October 2009 Contentsmessages 3……………

October 2009 ContentsMessages 3……………. From the Editor 4……………. From the HAJET PR

Every Month 5...... 50 Essential JET Experiences 6……………. Where Are They Now? Page7-8…… Men Are From Mars, Miyuki Is From Venus

9……………. Frisbee Fun 10………….. Kobe Pearl Candle

11-12……...... The Feline Eunuch 13-14………. Best of the Block 15-16………. Travel Japan: Shimanami Kaido 17-18………. Getting To Know Random JETs 23-24………. Ramentary: Kyushu Noodle Rustlin’ 25-26………. English Sensei Spirit: Genking Up a Flagging Class 27…..………. Kechina Kitchen 28…………... Maigo in Hyogo

Features 5……………. 50 Essential JET Experiences 7-8…………. Men Are From Mars, Miyuki Is From Venus 9……………. Frisbee Fun 10…………. Kobe Pearl Candle 2009 11-12……… The Feline Eunuch: Reading Kitty-chan 19-20……… Hyogo for Dummies: Making a Home For Yourself in Japan 21………….. Are 22………….. And Then I Had To Bathe Naked Alone 23-24……… Ramentary 25-26……… English Sensei Spirit Page 27…… Kechina Kitchen Page 28…… Maigo in Hyogo

Cover...... Yokai Purikura”, by Chip Boles

All JETs in Hyogo are encouraged to send in articles, photos, musings, poetry, prose and any ideas to contribute or improve the Hyogo Times for the betterment of the Hyogo JET community.

Submit by the 20th of each month to: [email protected]

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Message from the Editor By Kym Farrant

Happy October! You Villas (Google is your might ask, “Why so friend). happy, Kym?” Well, for many reasons Mr. My final reason for Hyogo. Firstly, can you being happy is HAL- see that? . . . yes . . . LOWEEN. In England I YES! That IS in fact me never really celebrated arriving at school NOT Halloween, but since covered in sweat and being in Japan I’ve NOT being a big shiny- been fully exposed to shiny face all day long this holiday. There are (happy days). October various small par- has brought a drop in ties going on around temperature, and for Hyogo. As for the ac- once the complaining tual day, many people English lady is actu- are first heading to By Matthew Stott ally happy about the The Polo Dog in Kobe weather. I can’t wait for (which usually has winter this year…I’m many Japanese people already like a 5 year old in fancy dress . . . and child high on Christmas sometimes give out chocolate. prizes), and then off to Japan and Osaka for an all-nighter November are simply perfect for hik- Japanese politics under The second reason is, . . . ultimately ending ing through the mountains of Hyogo, the new Democratic Party despite the random up at Sam and Dave’s. be it Mt Shosha in Himeji, the alps of regime. Sarah Lewis takes a cases of swine flu Anyone interested Suma, or Kobe’s Rokko Mountains. closer look at that icon of Japanese and typhoons disrupt- should just turn up in As I sit here In the grounds of the Shosazan cuteness and pencil cases across ing my lessons, I feel their best horror gear. at ten minutes Engyoji Temple complex, there is a the country: Kitty-chan. We meet yet fully settled into the This year I’m choosing to four on a grove of maple trees, whose autumn another Hyogo JET alumnus (and school term. I hope the between Sookie from Wednesday after- leaves set against a brilliant blue sky former editor of this very publication, newbies out there also True Blood (thanx to noon, willing the sen- on a clear day comprise a sight not no less) who has gone onto bigger feel like they’re finding peoples’ look-alike sug- tences to snake their way to be missed. Alternatively, you could and better things, and shares how their feet. I can see this gestions), some kind of across my page because I tackle the old fisherman’s route from the JET experience has helped her year shooting by so I’m dead Japanese thing or really don’t want to be spend- Ashiya Rock Garden to Arima: a solid in that regard. Andrew Tamashiro trying to make a “things a black cat. *Sigh*, my ing any more time on this issue, day’s hike with onsen to reward you brings us his regular Ramentary, this I must do in Japan be- imagination has been a typhoon approaches. Or so at the end. Just keep an eye out for time from the city of Fukuoka, while fore I leave” list. For Sil- sucked away; I’ll prob- they tell me. Outside, it looks like the wild boars. Emma Nicoletti shows how you can ver Week (as previous- ably end up buying one any other rainy day, thick with white save yen in the kitchen and still eat ly recommended in the of those all-in-one Pika- cloud . . . Awajishima a blurry silhou- The change in the weather also her- like a shogun. Hyogo Times) I went to chu costumes. I know ette in the distance. But a typhoon is alds another much anticipated period Shoudo-shima, a small some people have coming. The words themselves seem on the Japanese calendar: nabe And you may have noticed that we island on the inland sea started hand-making or to invest the air with a magical elec- season! If you haven’t sampled this have a special guest layout editor between Kagawa-ken even getting a tailor to tricity. I don’t know what to expect, magnificent dish (of which there are this issue. Jeff isn’t leaving us, but and Hyogo/Okayama- make their costumes. other than wind and rain, and prob- many varieties), it is time to befriend stepping into his shoes for this issue ken that is famous for So don’t waste time . . ably, they say, a few power outages. a JET with a portable gas burner if is Chip Boles—designer of many its olive groves. I have . and bigger (i.e. more Classes were cancelled for the last you don’t have your own, or maybe an astounding Hyogo Times cover. to say I highly recom- extreme) is always bet- two periods today; they’ll probably even an electric nabe which can be Welcome aboard! mend it. It was just ter :-P be cancelled altogether tomorrow. purchased from Jusco and all fine beautiful and was just Outside a hiss. Heavier rain. Yester- purveyors of household goods. Be- Well, it’s beginning to look ugly out like being in Greece. If On a HAJET note . . . day on a teacher’s laptop screen, a cause that’s what nabe is all about: there. If you’re reading this, it means I had more time I would Is anyone interested blue slug slinking across the Pacific friendship, community, altruism, the you weren’t blown away to Tokyo or have gone to the island in organizing an event towards southern Japan. It’s probably tribe gathered round the warmth of Oz or Kansas, so please enjoy the next door, Nao-shima, for Christmas? Maybe nothing. the communal stewpot. If you have October issue. (And don’t forget to which is famous for its a pub quiz? Or a the good fortune to live in the vicinity leave feedback on the discuss- art and architecture. I Hyogo-ken-wide Secret At least when the typhoon passes, it of a Gyomu Supaa, you and a whole ion board on the Hyogo recommend going to Santa? Please drop me will definitely have marked the end of tribe of your friends can eat quite Times Facebook page!) these islands when the an email (pr@hyogo. summer. Starting next week, Japan cheaply. weather is warm and ajet.net) so we can get turns beautiful again, just like in Matt sunny. For the winter planning. the coffee-table books in OK, onto matters editorial. As a coda months, try one of the Junkudo. From my brief to last month’s election-themed is- Okayama International Kym xxx experience, October and sue, Colin Fukai surveys the future of Name: Megan Miller

Age: 31

Placement school/s and location in Hyogo/Japan while on JET:

50 Essential JET Experiences Akashi Shimizu Koutou Gakkou – By Kevin Shannon ALT from 2000-02. Lived in Uozumi- cho at Green Eito IV – anyone there now in my old apaato? Served as Create a staff room enemy Have a Japanese person curse at you Hate Japan one day Hyogo AJET Rep. Was editor for in Japanese Have something unidentifiable placed Love it the next Hyogo Times once or twice, too! in front of you and eat it anyway Go onsen-ing with your co-workers Do purikura Current occupation & jobs held Wear pink toilet slippers Climb Mt Fuji since leaving the JET programme: Have an inter-JET romance ~ Risk Engineer in Property Get drunk and sing karaoke with your Befriend a random elderly Japanese co-workers person Ride the Shinkansen and marvel at its Insurance for 4 years, Underwriter of the best friends I have ever met. Be- Network. But have the skills to back speed large Construction Projects for past ing President has also afforded me it up. It really is about who you know Drink “1-cup” sake Become addicted to Facebook 2 years (including Yankees Stadium great leadership training. – but that’s just your foot in the door. Ride a local train and marvel at its and new World Trade Center 7). Realise it is awful “speed” Once you are in you have to be able What transferable skills JET gives to do the job for which you were ~ Currently serving as President you: hired. Use a squat toilet Curse those JETs who speak better of JET Alumni Association of New

Japanese York (www.jetaany.org) Do all-night karaoke and emerge The ability to work with different types Travel as much as you can while of people and to understand differ- you’re in Japan! You might not have bleary-eyed into the daylight Look down on those who speak worse ~ Started small non-profit, Charity ences in culture and how they play the time (or yen) when you come Japanese Chic, to help children in Africa (www. Have a “This is sooo…Japan” moment out in the workplace and beyond. A home… charitychic.org) Hate the disgusting summer humidity respect for opinions, attitudes, and Accidentally insult somebody when behaviors that may be in polar oppo- Any tips for job hunting after JET: ~ Pursuing MBA at New York speaking Japanese Reminisce fondly about it in winter sition to my own. It has also helped University me to be able to relate better to my The JET Alumni Association in the

Fall over in the classroom and be Fall in love with your kotatsu future Korean in-laws! The cultures area you want to live and work is Highlight/funniest part of your JET laughed at by your kids are very different of course, but there your best friend!! Stay connected experience: Hanami fun are some close similarities. and meet as many people as you Laugh at orientation when repeat- can. If you know what you want to edly told that Japan has four distinct Wear a kimono/yukata and feel special Helping my favorite English Club What advice you would give to do, be persistent, volunteer in that seasons. student take the #1 prize in our lo- current JETs for getting the most field if you have to. If you don’t know Take a side on the foreign guys dating cal speech contest. Singing “Jingle out of the JET experience in order what you want to do, give yourself A year later tell the newbies the exact Japanese girls debate Bells” – a cappella and with a cold to further their career afterwards: time to figure it out before you jump same thing – for kindergarten kids and their into something – but not too much Have a Yasuhiro story to tell video camera toting parents. Being Be nice to people. You never know time. We’re talking months, not Play the conbini game (ask the Design interviewed on TV, in Japanese! when you are going to need some- years. Editor for details) Learn to automatically adopt the Japa- one’s help, and the more people nese two finger pose for photographs How the JET programme has ben- you can count as friends the better Would love to hear from all of you Regret it the next day efited you career-wise: Embarrass yourself at sports day off you will be. It’s amazing what Hyogo JETs, so please feel free to Pretend you don’t understand Japa- Acquire at least one annoying Japa- you can accomplish and what doors email me at [email protected]. The JET program made me com- nese to avoid getting in trouble nese habit Really miss something random from can be opened just by being nice to We can feature you in our magazine fortable with public speaking and home someone. too. Enjoy yourselves!! Make a brilliant lesson plan and have it Find one Japanese food you like really sharpened my communication go horribly wrong Write a pointless article for the Hyogo style, which is very valuable in the Find five you don’t Times work place. However, the program Meet some great JETs has had a much larger impact in Follow a Japanese TV show Feel strangely proud when it is pub- my personal life than my profes- Meet some really weird JETs lished sional life. Particularly, being part of Stay in a love hotel JETAANY has created tremendous Curse at a Japanese person in English opportunities, such as hob-nobbing with the Japanese Ambassador and other high profile Japanese business people in New York, being the 1000th visitor to the Consul-General’s resi- dence in Chicago and ending up in the newspaper, and making some of Men are from Mars, Mi- yuki is from Venus: Japan after the 2009 Election

By Colin Fukai

Men are from Mars, Miyuki is from Venus: that her spirit had been taken to infrastructure and ensure every- Venus on a U.F.O. and that she one has a job. “Hard choices” Japan after the 2009 Election By Colin Fukai met Tom Cruise in a past life, will have to be made. This is when he was Japanese. probably the ultimate reality of Japan is one of the most earth- promised goodies include: abol- editorial, Hatoyama unleashed a Of more earthly concern is how political change in Japan. We quake-prone countries in the ishing highway tolls, reduced sternly worded critique of Amer- Hatoyama and the DPJ will will all see what those choices world and this summer held no gasoline taxes, “effectively free” ican-style laissez-faire market make good on their ambitious and their consequences are in shortage of seismic events. Yet high school, and a lump sum capitalism which he declared slate of campaign pledges in the coming months. Stay tuned. the biggest shockwaves argu- child birth benefit of 550,000 was “void of morals or mod- the midst of a deep, worldwide ably came from the recent lower yen followed by 26,000 yen per eration”. He pledged to reduce economic recession and a DPJ Manifesto (English): http:// house elections, held on Au- month until the child finishes ju- Japan’s greenhouse emissions rapidly ageing Japanese popu- www.dpj.or.jp/english/manifesto/ gust 30th. In an overwhelming nior high school. (Sorry, doesn’t 25% by 2020. Japan may also lation. The electorate’s support manifesto.html landslide Japanese voters, fed look like they promised to give end its naval refueling support of may also be tepid. Numerous up with political and economic ALTs raises.) American-NATO military op- analysts have observed that the stagnation, tossed out the ruling erations in Afghanistan. These election results were more of a center-right Liberal Democrats More important than pledges is dramatic actions, untypical of a protest against LPD ineffectual- (LDP) in favor of the center-left the man the DPJ has chosen Japanese prime minister, have ness rather than embracement opposition Democrats (DPJ). It to be the next prime minister: caused ripples well before the of the DPJ platform. Hatoyama is only the second time since Yukio Hatoyama, an insider with Hatoyama cabinet is due to as- will enjoy majorities in the Diet, 1955 that the prime minister will deep roots in Japan’s political sume the reins of power. but nearly half of the candidates not be an LDP member. Japa- tradition. His grandfather was who won seats on August 30 nese and foreigners alike are the very first LDP prime minister Though more stoic and reserved are freshmen with no experi- wondering what this dramatic in 1955, and Hatoyama himself than quirky and charismatic PMs ence. Time is also not on his shift will mean for the world’s was a former LDP member who of the past, such as the Elvis- side. Upper house elections second largest economy, long bolted from the party in the early crooning Junichiro Koizumi or are scheduled for next year struggling with economic de- 90’s eventually landing with the kanji-mistake-prone Taro and an impatient public will cline. the DPJ. The Democrats are Aso, Hatoyama has managed soon have the opportunity to a semi-eclectic mix of political to raise eyebrows both at home hand Hatoyama’s Democrats The DPJ manifesto lays out their faiths ranging from disaffected and abroad. His fondness of their first report card. five main campaign promises: LDP defectors to socialists. speaking in almost ethereal (1) spending and bureaucratic Hatoyama is known as a quiet, terms – he once said “politics is Author Ryu Murakami, musing reform (giving lawmakers more non-dogmatic and highly adapt- love” and that humanity needed on the elections which swept direct control over implementa- able political leader, but with a “cosmic consciousness” – Hatoyama to power, said, “The tion), (2) child rearing allow- power at his fingertips he may earned him the nickname “space Japanese people are realizing ances, (3) pension reform, (4) be ready to assert himself and alien”. His wife, an alumnus of that no government has the shifting more power to regional Japan. the Hyogo-based Takarazuka power to fix their problems.” governments, and (5) strength- Revue, made headlines of her They can no longer expect the ening social safety nets. Some In a recent New York Times own when she claimed in a book government to merely build Frisbee Fun By Emma Nicoletti

In Japan, summer and sweat are synomous. I tried to by far my favourite frisbee spot is Suma Kaigan (at JR fight it in my first year, but holding the towel to my brow Suma station or 5 minutes south of Sanyo Suma station). was just too bothersome. By my second summer I’d em- Among its draw cards are its wide pebble-filled beach braced the sweat, and thought to encourage its onslaught and barely-clothed babes bouncing to the massive boom by playing fast-paced games of frisbee! And where bet- boxes. Also, as it’s in the bay, it doesn’t suffer from strong ter to play frisbee than at the beach, with its wide open winds which can put even the most skilled players off spaces and cool—albeit dirty—waters. their game.

Unfortunately, the sports fairy didn’t touch the Nicoletti A few more considerations to ensure you have a great gene pool. Consequently, I like to play basic rules frisbee time at frisbee are remembering to bring the follow- with either my 100 yen shop-, conbini- or toy shop-pur- ing: beach shoes (I cut the soles of my feet something chased frisbees. Basic rules frisbee involves one player shocking last year); sun cream (despite Japan’s sun not throwing the frisbee and another player catching it—pret- yeilding the same rate of skin cancer as Australia’s, it ty basic, huh? How can such a simple activity keep me, can leave a nasty burn); booze or water (I use umeshu to a thrill-seeking Perthite, enthralled for hour upon hour? quench my thirst); snacks (frisbee is hungry work); and a I put it all down to umeshu, kakigori and the awesome slew of your best friends. JETs and J-friends I play with. What’s better than being Kobe Pearl Candle 2009. On the cheered on by your mates as the frisbee which left your I’d just like to make a note about that last point—your evening of August 22, thousands of hand heading east, has effortlessly glided into the grip of best friends. I love playing frisbee with all my “J” friends— handmade candles, each featuring the person immediately to your west? JET and Japanese. I find that sometimes connecting with the young teachers at school is difficult, especially if their messages written by local children, I live in Tarumi, so not only am I treated to a spectacular English is only as strong as my Japanese. Playing frisbee lined the shores of Azur Maiko view of Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, but also an array of lo- together takes away the pressure of having to commu- cal artifical beaches. I have wiled away many a sunny nicate with words and replaces it with communication (Maiko Beach). Why? Because it’s afternoon at Okura Kaigan (at JR Asagiri station), and via gestures and giggles. I’ve found that it’s a great way Japan! Maiko Kaigan (at JR Maiko station). The latter has a BBQ to build relationships through shared experiences rather rental area: a BBQ makes a nice end to an afternoon of than spoken words. frisbee. Also, away from the beach, frisbee fun is to be Photos by Emma Nicoletti had at Waku Waku Land in Ako (take a bus from JR Ako So, if you have a free afternoon, why not get your mates station) or in front of Himeji castle in Himeji. However, together and play a game of frisbee? By Sarah Lewis features are in that they begin their lives as so vague is simply a logo. However, Sanrio dutifully assigns personality and background to each character, which not only is useful in making the characters more endearing, but does, in effect, give them a voice without them needing to speak. Sanrio gives them certain The~Reading Feline Kitty-chan~ Eunuch traits as a foundation for fans, Hello Kitty, or Kitty-chan, is less,” which helps to increase its from which their own thoughts one complex kitty. While most of overall appeal both within Japan and activities can be projected us know her as simply an icon of and worldwide. onto the character, much like a advantageous in that the viewer cuteness, there has actually been Kawaii though she may to use kawaii ideals to their full cartoon doll. can thus project his or her own debate on the social impact of her be, Kitty-chan is not without scan- potential. It is thought that babies This brings us to another feelings onto Hello Kitty, mak- existence. Whether she’s exploit- dal. Kitty-chan by design has no evolved to be cuter versions of interesting interpretation of the ing her more relatable to a wider ing the human need for commu- mouth, and Sanrio’s diplomatic, their adult counterparts because missing oral cavity, involving the audience: yet another accidental nication, or opposing ideals of official explanation offers that something about the proportions human tendency toward com- marketing ploy. feminism, little Kitty-chan is more (supporting her ideal, non-cultural and other visual aspects of cute, munication. Facial expressions Whether Kitty’s mouth- than meets the eye. identity) Hello Kitty has no need such as being small, helpless, originated as a necessity of cul- lessness should be attributed to Hello Kitty, whose full chan’s hometown was chosen as for language limitations, as she and weak, make us instinctively tural interaction and survival, and conspiracies of a male-dominat- name is Kitty White, was born No- London due to a fascination at the speaks from the heart. However, want to care for them. In this as such, we are biologically wired ed culture or sub-conscious non- vember 1, 1974 near London, to time with Anglo-culture, including sense, Kitty-chan’s cuteness is to want to understand any ex- verbal communication, it is quite parents George and Mary White. books by authors such as Beatrix attributed to our instinctive need pression, however vague it may possible that it is simply a bunch She has a twin sister, Mimmy, Potter and Lewis Carroll. to care for her. A clever move on be. We put faces on inanimate of gaijin projecting gross misin- whom you can tell apart by their Kitty-chan is partially a the part of the objects from a very young age as terpretations upon what is merely bows: Kitty wears red on the left, product of kawaii culture which creators, as caring for Hello Kitty a way of understanding and relat- meant to be an example of kawaii while Mimmy wears yellow on appeared in Japan in the 1970s ultimately involves buying her ing to the world around us. As a ideals. Either way, Hello Kitty the right. Her favorite things are as a result of an influx of adoles- merchandise. still cartoon, Hello Kitty further has helped promote a culture of candy, stars, and goldfish. She cents with disposable income. The feminism argument beckons our understanding be- consumerism and relaxation, and is in third grade, blood type A, Kawaii culture has since become also forgets that, while Kitty has cause her blank expression has simply makes Japan a happier “weighs the same as three apples more than a fad, ultimately evolv- no mouth, she is not without per- no context. When she is placed place to live. Our need to over- and stands five apples tall.” Kitty- ing into a major aesthetic value sonality. Sanrio characters differ in a setting, it is usually a very interpret Kitty-chan is more than in Japan, permeating all facets of from other well-known characters generic one (sans-culture), and likely a testament to her interna- society from music, to business we see no variation in her coun- tional appeal, and the fact that and advertising, mannerisms tenance over time. It is important we can’t get enough of her. A (high-pitched voices and “ditsy- to note that facial expression not concrete statement of our need ness”), and even the porn indus- only implies how a person feels, to over-analyze Kitty-chan is try. While many foreigners define but also gives us information best illustrated by the fact that no kawaii as simply “cute,” in Japa- about the state of our environ- one has thought to investigate nese it actually carries a much ment, since when we are close a rather troubling predicament broader connotation. “[A] survey enough to see a person’s face, that plagues many male cartoon . . . in 1992 revealed a number we are certainly close enough to characters. Because, while it may of other terms associated with be affected by the same factors be true that “Hello Kitty has no kawaii, including: childlike, inno- because Kitty-chan has become that are affecting them. Because mouth…Winnie the Pooh has no cent, naïve, unconscious, natural, a symbol for adolescent girls, of this, silence inevitably adds pants.” emotional contact between indi- many feminists worry that the intrigue. Kitty-chan in a sense viduals, fashionable, associated absence of a mouth “perpetuates joins the ranks of the Mona Lisa with animals, and weak.” Other the submissive female archetype,” who, because of her speechless- definitions of kawaii include small, particularly the stereotypical Asian ness and ambiguity, practically pastel, round, bewildered, non- woman who is compliant and non- begs the audience to interpret sexual, soft, dreamy, and love- verbal in social situations. and understand her. While she able. Another interesting quality However, Kitty-chan is not does not have a mouth, Kitty of kawaii is the fact that it typically necessarily meant as a model does have most of the facial does not directly imply Japanese for feminine behavior, but simply features needed to be involved in culture. Rather, a character is represents what it is to embrace non-verbal communication with preferred to be “culturally odor- kawaii. Nature itself knows how her audience. The fact that her Kurama Fire Festival Kogei Kouen on October 17 ~Hyogo~ and 18 and see the masters at Best of the Block October 2009 (October 22) work. By Brandon Kramer and Matthew Stott Nada Hey ya’ll! Fighting Festival (October 14 and 15) Has everyone already thought of this year’s Halloween costume? As we begin say- ing goodbye and good riddance to the heat and humidity of the summer, it’s time to Armies of bamboo-wielding and portable-shrine-bearing start gearing up for more fall activities around the block. It’s the perfect time to travel Nihonjin will do battle on the with the cool, refreshing breeze blowing and the leaves beginning to change. Here streets of Shirahama, Himeji are some events happening around the block to get you out of town seeing new City. This is going to be bigger http://www.tanbayaki.com/ img/32toukimatsuripanhu.pdf places and meeting new people! than the Battle of Helm’s Deep. The only question I have is: (Japanese) why haven’t I heard of this be- from school. Watch people fore? LET’S FIGHTING LOVE! ~Shiga~ dressed in costumes from (N.B. The festival falls in the Kyoto’s long history parade the middle of the week . . . sorry, The Change in streets with shrines. folks.) ShigaJET If you make it out to the Jidai Belgian Art from festival, head out to Mt. Kura- Halloween Party ma for the Kurama Fire Festi- Symbolism to (October 31) val. This festival looks really Modernism exciting if you can manage to (October 31 to Why not head out of town this get out there. Apparently the Halloween? Meet new people whole mountain looks like it is December 13) and use the holiday as an on fire! excuse to go see the beauti- At some point it appears that ful Hakone Castle! With a http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visit- Belgian Art changed from costume contest, great music, kyoto/en/info_required/tradi- Symbolism to Modernism, and tional/kyoto_city/18/ http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/in- and an open invitation, this will depth/history/traditionalevents/ starting from October 31st, the definitely be a great event to Himeji Art Gallery will tell the For more information, check a56_fes_nada.html be at! Check out the website story. Unlike other exhibitions and let them know if you plan out: I’ve been to in Kansai, this one on going! http://samuraidave.wordpress. is very reasonably priced at com/2007/03/20/japanese-fire- The 32nd Annual only \500. Himeji Art Gallery is http://shigajet.eslwell.com/ festival-on-kyotos-mt-kurama/ Tamba Pottery Festi- a striking landmark located to events/2009/10/2009-ajet-hal- the east of the Castle and the loween-party-madness val (October 17 and zoo: about 25 mins walk from ~Kyoto~ That’s it for this month, now go 18) the station. Time to don the be- Two great festivals for the price out and explore our neighbor- ret and sound off like you know ing prefectures! ShigaJET of one! I once tried my hand at pottery- what you’re talking about. Gau- loises optional, but no smoking Book Swap -Brandon making in Tamba, quickly dis- covering that this is an art best inside the building. (October 25) Jidai Matsuri left to those with basic motor Avid reader? If so head out to skills and a much keener eye http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/ (October 22) Editor’s supplement: If you’re Shiga AJET’s book swap on http://www.kyotoguide.com/ english/new/index.html There’s always a festival hap- feeling particularly bohemian for the aesthetic. Tamba pot- the 25th! ver2/thismonth/jidaimatsuri09. pening in Kyoto, but October this month, or at least loath tery has been honed for eight html Matthew Stott 22 is the festival jackpot! If you to venture beyond the pre- centuries by the same family, http://shigajet.eslwell.com/ are able to get off of work on and the Tamba pottery industry events/2009/10/book-swap fecture’s borders, there are a October 22 their annual Jidai couple of interesting happen- is one of the six oldest in the Matsuri could be a great break ings in our own ken. country. Come to Tamba Dento Travel Japan: Cycling the Shimanami Kaido

By Aimee Ahmad

through rice fields, along the coast, things easy and make a weekend of http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3478. past beautiful little beaches, through the ride, then there are plenty of op- html little towns – and then over each tions for you to stay overnight on one of the bridges connecting the is- of the islands. http://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/ lands. Having come from the city, rentaQ&A.html the change in scenery was definitely refreshing. ~ Approximate costs: If you decide to take the Shinkansen Overall it took us 9 hours from JR “Overall it took to Onomichi and then ferry it back Onomichi all the way to JR Imabari us 9 hours from overnight from Imabari to one of the station. That included several stops ports in Osaka – it’ll cost you around Photos by for lunch, drinks, as well as a swim. JR Onomichi all 15,000yen. Goran Seletkovic According to official websites, you can complete the ride in four hours if the way to JR You could also Shinkansen it both you’re a keen cyclist. At any rate, the Imabari station. ways Shin-Kobe ↔ Onomichi, doing main bicycle rental the bike ride one way and then taking terminals are open from 7am to 8pm That included a bus from Imabari back to Onomichi: It was 6:45am, on an early Saturday our way to the bike rental centre, so most people make the ride in a that’ll cost you about 20,000yen. morning – and there I was already where we rented bikes for 1500yen day. several stops for sweating in the humidity of a warm each – 500yen per day, and 1000yen lunch, drinks, If you’re thinking of doing it, a few July day on the platform of Shin- for a deposit. If you returned the bike Luckily, after two years spent in tips: Osaka station. I was going to take to the same bike rental centre, you Japan where I had to cycle to school as well as a -Book a bicycle in advance – you can the Shinkansen down to Onomichi to got your 1000yen back. But if you everyday, I found the day after to be call or fax one of the bicycle rental embark on an epic bike ride across 7 were doing the 70km ride one-way, relatively pain-free! (I never thought swim.” terminals. bridges, a distance of approximately dropping your bike off somewhere I would say this but thanks, daily bike -Rent a bike with a basket at the front 70km. 70km --- sounds alright … else – you forfeited the deposit. rides!) If there were any drawbacks for your stuff; if possible a mountain right?? to the ride, they were the killer ramps ~ bike with gears as that helps a lot. After filling in the paperwork and leading up from coast level to bridge -If you’re fair-skinned, watch out for I first heard about this bike trip from picking out our bikes, we were finally level, as well as a few hills along the For more information, check out sunburn and get that sunscreen on!! some fellow JETs. They called it the off! If you’re renting a bike at Onom- way, but for the most part – if a girl the following websites: -If you have time, hit up famous Dogo “7 bridges bike ride” – utilizing the ichi, you’ll probably end up skipping like me from the flat plains of West- Onsen in the neighbouring town of “Shimanami Kaido”; an expressway the first bridge, like we did – instead ern Australia can do this, so can you! http://www.city.onomichi.hiroshima. Matsuyama afterwards – nothing linking Honshu to Shikoku across the taking a short 2 minute ferry across jp/english/kanko/shimanami/shima- beats an onsen post epic bike ride! island-dotted Seto Inland Sea- start- the water. The trail is well-marked If you are worried about your level nami.html ing from Onomichi in Hiroshima-ken with little green boxes with arrows on of fitness, or would just rather take to Imabari in Ehime-ken. the roads at each intersection. You don’t really need to know Japanese They said it was one of the most to be able to follow the route, though memorable things they had done in it might help with conversing with the Japan, so we decided to give it a go people at the bicycle rental terminals. ourselves. We had been expecting to be rid- So on the first day of the summer ing on the expressway itself the holidays, we boarded a Hikari Shink- whole way, perhaps in a special lane ansen for Fukushima (1 hour), after towards the side. Instead we found which we changed to a local train (20 ourselves on a separate cycling route minutes) for Onomichi. altogether that utilized the bridges, thereby taking you on a ‘tour’ through At Onomichi, we exited and made or around the islands. You cycled Getting to Know Random JETs future wife. versity Writing Cen- ~The Basics~ Music: Anything ter tutor, receptionist, Please call me: Sarah and everything. big brother. Why should we (or if you’re from the Shop: If there are elect you Presi- South, Say-ruh ) clothes, shoes Travels: Canada, dent of the World? School and Loca- and accessories Puerto Rico, a few Because I say so? tion in Hyogo: Suma involved, I like places in Europe, Best thing about Tomogaoka High it. Hundred yen here and there around Japan so far? The School in Suma, just stores are pretty Japan. people. west of Kobe. awesome as well. TV Show: Grey’s If it was my last How we know you: Facebook. I take lots Anatomy, Family day on earth I Hobbies: Movies, of jumping pictures. Guy. music, Japanese, would… Probably Birthday: April 30 Movie: Silence of games, reading, blog- do some serious Born and raised: the Lambs, Love ging, amateur pho- praying. Born in Lancaster, Actually, Don- tography, traveling, Interesting Fact Pennsylvania (Amish nie Darko, Thank racquetball. about me: I was on country), raised in You for Smoking, Japanese TV once. Towson, Maryland Across the Uni- Staying another Also I am awesome which is a suburb of verse, Everything year? Probably not, at both Japanese Baltimore. is Illuminated, Family: I’m the oldest of 5 kids, although Lost in Transla- but I’ll be back. I al- and chopsticks. I am the only one from my parents’ mar- tion, Hero, Yes ways am… riage so my siblings are spread out be- Man, Hide and Sarah Elizabeth Lewis ~Teaching~ tween two houses. I have three sisters and Seek, Ocean’s Eleven, Dirty Dancing, nonsensical English. ~Favorites~ one brother. My brother is adopted from Wizard of Oz …. Etc… If it was my last day on earth I would… My top tip for teaching: It’s ok to be the US and my youngest sister is adopted have a gigantic party on the beach and Food: Only one? from Guatemala. make sure everybody I ever knew was nervous at first – your students will be, University and Degree: Winthrop Uni- ~Random Trivia~ Uh…uh…Sushi-ta- Most Proud Achievement: I got an A in there. too. Just be yourself. Unless you’re an versity in South Carolina (about 30 min- co-pizza? my 11th grade AP Calculus class with Ms. Interesting Fact about me: In high asshat – then be someone else. Am I utes south of Charlotte, NC); BA in Vi- school I used to read physics books for Sports: Baseball, Barnes a.k.a. the Calculus Nazi. If you Paul Schuble allowed to say “asshat?” sual Art (my specialty is figure drawing), fun. were in that class, you would understand. When the class is TOO QUIET I… Minor in Math ~The Basics~ soccer, racquetball. Best life experience: Walking on the Other jobs that you have had: I am a bit Music: I keep an open mind, but Try to make them laugh by doing Great Wall of China—the non-touristy of a Renaissance woman: secretary, ma- ~Teaching~ Please call me: You’d be doing me a mostly rock or classical. something silly or stupid. As a teacher, part, so we were in the middle of nowhere My top tip for teaching: Encourage the chinist/electrical assembly at a machine favor if you would call me either Paul Shop: Barnes and Noble. sometimes you have to be a clown. and it was just incredible. kids to try, because I’m pretty sure most shop, piano teacher, math tutor, string TV Show: Right now I’m on an Up- Bribery for students.. YAY or NAY? Motto to live by: ‘Twenty years from of them know more than they think. I’ve or Schuble. Not both. quartet, day care assistant, cashier at Pan- Sure. As long as they’re learning, why now you will be more disappointed by the noticed a lot of the teachers just let the kid right Citizens Brigade kick. era Bread, waitress at Ruby Tuesday and things that you didn’t do than by the ones say ‘I don’t know’ and then move on, but School and Location in Hyogo: Ita- Movie: I dunno, maybe The Princess not? Plus I like to buy people’s affec- Cheesecake Factory Restaurants. you did do. So throw off the bowlines. when I tell them to just give me whatever mi Senior High School. Bride? It’s got it all – action, romance, tion. Travels: Beijing, Mexico, Costa Rica, Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the answer comes to mind, they usually get comedy, revenge, and a slew of great Bermuda, various parts of the US, stud- trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. it right. quotable lines. Funniest Story involving a student: ied abroad in Japan (Kansai Gaidai) in How we know you: With a little bit Discover.’ When the class is TOO QUIET I… Don’t know about funniest, but my fa- 2006…I just graduated from college of luck. I remember when… I was working *mean ALT mode:* turn the assignment though, so don’t worry… there will be vorite is one time some students asked at this restaurant and a woman got mad into a test and tell them if they don’t raise ~Random Trivia~ much more to come. Birthday: 2/21/86 me about things in Japan that surprised because she didn’t like her salad so she their hand, they get a zero. Hobbies: Drawing, painting, piano, gui- me. I mentioned how I found it really flipped over-and broke-a solid marble top *nice ALT mode:* either pick up my Most Proud Achievement: Surviv- tar, violin, spontaneous travel, learning weird that an advanced country like table and ran out of the store screaming own energy and pace, which seems to Born and raised: Long Island, New ing this long… about everything. Japan would still be using (and pro- that she’s not an aggressive person. make them pay attention, or just turn the York. Best life experience: Living in Japan, Staying another year? More than likely. What are you drinking? At the moment, assignment into a group game. I suppose. ducing) squatter toilets. One kid told Family: Little sister, mom. me (with a straight face) that it’s the Apple Tea. Later, beer. Funniest Story involving a student: Motto to live by: “Wherever you go, ~Favorites~ Who would you like to meet? The guys There is this kid who’s not in any of my there you are.” reason why Japanese are such good athletes – because they have strong Food: Buffalo wings, yakitori, anything who wrote “Jizz in my Pants.” They seem classes and whenever he comes into the University and Degree: Villanova I remember when… Life was much pasta/noodle/seafood related. like they’d be fun. classroom after I finish teaching, he al- knees from using those toilets. I im- University, double major in Account- simpler. Sports: Frisbee (trying to organize a team Why should we elect you President of ways says ‘Ostukaresama!!!!’ and salutes ing and International Business. What are you drinking? 100% Fruit mediately called BS on that on. in Kobe, so holla if you’re interested!), the World? Because I am open minded or shakes my hand or some other random Mix. swimming/surfing/body boarding, -run and fair, but I can be mean if I have to. non-Japanese gesture. Other jobs that you have had: Uni- Who would you like to meet? My ning. Best thing about Japan so far? Ridiculous, Making a Home for by : Emma Yourself in Japan Nicoletti

In the middle of a stinking hot day in the sum- plastic-bag system; however, if you are unsure new from around 15,000 yen). mer of 2007, I first entered the reinforced-con- whether or not you can put something out, crete box that was to be my home. I hadn’t ex- simply wrap it in newspaper before putting it in Finally, I added the finishing touches by paying pected much, but as it turned out I got a lot—it’s the bag (the rubbish collectors will take it—trust a visit to my local shopping mall and, of course, just that I didn’t want most of it. Let me describe me). The velour settee and broken appliances Daiso. I bought a mat to cover some of the the problem areas. met the same fate; however, I needed to get my worst damaged lino for 700 yen, a table cloth go-between to ring the local counsel to organize to hide the red table for 400 yen, a vase and The kitchen dining area. a pick up time, and I needed to pay a small fee some dried-wood decoration (cause I’m girly) In one corner stood a good-sized fridge and a for the service. I have heard that the cost is from the Daiso, strung up some bamboo curtain microwave sporting the nuclear symbol. Next considerably higher for refrigerator and micro- to hide the mouldy window and hung a mas- to that some pine green shelves with a rice wave removal. sive furoshiki I got as a present over the grease cooker, rusted and burned grill toaster and stained wall. In the tatami rooms I covered all broken crockery on it. In the far corner a table Second, I put the TV and VCR into the fan- the worst damaged wood surfaces with place finished in bright red Laminex. And on the other tastically huge futon cupboards. And I also mats courtesy of Daiso, and covered the walls wall a buffet filled with broken plates, rice bowls, managed to fold up the single bed and fit it in with interesting post cards, pictures and posters burned pots and mismatching chopsticks. the cupboard too. Suddenly there was room to (I ordered some of the posters from Amazon, Covering the floor was dirt-encrusted beige move in my apartment! and the others are art exhibition posters I took and brown checkered lino; covering the walls, from train stations). grease encrusted wall paper; and hanging Third, I got to cleaning all those hard-to-reach from the ceiling a plastic grime-encrusted light places, and voila! all those re-shined surfaces Now when I come home from a “hard” day at shade. started reflecting light all over the place and work and flop in my Ikea chair, I look around my creating an even more spacious feeling. little apartment, my little part of Japan, and sigh, The tatami rooms. “Home!” Beside the window stood a huge ready-to- Fourth, I went about refurnishing the house in broadcast-Japanese-only-programs television, a way that suited my needs. I didn’t come to replete with aging VCR. A tiny bookshelf thick Japan wanting to decorate my apartment, so with dust. Half a brown velour settee and a gradually over time I have added to my furniture futon bed. In the other tatami room was a desk collection by acquiring furniture from other peo- with a dangerously wobbly leg, two huge ward- ple, finding things hidden in the depths of the robes and a fold-out bed. futon cupboard, and occasionally buying new things. I was lucky enough to find a great low So, how did I turn this rather humble and over- table with collapsible legs in the futon cupboard; crowded apartment into my much-loved home? you can find these in most department stores Well, the answer is with a little cash and a little for around 2,000 yen, and I acquired a friend’s time. Ikea Ponag chair for the cost of delivery (new from Ikea it costs about 5,000 yen). Luckily, the First, I packed all of the broken plates, chipped apartment came with the convertible futon sofa cups and mismatched chopsticks in a box and bed: if you don’t have one and don’t like sleep- deposited them on the side of the road on non- ing on the floor, I can thoroughly recommend it burnable rubbish day. Kobe now has the clear- for comfort and convenience (you can buy one ARE

The constant crashing of the waves onto the shore And then I had to bathe naked alone. have always seduced me When I close my eyes it feels like they ARE coming straight at me By Emma Nicoletti I love the ocean because it is so large It’s after 9 pm. The air is still warm. I can A heavy O-baachan gets into the bath will come in 9 minutes to take us the 100 Seems to have all the answers see some grey clouds in the dark sky. The next to me. Some of the displaced water metres to Sanno station.” The light turns hidden deep like treasure wooden scoop becomes full and more splashes into my face. “Sumimasen.” green again. hot water tips into my tub. “Iie,” I say with a wave of the hand and a XXX The cool wind muffles my ears half-smile. It is Thursday night. We are in the car- and caresses my face XXX bonated pool. Little bubbles are covering XXX my thigh. I like tingling sensation as I Like a mother’s hand It is Saturday night the week before. We press on them with my hand. would her child are on the roof of Sogo at the Welcome It is Thursday night. Warm water tickles You say something like: “Who knew that I love the scent of the sea Party. I’ve already had too much umeshu. our spines as we sit in the stone chair the fully clothed girl who came and sat so soft, so familiar. Chip and I converse: bath. We are gossiping about fashion, next to me in my first ESL teaching class The incessant waves ARE Chip: I haven’t been to an onsen in more friends, boys, food, the future and the in Perth would be sitting naked next to than a year. past. Topics seamlessly merge. Two years me 4 years later in Kobe.” like a pulse; my heart beat Emma: Really, I love onsen-ing. I’ve of friendship here in Japan and we talk I say something like: “It’s never too been at least 3 times in the last month. like sisters. I don’t worry about offending late to recontract. Even though a new I am in love with her. Twice in the week before I went to you with either my questions or answers. ALT has arrived in your apartment, and Australia . . . and there, unfortunately, I And I think you feel the same. A shared your flight home has been confirmed, it The colors, the colors ARE had to bathe naked alone . . . and just last happiness and fun permeates even our doesn’t mean you can’t stay.” Thursday night. most serious points. Some water rico- I am honestly hoping you can. Just as soft, pale when it counts Chip: “I had to bathe naked alone.” chets off your shoulder and into my eye. Muted where it’s supposed to That’d be a good title for an article in the We burst into joyful laughter. XXX Never too much Hyogo Times. A good hook . Selfless; giving of its beauty XXX The light turns green again. Matt and I Which is boundless and eternal XXX really must go. We give one final hug Towel draped across myself I walk to and cross the road. A train passes on the Barely there blue, Children are splashing and giggling in the stone chair bath. The wide eyes of a bridge overhead. I turn around and you grey hints under the clouds, the shallow bath behind me. Teenagers young Japanese girl stare up at me. I say are leaning into Goran’s arm. I suppose the sand , like skin are piled two in a tub next to me, gossip- hello. She runs to nestle her face in her you are crying a little. I keep telling The water, grey green, ing about fashion or friends or boys. grandmother’s arm pit. myself we can hang out again in a year, it keeps the tears back. XXX XXX XXX It is Wednesday after Saturday night. It is Sunday after the Welcome Party. A mix of the tall grass Matt has put on the science podcast Are It is our little group’s last chance to I return to the tub. I look at the clock. and the grey shirt of the small girl We Alone? The topic is “What makes us meet together. We play cards and take I realise I’ve been looking at the clock running along beside it human?” Among the points considered is silly pictures of Goran’s after-eating- every 5 minutes, waiting for the meeting the phenomenon that humans can experi- grapefruit face. Finally, Matt and I have time to arrive. It will be another 20 min- She’s almost camouflaged ence loneliness even if they are standing to leave. We walk together towards the utes. Another 20 minutes till I have put Her dad plays with in the middle of a crowd of people. station. Three sets of green lights pass my clothes on again. Another 20 minutes her sisters who ARE and still we linger. We are making small to think about how I already miss you in pink and orange XXX talk. “Would you wear shoes with points being here. Another 20 minutes I have to Beautiful like that Matt?” “My iPhone says a bus bathe naked alone. Are these the colors of love. I hope they ARE.

(Esperanza Urbaez) amentary: Kyushu Noodle Rustlin’ RBy Andrew Tamashiro

For the Silver Week break, I made a long-awaited trip After putting away a bowl each, we walked the 30 feet to Next up (only about an hour or so after Ichi Ryu) was down to the land of tonkotsu ramen, Kyushu. Over the the next place. Second in the Stadium was Hakata-based Taiho Ramen, a place that came recommended by our course of 3 days, I had 7 kinds of ramen, as well as raw Gensuke, a tsukemen joint. For the same price, you previous taxi driver. I tend to trust older Japanese guys, horse, a horse burger and horumon nabe (but who really could get 200, 250, or 300 grams of noodles to go with especially those in not-so-glamorous jobs, for advice on wants to hear about that stuff, delicious though it was?). your super concentrated soup base. Despite having just commoner food, so we had to take a taste. There are two Here’s some of the better spots I hit if you have a chance. finished at Murasaki, I found the tsukemen to be excel- Taiho right next to each other, but the one we went to was lent; springy, chewy and slightly below room temperature basically a counter that only offered ramen or beer. Well, noodles in a fishy, porky soup that contained chunks of simple though it may have been, their ramen was rather delectably tender pork, onions, and seaweed. We even good. Straight to the point, with the same no-nonsense polished off a chashu rice bowl. attitude as their hostess and with all the history that tiny cubby-hole of a restaurant packed into their soup. Great stuff.

The next day we started at Ramen Stadium 2 (the original is in Yokohama) at Canal City in Fukuoka, where 9 spots are rotated amongst some of the best shops in the country. Here’s a fun fact I learned there: if you ate at 3 different ramen shops every day in Japan, it would take you After some shopping, drinking, horumon nabe and walk- 183 years (!!) to go through them all. No doubt there’s ing around, we decided to hit the yatai-laden streets of some crap out there, but jeebus that sounds like a chal- Nakasu. First up was the highly recommended Ichi Ryu, a Our last stop before heading back to Hyogo was Daimaru lenge. Anyway, we stopped at Murasaki Ramen (based brand that boasts 3 yatai and a brick ‘n’ mortar operation Ramen. They have a branch at the Ramen Stadium, but in Kita-Kyushu) first and had the “retro” ramen and the in Hakata, and comes complete with fairly long lines. De- there were at least 3 times as many people in that line as chashu-men. They were both fantastic, full flavored and spite it being about 11:30 at night, there were still about every other store represented. What awaited us were a bursting with tonkotsu goodness. Aside from some above 5 or 6 people ahead of us. By the time we got seated, it line, a big funky space, and some fantastic ramen. I had average noodles and decent pork, the highlight was the was about midnight and I went for their normal ramen. It only one complaint about Daimaru and it was that the egg. A well-cooked soft boiled egg is a fantastic way to was disappointingly average, at least relatively speaking, pork was TOO PLENTIFUL. Seriously, 6 pieces cooked change up the flavor of a bowl after you’ve put away ½ of and lacked the kind of punch that would live up to the two different ways in my ramen, along with a full egg. I it. hype I had found both online and through friends familiar came away feeling full but my shorts were tighter than with Fukuoka. It’s possible that because of the huge num- they were on the way into Kyushu, that’s for sure. bers of travelers during that time that they were running out of soup and diluted it a bit, but either way, it was only First stop was Kumamoto. After the castle, we headed the 4th or 5th ranked ramen on this trip alone over to Daikoku Ramen, a place that had traffic lined up to get into their tiny parking lot. We skipped the lunch rush and headed in around 3 pm to avoid the crowd and got seated right away. The special ramen, original ramen, and gyoza were promptly brought out and we dug into some pretty remarkable stuff. Not only was the soup porky, the chashu plentiful, and the noodles firm, but there was roasted garlic bits floating about. It was easily one of the top 5 bowls I’ve had in my life, and I’ve been obsessed with ramen since my study abroad days in 03. Fantastic stuff, and worth the short drive from the castle if you’re ever in the area. If you love ramen and you ever get a chance, get your ass to Kyushu. At the moment my favourite time-filler is a version of “I spy”. It’s a little hard at first for students to grasp, but after an example they quickly cotton on English Sensei Spirit: and start to enjoy the game, and they’re always eager to play it next lesson.

a few suggestions for genking up a flagging class. I start off with really simple rules, but as their game skills improve I add more rules to make it a bit more I Spy difficult and to hone their English skills. ~a Time Filler~

First I have them read and repeat the phrase “I spy The Students Are Playing Pictionary with my little eye something beginning with ___?”, then I show them a small example with the JTE. JETs who have been in the country for a while will also no Sentence Pictionary is a variation of the standard form, I usually have the JTE choose something rather doubt be aware of old faithful “Pictionary,” which operates only this time, as the title hints, with sentences instead of simple, and I demonstrate asking ‘Yes/No’ ques- along much the same lines as the famous board game. individual words. I daresay there are endless sentences tions to quickly figure out what the answer is. This is for that minority of ALTs who may not fall into the you could use with this activity, provided the students are aforementioned category. familiar with the grammar. So I’m just going to outline the Once they’re on a roll, I’ll progressively add the variety I use in my classes: sentences in the present con- following rules. It usually takes a few lessons to get Standard Pictionary involves a board, a piece of chalk, tinuous tense. I find it’s best to start by drawing a picture from Rule#1 to Rule#3 and a noticeably uncomfortable student volunteer. You on the board of an example sentence, then eliciting the also need a list of vocabulary words, and to save general sentence from the students, making sure they understand •Forming Questions: If no one asks a embarrassment and awkwardness you are well-advised that the sentence should be in the form “S is V-ing O”. question within 5-10 seconds the game is over. The to make sure that the students have already learned the I usually draw something easy to decipher like a cat at addition of this rule causes everyone to try to think words you have selected. (This is, in other words, a re- the base of a tree watching a bird (“The cat is watching of new questions and encourages the continuation view activity.) The volunteer is shown a word, and must— the bird”). Provided you’re willing to be creative, you can of a line of questioning until it’s completely exhaust- without talking—then represent the word on the board have a lot of fun with sentence Pictionary, putting mon- ed. e.g. “Are there many?” “Are there more than in the form of a picture. The other students must guess sters, cartoon characters and superheroes in mundane 5?” “More than 1?” etc. what the word is. It really is as simple as that. While the or unexpected situations: “Pikachu is eating ramen,” “The volunteer must remain silent so as not to reveal the word dinosaur is riding a bicycle,” “Kitty-chan is washing the •Grammar: They get 3 “lives,” and they to be guessed, you should let the students know to which dishes,” and so on. Don’t take muri for an answer! lose one every time they ask a question incor- part of speech or category the word belongs (noun, verb, rectly (for example, “It is blue?” instead of “Is it adjective, adverb). -Matthew Stott blue?”). If they run out of lives, it’s game over! This gets everyone thinking about the correct grammar structures and encourages group discussion. I often stop students mid-question with a sharp Like Shiritori for Chocolate “What?!” when they make a mistake, and give them a chance to repeat the question correctly. The I’ve found two ideas that work really well. class loves it ‘cause they know something is up, so everyone tries to help the questioner. The first is chocolate. I gave students chocolate when they an- •Listening & Deductive Reasoning: swered questions during my self-introduction. When they get really comfortable with the above When I threw that first chocolate out to a two rules I change the game from “I spy” to “20 student, it was as if a bomb had just gone off. Questions.” I think of something and the students All the students woke up and paid attention for only have twenty questions to guess the answer. the rest of class. I hear that only senior high This forces them to explore new vocabulary and schools let you give candy though. better ways of asking questions, and focuses their attention to question and answer detail. The second idea is group games at the The students that guess correctly can be awarded blackboard. points, stamps, etc. I usually have the winners One of them is called shiritori, which most choose the next guess, but I give them a time limit JETs who’ve been around for more than a few to come up with something, otherwise I take over months would probably know about. Any sort again. of game where the students are divided up into a small number of groups (4-5) and have The game itself becomes quite addictive, and in my to get as many words on the board (first letter experience students will want to play it all the time. last letter of the previous word/themes like So now I only play it as a reward if students prove countries, animals, etc) in a timed period, gets that they’ve earned it by successfully navigating the students really excited. some kind of mini-review test at the beginning of the lesson, or if we finish early at the end of the -Jonathan Shalfi lesson.

-Goran Seletkovic Kechina Kitchen: Keeping Costs Low in the Kitchen

By Emma Nicoletti Aimee’s Delicious Eggplant Dish

A long time ago, in the first half of the 2009, during a magical time called Golden Week, four friends went on an adventure. Their journey by foot took them from the Seto Inland Sea, over hills and under bridges, to a town buried in a mountain called “Shiawasenomura.” That’s right: “Happy Town!” At Happy Town the Where in Middle-earth is this four friends happily enjoyed an Hyogo landmark? onsen, but they soon became very hungry. Unfortunately, the departure Post your educated guesses on time of the last bus home was fast the Hyogo Times Facebook approaching, so there was no time to Group discussion board. feast. Instead the four friends waited ½ a cup of thinly sliced daikon We promise not to laugh. If you’re the first person to guess till they got home, upon which time Tonjiru – Brothy soup optional: konyakku (also sliced 2 tablespoons of miso correctly, we’ll announce your the best of the friends, Aimee, helped with vegetables name in the November issue. them to satiate their hunger with this 4 cups of dashi soup (or enough to delicious meal. This month’s second offering as also cover all the meat and vegetables)-- Thanks go once again to me, a staple from Aimee’s menu. Unfor- mix one tea spoon of dashi powder to the editor, for the pic. (I don’t Serves 2 tunately, I haven’t had a chance to every 200cc of water know what I would do without try making this recipe yet, but the 1 tablespoon of oil me.) 200 g chicken or beef store bought version I sampled at a If you have a photo of a Hyogo 2 eggplants Sukiya shop was delicious. Also, with Heat oil in a pan at medium heat and landmark that is appropriate for 1 onion the cold winter months knocking on fry the vegetables (and konyakku) until they have softened Maigo in Hyogo, please send it 2 tablespoons of miso paste autumn’s door, this soup is a surefire to [email protected]” 2 tablespoons of sugar way to remedy your icy insides. Add the dashi soup to the pan and 2 tablespoons of cooking sake add the pork Solution to last month’s 2 tablespoons of mirin Serves 2: Bring to the boil and then reduce the Maigo in Hyogo: 1 tablespoon of oil heat Suma Rikyu Kouen, Suma. cooked rice (for serving) 100g sliced pork (pork belly with Simmer for about 15 minutes some fat makes the soup tastier!) Take the pan off the heat and stir in Start cooking the rice ½ a cup of thinly sliced potatoes the miso paste (add extra miso if you Cut the chicken, eggplant and onion ½ a cup of thinly sliced carrot want a stronger flavour) into small pieces Heat oil in the pan at medium heat and cook the eggplant for about 10 minutes, adding the onions after about 5 minutes In another pan, heat oil at medium heat and cook the chicken until it’s a golden-brown colour Mix the miso paste, sugar, cooking sake and mirin in a bowl until smooth Add the browned chicken and miso paste mixture to the eggplant pan and bring to the boil Simmer until the liquid is reduced by half Serve on the cooked rice