Page 2 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 3 Contents On the cover... Messages Myrie Eaton and Luke Leyow sent 4...... From the editor in their photos 5...... From the PR from the Naked Man festival in Okayama prefec- ture. Known as Every Month Hidaka Matsuri, men dress in tabi 6-7...... Life as a First-Year JET — The Toilet from Hell and fundoshi and 8-9...... Love and Relationships: Single Ladies battle for posses- sion of a series of 9...... Kansai Concerts sticks, with the 10...... Ironic Chef — Pasta winners taking home cash prizes 12-13...... Travel Japan: The Grand Temple Complex of Nikko and the promise of fertility over 14-15...... Politics with Paul: Ireland: Why you should care the coming year. 16-17...... Better Know a Ken: Hokkaido 18-19...... Getting to Know Some Random JETs 23...... English Sensei Spirit Photo by Luke Leyow. Cover photo by Myrie Eaton Features Hyogo Times Staff 11...... Stealth Gaijin: Life as an Asian JET Editor: Kevin Shannon 20-21...... Earth! Wind! Fire! Water! HEART! Assitant Editor: Emerald Huang 22...... Yukigassen: Everybody was Snowball Fighting Design Editor: Jeff Morrice

23...... An Ode to Chu-hi Contributors: Amy Baker, Myrie Eaton, Joy Feddes, Emerald Huang, Jojo Jackson, Brandon 24-25...... Dying in Koh Phangnan Kramer, Luke Leyow, Alison Lonnen, Tori Lowe, Caroline Lyster, Caoimhe McGarry, Brenda McKinney, Brad Morrison, Graham Neubig, Angela Nicholson, Paul O’Shea, Rupa Patel, MacK- 26...... Gobble, Gobble! Turkey Day! enzie Roebuck-Walsh, The Stealth Gaijin, Jarred Tucker, Jeff Weese. 27...... Some Truth Tu It 28...... You Don’t Know Hyogo — Hyogo Trivia 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 29...... Wheel of Jeopardy! of the Hyogo JET community. 30-31...... You Don’t Have to go Home... or “Why I’m not recontracting” Submit by the 15th of each month to: 32...... Hyogo AJET Election Information [email protected] http://hyogoajet.org Page 4 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 5 From The Editor... and from the PR... elcome to the new-look erro once again everybody, and I hope you are W Hyogo Times! H enjoying the bitter cold that has most people Ok, so maybe it looks the confined to their kotatsus! I have found that people same as the last one, but there tend to become a little (note the exaggeration) neg- have been some massive ative this time of year towards their jobs, Japan, and changes in the Hyogo Times even Japanese house designers. team. The talented Tori has Why does everyone get so down? What is so retired as editor and I have bad about this season? I, for one, am having a great been lucky enough to take winter! The more I thought about it, the more I real- her place. Tori’s shoes were ized that we need to settle this once and for all: Is too big to fill (something which winter in Japan as horrible as everyone says? You never happens in Japan!) by know what that means… IT’S DEBATE TIME! myself so I’ve got the wonder- Having studied debate extensively in Kobe last ful Emerald Huang as deputy month, I think you’ll find that my logic is flawless. editor to help me along. This issue also sees us “Does Winter Suck?” welcome some wonderful new Statement for the Positive Side: writers (virgin writers if you I think everyone can safely agree that winter in will) to the team. We’ve got Japan sucks. Every day we all wake up to a house MacKenzie with relationships, that is the same temperature as outside. My clothes Jojo with cooking, Stealth Gai- feel like they have been in the freezer. I used to do jin with Life as an Asian JET, this to my friends at slumber parties! Why am I be- Caoimhe with a poem that will ing pranked by Japan??? The fact that we have to touch your heart and wonder- choose at school between being slowly poisoned ful articles from Rupa, Jar- by carbon monoxide in the warm staff room or be- ryd, Alison, Joy and Erica. To ing anywhere else in the school and feeling like an complement these we have Eskimo fur trader is just absurd! the wise words of our regular Statement for the Negative Side: since Prometheus gave us fire! Why should we fight writers – Paul, Jeff, Brandon, Have you ever heard of “Culture Shock,” or karu- the desire to stay warm? Angela, Graham and Tori. cha shokku in Japanese? The Japanese people Rebuttal From the Negative Side: Being only a first-year JET, have simply chosen to remain more in touch with It’s all about choice and freedom. Who are the I am still only learning how to nature and live their lives so that they truly feel as house builders to assume that you want to stay survive in Japan (I only learnt if they are a part of each very important season! In warm? That is a personal choice, and to take it away last week that sticking bubble- your foreign countries you all try to disguise each would be an insult! You pay to stay cool in the sum- wrap on your windows keeps season, pretending it isn’t really happening. Well mertime, now you get it for free and you complain! your room much warmer!). they don’t play that game in Japan. Winter is here, Put on some more clothes and learn to appreciate However I feel that I should share give you my top always been a wonderful class to teach. In another time baby, and it’s right in your face! everything about all four of Japan’s unique seasons! tip for Japan. This would have to be to forget all embar- and place I would have been embarrassed, but in Japan Questions from the Positive Side: Closing Statements From the Positive Side: rassment (though avoiding old men who want to give you people laugh at me all the time. They laugh when I try “Have you ever seen frozen toothpaste?” Winter sucks! back massages would be a close second — story an- to post letters, when I try to use chopsticks, when I of- “Don’t you have a microwave?” Closing Statements from the Negative Side: other time). We are all gaijin and no matter how hard we fer people miso soup instead of water. Everything I do Questions from the Negative Side: Winter rocks my socks! try we will make a fool of ourselves at some stage. If you is funny so I can either worry about it or just sit back and “Did you know that Japan has four seasons?” are too worried about looking silly you’ll miss out on so enjoy the fact that I am currently the funniest person in “I am very, very, very aware.” Well there you go, now with all the facts in front much. my town. Rebuttal From the Positive Side: of you in clear debate form, you are able to decide In one of my first classes I sang a song to my class Anyway that’s my little tip for the future. I’m sure you’ll Culture shock!? What is so difficult about put- for yourself how you feel about winter in Japan! and as some people will confirm, my voice has been find plenty more in the writings of this month’s contribu- ting insulation in houses? Have you ever tried to Hope to see you all at the Naked Man Festival in known to curdle blood. They laughed and laughed. The tors. Happy reading! have “romantic time” in the cold? Staying warm has Okayama! rest of the class was brilliant and since then they have —Kevin been one of the primary goals of the human species — Brandon Page 6 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 7

enough to deal with bugs) and later on off by the toilet that she had to find ing to realize that I wasn’t happy where The toilet from Hell that evening she came to mine to get somewhere else. I was living. rid of the spider. The second thing that shocked me Everyday I had new stories to tell By Rupa Patel The look on her face confirmed was when she said that the building my JTEs at school. Then one day, Life as a first-year JET that I wasn’t overreacting. It took a can was to be demolished by the end of much to my surprise, my kyoto-sensei of bug spray, two pans of boiling wa- 2008! I was taken aback and said that told me that he found a place for me Like any first year JET, I was feel- the smell down). The ter; half a bottle of bleach and some I couldn’t carry on living the way I had and took me to see it that same day. It ing a bundle of emotions on the Shink- flush was a hosepipe broom action to get rid of the monster. been and that I needed a new place was a palace and I decided that I had ansen as the Hyogo ALTs made their attached to a tap. You I told the girls on the island, (who were soon. I said that I would pay whatever I to move that weekend. I was ecstatic. way to Yashiro where we would be must then take out the and still are my saviors) and they all had to in order to feel comfortable and Finally I had a place in which I could do taken to our new home for the next plug to avoid the toilet encouraged me to move. I wasn’t sure relaxed in my own home. things I take for granted back home; year. being flooded. A com- because these things are easier said The school wasn’t happy but sleep, shower, eat and just chill out Travelling from fabulous Tokyo to plicated process and than done. I had to muster the strength agreed to let me find a new place on without being on bug patrol. the middle of nowhere Yashiro, I be- unpleasant for some- to decide whether I could go through the condition that I paid for all of the My school was helpful in finding gan to realize that when the Japanese thing all westerners feel with moving. I thought about it long rent and key money. I thought things the flat for me but it was the help of say inaka, they really mean inaka. should be a simple and and hard and it was the one of the best would get easier in September but with the ALTs that made moving so much After a very long trip to Japan, listen- comfortable process. decisions I have ever made in my life. school events like Sports Day and the easier than I thought it was going to ing to the annoying screeching of the To my disgust, The next day I told my go-between enkai, all the teachers were too busy be. The girls would take carloads af- Yashiro cicada, I was ready to go to there were also cock- that I had to move. She wasn’t helpful to look for a place for me. I told my- ter work and invite me over for dinner Awaji and settle down. I was lucky to roach traps placed all and said that I should stay for a bit lon- self that I must be patient because this because I would be so tired from going share the journey to Awaji with another over the flat. There ger. I was adamant that I had to move would take a lot of time but a month to school and unpacking. I am so lucky ALT, Amar, who would be working at were easily ten in each and asked her if she would ever live in passed and nothing changed. to have made such wonderful and car- my school. room. I was slightly a place like that. I was really annoyed My evenings were still spent with ing friends in Japan and without their It was a big relief when she was confused by the entire when she confessed that she was of- other ALTs, which was great but I felt encouragement, help and friendship, I just as shocked as I was when we got thing as my predeces- fered the same flat to live in when she it was time that I found somewhere for would still be living in that bug shack our placement. There were hills and sor had told me that he came to the island but she was so put myself where I would feel comfortable waiting for any opportunity to escape greenery that stretched on for miles rarely saw bugs. having people over and it. and miles. Despite being far away from Despite all this I not be spending every After signing the contract for my the hustle and bustle of the city life I decided that I would Pre-move toilet... evening trekking across new apartment I had to go through all was so used to, I was thinking about stick it out. This experi- to my apartment. Minami Awajishi. the formalities again like changing my all the positives and was desperate to ence is only for one year and I must Weeks passed and I saw cock- Things were get- gaijin card, sorting out bills and even see my flat. embrace the situation because culture roach after cockroach all over my flat: ting worse towards the opening a new bank account. The I finally got dropped off to my and everyday living was inevitably go- in the genkan, climbing up my kitchen end of September — no school shocked me when they said teacher accommodation in the eve- ing to be different here. wall; under my bed; running out my sign of moving, the bug that I needed to take a couple of hours ning. It was like an oven but with a Although I tried making the place wardrobe and even baby ones in the situation getting worse of nenkyu to do all this. I was stunned pungent musty smell that was com- feel like home, it didn’t feel like one. shower. with the sighting of a and politely refused as this situation ing out of the toilet and making its way Every evening after work I would make I was still putting up with them until mukade and then fifteen was hardly my fault. The teachers were through the floorboards and into my sure that I had something planned to one day I was taking a shower early centimeter mushrooms kind enough to make the exception bedroom. prolong the dreaded return to the “bug in the morning when this huge hairy started growing in my and after all the paperwork was done I I opened the toilet door and shut it shack.” All of August and September, I brown spider with white spots jumped shower. Like many of felt a huge weight off my shoulders. as fast I could. Just the sight of the toi- and the other ALTs on the island would from the bath tub, (which was 4 feet the awesome people on For anyone who isn’t comfortable let, the scarlet red walls and the hun- get together a few times a week. We below my shower,) flew towards my the island, Amy let me in their place, I recommend making dreds of little flies shooting out from in- would go to the beach after school or chest and hissed at me. stay at her place for a that move. I’m not saying that it is side the toilet was enough to make me go for dinner to escape from the shock All wet and covered in sham- few days. Even though easy, but being comfortable in your feel sick. My predecessor told me that we were experiencing. poo, I ran out the shower screaming. it was a good 8-10 ki- own home is important. I know it is the toilet was bad but I didn’t imagine Looking back on it all now, I can- I have never been so afraid of an in- lometre bike ride from tough when you are in another coun- that it could possible be this bad. It not believe all the energy I spent on sect in all my life. Saying that I’m not my school, I took up the try, where the culture is so different was a septic tank in which you go in, avoiding my apartment. Sometimes I the biggest fan of them is a bit of an offer and biked to and and you do not want to inconvenience put the plug connected to the toilet into would go for really long walks with a understatement, but this was the last from work to hers. The people, but sometimes you have to do the socket and then twist a dial that friend in the intense heat of the Japa- straw, I couldn’t live there any longer. ...and post-move toilet. Can you see the difference teachers thought I was what is best for you and stand your generates foam, (it was meant to keep nese summer just to avoid going back I contacted Kate (an ALT who is brave crazy but they were start- ground. Page 8 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 9 Love and Relationships: and remind yourself everyday that Magnolia’s, “It increases your face fancy. Take yourself on your dream you are special and that the most in- value.” date. telligent and glamorous people in the Hidden Helpers Throughout the month keep a Changing of the Guard world (we are obviously talking about The next time you hit the town slip diary of what makes you happy and Hello Hyogo! It’s hard to believe it’s been newbie is a great fit and an amazing woman your friends!) think so too. into a pair of sexy underwear or even what does not. Try new things and a year and a half since I first started writing for the job. I am looking forward to reading Express Yourself just a cute matching set. For the men, routine ones while honestly record- for the Hyogo Times, but a lot has certainly her dating articles in the upcoming months Show yourself off by using body a pair of silk boxers will keep you on ing how you feel about them, then happened in that time. I plan to still submit as much as you all are! a piece or help out here and there, but it’s Thanks to all of you that have given me language to communicate how hap- the prowl all day. stop doing anything that brings you come time to pass on the baton (or dildo, as ideas and inspiration (ahem) and just re- py and confident are. Whether sitting Finally kick the guilt down and focus on what takes you to an old editor of mine would encourage me member to get out there, be your best self or standing, hold your head up high, Loving yourself is not being vain. a higher level. At the end of the day, to write) to a new dating guru. It gives me and work it. great pleasure to tell you, however, that this xo, Brenda McKinney roll your shoulders back and squeeze It does include certain vanities, but you are the only person in this world in your abs. Taking a ballet or yoga not the kind you should be ashamed you can control, so enjoy yourself class helps your mind unwind and of. If you are single and ready to min- and the rest will fall into place. Building a better you to better attract your body straighten-up. gle take a day off of the hunt in Febru- Next month we’ll be heading in a By MacKenzie Roebuck-Walsh Smile ary and spend an entire 24 hours with racy direction with “Some Like It Hot.” It’s a bit of a cliché to talk about your favorite person (you). Do all your As a new writer for this publication I’d In the month of Valentines Day, were spent living in a four-storey man- a simple smile brightening another favorite things — read a good book, appreciate your feedback. If you have right before spring fever begins, we sion with 47 other girls in our early person’s day but it truly does. Smile take a bubble bath, go to a play, go any questions or comments please all find ourselves pining for some- 20s. Our meal topics usually focused often and wide. As they say in Steel to the park... whatever tickles your contact me via Facebook at anytime. one to warm our hearts (or at least around the latest gossip, boys and of our beds!) We look everywhere — course how many calories we were strangers on the train; that cutie be- consuming at each moment and how hind the Starbucks counter; “Mmm fat we could potentially be getting. what about the tall one in the corner Me being me, I wouldn’t have any of of the pub” — but the one place we it — frequently taking seconds at din- Kansai don’t look enough is in the mirror. ner to prove my point... At 21 we may The best way to maximize your never look better, so baby we better sex appeal and enjoy a romantic re- live it up and enjoy who we are. lationship is to maximize your self- Only a year later, I can say I esteem. No one will ever know you honestly do look better because I’ve better than yourself (although our continued to develop my confidence Concerts mothers can come scarily close), so and I see myself as an intelligent, take sometime this month and re- outgoing and attractive person. As New relationships guru MacKenzie juvenate the inner marvelous you! for the girls who ate half a bagel with friend from college or high school, Once you’ve given yourself the un- no spread, they are still eating like think how great they are looking in- conditional love you deserve, I think nit wits and feeling two feet tall be- stead of calling your best friend up 20 March Listings you’ll find the days of looking are cause they just never got it. Getting minutes later and saying, “God so- KT Tunstall and-so sure is looking a little flabby.” Ian Brown 6,500 yen, doors @ 6 p.m. over — soon others will be flocking to a partner isn’t about being a Size 2, it 6,500 yen, doors @ 6 p.m. By being positive about others you 4t h 10-11t h 10th @ Bottom Line, Nagoya you like fresh powder on the slopes is about knowing and loving yourself Big Cat, Osaka 11th @ Big Cat, Osaka of Hokkaido. so much so that others just can’t help will naturally be more positive about Broken Social Scene Often we are quick to knock our- gravitating to your happiness. So yourself. Celine Dion Make a list and check it t h 5,800 yen, doors @ 6 p.m. selves down. You know the scenario: here are a few tips on loving yourself 5 11-12t h 6,000 - 15,000 yen twice Club Quattro, Osaka a friend comes up to you and says, the way you should. Kyocera Dome, Osaka “You are really looking great.” Now Use rose colored glasses Sit down with a group of friends R&R Circus Tour (J-Rock) Jimmy Eat World what do you do? More often than not Walking into a room of 50 people, and a nice bottle of red. Put your 6t h feat. Laughin’ Nose / SA / Cobra iPod on shuffle and start listing all the 3,000 yen, doors @ 6 p.m. 20-21s t 6,000 yen, doors @ 6 p.m. we say, “Well thank you but actually I most of us are inclined to find fault Big Cat, Osaka 20th @ Club Quattro, Nagoya still need to loose a bunch of weight with about 45 of them — often these things you like about yourself. After a 21st @ Namba HATCH, Osaka and I’m having a bad hair day.” Next faults are a reflection of our own in- song or two put your list aside and ASH start on a list for each of your friends. 6,300 yen, doors @ 6 p.m. The Pigeon Detectives time, and every time after that, meet securities. Try scoping out the next 10-11t h 10th @ Namba HATCH, Osaka room of strangers you are in and When everyone is done collect the 25t h 5,500 yen, doors @ 6 p.m. the compliment with the thanks it de- 11th @ Club Quattro, Nagoya Club Quattro, Osaka serves. find something positive about each lists about you and make a master list. Two years of my college career of them. The next time you see a Post it near where you get dressed Page 10 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 11

Ironic Chef By JoJo Jackson Stealth Gaijin Insert witty pasta headline here!! Life as an As i a n JET

I love cooking. At home in “Are you the tour guide?” New Zealand we had a big veggie “Can you tell me how to get to...” garden that produced far more “What’s it like to have gaijin food than we could possibly eat. friends?” Conveniently, our neighbours “Wow, you speak English really had a small boat that they took well!” out fishing, so often we’d swap “You’re the ALT? But you’re them a bunch of Italian parsely, Asian!” some courgettes and newly dug Alright, I’ll admit — not all of those spuds for some fresh cod. have been said to me. Only four out We also visited the local of five (you can probably guess which Farmer’s market most Saturday one wasn’t!). But many other great mornings in search of free range phrases, all worth their weight in gold, meat and eggs, locally produced make up for the one not actually said cheese and olive oils and organic to me. In any case, that’s the kind of veggies. stuff I deal with on a daily basis. Wel- The Ninja of the foreign invading force, Stealth Gaijin sneak in Japan undetected. In fact most of my waking come to the world of an Asian JET. hours were spent thinking about Or the world of a “Stealth Gaijin,” as tense, let alone do it when someone desu?”) the next meal I could create us- stock only Japanese products, interesting and healthy non-Jap- I have been called (I wish superpow- asks a positive question with a nega- This brings me to a time my [gai- ing the assortment of produce my Japanese cooking ability is anese food even with the limited ers came with the name.) tive inserted into it. (Usually I need jin-looking] friends and I were waiting that was readily available on our limited and I can’t read any of the ingredients found in Japanese Unlike many other JETs, I do not the bag and she gives up and hands for a bus heading back to the train back doorstep, literally. labels! Add to that the cost of fruit supermarkets. get stalked by the friendly neighbor- it to me when I stare back like an air- station from a tourist spot. There was Since moving to Japan I have and veggies and to me, a pretty So I’ve decided to share my hood obasan in the supermarket, head. You’d think after months of this, this lovely woman with her father in felt uninspired, dispassionate dismal picture emerges. ideas with you beginning with desperately avoided on trains, or get she’d catch on...) the line (queue, for you Brits) who and just generally apathetic to- But when I was asked to write this very tasty pasta dish. This death-stared at in general. Why? Be- I don’t go shopping very often turned around and said to me in won- wards food. something here I started getting pasta dish is so simple and quick cause I don’t look “different.” How- back home, but in this country, it’s derment, “Eigo wo jouzu desu ne!” This is completely out of all excited again. Food memories to prepare. It is also versatile. ever, with this great power, (yes, hard to avoid (mainly because I think My friend said next time that happens character and is mainly because came flooding back in and I rea- Any combination of green veg- I’m quoting Spiderman’s Uncle Ben) Japan is one giant shopping mall). It I should just agree, thank the person, Japanese supermarkets usually lised that it is possible to create gies work – I recommend trying comes great responsibility. Actually, I just so happens to be sales season and look super-smart and cool. Pity I peas, char-grilled courgettes and wouldn’t term it responsibility so much in January so I have been out look- can’t carry on a conversation in Jap- Ingredients: spinach. as a whole set of other problems... ing for some necessities. Once I am anese because that would blow my • 250g pasta (any shape) To prepare: You can also substitute the I go to the supermarket quite irasshaimase-d the hell out of it, the cover… • 100g green beans • Cook the pasta to al dente (so it lemon for pesto, which you can often but I still don’t understand the salesperson (usually a girl) will pro- So there we have it — insight into • 100g snow peas (mange tout) is firm but not hard.) find in Bon Marche. The par- checkout girl when she asks if I want ceed to tell me how great the product the world of a Stealth Gaijin or rather, • A good lug of olive oil (don’t be • While the pasta is cooking, steam shy!) the beans (4 mins) and snow mesan is very important in this a bag. Mostly, it’s because she’s not I am looking at is or that it’s 50 per insight into the world of this particular • Juice of 1 lemon, zest of half a peas (2 mins). Make sure not to recipe so get the best you can asking if I want a bag. That would be cent off the price tag. That’s fine and Stealth Gaijin. I can’t say it is horrible lemon overcook them, they should still find. Costco has big, good qual- too simple. She asks, “Do you not all... if I understood any of it. blending in sometimes, but oh do I • Big handful of fresh basil (roughly have their crunch. ity blocks for 1,200 yen (they last want a bag for that?” It’s sad I un- Like many other JETs, I have wish they would stop staring when I chopped) • Drain pasta and return to pot. ages!). What ever you do DON’T derstand enough of what she says also ventured out to tourist destina- open my mouth and it’s not an Asian • Half a handful of fresh parsley Add the steamed greens, lemon (roughly chopped) juice and zest, olive oil (to loosen use the powdered stuff in a can! to know she’s asking about a bag, tions here in Japan. Generally, I’ve language coming out. • 100g freshly grated parmesan and coat pasta) and parmesan. Adjust the amounts accord- but I definitely do not know enough gone with friends who happen to be Well, actually, they also stare • Salt and pepper to taste (but Mix well. ingly to the number of people – Japanese to answer. Yes, I do not more gaijin-looking than I do. And like when an Asian language other than remember the parmesan is quite • Season. Taste. the below is loosely based on 2 want a bag? No, I do want a bag? I other JETs, I will obviously speak in Japanese comes out (especially at salty) • Add herbs last, mix again. servings. I often make extra and can barely string together Japanese English when talking to them. (Why school!) but let’s save that story for take it to school for lunch. vocabulary with verbs in the correct else would we be “Eigo no sensei later, shall we? Page 12 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 13

it is served in Nikko is a bit different…give it Travel Japan a try! Getting There The grand temple complex of Nikko Getting to Nikko takes a bit of time By Jeff Weese from Hyogo, but is not too painful. You can Nikko is one tourist destina- choose how you get tion in Japan that is not to be to Tokyo (Shinkansen, overlooked by Japanese or for- airplane, or night bus) eigners! It is one of the most im- and then take the portant and impressive temple Tobu railway’s Nikko complexes in all of Japan and is service from kurihashi known for exquisite colors and station in the Tokyo amazing detail. area. Train fare will Some of its shrines date back 0288-53-3168) comes highly convenience store!) and a few cost about 1700yen and it will as far as 767! The temples and recommended with overnight restaurants on the main road. take 2 hours…so bring a good shrines of Nikko are considered stays costing around 4000yen. One Nikko specialty to try is book! a UNESCO World Heritage Site Ryokan meals can be hit and yuba. It is the skin of tofu, I know The sacred temple complex and should be high on your list miss, but the sukiyaki served for that doesn’t sound very appetiz- of Nikko is a good distance from of places to visit before leaving dinner is pretty tasty! For other ing as is, but it IS a specialty Hyogo, but is worth every kilo- Japan. meals, there are several con- there and it actually is quite nice! meter traveled and yen spent! The temple of Rinno-ji was venience stores (come on…this Yuba is the same stuff that dim Take advantage of it while you built in 782 and was shortly is Japan….of course there is a sum is wrapped in, but the way can…don’t miss Nikko! followed by Chuzen-ji in 784. From these two temples, Nikko combination ticket for just over Onsen are a bit of a distance, expanded to eventually include 1000yen that gives you ac- but there are local ones as well several other grand temples cess to Rinno-ji, Tosho-gu, and such as Nikko Onsen. Your feet and shrines and also the Mau- Futarasan-jinja to name just a will appreciate these onsens af- soleum of shogun Tokugawa few. If you want to venture out ter a hard day walking! and his grandson. further, there are many other Food and Accommodation All of the temples do require temples and shrines to see in To see all that Nikko has admission, but you can buy a outlying areas as well as beauti- to offer, you need a good two ful products of nature like days. There are a few differ- Lake Chuzenji and Kegon ent budget accommodations to Falls. There are also sev- choose from, but Turtle Inn (tel. eral good onsens to relax in after a day of w a l k i n g around! Famous o n s e n t o w n s such as Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Page 14 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 15

Politics Ireland — Why you with should care! PaulBy Paul O’Shea I’m taking a break from Ja- ticularly the 17th century) had pan this month, for several rea- seen a large number of Scot- sons, not least of which is that, tish and English settlers dis- while we all live in Japan, most place the native Irish in the of us have little or no interest north of the island. The focus in the nation’s politics. For ex- on the north during the previ- ample, can you name one po- ous centuries was a result of litical party in Japan? Can you the fact that it was the Irish name the prime minister? Can from the north who resisted you name any previous prime the English rule the strongest. ministers of Japan, ever? The partition of the coun- The truth is for most West- try in the 1921 Independence erners, Japanese politics in Treaty divided the island into the post-war era are less than two distinct political entities, Ian Paisely, the pope-denouncer himself, showing an unorthodox amount of crotch and a fun gang sign! enthralling. I mean, the biggest but it also divided the people story in the news these days is of the new free Ireland. Many overwhelmingly Unionist and Protestant landmark Good Friday Agreement, which wealth in the Republic. The country went a debate over a petrol levy — were unwilling to accept the (again the two usually interchangeable). set out power-sharing frameworks be- from economic basket case to an inter- should it be removed?!? situation, and shortly after in- Faced with severe, institutionalised tween unionists and nationalists in the national role model in the space of only So, today I’m going to do dependence the newly formed discrimination for jobs, housing, schools Northern Irish government. The current a decade. a favour for all those non-Irish state was torn by civil war. The and everything else, a civil rights move- situation is that things are very slowly The resulting wealth helped liberalise JETs (there are a few out there Irish Civil War, between Pro- ment sprung up in the late sixties, and moving forward, and a return to violence the people — divorce was legalised, the somewhere!), and briefly tell Treaty and Anti Treaty sides marches and peaceful protests took place seems less likely with each passing year. power of the church waned, and society you a little about the recent was in fact bloodier than the across Northern Ireland. However, the po- However, the effects of the Troubles are in general has relaxed. Emigration, which history of the Green Island. War of Independence, and po- lice (manned almost completely by Union- far-reaching. had been a major factor in Ireland’s fate This may be the first in a series litically it has a had a massive ists), the army, and paramilitary Unionist The country, particularly the working- for centuries, stopped, and economic mi- exploring the JET participant impact on the Irish political groups attacked and killed protesters and class, is deeply segregated along ethnic/ grants actually began coming to Ireland, nations, or it may be a one- landscape. innocent civilians. religious grounds. The identification with despite the bad weather and the high off — it depends on whether up Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is a Most European countries The Irish Republican Army (the group religion has left its mark: the current First prices. something interesting happens in Japa- completely separate country and is a part have a Labour/Social Democrat party, who led the Irish to victory in the War of Minister of Northern Ireland, Ian Paisley, As you can see from this all too brief nese politics anytime soon! of the United Kingdom. and a Conservative/Christian Democrat Independence), who had been derisively is an Evangelical Christian who founded outline, Ireland is an interesting place. Anyway, while Ireland is an inter- The modern state of Ireland came party, as their two largest, but Ireland, referred to as IRA “I Ran Away” due to his own church, and opposes, among There is so much I haven’t had time to national minnow, it is famous beyond into being in 1921, following the brief but sadly, still has a system along pro/anti- their lack of activity in Northern Ireland, other things, gays, alcohol and the catho- discuss — why did the South’s economy its size. However, unfortunately, it is still bloody war of Independence against the treaty lines. The result of this has meant began to make a comeback. Nationalists, lic church — during an address to the Eu- boom (many factors), how likely is the deeply misunderstood — another JET British who had ruled Ireland. To give that Ireland spent the second half of the particularly young working-class males ropean Parliament by Pope John Paul II, unification of Ireland (not going to happen recently asked me if Ireland was an inde- some perspective, 1,300 people died, last century morally mired in the 1950s, with little or no opportunities, flocked to Paisley started shouting “I denounce you anytime soon!), why are Irish people so pendent nation! relatively few in terms of independence as both major parties — Fianna Fail (Anti- the IRA and its political wing (Sinn Fein) as the Antichrist” and held up a placard cool (a complicated one, that), and where Ireland is in fact a republic, and thus movements. However, the Independence Treaty) and Fine Gael (Pro-Treaty) were during the seventies and eighties. bearing the same denunciation. did we hide our Lucky Charms (for the re- completely independent in a way that Treaty that was signed with the British deeply Catholic and conservative. In the following two-to-three decades Moreover, the economy is in poor cord, we don’t have Lucky Charms, and Canada, Australia, Jamaica, etc are not. did not mean a unified island republic as The Nationalist (or Catholic — the the “Troubles,” as they have come to be shape, and the British are losing interest I’d never heard of them before I came to These countries are part of the British dreamt of by the rebels. two are often interchangeable in discus- known, really kicked off. Thousands of in continuing to finance the province. Japan!). Commonwealth and can sing God Save Rather, the six counties of Northern sions on the North) minority were left people died in indiscriminate bombings, Down south of the border in the Re- Next month, we might see a return the Queen as they all share said lady as Ireland remained a part of the UK be- to fend for themselves by the new Irish shootings and kidnapping as the IRA and public, things have changed dramatically. to J-politics, if something interesting hap- their head of state. cause the majority of the population of state. Through intimidation, gerrymander- other paramilitary nationalist groups fought The Celtic Tiger economy (named after pens. If not... well, if anyone has any re- The island of Ireland is comprised of these counties wished to stay with Britain ing (rearranging electorate boundaries against paramilitary unionist groups. the Asian Tiger economies of South Ko- quests as to which JET participant-nation 32 counties, 26 of which constitute the (the majority being called Unionists). for political gain) and weight of numbers, Skip ahead thirty-odd years to 1998, rea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore) you’d like me to cast my myopic gaze Republic of Ireland, and six which make The previous centuries (though par- the new Northern Irish parliament was and you have the IRA cease-fire and the has boomed, seeing huge increases in upon, email me at [email protected]. Page 16 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 17 of who have never curled before in their lives) it’s a great way for Better Know a Ken: us to get together in the dead of winter and have some fun. We’ve By Caroline Lyster Hokkaido even won a few games! So what happens when the Part 2 in our ongoing 47-part series highlighting the lives of JETs living in other prefectures. Yes, we blatantly stole the idea from Stephen Colbert’s 434-part Better Know a District. If you know someone living in another ken, have them send in their story and pics to [email protected]. snow melts? There’s just as much to do in the spring and summer My name is ice that drifts all the way over to Hokkaido from Russia. It can as there is to do in the winter. Caroline, and I live be seen along the coast from the end of February until April, For starters, many towns host in Hokkaido. You and you can ride an icebreaker ship from the nearby city of different sorts of races and mara- know where that is, Abashiri to get a closer look at things. thons during the warmer months right? It’s that big is- One of the main attractions during Hokkaido winter is (of of the year. Tokoro co-hosts an land just off the end course) snow sports. Since we have lots of mountains and annual marathon around Lake of Honshu. You just lots of snow, ski hills can be found in almost every little town. Saroma where participants have keep going north af- Whether you choose to strap your feet to one board or two, a choice: they can either run ter Aomori... yeah, most of my friends here on the island take part in some kind 90km or bike 150km. The mara- that’s the one. of downhill activity. thon starts at one end of the lake I live in a town in There’s also snowshoeing, which is less well-known but and goes all the way around to the northeast called just as fun. If you’ve never done it, imagine strapping two ten- the other, and then even a little Tokoro. Tokoro is a nis rackets to your feet and going tromping through the forest, bit farther, with cities on the other side of Tokoro being the can get out to party, and so that we can all get a chance to fairly small town of in four feet of snow and sub-zero temperatures (yup, this is finish line of the respective races (the bike finish point being see parts of Hokkaido that aren’t our own. They are held at only about 5,000 what we do for fun up here). a bit further). campsites (cheap accommodation, and less chance of being people, of which There are indoor winter sports as well. One is a game Hokkaido might be a very large place, but it doesn’t have too loud for the neighbours) and offer people a great chance I am the only for- known as curling. Have you ever heard of it? If you have, that many people. The upside to this low population density to meet other ALTs on the island (old and new alike). eigner. Because it’s GREAT! If not, I’m not surprised. It’s recently gotten more at- (similar to Canada, again) is that there is a lot of wilderness Other big parties include the HAJET enkais which take so small it doesn’t tention through its status as an official Olympic event, but it’s to explore. Whether you want to hike through the mountains place at the fall and winter meetings, as well as at newbie have a train station, and the nearest one is in a city half an still one of those sports (like golf) that aren’t all that much fun or bike in the countryside, there is lots to do. The weather is orientation and our mid-year conference in December. hour away. From there it takes five and a half hours by train to watch on TV. great for camping in the summer (although you’re likely to get Speaking of HAJET, they organize another neat little to get to Hokkaido’s capital of Sapporo. Anyway, my town (Tokoro) is the proud home of the larg- eaten alive by mosquitos), and there are many great camp- thing that goes year-round, and offers ALTs a chance to par- Living in a place like Hokkaido isn’t really a big change for est curling hall in Japan. The Olympic team trains here, and sites on the island. ty, meet others, and see the prefecture: the HAJET musical. me as I’m originally from Canada, specifically Edmonton (for my town has proudly exported more than one Olympic team And of course, year round, there is always partying to be Once a month rehearsals are held from October through to any of you who might know where that is). Just like Canada, member. I’ve curled with some of them since I’ve been here done. Although I would say the definition of “party” in Hok- April, with performances held in May. This year’s production we’re a big northern place with not a lot of people. And, just (and had my ass thoroughly whupped in the process). Any- kaido is pretty wide... is Oklahoma, and past year’s offerings have included Peter like Canada, there’s more to Hokkaido than snow and ice! way, when I arrived in Tokoro, the question on everybody’s More often than not, our parties are simply small gather- Pan, Grease and Guys and Dolls. Giving an Oscar-worthy That being said, snow is a very important part of life up mind was whether or not I would participate. I decided to form ings of people who happen to be in the same place at the performance isn’t the point — rather the objective is to get out here because we’re covered in it for six months, so I might as a team: Team English. Made up of ALTs from the area (most same time. Phone calls might go out on a Saturday afternoon, of your cold, isolated Hokkaido house and see some of the well start with the current season. and anyone who is available comes out for dinner/drinking, rest of this island we call home. The most famous winter event in Hokkaido is the Snow and likely karaoke (since I’ve been here I have developed And that’s Hokkaido in a nutshell. A pretty big nutshell, but Festival in Sapporo, held this month in February. The main some mad karaoke skills). as condensed as I can make it. As you can see, living up here streets of our capital are filled with giant, elaborate snow These might be better qualified as “get-togethers,” and in the frozen north is pretty similar to living in the south with sculptures. If you ever decide to come and see it, make sure account for the bulk of Hokkaido socializing. Other such “get- the rest of civilization. you book early — the population of Sapporo more than dou- togethers” include small planned ahead partying, such as So, if you’re ever looking for something fun to do, feel bles during this one birthdays or holiday parties. What they have in common is free to come up to Hok- week in February! just being a smaller party between close friends. kaido. There’s a lot to Another attrac- Fewer and farther between are those huge parties at- do, and you’ll always tion (in my area no tended by lots of people. The best examples of these are be able to find some- less!) comes around the welcome parties organized by Hokkaido AJET. Because where to stay. One of the same time year Hokkaido is so freaking huge, our welcome party situation is the true advantages in in the form of drift ice most definitely plural with four parties to be exact. These four living up here is that on the Sea of Ok- welcome parties are in September/October, and are held in JETs have some pretty hotsk, which is sea different areas of the island so as many people as possible sweet houses! Page 18 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 19 v Name: Emerald Huang panies, arts & crafts shops and res- and stayed for an hour) v Please call me: Emmy taurants (both in the kitchen and as a TV Show: Family Guy Getting to know some v School and Location in Hyogo: Ka- hostess). I was also self-employed as a Movie: Another difficult one to an- kogawa Nishi SHS, Kakogawa henna artist! swer so I’ll just name a few... {Emer- v How we know you: Probably be- v Travels: Umm…I don’t want to seem ald actually listed over 30 movies, so random JETs cause I’m the Assistant Editor now for HT like I’m showing off, but I have been to it’s been edited for length. Let’s just v Name: Brad Morrison or because I danced and screamed “Y’all quite a lot of places around the world… say she likes movies! — Ed.} v Please call me: after 10 am. be jealous of me!” next to my Elvis Kyoto something like 40 countries in 5 years. v Most Proud Achievement: Traveling v School and Location in Hyo- sensei during Yashiro!!! When I had my interview for JET, the in- overland in Africa for four months through go: Mikage Senior High School, v Birthday: February 16th. terviewers actually asked me about how 11 countries, aged 22 and alone! Eastern Kobe. v Born and raised: Taipei, Taiwan I managed to do that when I was a uni- v Best life experience: My 6 years of v How we know you: You prob- v Family: Mom and Dad both profes- versity student! I developed a great pas- university life. ably don’t. sional writers and newspaper editors, sion for seeing the world since my first v Motto to live by: "It is only important v Birthday: 12/03/80 one older sister and one younger sis- trip to Brazil 6 years ago…and that pas- to love the world, not to despise it, not v Born and raised: Mostly in ter who also does editing for Business sion only got stronger and stronger! for us to hate each other, but to be able Nova Scotia, Canada, but I have news… v Shumi wa nan desuka: Well, before to regard the world and ourselves and lived all over Canada. v University and Degree: University I started traveling, I loved doing art. I re- all beings with love, admiration and re- v Family: One father, one moth- of Toronto, specialized in Spanish and member I would spend 6 or 7 hours to spect." By Hermann Hesse er, one older brother. majored in Cinema Studies. Also spent 2 make a little birthday card for someone I v I remember when… I woke up on v University and Degree: BSc years studying Architecture but…instead cared for dearly. I also love photography. a wooden boat, puked a few times and (Biology) Dalhousie University, of drafting and building models, I spent v Favorites: then realized I was looking at a sky full of PhD (Biology) The University of all my free time traveling to see and ap- Food: Anything delicious and sexy stars, in the middle of the sea between Melbourne. preciate beautiful architecture around the looking! It doesn’t have to be gourmet, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. v Other jobs you have had: world. but it definitely needs to have ‘love’ in v What are you drinking? Indian Chai. Tim Hortons, Visitor Services v Other jobs you have had: I have the cooking process. I made sure I used the right ingredients at a National Park, forestry re- worked at architectural firms, tour com- Sports: I haven’t done much sports. and the secret recipe! searcher. living 10 mins from Kobe, 20 mins from Osaka and 40 However I enjoy v Best thing about JET so far? Taking v Travels: UK, Switzerland, Czech Rep, Germany, mins from Kyoto. climbing mountains the job as a Assistant Editor for Hyogo Austria, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Taiwan, Hong v Why should we elect you King of the World? “I’d and running. I also like Times. Kong, China, The States, Fiji, every province and ter- do away with all the cars and the bars and the wars to try and improve my v Why should we elect you President ritory in Canada except Newfoundland. and make sweet love to you!! Joy to the world…” snowboarding skills. of the World? Please don’t! If I was, v Shumi wa nan desuka: reading, gym, photography, v Funniest story involving a student? Maybe not Music: psychedelic people probably would catch me cook- hanging out with friends drinking a couple of beers. really funny but there is the girl at my school in third rock, bossa nova, ing in my office with a hotplate under my v Favorites: year and whenever she comes into the teachers room acid jazz, house, trib- desk. Food: roast duck, gyoza, Szechwan food. and walks past my desk she always screams “HELLO al and world music. I v Funniest story involving a student? Sports: Is sleeping a sport? Seriously, cause I’m TEACHER!” at the top of her lungs and all the other have started learning One wrote about how in Australia Christ- really good at it! teachers around my desk jump. She is certainly mem- Shamisen (3 stringed mas is in the summer. So he wrote: “I Music: Taiwanese pop (Wang Lee Hom, Jay Chou), orable… Japanese guitar) at wish Santa could visit me on his surf- Alternative (Green Day, Good Charlotte) v My biography will be called: The Adventures of my school and did tai- board.” Shop: Anywhere where I don’t have to buy XL. Princess Firebucket ko drum workshops for v My biography will be called: What Damn you skinny Japanese people! v My top tip for teaching: Discipline in a fun way. two years in Canada. should I eat for breakfast, lunch and din- TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy. Yes, there I’ve said it. When students don’t do their homework I make them Shop: My friends can- ner today, tomorrow and the day after? Judge me if you will {Ed. note — we are Brad!}. sing a song. They hate being singled out and having not believe how long v My top tip for teaching: Be funny. Movie: Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Iron Giant. to sing in front of their peers. Since I started doing this I spend looking and v When the class is TOO QUIET I… v Most Proud Achievement: My PhD. almost every student has always finished their home- reading the labels of do the Japanese comedian dance “O- v Best life experience: Living in Australia for almost work. almost every item in Pappi!” or get students to start clapping four years. v When the class is TOO QUIET I… do a little jig. supermarkets…one their hands and sing Happy Birthday to v Motto to live by: Have fun If they know that you are willing to be stupid in class night I couldn’t sleep me. v I remember when... neon bike shorts were cool. they start to loosen up. and guess where I v Bribery for students…YAY or NAY? v What are you drinking? Umeshu, and beer... lots v Bribery for students…YAY or NAY? Oh yeah I’m went? MAXVALUE! Yay! I especially love to throw a bunch of and lots of beer. all for it. I just wish they would start bribing me... come (It’s a 24hr supermar- candies at them and watch them jumping v Best thing about JET so far? Being in Japan and on kids, teacher needs a new pair of shoes! ket and I went at 2 am into each other and falling! Page 20 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 21

Earth! Wind! Fire! Water! HEART! lot of responsibility, especially when sanitation and ur- we will be supporting a retired, voting ban sprawl, Hog- By population out numbering us 2 to 1 (or gish Greedly was Tuwhakaroa Biddle even more) who obviously have differ- industrialisation and ent ideas about everything. greed and Dr. Blight Call me a pessimist but it’s not re- Look at the shows we watched was technology and ally that hard to see that our world is growing up and its easy to see that unethical scientific turning to shite. Kwame, from Africa, they all had one thing in common — experimentation, to in 1990, summed it up by saying “Our morals. I suppose any show from any name a few. world is in peril…” It might be from a period has morals, morals which were At the end of cartoon and originally said 18 years applicable more so at that time. You every episode there ago, but God is it relevant today! could say that the moral of Pokemon would be a public Now that’s a Care Bear Stare! They say that what we watch while is self-esteem and self-belief, which is service announce- growing up affects the person we be- good for you but is it any good for ev- ment where they would show you how probably just laughed at the wishful come — the argument these days be- eryone else? to put what you have learnt from this thinking of it all. ing that violence in the media causes The shows we watched and love episode into practice. It’s amazing to Apart from the fact that the car- violence, etc etc. Whether it has been were true battles of good versus evil, think that this type of programming toons of yesteryears probably don’t proven or not, it doesn’t seem unrea- they were about being better people and thinking once made money. have the same appeal or commercial sonable to assume that it does have by being a better person. Look at the Care Bears — they live value they once did, there are possi- some affect. So how has the media For example, Captain Planet. The a happy life in Care-a-Lot, but when bly other reasons they haven’t been we’ve grown up with affected us or in Planeteers and the product of their the Care Meter gets low (this means brought back. I watched an old epi- what ways could it have affected us? Tu is a little torn over the morals today’s cartoon fans are learning from TV. teamwork, the big Captain P, came people are caring less) they go on a sode of Captain Planet a few weeks Look at the generations ahead of up against various villains who em- mission to encourage caring. I will ad- ago and was quite surprised by the us — is it not technically their fault that animals and using them to fight so while they grew up. When children bodied all that is wrong with the world. mit that their need to inspire caring is political incorrectness of it. Perhaps all that is bad, is? You could say that that he could be the greatest Poke- are watching cartoons, ads for these Verminous Skumm represented poor a little self-serving as they will die if the political correctness is more important they inherited the problems but that’s mon master. He wasn’t really help- dolls, their movie, their CDs, even Care Meter drops to than helping children understand the no excuse for them getting worse. ing anyone but himself, and it wasn’t their music videos come on expos- 0 but isn’t it a noble value of recycling? Also they could be Look at the shows and media of their about Good and Bad because his ri- ing them to toddler, tween and even cause all the same? a little violent, but who wouldn’t punch youth — shows tended to focus on vals wanted the very pet dolls wearing They were saving a Megatron? family values (Happy Days anyone?) same thing — they makeup and sport- species and making There are obviously always ex- and enjoying life, especially after the were just willing to ing lingerie. the world a better ceptions (you could say the Smurfs Second World War. You could say get there via differ- “Mummy when place. were pro-communism) but do we re- that the attitude of “take nothing for ent means. Shows I grow up, actu- Considering the member the exceptions? It is easier granted” made people take everything like Yu-Gi-Oh! and ally make that right state of TV and the to see the good the Smurfs stood for for granted. Cardcaptors follow now, I want to be ideals of youth to- rather than the communistic ideals Look at the generation after us. the exact same for- a materialistic hoe day it might seem they might have. Everything I’ve read about them isn’t mula. like Bratz.” This like a good idea to Name a cartoon or show from our particularly encouraging. They are of- In the interests can’t be good, but bring back the posi- childhood that didn’t promote morals ten described as being apathetic and of not being labeled maybe my opin- tive influence of the or understanding. I certainly can’t and selfish and it’s not surprising. Look at a Pokemon basher, ion will be different shows we enjoyed that’s probably a good thing. Maybe the shows they grew up/are growing let’s bash Bratz. when I’m a dirty but would they subconsciously we have, to an extent, up with! All the shows focus around They don’t have old man. care? The Care been morally prepped for the task at self-satisfaction and being better than their own cartoon so I have seen Bears made a bit hand. When I think about cartoons to- others, and not for the greater good, it’s a little off-topic, on TV and read of a come back last day it’s saddening that children who so to speak. but they have an articles about how year, but they were try to emulate Ash Ketchum will never Yeah, we turned out OK... Take Pokemon for example: Ash animated movie so it’s going to be our probably more of be content with life or any good for the had to deal with a lot of obstacles, and in my books that qualifies them. generation’s responsibility to save a commercial suc- world as a whole because they will he had friends to help him but he al- These dolls have been a huge the world. It’s our generation that has cess than a moral never “catch ‘em all.” ways made sure they knew they would success worldwide despite the fact entered the workforce and will be in one and I would go They will never be able to help never be as good as him. Ultimately they are hoes. These dolls are how positions of power when the shit will Oh no she di-in’t!!! as far to say that anyone else because they will always the show was about him imprisoning I imagine the Pussycat Dolls looked supposedly really hit the fan. That’s a young people today be trying to help themselves. Page 22 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 23 English An Ode to Chu-hi

Chu-hi, Chu-hi is so great Sensei Spirit It has so many flavours. Made from ferment of potatoes Our monthly something Japanese). It’s a drink that all should savour. Hand out a simple worksheet guide to better that you have pre-written. On this Hot or cold, with ice or straight lesson planning worksheet you should have some From Japan, you must admit key questions to get them started, This drink from a can, a bottle or tap By Angela Nicholson and to give them some direction. Is one, once you start, you can’t ever quit! Got a few lessons to use up? The 5 question markers (who, Have freedom in planning your what, where, when and how) are Imagine my surprise, when the other night classes? This is an exercise I did a great place to start. At the bar with Gabby, Tu and Paul with my first year SHS English Get the students to start writ- When I asked for my Chu-hi, calpis, lemon or lime Everybody was snowball fighting She came back with a mix of them all! course students, but really you ing and then presto! They have a managed to have fun and enjoy the sport and interaction could adapt this idea and cater it presentation. By Jarred Tucker This opened new doors to my world with Chu-hi with the Japanese players who come from all over Hyogo to different levels of students in Ok, ok… so I know it’s not as 雪合戦 As before it was one or the other, Yukigassen ( ) is a sport based on the traditional to compete. This year we are really hoping to put a few Senior High school. This might be easy as that but it is a good way But now, can you see why this drink must be game of snowball fighting. From a westerner’s standpoint runs on the board and will appreciate any support we a bit above JHS level but that’s for to start them off on small speech Brought home to my friends, sister and brother it shares many similarities with skirmish/paintball, having a get. Hopefully by the time this is published we will have you to judge really. This exercise writing projects. In my case we defined field, barriers to hide behind, and a flag to protect. successfully triumphed in Hyogo and be moving on to the is a great introduction to speech gave the students the first lesson Now not all is great as problems arose The sport has a long history in Japan and the winners of national championships! writing and because they can to prepare and write their speech. When Clayton put them all to the test each prefecture tournament face off in a national tournament Diary of a Snowball Buff: choose their own topic, should The second class was for finish- He asked us to choose between chuggability and held in Hokkaido each year. For those of us living in Hyogo, This year our team was told we need two qualified ref- hopefully hold the students’ inter- ing their speech and practicing percent the prefecture tournament was held at Ojiro Junior High erees on the team in order to compete. So the other day est. presenting it – making sure they Which flavour we all thought was best. School (美方郡香美町小代区) Feb. 2-3 this year. myself and another Tajimite took ourselves to a half day I’m sure for most of you the can pronounce the words, giving The locals here in Tajima have been putting in a team training camp. First up was a test. 80% was the pass grade concept of show and tell is well them tips for eye contact etc. And I had a hard time as I do love them all for the past 6 years and though not even once successfully but the organisers seem to delight in repeatedly telling us known, so I won’t bore you by on the third lesson they present- So asked for ‘another drop’ to be sure, to be sure. making it through to the second day, have always that they would not fail anyone explaining every little detail of it. ed. One last note of importance, However my plan had flaws and didn’t help our After finishing the test and getting our photo taken, However, here are some basic please make sure that you active- cause we popped up to the gym for a bit of a practical examina- steps: ly participate in these classes. You As one by one we all fell to the floor Rules of Yukigassen tion (of the fun kind!). All the people there were split into Tell you class what the as- can help motivate the kids and teams and took turns umpiring each other. For me and my signment is. They can choose get their creative thoughts flow- Even with this mountain of chu-hi we drank — Each team has 7 players: 4 forwards and 3 friend (who also had real experience) it was no problem. their own item for show and tell ing, probably a lot more than your With heads thumping and a mouth that was dry. backs. — Each game has 3 sets, each 3 minutes What I was really looking forward to more than anything but it must be something that they JTE can. Look at what they have There still is no beer, spirit, ale or wine long. else was a chance to play the game and finally when our can either bring to class or bring written and ask them small ques- That’ll ever be better than my dearest Chu-hi! — The winner is the team that wins 2 sets. turn came around, I was pumped. Most the other people a picture of. (My students tend to tions to get them to write more. It — To win a set you must: around were not very experienced yukigasseners so as I be very indecisive so I give them is often easier for them to answer - Get your opponents flag; put on my forward jersey and waited for the starting whistle, 5 minutes max to choose an item a question than it is for them to - Hit out all the opponent’s players; - When time runs out, have more players I knew what had to be done. When the whistle blew I went and then I make them all tell me think of writing that information remaining. running straight for the centre barrier and safely slid to a what their item will be. That way down on their own. Show that you — You are out if: stop un-hit. From then on it was just a matter of picking off they are not fluffing about all les- are interested in their topics and - You are hit with a snowball; the rabbits one by one. Having successfully whittled down son switching items. If you would what they have to say, be positive - You step outside the field boundaries the opposition’s numbers, a smart chap from behind bolted like to know more about tradition and most importantly, have fun! — If the game ends as a draw, a ‘Victory Throw’ takes place where team members take turns forth and took their flag giving our team victory! Letting out Japanese things then this is a This lessons idea came from trying to hit a cute snowman off his stand, kind a triumphant yell, it was then I looked around and realised great lesson to get the students to Edo-chan’s Three Wise Monkey’s of like a penalty shootout in soccer. that not everybody else was taking the game as seriously introduce their culture to you. Just website, http://www.edochan. as I was…oops! tell them that their item must be com/teaching/ Drunk salaryman loves chu-hi!! Page 24 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 25

medical care system I knew noth- Although most of the time in the funny nurse who always asked Dying in Koh Phangnan ing about, and could potentially hospital was a blur, I do remem- me to go “pee pee!” in the cup be dangerous. Crying like a baby ber seeing lots of motorbike acci- or the receptionist who would al- By Amy Baker for the hundredth time that day, dents, where tourists had serious- ways greet me with “You look bet- my friends calmed my nerves by ly injured themselves by falling off ter. You drink soon and go crazy. Most people visit the beauti- promising to make sure every or crashing into another bike. I Okay?” — without them I would ful island of Koh Phanghan in needle was clean and that the was also fortunate enough to have been absolutely terrified. Thailand for its magical sunsets, doctor would continue to be very meet a Swedish traveler who had When everyone was with their relaxing beaches or crazy full professional. also had a kidney infection earlier friends or family on Christmas, I moon parties. I however, spent I was immediately connected on in the week and promised me was at my home away from home most of my time in Koh Phang- to an I.V. with a saline solution I would feel better soon and that — the “Thai Inter Medical Clinic” han’s wonderful little “Thai Inter drip, and given antibiotics. I spent the staff at this clinic was the best! where I not only felt welcomed, Medical Clinic” where the doctors half an hour in the hospital, and This was enough for me to stay but loved! are warmer than the shining sun afterwards the doctors called me motivated and to try my hardest I don’t try to erase those four above. a free cab to go back to the hotel to get better. days from my memory, but rather Not 24 hours after arriving on to rest. I felt lucky to have found By the end of the whole or- I cherish the people I met during Koh Phanghan from Bangkok, we this clinic and was looking forward deal, I was thanking my lucky this time and am glad that it has made our way down to the south to my next visit (Note: nothing in stars that I had found this clinic made me a stronger and braver end of the island towards Haad Thailand is ever free.) amidst the chaos/dirtiness/sleazi- person. I would be lying if I said Rin where the Full Moon Party After each 30 minute drip, I ness that is Koh Phanghan. The I wasn’t scared shitless, but as festivities were under way. felt increasingly more alive and friendly doctor who was always a wise man once said: “All’s well Feeling a little tired and light- by the 3rd day I was ready to go! patient with my 101 questions, the that end’s well!” headed while getting ready for there, wondering what I had eat- out. Throughout the night, I would the party, I figured I had just got- en earlier for lunch, I got my sec- wake up in a bed full of sweat, ten a bit too much sun. After all I ond huge wave of nausea and vomit to the point of crying, and had just spent my first full day at bolted back to where the cabs then fall back asleep. This hap- the beach. As we headed down were parked. pened about every half hour and to Haad Rin in an open-air taxi As I asked if anyone would be Amar was always there rubbing cab, I felt increas- so kind as to accompa- my back and encouraging me ingly worse with each ny me back to the hotel, through the whole ordeal. bump or pothole we everyone kind of looked The next morning, once my sped over. When it at each other hoping other friends had arrived back at came time for dinner, someone else would the hotel, everyone agreed that I had to give away my volunteer so they would what I had was not food poisoning Pad Thai and spring be able to stay and ex- or sun stroke, but in fact some- rolls to hungry friends. perience the party in all thing worse. Days later, when I just didn’t think my its glory. Lucky for me, I asked Amar to describe how I stomach could han- a fellow Awaji-nite and looked that night/morning, she ut- dle it. close friend, Amar Jo- tered a single word: Death. I had been looking hal became my saving Wearing my pajamas and forward to the Full Moon Party for grace that night. makeup from the night before, as long as I could remember. Ten The cab ride home was a my friends more or less carried thousand crazed, drunken tour- blur, as my fever got increasingly me over to the “Thai Inter Medi- ists dancing on a beach — what’s worse, and trying to not throw up cal Clinic” where the doctor im- not to love? Unfortunately for me, out the back of the cab became mediately sensed something was I made it onto the beach for a total an impossible mission. Arriving wrong. When he told me that he of ten minutes before I violently back at the hotel was all I could would have to check my blood, started throwing up everywhere. focus on. I longed for a bed, pri- I looked around my surround- Crowd goers must have as- vacy and air conditioning. ings noting a small, but relatively sumed I had already drunk my Once we got back, I immedi- clean clinic but then remember- body weight in alcohol. As I stood ately crawled into bed and passed ing I was still in a country whose Page 26 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 27 Gobble gobble, Turkey Day!!! By Alison Lonnen ...wait, what? Some truth Tu it By Tuwhakaroa Biddle Editor’s note: You may think peas, ham, curried mince, this is a bit late, but the Hyogo salad, macaroni and cheese, I supposedly have a way with words, so I’m told, al- AJET Thanksgiving Feast was beef and vegetable stew, cus- though I personally feel that my vocabulary is probably so special that even months later tard and pecan pie, and apple the worst in the world, my spelling is worse still and people still reminisce about it. To and apricot pastries. having very little idea of how grammar and tenses ac- add to their fond memories and As you can imagine, it tually work my sentences probably are textbook wrong. serve as an early reminder for didn`t really take us much Even so when asked to write for the Hyogo Times I next year’s feast, we have gotten time to take our places and was faced with a hard question: What to Write? a Alison to share her experience. get stuck into the (very) oishii I don’t know about you but I am quite possibly the Experiencing the food. most indecisive person you will ever meet or not meet. Feast The evening was an un- I am the last to order at a restaurant, never know which As a new JET and an Aus- qualified success and a good beer to drink so usually work my way through the list, tralian expatriate, I wasn’t at all time was had by all. A huge I can’t even decide how to cook my eggs (maybe Beth sure what to expect when I ar- thanks must go first of all to should decide for me). I put it down to the fact that I’m rived at the annual Hyogo AJET the staff of the Blue Plate Res- a Gemini but that’s an easy excuse because I actually Thanksgiving Feast, but it turned taurant for their excellent food think astrology is bullcarks. What to write? out to be a very memorable eve- and service on the night. I figured that the only people reading this are Jets ning, full of fun with friends and Secondly to Jeff Weese, anyway so writing about my experiences at school amusing cultural exchange. Amy Piesse and all the other or out amongst the natives are rather redundant as The feast took place at the Hyogo AJET members who in most cases you have all experienced the same to Blue Plate Restaurant in Himeji gave their time and energy so some degree and lets face it school days are rather on Saturday, November 17th generously in organizing such mundane. 2007. When all the participants a wonderful evening. It was I also don’t think I’m interesting enough a person to had successfully found the res- greatly appreciated by all who write about myself and I’m not so self involved to think taurant and gathered inside we attended. that even if I did write about me any of you would actu- make it appeal to the many – but I suppose with a kicked off the festivities with a Happy Thanksgiving! ...al- ally read it and give a damn (I wouldn’t so I wouldn’t marketing degree I should be able to do that right? few words about Thanksgiving beit a few months too late! expect anyone else to). What to write? What to write? holiday traditions. This was fol- Things I write off the top of my head tend to be kind I asked myself: What do I think other people would lowed (in true Japanese style) of dirty, a little wrong and occasionally somewhat of- be interested in reading about? This possibly comes by the holding of a Janken com- fensive (read my FaceBook poems if you don’t believe down to plain cluelessness but I don’t know and I petition to see which table would me) and therefore aren’t necessarily suitable for wider wouldn’t want to presume/assume anything about get first dibs on all the delicious circulation. Even if I do write something it is usually anything. I then thought: What do I like to read about? Thanksgiving food. because I am bored, in a bit of a spastic mood and I don’t actually like reading anymore but in the few and Although I had been fore- therefore only really do it to amuse myself. Nonethe- far between times I do I either like it, am impartial or warned by some concerned less I don’t really make that much sense even to my- don’t like it but I couldn’t tell you why in any case. What American friends about the self. What to write? to write? amount of food I would see at When it comes to anything I’m a big believer in How about I write something about nothing? With- such a Feast, the number of de- the moment or relevance. For example nothing over- out even trying I guess I have. Something not neces- licious dishes still delighted and ly wonderful or dreadful has happened recently that sarily relevant, something rather self involved, some- amazed me. I think merits discussion or even mentioning for that thing I presume people might read, something some The massive turkeys took matter. I like watching TV shows that are topical, they kind of decision making was required for and some- pride of place as centerpieces, are relevant now, as they tend to interest and amuse thing about absolutely nothing. I suppose I must of and they were surrounded by me the most. I however wouldn’t actually know where done something right if anyone has made it this far and candied yams, roasted pump- to start if writing about something that is relevant main- if you have lets be friends we obviously have nothing kin, stuffing, mashed potatoes, ly because I wouldn’t be able to decide what is and in common. What to write next? Page 28 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 29 Wheel of Jeopardy! Time for the H.T. Quiz­ — ridiculous and ridiculouser! By Joy Feddes Last 7. night: Why am I writing for the Hyogo a) I put a wig 1. Times? on you when a) Because the reputation of this fine bit of me- you were dia is so esteemed, I consider myself blessed. sleeping b) Because of flattery. I’m vain and fall for any- b) You real- thing that the editors say to woo me into writ- ized that your ing. kotatsu is like c) I’m doing my bit to make the world a brighter a pre-made place. What have you done lately? fort and you made a nest 2. All you got for Christmas was: under it a) Figgy pudding! c) You fin- b) Well, you really wanted a crab, or was that ished reading crabs? Did you get crabs? Charles Dick- You don’t know Hyogo c) A kid from your elementary school gave you ens’ “A Tale her two front teeth. Boy aren’t you lucky! of Two Cities” By Graham Neubig Q2: On the Jan. 10 every year, Q4: Which of the following Japanese Your apartment most closely resem- and promptly thousands of people gather at celebrities is from Hyogo? 3. bles: went to his Shirtless ‘80s Trebek approves this quiz. Test how much you know about Nishinomiya Jinja in a celebration of a) Author Haruki Murakami a) An icebox. grave and our lovely prefecture with these trivia which God? b) Prime Minister Yasuo b) A shoebox kicked the tombstone for making you suffer through questions! a) Izanagi, the god who created the Fukuda c) Your Box? it. Japanese archipelago. c) Soccer Star Shunsuke Did you give omiyage to your staffroom Q1: Which of these famous Japanese b) Ebisu, the god of good fortune Nakamura 4. after your last trip? 8. I just want you to know: movies takes place mainly in Hyogo and successful business. d) Actor Ken Watanabe a) Yes I did, I buying friends with omiage! a) It ain’t where I been, but where I’m ‘bout to go Prefecture? c) Amaterasuoomikami, the god of b) Hell no. Charge me 2000Yen/month for in- b) You’ve got it goin’ on a) Seven Samurai: Akira Kurosawa’s the sun. Q5: Which of the following major stant coffee that I don’t drink, and you get noth- c) The cleaning song at my school is partly in Eng- famous story of 7 samurai who d) Indra, the king of the gods. companies is based in Kobe? ing! lish, but I have no idea what they are saying. That come to save a rural village from a) Kitchen equipment company c) I did, but then I ate it. can’t be a good sign. bandits. Q3: Toyooka, the largest city in northern Hoshizaki You went to the Kobe mid-year confer- b) Battle Royale: A film by Beat Hyogo, produces 70% of Japan’s… b) Tractor company Kubota 5. ence and learned: What your answers mean: Takeshi about a radical program a) Downhill skis c) Sports equipment company a) That you can’t understand simultaneous English/ Mostly A: You are a stunning creature with a small dan- to restore discipline in schools b) Handbags Asics Japanese conversation. druff problem. Get that fixed. Also, buy me a latte. Make through combat. c) Springs d) Electric device company b) That your two most favourite words are nomi sure you spend time outdoors this month and get your

c) Nobody Knows: A Cannes d) Pencils Panasonic and hodai. vitamin D up! But stay away from Sunny D... that stuff's

c. The headquarters are based on Port Island, off the coast of Kobe. of coast the off Island, Port on based are headquarters The c.

Award-winning film about four 5) c) Romantic time in the car, eh... garbage.

children who were abandoned by Wood.” Mostly B: You are an extrovert, trapped in an intro-

a. He was born in Ashiya city, and outlines his life in the semi-biographical “Norwegian “Norwegian semi-biographical the in life his outlines and city, Ashiya in born was He a.

their parents and forced to live on 4) 6. You have decided that next year: vert's body. Shut your freaking gob banana! If a strang-

their own. times. the with up keep to handbags make a) You are going to recontract. Because you love er offers you candy, take it. Hello, free candy! Go

b. Woven willow baskets were a traditional industry in Toyooka, which evolved to to evolved which Toyooka, in industry traditional a were baskets willow Woven b.

d) Grave of the Fireflies: An animated 3) the money, I mean sleeping on the floor and teach- teach a kid the word "verbal" and get a good laugh. throughout Japan. throughout

2) film about two children who lose Ebisu to devoted shrines 3,500 over for headquarters is Jinja Nishinomiya b. ing. Yes…you love teaching. Mostly C: I see you looking at me, wondering what's in

1)

their parents in WWII, called one Kobe. of fire-bombing the in experience author’s the on based was story The d. b) You are getting the ‘ell out of here. No more store, what gem of wisdom awaits. I know you read A and of the most powerful anti-war Answers: shoebox icebox living for your box. B and just want to pick the best one. I can tell you that you films ever made by Roger Ebert. c) You will steal a small Japanese child and raise have nice eyes. Make sure no one gets lost in them, or it for your own. they might get mad, and that can't be good. Page 30 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo Times, February 2008 — Page 31

up. I feel like my life in Japan pales Japanese culture It’s hard not to understand and not to in comparison to other JETs who live While I can appreciate tons of be understood. It’s also hard to not form near a train station or near a bigger amazing things about Japanese cul- very close relationships with Japanese city, or at least don’t have to cross a ture, there are some things that really people like I would with people at home. body of water to get to a Starbucks or bother me. Japanese people don’t hug when they an English bookstore. It is so frustrating that the commu- haven’t seen each other in a long time, My Apartment nication is indirect all the time, no mat- or when they are saying goodbye. They My apartment is old and dirty and ter what. It’s hard never to be able to aren’t passionate about their relation- it seems unhealthy to be living in it. It get a straight answer or an honest an- ships and their lives. Everything is so... has old tatami, bugs galore, an an- swer, and it’s hard to be looked at like formal. And cold. I see myself enjoying cient shower, it smells bad, it has poor you are a crazy person when you say a culture that is loud and loving and not circulation and poor heating/cooling something direct to them. shy about how much they love life. systems and many other problems. Also, it’s so dark outside even though I have asked twice for the school to fix the lights. Social Life Social life on Awaji basically con- sists of occasionally having dinner You dont have to go home, with people, and maybe going to ka- raoke on someone’s birthday. We are all spread out and it takes forever to but you can’t stay here get anywhere because of traffic, slow drivers and one-lane roads. An anonymous submission from a ONE word sometimes, or after I call now, and another year in Japan won’t There’s basically only one bar JET who chose not to recontract a student’s number, it takes a minute help that. I’m also out of touch with where we’ve ever all been to togeth- detailing their reasons why. for that student to raise their hand. biology. As it is, I haven’t taken a bi- er, and we eat at the same places all Teaching It isn’t rewarding, it isn’t challeng- ology class in three years because the time. Effectively, social life is al- I got into teaching because it is ing, and it isn’t fun. It’s tedious, bor- I finished that degree pretty early. I most non-existent. rewarding and I like getting to know ing, and I don’t feel like I’m making a wanted to get involved in the biology JET Program BOMBAY students. I also love feeling like an difference at all. Also, when I teach classes here, but I can’t understand While it would be difficult to do, I Authentic Indian food and entertainmen! active member of the school commu- with some JTEs they don’t discipline what’s going on, and they can’t un- think the program needs to become nity. Here I feel like an outsider all of the students at all. If I say “Be quiet” derstand me, so it seems like it is more standardized. It isn’t fair that Authentic Indian restaurant !t for a Maharajah. Enjoy the time. I only talk to a few teach- and the students continue talking more trouble than it’s worth. some ALTs teach five classes a week delectable tandoori dishes in a traditional setting just ers on a regular basis, some of which and the JTE doesn’t step in, it is re- Location and others teach 20. It isn’t fair that minutes from Akashi JR station. Bombay also has are leaving in March when the school ally frustrating. I have a VERY hard While Awaji is a beautiful island some ALTs can take nenkyu whenev- Kashmiri dishes that can"t be found anywhere else in Japan! year switches over. time talking when students are talk- and it is luckily in the Kansai area, er they want and others can only take I know a lot of it has to do with ing, and it’s something I definitely re- it is still far from Kobe, Osaka and them when there’s no class. It isn’t fair the language barrier because I can’t fuse to do in America. But here, they Kyoto. On the weekends, I feel like I that some ALTs have nice apartments !!!HAJET MEMBERS!!! speak Japanese and that’s my fault, don’t see me as a figure of authority, have to leave the island just to get a and some live in shitholes. Bombay o#ers Hyogo AJET but I don’t feel like a part of the school more like a guest in the classroom. break from my apartment and school. While we shouldn’t compare our members 10$ o# your total bill! staff. I don’t feel included, important, Professionally It costs $20 one way to get to Osaka, situations to others’, it’s hard not to Stop by on Thursday when live or valued. I feel like my masters degree in and then once I get there I have to when you are living in a foreign coun- music spills out onto the streets In class, the students are UN- education is going to a waste here as find a place to stay. try and everything is new and most BEARABLY quiet. With a few excep- teaching in an American classroom is So Awaji can be a cheap place to of your friends are other ALTs expe- of Akashi! tions, they don’t want to speak Eng- completely different from teaching in live, but being the antsy social but- riencing the same things. They are Open everyday except Monday lish. Most don’t want to study English Japan. I’m not using things I learned terfly that I am, I am willing to pay to also cutting senior high school ALT from 11:30%14:15 and 17:00%22:30 and aren’t excited to be in class. as a masters student and I’m prob- leave the island as much as possible. numbers by 50 this year, so some They are extremely shy, not willing to ably slowly forgetting a lot of it too. I’m not saving as much money as I people that do re-contract might have try, and overall frustrating to teach. It It won’t be easy to go back and thought I would because traveling to move apartments or schools or TEL: 078&915&1825 takes them a whole minute just to say get a job teaching biology in America off the island every weekend adds even cities. Page 32 — Hyogo Times, February 2008 Hyogo AJET Elections The AJET Committee — Who In a couple of months, I’ll be looking Hyogo Prefectural Representative are they and what do they do? for someone to take over this position, so if This job is mostly what you make of Charity Committee you’re interested, and enjoy sending many, it, like most on the committee. Your main The charity committee is a sub-com- many emails and being super-involved (or responsibilities will include: mittee of HAJET and basically open to be being very good at delegating), it’s certainly — Staying informed on everything that is shaped at your will. In the past, the com- a worthwhile challenge to take on. going on in the committee, and making mittee has hosted various events, including Amy Piesse sure that the committee keeps each other pub quizzes and concerts, with proceeds informed. going to various charities around the world. Secretary — Turning in Quarterly Reports to Na- We have long-standing relationships with Essentially the role of the HAJET sec- tional AJET along with the Treasurer’s several organizations and schools, including retary is an easy one. In this position all you Report Habitat for Humanity. need to do is email the committee before — Serving as the main point of contact The basic premise is just keeping Hyogo meetings and write up an agenda, take notes for National AJET, other AJET chapters, Jets informed about volunteer opportunities at the meeting and then type up the minutes the Hyogo BOE, and any outside organi- or chances to give to charity. This year we and email them to everyone. zations. had two co-chairs, but it can be done by one Keeping the committee informed is your — Running the monthly AJET meeting person or with a friend. But the most reward- main job but if you want to help other mem- and keeping it moving efficiently. ing part about this post is the ability to work bers of the committee then you can also do — Leading the yearly membership drive. as a team as an HAJET committee member, that. You can make your position whatever — Anything else you want to do. The serving your fellow JETS and the great feel- you would like it to be. possibilities are endless. ing and experience that you gain from giving Elections for the new HAJET commit- This job is a lot of fun, and you get to joy and hope to others who are in need of it! tee will be coming up in the next couple of meet a lot of awesome people and have a lot Brenda and Kelly months with the hand-over normally hap- of input on a lot of awesome events. If you pening in March. If you are interested in the have any other questions feel free to email Webmaster secretary position and have any questions, me at hajetpr”gmail.com. Hi! I’m Colin Fukai, the Webmaster of please don’t hesitate to email me at haje- Brandon Kramer the Hyogo AJET Committee. Basically, I [email protected] responsible for implementing and maintain- Angela Nicholson Hyogo AJET Committee Elections ing the web presence of HyogoAJET: www. These will happen by email in early Late hyogoajet.net. Our web site is unique among Hyogo AJET Treasurer February/Early March. All positions open up AJET sites in that it can be directly edited The Hyogo AJET Treasurer ‘s primary every year for election so if you want to be by everyone (Wikipedia-style), so if you have duty is to maintain the Hyogo AJET account a part of this organization, definitely think useful information to share please add it! My (through postal savings) in an accurate, about running. goal is to make the most interactive and use- timely, and professional manner. It is a lot of fun and it is a great way to ful resources possible, easily available to all This includes, but is not limited to; com- meet lots of people, organize great events, Hyogo JETs! mittee payouts; events/promotions/trip fi- and help the Hyogo JET community stay in Colin Fukai nancing; processing new and renewal mem- touch! bership; co-creating a budget with the rest The positions available are as follows: Events Co-ordinator of the committee; managing other income; Prefectural Representative Hi, I’m Amy, and I’ve been responsible keeping the books/accounts up to date and Events Coordinator for some of the fantastic events that you’ve submitting quarterly reports to the block rep- Charity Coordinator attended over the past 6 months or so - beer resentative. Treasurer gardens, white water rafting, hiking days, ski The Hyogo AJET Treasurer should have Secretary trips etc. My job involves organising people, excellent communication skills as they will al- Awaji Representative places and cheap booze and making sure ways be communicating with the committee Tajima Representative that venues will still have Hyogo Jets as pa- on budget issues. They will also constantly Kobe Representative trons even when the event is over. be in contact with the payees and recipients There are also a few appointed posi- If you’ve got any suggestions, criticisms in regard to furikomi details. tions available, such as Advertisements and at all for any future events or stress-relief The Hyogo AJET Treasurer will also Promotions Chair and Librarian if you are massage vouchers that you don’t want to have to have very good time management interested. use, please email me at hajetevents@gmail. skills. Submitting quarterly reports, com- For a more detailed explanation of com. If you’re interested in running your own munication with payees and recipients, and each position’s responsibilities, please event for Hyogo Jets, HAJET may be able to money transfers all must be done punctu- email Brandon at [email protected] and provide some funds to help you out - shoot ally. he will put you in touch with the current of- us a proposal and we’ll chat. Robyn Bailey fice holder.