 25th with a Mexican theme.
• Nara’s Orientation Beer Garden is August 28th.

Hyogo

• Smile Kids Japan is attending Matsuri at a local Kobe orphanage on August 26th.
• Shiso JETs host the Shiso International Picnic in Yume Koen on September 4th.
• Tajima Board Game night is September 10th in Takeno.
• JETs will gather for the Hanshin Tigers game at Koshien stadium on October 1st.

Osaka

• Osaka Smile Kids Japan group makes its first orphanage visit of the JET year on September 10th.

 

Chugoku Region

Okayama

• Bound in Japan comes to Okayama! Workshops will be in Maniwa City on September 3rd and 4th, in Tsuyama on the 10th and 11th, and in Okayama City on the 17th and 18th.

 

Shikoku Region

Ehime

• There is a welcome party in Ainan on September 3rd, preceding the Mud Soccer Tournament.
• This year’s  Mud Soccer Tournament (and Mud Festival) will be on Sunday in Ainan, Ehime.

Kochi

• Group Birthday Party in Sakawa on August 26th, with a rooftop BBQ.
• SGG international music and cooking event is September 4th.
• The Harimaya Bashis are pleased to announce the Fall 2011 Frisbee Camp in Noichi. It will be held from 11am on September 10th until 3pm the following day.
• Kochi JETs may attend the presentation of kabuki on November 5th in Sukomo.

 

Kyushu Region

Nagasaki

• The Orientation After Party will be held Friday, August 26th at 9 PM at Motion in Nagasaki City.
• On Saturday August 27th, 11am, there will be an informal open Nagazasshi meeting at the mall next to Dejima Wharf.

Kumamoto

• The AJET beach party will be happening on Saturday, September 3rd at Otachimisaki Koen Beach in Ashikita.

The summer issues are out! Check out the latest from JET publications around the country!

 

• Kyoto‘s Ganbatte Times
  • How Out in the Inaka Are You?
  • Smile Kids Japan in Kyoto

• Nagasaki‘s Nagazasshi
  • Summer Issue available now!

• Hyogo‘s Hyogo Times

• • School Days With a Pig
  • Alfresco Dining in Kobe

• Hiroshima‘s Wide Island View
  • Graffity Mexican-American Restaurant
  • Yoshimizu Garden: A Festival for Frogs

• Nagano‘s Yomoyama
  • Summer Issue (Natsukashii) is out now!

 

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Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

 

Events by Region

Hokkaido

• Iwamizawa International Mini Festival was June 18th at Higashiyama Park, and included international food and drink, as well as face painting, Smores, 3 craft tables, board games from around the world, an obstacle course, salsa dancing, national anthems, Ebingo and many more great activities for everyone to enjoy.

 

Tohoku Region

Aomori

• Leavers’ Party (“Towada Renaissance”) will be Saturday July 9th, from 1pm until everyone falls asleep.
• 2011 Tohoku Summer Retreat – JET Christian Fellowship retreat will be held from July 16th to 18th at the Aomori Christian Center in Moya Hills, Aomori City (registration required).

Iwate

• Annual Cabin Sayonara Party will be July 16th at the Yakehashiri cabins.
• Iwate JETs were invited to attend the earthquake debate session on June 16th, to share stories of the March 11 disaster and how they got news or information.

Akita

• Akita JETs are lending traditional costumes from their home countries to students of the Akita University Network for their July 10th International Festival.

 

Chubu Region

Nagano

• The Giant Jumping Monkey – a charity bash held in Myoko on July 2nd, rain or shine, features guest DJs, a monkey bounce-house, camping, and BBQ. All proceeds to Tohoku
• ZAZA Arts Festival and Charity Event presented by AJET Nagano and Arriba Arriba Cafewill be at Ikirou near Kamishiro Stationn in Hakuba on July 9-10th: an arts, music, and performance event featuring the great people of Nagano!
• Shimosuwa was one of the first towns in the prefecture to introduce a comprehensive English curriculum into elementary schools. July 18th is the 4th annual Kid’s Expo at Shimosuwa Cultural Center; This years theme is “Japan, connections to the world” . JET volunteers may showcase their countries or a cultural activity in a mini Expo style booth and give the kids a chance to interact in English.
• KoiKoi Matsumotos, a big international festival, was held on June 26th at M-Wing, Matsumoto’s chuo kominkan. About 20 countries were represented with various shows, games, presentations, kids’ activities, an international food court, and more. Entry was free, food was cheap, and profits went to help the relief effort in Tohoku area.

Ishikawa

• Bai Bai Beach Party to be held July 24th at Uchinada Beach.

 

Kansai Region

Wakayama

• Path of Prayer continues on July 3rd; participants will walk from Nakahechi Michi-no-eki to Kobiro oji on the Kumano Kado, invoking a speedy recovery for Tohoku while experiencing this historic trail.
• Kozagawa Kayaking and Camping will take place from July 9th to the 10th on the Koza River, Wakayama.

Nara

• Nara’s farewell to leaving JETs, the Bye Bye Bash,complete with awards, was held at the Tousembou Kidaku on June 17th.
• Ultimate Frisbee practice and BBQ in the Goon on June 18th.

Hyogo

• Taj Ultimate, the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, will be held July 9th and 10th.

 

Shikoku Region

Ehime

• “There is Hope Through Music” for Tohoku – On July 9th, Ehime JET Dan will gather fellow JETs to the Asakura Kominkan in Imabari to record videos with the fireman brass band. The videos will be combined with videos from the Kurosawa Piano Music Foundation of California and broadcast both online and to the victims in refugee camps in Japan.
• Sayonara Party will be July 9th at Kashima Island.
• July 10th, Ehime JETs are invited to a tea ceremony in Imabari.

Kochi

• Students now have until July 15th to apply for the Genki Scholarship for International Exchange, 2011. The Genki Scholarship hopes to assist Kochi-based students fulfil their ambitions of going on international exchange, to expand their horizons and improve their communication skills. This year’s Genki Tosaben Musical generated enough funds to provide for a scholarship of approximately 200,000 yen (exact amount depends on number of applicants, where and for how long they’re going), plus a donation of up to 100,000 yen for Tohoku’s Disaster Relief.
• The JET Farewell party and beer garden was held June 17th.

 

Kyushu Region

Oita

• Organic Rice Planting volunteers have been pushed back to July 2nd for lack of rain! Preparing to get muddy, JETs will assist in the labor intensive work of organic farming.
• Sayonara Party – Oita JETs say farewell on July 9th in Oita City.
• Oita JETs make a camping trip to Miyazaki Prefecture on July 23rd-24th.
• An Oita JET is organizing volunteers to help a family maintain their farm and orchard. Activities include but are not limited to: raking leaves, pruning trees, cutting grass, weeding, and setting up a wire fence.
• June 18th, the Oita International Plaza held the monthly Japanese Conversation Circle, pairing native and non-native speakers for 15 minutes and then switching partners. Participants talk freely or use materials provided based on a topic. June’s topic was talking about your hometown.

Kumamoto

• The ‘Japan-British Society of Kumamoto’ is holding their annual ‘Tanabata “Star Festival” Party’ at 6:30PM on Friday, July 1st. This event was a huge success last year with scores of Japanese and foreigners eating, drinking and socialising in celebration of this traditional Japanese festival.

Nagasaki

• Former Nagasaki ALT shares video from Golden Week in Tohoku here.

Miyazaki

• This year’s international exchange party by Miyazaki City International Association (MCIA) was June 17th at the Miyazaki Shimin Plaza.

Kagoshima

• Kagoshima’s Bon Voyage Bash will be July 9th at the Sun Royal Hotel.

 

Check out the latest updates on the JET publications from around the country!

 

• Kyoto‘s Ganbatte Times
  • Ohashi Jouzu: How to Learn Table Manners from a Dictionary
  • Newest Friend: We Are One Japan

• Hyogo‘s Hyogo Times
  • Beached as Bro
  • Travel – Shirahama

• Hiroshima‘s Wide Island View
  • Traditional American Clothing, or The Lack Thereof

• Nagano‘s Yomoyama
  • Spring Issue is out now; they are accepting submissions for the Summer issue!

 

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Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

Events by Region

Hokkaido

• The Hokkaido Players present The Jungle Book, May 22nd (Sunagawa), 28th (Takinoue), and June 4th (Kutchan).
• Iwamizawa International Mini Festival will be June 18th at Higashiyama Park, (next to the sports centre)

 

Tohoku Region

Aomori

• On Saturday, June 5th, Aomori AJET will be holding a double-parter event, a gala dinner and a club event, in Morioka City. These  events are being held to bring together JETs from all over Tohoku, and raise money for Earthquake Relief (Japan Red Cross).
• There will be an International Lunch at the Aomori City Chuo Shimin Center on Saturday, June 18th. On the menu is Thai curry! At the same time, Aomori Prefecture’s branch of UNESCO will be presenting sessions on Japanese culture, and providing free tea ceremony sessions for those who would like to try it.

Akita

• The 7th annual Akita International Sumo Basho will be held in Akita city on Sunday June 5th.

Iwate

• JETs are invited to attend a tour of Nataya-cho, led by volunteer guides, in Morioka on June 12th.

 

Kansai Region

• Block 6 and 7 Sayonara Formal will be held in Kobe on June 25th.
  

Nara

• The International Arts Festival, featuring performances in a wide range of disciplines, will be put on by the JETs of Nara prefecture on June 19th.
• Nara’s farewell to leaving JETs, the Bye Bye Bash,complete with awards, will be held at the Yagi Kintetsu Beer Garden on June 17th.

Hyogo

• 2011 Himeji Prom-stravaganza will be June 4th.
• Hyogo AJET’s Sayonara Party will be June 17th
• Taj Ultimate, the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, will be held July 9th and 10th, 2011 (start practicing)!

 

Chugoku Region

Tottori

• Tottori’s Got Talent, in which participants compete to win money for charities of their choice, will be held in Tottori city on June 11th.
  

 

Shikoku Region

Ehime

• “There is Hope Through Music” for Tohoku – On July 9th, Ehime JET Dan will gather fellow JETs to the Asakura Kominkan in Imabari to record videos with the fireman brass band. The videos will be combined with videos from the Kurosawa Piano Music Foundation of California and broadcast both online and to the victims in refugee camps in Japan.
• Eight JETs will assist with the Imabari Higashi Secondary School English Camp June 11th and 12th.
• Ehime JET Melanie is planning a fundraising festival event, in conjunction with Imabari City International Exchange Association (ICIEA), to raise funds for Tohoku and Kanto region disaster relief. The event will take place on Sunday, July 24, at Saisai Kiteya in Imabari.

Kochi

• Ladies Day Spa – ladies of Kochi gather for pampering on June 4th.
• Kochi Surf Camp will be at Irino Beach July 16th – 18th.
• JETs Sam and Douglas are now teaching weekly self-defense classes in Kochi.

 

Kyushu Region

Oita

• A team of Oita JETs will be playing in the Mud Volleyball tournament in Nakatsu City on June 5th.
• JETs and non-JETs will mingle and show their talents at the Rotary Dinner and Talent Show in Oita City on June 18th.
• Oita JETs will assist with rice planting on to Moritas’ Organic Farm in Bungo Ono City on June 18th or 25th.
• Sayonara Party – Oita JETs say farewell on July 9th in Oita City.
• Bad weather forced the cancellation of the Oita camping trip on May 29th, so JETs went bowling instead.

Kumamoto

• Kumamoto’s Got Talent will be performed at Good Time Charlie’s on June 4th.
• KumAJET Sports Day was Saturday, May 21st, in Nimarukoen.

Nagasaki

• ALTernative Nagasaki, the photo art exhibit explores Nagasaki through the eyes of its transient population of ALTs. Opening night is June 11th

Kagoshima

• Bound in Japan is an art project promoting multicultural exchange and diversity awareness, presented by a former Kagoshima JET.

 

Hot off the press!  Hyogo Times May 2011 issue is available for download at the website (left-hand side).

Wide Island View, the JET publication of Hiroshima-ken has also been recently updated.

Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

 

Events by Region

Tohoku Region

Akita

• volunteerAKITA has been very active, starting with a one-day trip on April 24th, then spending Golden Week with the Fruit Tree Project, and continuing volunteer work May 14th – 15th in Kesennuma.
• The 7th annual Akita International Sumo Basho will take place on June 5th at the Akita Budokan in Akita City; funds will support Tohoku.

Iwate

• Two free yoga classes were held on April 28th and 29th, donations taken to benefit Tohoku.

 

Kansai Region

Hyogo

• Transitions Art Show opens May 22nd in Kobe, and features the work of some of your local JETs.
• The 4th annual Himeji Pub Quiz on May 28th will be attended by 13 teams!
• 2011 Himeji Prom-stravaganza will be June 4th.
• Taj Ultimate, the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, will be held July 9th and 10th, 2011 (start practicing)!
• Himeji Riiide to Taiyo gathered 45,000 yen for PEPY, and 36,060 for Tohoku, and a good time was had by all.

 

Shikoku Region

Ehime

• Ehime JET Ian is making an appearance in Matsuyama’s free performance of traditional Japanese theater songs, dances, and instruments in Dogo on May 15th.
• Ehime JETs cycle the Shiminami Kaido to raise funds for tsunami and earthquake victims on May 21st!
• CIR Chang Hemi (from Korea) has put together an introductory course in Taekwondo on May 21st in Matsuyama.
• JETs enjoyed the Caribbean SOCA Bashment party on Saturday April 23, 2011 at Rondo’s in Matsuyama.

Kochi

• JETs Sam and Douglas are now teaching weekly self-defense classes in Kochi.
• CIR Steven will be leading the English interpretation of “The Road to Modern Western-style Painting in Japan” gallery guided tour on May 15th.
• JET Kavita will host a Bad Movie Night on May 21st, supporting Can Up for Japan.
• Kochi JETs are forming a group to attend the Beer Festival on June 3rd at the Nahari Hotel.
• Kochi’s JET farewell party will be held on June 17th.
• The Tosa-ben Genki Musical was performed by Kochi ALTs in the local dialect on April 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th in different places around the prefecture.
• Kochi JET Mia held an art show, What is a reason you get up in the morning?, from April 22nd to May 8th in Kochi City.
• 明日があるさ (Ashita ga aru sa)   Party with a Purpose! was held on April 23rd, featuring live music, painting, and auctions, all to benefit Tohoku.

Tokushima

• The sixth annual Tokushima Touch Rugby Tournament approaches, May 28th – 29th!

 

Kyushu Region

Kumamoto

• Kumamoto JETs have been invited to attend a traditional Japanese wedding at Kikuchi Shrine on May 14th.

Kagoshima

• Bodacious Beach BBQ will be presented by Kagoshima AJET on May 28th in Hioki.

 

Multi-Regional

• ALT Soccer Tournament – West Japan Tournament to be held in Awaji, May 22-23rd. East Japan Tournament to be held June 4th-5th.