Citizens!
Saihoku/Murayama Party August 9 (Sat 土) and
Yamagata Welcome Party August 16 at Kajo Park.
Posted 2008-8-4
Just 2 announcements, today.
- The Murayama/Saihoku Welcome party for August 6th is canceled. Instead, let's just focus on the Saturday, August 9th one. We are still deciding what that night will entail, but please meet at Mr. Donuts at 7pm if you want to come.. =)
- The August 16th Welcome Party (please see attached amazing flyer, designed by Diana) will be in Kajo Park from 2:30 ish to 6ish. The cost is nothing, but you get what you pay for…please bring your own conbini sando and drinks. The idea is just to have a casual meet and greet on my three amazing tarps. Some of my students may even stop by. Really low key.
If you find yourself on this list and have left or are in the process of leaving, please don't worry. We here at HQ just wanted you to know that the functions were happening, so you'd have the option of stopping by or passing the information on to your successor. We won't flood your inbox in the future.
Over and out,
Kat =)
My Fellow Yamagatians - Fireworks, Matsuris, and Parties OH MY!
What an strong show of force last weekend! Excellent work citizens. I am confident that with this level of effort, we can absolutely beat the heat with enough teamwork and beer.
Here is your Weekly Briefing:
1. Thank you for last weekend.
Amazing to see so many Yamagatians playing up in Shonai Friday and Saturday! Things seemed to just fall together. Clearly, it's due to the high levels of awesomeness and chill of the participants. I kept hearing, and caught myself on several occasion making, bouts of laughter over the silliest things. In the park, in the bar, in the karaoke room, on the beach... It was a great time, and I thank ya'll for coming. Also, I thank Commander Kuntz for all his logistics, and all the Shonai citizens for being tour guides and recreational planners!
2. Let's do it again! No rest for the wicked!
THIS coming Friday July 18 - Murayama
5:30 - 9pm - Cherie is hosting a farewell party at the Beer Garden on the 7th floor (roof) of the Yamako building (Yamagata City, in front of the station - it's the building with the busses).
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THIS coming Saturday, July 19 - Shonai
Julia is helping host a farewell party at Raja Bar, across the street from Shimizuya Department store in Sakata. Max will be DJing! don't miss it.
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THIS coming Sunday, July 20-21 (Marine Day! How awesome!)- Shonai
4:30 pm (July 20th) Julia and Maki are spearheading a beach campout!! Please RSVP to Julia juliaiscoolia@gmail.com so she can get a headcount. 1000yen for drinks - bring your own food to grill, and tent. Or prepare to sleep under the stars...without complaining when it drizzles. =)
The place is the beach of Nishihama in Yuza (just north of Sakata).
Meet at the beach at 4:30pm on the 20th. To get there from Sakata, go North on Route 7 for about 10-15 minutes until you see a turn off on the left for Nishihama. We are going to camp at the swimming place, not the campground.
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3. Random things are AWESOME.
Here is something from Ed:
"There is a call for extras for a comedy-horror film "Yamagata Scream" (and no, I'm not making this up). It will be for 2 days on August 17 and 18 in Tsuruoka. There is some info about it here in Japanese: http://www.mokkedano.net/cgi/1/infovw.cgi?p=526
For more info, call TEL 0235-62-3903."
4. Upcoming events.
These are the events coming up as I know them. PLEASE feel free to email me corrections or updates - especially local festivals towards the end of August and September are sketchy - I am using an old sheet from Zao to help list them, and festival dates sometimes change for weekends.
Let's enjoying summer! I am exciting!
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July 26, 2008 (last Saturday of July) - Tsuruoka. This summer performance of Kurokawa Noh is on a stage built over water and surrounded by bonfires to create a mystical atmosphere. Time: Starts at 17:00. Tickets: 2000 yen in advance; 2200 yen on the day Location: Sogo undo koen (sports park) in Kurokawa (in the Kushibiki area of Tsuruoka city).
Link: http://www.tsuruokakanko.com/
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July 30th - Yamagata City. Group A Welcome Party. 7-9pm. At Uotami (probably) restaurant, right across from the station. Newbs can come as they are able, but please email Yamagatajet@gmail.com if you are a super sempai who is planning to come, so I can get a working head count.
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August 1, 2008 (first Friday of August). - Sakata. Time: 19:00-20:30. Location: Sakata City Center Access: 10 minutes on foot from Sakata station Link: http://www.city.sakata.yamagata.jp/
Sakata Jinku (folk song) Nagashi Parade is one of Sakata's most popular events. Groups dressed in traditional costume dance in a parade around the main shopping area of Sakata city. The parade is open to any groups who wish to dance. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should contact Sakata's International Center (Kokusai Koryu Center).
Tel: 0234-26-5615; Email: kokusai@city.sakata.lg.jp
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August 1 - 2, 2008 SHONAI Sakata Port Festival and Fireworks Night. August 1st - there is a parade. August 2nd - there are amazing fireworks. Time: 19:30-20:30 The fireworks show, which lasts for an hour and is set to music, takes place on the banks of the Mogami river. Location: Mogami riverside (Swan Park), Sakata City Access: 10 minutes by bus from Sakata station
Link: http://www.city.sakata.yamagata.jp/
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Saturday 2nd August - OKITAMA Nagai Fireworks festival. Can come in your Yukata to eat good festival food and have some drinks and laughs. Monica will be setting out a sheet and heading over to the festival area around 4:00pm to relax and chat with some food and beers. The fireworks start around 8:00.
When: Aug 2nd 4:00pm
Where: River side by the Mizu Matsuri festival
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August 5-7th - Yamagata City. Nanakamachi. HANAGASA! ALTs are invited to dance on the 5th! It's a downtown festival and parade - lots of festival food to be had if you can make it to town - even if you don't dance!
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August 6th - Yamagata City. Group B Welcome Party. 7-9pm. At Uotami (probably) restaurant, right across from the station. Newbs can come as they are able, but please email Yamagatajet@gmail.com if you are a super sempai who is planning to come, so I can get a working head count.
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August 9th - Yamagata City. Joint Group and region night in the city! 7-9 Warawara (probably) (Yamagata Ekimae), J's bar or Rough Roll Nijikai, maybe Karaoke Sanjikai. Newbs can come as they can, but please email Yamagatajet@gmail.com if you are a super sempai who is planning to come, so I can get a working head count for Wara wara.
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August 10 - Tsuruoka city. Akagawa Fireworks Exhibition. Time: Starts at 19:15. This is one of the top 5 fireworks competitions in Japan, featuring
over 30,000 fireworks from 20 different fireworks companies. Location: Akagawa river area, Tsuruoka city Link: http://www.akagawahanabi.com/
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August 14th Yamagata Fireworks Display in (Yamagata City)
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August 14 and 15. Tsuruoka. Shonai Taisai (Shonai Grand Festival) Location: Shonai shrine, Tsuruoka park. Access: 10 minutes by bus from Tsuruoka station. Get off at City Hall (shiyakusho) / Tsuruoka park (Tsuruoka-koen)
Links: http://www.dewa.or.jp/jinjahan/
http://www.tsuruokakanko.com/season/taisai/index.html
This 2-day festival centered around the Shonai Jinja (Shonai shrine) in
Tsuruoka park, features cultural performances as well as a parade of
dancers, warriors, women and children dressed in costumes dating back
to the Edo period.
August 14: From noon - various cultural events at Shonai shrine,
including a performance of Kurokawa Noh (starts at 5pm).
August 15: Parade starts at 1:30 at Tsuruoka park, eventually
returning to Shonai shrine. From 7:30pm there is a lantern festival in
the river bordering the park.
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August 15th Oe Fireworks Display (Oe Town)
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August 16 - Yamagata City - Kajo Park. Meet and Greet. 3 - 6 pm. Come hang out on my amazing tarps in the park to meet new people. I'd love as many sempai to show up at some point as possible. After, people can hang out in the city or go home. =)
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August 20th Matsuyama Noh play (Matsuyama Town)
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24th-26th Shinjo Festival
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25th-27th Tokunai Festival (Murayama City). Forgot if it starts on the 25th or 26th???
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September 6th - Nagai - Jomon Mura Camp Out. 4pm - 10am. Can come earlier to play in this archaeological site! 1000y donation to the AJET council gets you access to a sweaty night in the sticks! Bring a pillow, blanket, beer and foiod to nibble or grill. Go to the Nagai station, and get a taxi to Jomon Mura (15 minutes). Car directions will come later. =D
ALSO - lets do the Immonikai the next day! =D
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September 7th - Yamagata City - Immonikai - Taro and beef stew picnic made in a GIANT vat. More fun than that sounds. =D It's on a riverside. More information to come.
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September 5th - 16th - Kaminoyama City - National Scarecrow Festival
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Mid September - Funagata River Sweetfish Festival - Funagata Town
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September 14th-16th - Sagae Festival (need to check this date)
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September 14th- 17th - Yachi Ddonga Festival - Kahoku Town (need to check this date)
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Here's to a great summer - wherever we may be!
-Kat
--
Yamagata AJET President
cellphone: 090-7528-4114
cellphone mail: katmckell@ezweb.ne.jp
Message from Kajo Central - International Relations Office
Posted: 2008-7-9
I. Last dicth effort: I need volunteers for the Pancake Brunch on Saturday the 12th. Nothing too stressful, you might be playing "Kick the Can" or guarding the maple syrup I had imported from Nova Scotia. It is the same day as all the goodbye stuff in Sakata, but I only need you at Kajo Park
until 2pm.That gives you lots of time to get to Sakata before the BBQ is over. I have to work till 6pm, but I will drive to Sakata after that, so it
is possible for people to get a ride with me. I have to come back fairly early on Sunday, to catch the High Speed Train to Tokyo.
II. Speaking of Driving: anyone who is sticking around and has been driving on a International Drivers Permit needs to get that changed to a Japanese
Driver's License. This is not really difficult, but there are various things you need to prepare which take time, like a translation of your Driver's License from you home country. You CAN NOT simply renew your IDP, you must switch to a Japanese Driver's License if you wish to continue
driving legally in Japan.
III. For those people leaving: don't forget to make the proper arrangements so that you can recieve your Pension Rebate after leaving Japan. This is a lot of money, so it is worth going through the motions. Your supervisor has probably talked to you about this already. If not, talk to them.
IV. Photo Contest: I totally forgot, but we are having a photo contest at AIRY right now. The theme is "Hana". So far we only have one entrant and 5 prizes, so you have a pretty good shot. *note: this is not a guarantee... sorry Guy.*
V. Library Donations: We have had about 200kg of book donations recently at AIRY. We are still accepting books, but please keep in mind that we
already have Lord of the Rings, Dan Brown, Harry Potter, anything that says "New York Times Bestseller", and tons of Japan travel guides and a million
worthless "teach yourself Japanese only using the Alphabet" books that will be no more help to anyone else than they were to you. These books get
donated to Book Off and many of them probably go in the garbage, so maybe that copy of James Clavel's "GAIJIN" should go to a friend or directly in
the bin instead. Like I said, we will still accept the books, just keep that in mind when you donate them.
VI. If you have any questions about Visas, Cherry Picking, or anything else, please let me know right away. The counsellor at AIRY will still be
availible during the two weeks I will be away. She will do her best to help you I'm sure, but service will only be availible in Japanese.
Thats it. Happy Summer, Happy Trails and Happy Family Beverage.
Enjoy the time you have left in Japan
Colin Rennie
Coordinator for International Relations
Association for International Relations in Yamagata
Tel. 023-647-2560 Fax. 023-646-8860
URL: http://www2.jan.ne.jp/~airy
Email: renniec2007@pref.yamagata.jp
Sayonara Leaving Packets
Posted July 9-, 2008
Leaving Japan? Need some advice of what to do? Fretting? Don't worry, read these two Sayonara packets put together by Yamagata Jets.
Farewell Party!!
Posted July 9, 2008
My Fellow Yamagatians,
I am pleased bring you several tasty tidbits of important information in this week's briefing.
1. FYI (There WILL be a test) - Your official AJET Officers, officially occupying the officiating offices are:
1. Chris P Vice President
2. Joey D Treasurer/ Okitama Rep
3. Trish Shonai Rep
4. Maggy Murayama Rep
5. Shaina * Saihoku Rep *
Please welcome Shaina, as she has only recently accepted the call of duty, and we want to make sure she knows how super serious it is! ;)
2. Welcome parties
BL and AJET reps are working to make sure there are plenty of welcome parties for the new people. Starting next week, Command will keep those of you staying posted, in case you are in the mood to come mingle. We definitely want people to meet our veterans! JET, NOVA, HART, INTERACT and any other people you think they should meet.
3. THIS WEEKEND'S FAREWELL PARTY
Friends; the time has come!
Time to drive 112 to 7, take a bus or ride the rails to Sakata!
Your presence is requested for a rockingly musical official FAREWELL PARTY EVENT!
Saturday, July 12th.
First - a Farewell Picnic in Hiyoriyama park.
From 4 - 7ish pm It's starting a little later! Go to Colin's Kajo event first if at all possible!
Come hang out on tarps with us in this very casual picnic style event.
It's free, but you get what you pay for – bring your own drinks and conbini sando!
The idea is to hang out, and then wander off for dinner on your own (if your sando wasn't enough) and then continue to the party at Freestyle.
---------But, how do I get there? -----------
Immediate past Commander-in-Chief Kuntz has your answer!
Here is a MarksMaps.info link with the major land marks. http://www.marksmaps.info/map?lon=139.836312532&lat=38.9142167016&z=15
"As with all things in Japan, it's easier to explain in long, confusing paragraphs.
Walking from Sakata Station to Hiyoriyama Park:
1. Leave station (note Freestyle). Walk up street, station at your back.
2. Start counting stoplights to be safe
3. As you walk, you will see Tokyu Inn on your left
4. At the 3rd light, turn left. (There is a Yamagata Bank, too)
5. Walk straight (look for green awnings). Count traffic lights again to be safe.
6. After 4 traffic lights you will reach a small cobblestone park with a metallic obelisk (you'll understand when you see it)
7. Turn right toward Nakamachi, cross street (or use underpass) and continue straight until...
8. SHIMIZUYA DEPARTMENT STORE
9. There is an arcade between Shimizuya and a huge pachinko parlor (look for giant festival lion heads)
10. You want Shimizuya on your left and pachinko on your right
11. Walk straight for 6 blocks, DO NOT TURN (there will be a hill)
12. Hiyoriyama Park will be up the hill on the left
Here's a link to a map, but my directions suggest a simpler route, I think:
http://map.yahoo.co.jp/pl?p=%BC%F2%C5%C4%B1%D8&lat=38.91941622&lon=139.84911022&type=&ei=euc-jp&sc=3&lnm=%BC%F2%C5%C4%B1%D8&idx=25
NOTE: If you get confused, ask for Shimizuya Department Store. It's a major landmark in Nakamachi and it's a straight shot from there to Hiyoriyama Park.
If entering Sakata on Rt. 7 in a car:
1. enter Sakata on Rt. 7 (passing various businesses, including MAIMU Karaoke on your left)
2. Turn left onto Rt. 40. Do not pass the Book Off.
3. Proceed to Sakata City Hall (shiyakusho)
4. Park in City Hall lot
5. After parking, get out of the car and look for the huge SHIMIZUYA DEPARTMENT STORE. It's 1 block away.
6. There is an arcade between Shimizuya and a huge pachinko parlor (look for giant festival lion heads)
7. You want Shimizuya on your left and pachinko on your right
8. Walk straight for 6 blocks, DO NOT TURN (there will be a hill)
9. Hiyoriyama Park will be up the hill on the left
Walking from Hiyoriyama to Freestyle:
1. Walk back to Sakata Station.
2. BINGO!"
Second - Cafe Freestyle - THE event of the summer.
This will be the last show of the best band in Shonai! You want to go!
But it's not a huge venue. So if we have a fire marshal's nightmare on our hands, I will ask some ya'll festive party makers to come with me to an izakaya, or to go warm up our vocal cords and the seats at the karaoke place.
Third - An absolutely epic night of Karaoke.
Once again, former Commander Kuntz has come through for his people.
" I reserved the Party Room at the Maimu karaoke place on Rt. 7. It seats 40 people.
As it is, I reserved the Party Room from 1 am on with free time on the karaoke and nomihodai for 2800-yen per person."
Well done!
---------But, how do I get there? -----------
"DIRECTIONS TO KARAOKE are probably better left unsaid. I recommend either a walking caravan or taking taxis. By taxi, ask the driver to take you to MAIMU Karaoke on Rt. 7 (nana-go-sen no karaoke MAIMU)."
Fourth - Crash at a friend's, at a hotel, or just stay in the karaoke place till sunrise. And with the nomihodai deal Jeff got us, that seems like the funnest option.
Fifth - Go to beach near Sakata to wallow in hangover-ness. Or, maybe limp home and promise your body you will never drink again – those choices will be made on site.
Carry on!
Kat
ALT Experiences - For Leaving ALTs,
I know that you ARE busy preparing for your departure, but I have one more favour to ask of you. Just one more favour!
You might have been a SUPER ALT in your own town or city. You might have felt isolated from your JTEs and students. You might have done your job well and were happy with it. You might have been underutilized and felt that you didn’t contribute much at school. But whatever your experience, you are a part of the JET ALT community and ARE a resource. There are current and future ALTs that can benefit from your experience, people! If you don’t mind sharing, please contribute. I’d like to have your stories.
WHAT DO I WANT?
Team-Teaching stories/accounts/anecdotes/cautionary tales.
2 TYPES: 1 good à great & 1 mediocre à horrible Team Teaching experience.
LENGTH: a few paragraphs to 1 page for each.
DETAILS: In your stories, please detail this success or bomb of a lesson. Add any and everything! Below are some guidelines. But however you define the lessons, explain why they were good/bad. Think of the following:
Your ALT/JTE relationship: Open? Share work? Dictatorship?
Lesson: who planned it? You? JTE? Together? Was it well-organized?
Breakdown of lesson: class components: warm-up, review, read & repeat, pair work, group work, etc.
Space in class: Who stands in front of the class? At the side? At the back? Walks around the class?
Students: Were they receptive? Energetic? Bored? Genki? Did they understand the lesson? Any extra attention paid to slow learners? Any extra challenging work for advanced learners?
Extras:
Were you able to provide extra examples of the grammar point for your students?
Did you add cultural tidbits during the lesson (talk about your home)?
Your feelings: happy when the students understood were involved in the lesson; upset, when some students didn’t understand but you had to rush through the lesson; ecstatic/concerned when your JTE let you have complete control of the class; annoyed that you visiting school didn't send a plan ahead of time…
ATTENTION: You can identify yourself as a 1-shot, JHS or SHS ALT. Please DO NOT include the names of teachers, schools or the towns you live in. This MUST be anonymous.
WHY DO I WANT THEM? To create an anthology of sorts for:
-potential reference/motivational tool/warning for new ALTs at Zao
-case studies at future Teachers Seminars at the Center.
WHY SHOULD YOU DO THIS?
For English Education in
Please mail your stories to me by August 1st, if not sooner (the sooner the better).
If you want to write about an excellent/awful part of a lesson, that's fine too.
If you want to write about outside of the class experiences, I'll accept those as well.
THANK YOU in advance,
Ceed
T-Shirt Order - Round 1
My fellow Yamagatians!
Well done! You have met your objectives with outstanding success. All 50 slots for the first T-shirt run are filled, and it's even a day early. Way to stick it to THE MAN!
If you received a confirmation from me, then you are on THE LIST.
If you did not, you can request to be on THE NEXT LIST. It will be a very prestigious list, indeed. And that list will come in handy when I place the next order, once the new people arrive, the presidential coffers are refilled, and all payments are collected.
- Kat
Yamagata AJET T-Shirts!
My fellow Yamagatians,
Because of your quick response, hard work and dedication, we are winning the fight against shirtlessness. At home and on the streets, measures are now being put into place that will ensure each of us has access to affordable YamaG shirtage in the very near future. Artists, commenters, silent stalkers, panel of experts and general supporters - we salute you.
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Who knew there was so much talent in the ken?! Thank you all for your amazing work.
The vote came in almost tied, but so close, that we will be printing Alex Carter's green yama finger design, AND a limited run of his "nda" one. (See attached)
The initial run will be 50 shirts. (30 Yama fingers, 20 Ndas.) Email Yamagatajet@gmail.com to reserve your size (boys and girls, Japanese size) and shirt color - white, natural, olive, navy or pink. It will be a heavy cotton T-shirt.
If we receive your preference before Thursday, you'll get it just the way you order it. If not, you will have the chance to buy a white one, in whatever sizes we have left. If we sell out, I will happily go down the street to get more printed, and mail them out to you in late August.
More information about date and price will be posted as we have it. The printer doesn't foresee a problem in getting them finished by the going away party, but because Class Match is right around the corner for many schools, there are many, many T-shirts in the to-be-made line ahead of ours.
If we DO miss the target date of July 12th, they should be finished by the time of Cherie's Farewell party in Yamagata City, at the Beer Garden on July 18th.
If you are not planning on attending that event, we will ship to anyone leaving the ken for an extra shipping fee. =) And of course, if anyone outside of the ken wants one, we will ship for the price of the shirt + mailing cost.
Thank you Chippy for suggesting this project, and thank all the rest of you for designing and supporting it so beautifully. I love it when a plan comes together.
Kat
--
Yamagata AJET President
Totally informal - just come if you can/want and eat/drink/laugh/cry all you want. And not just Murayama-ians, but you're all invited! Invite your friends and JTEs!
My Fellow Yamagatians,
Posted: June 21, 2008
On Tuesday, a CHIPPI-ER citizen posted this puzzling question to Command:
"Why doesn't Yamagata have official (yearly) t-shirts made? "
Why indeed! Surely it's in our action plans or strategic briefings somewhere…we'll open an investigation immediately into why we have neglected our people in this respect!
Time is of the essence! Please make note of the following safety critical information!
--- First Annual Yamagata AJET T-Shirt Design Contest----
Deadline: Graphic and shirt color/type stipulations must be submitted by Friday June 27th. Fast and rushed? Yes….just the way we like it.
The goal is to have them ready for the farewell party. If not – then real close and mailable to people returning home.
Judging: A panel of experts will evaluate each design for printability, coolness, and, probably, patriotism.
1. It must have something that clearly identifies Yamagata or is strongly associated with Yamagata
2. It must be universal and relevant for all ALTs in the prefecture, - no specific photographs etc.
Aim: Nothing too fancy, but something cool that can be worn with pride. No "AJET" written on it, necessarily; something simple, fresh and that could be used as gifts as well. The AJET budget can't give them for free, but we'll have them available at cost, and you can email to reserve your (Japanese) size preference starting today.
Suggestions from the concerned citizenry:
- 'We suggest that the sole usage of English or English numbering should be avoided. If text is included - we encourage a harmonious blend of English and Japanese. Otherwise - keep it nice and graphic!' That way it can by used as a gift for others (friends and family). Maybe some Japanese friends would like to have one, in the future. Just an idea.
- The most important issue is T-shirt quality. Cheap cotton shirts don't stand a chance in the Japanese washing machines and then necks get stretch out after a couple of washes.
- "I was thinking that a cool logo of the mountains with the Kanji for Yamagata written in them would be cool." <---- That's a nice idea of the kind of thing that should be on the T-Shirt.
On this matter of grave urgency, I will be asking our Vice President Chris Pulleyn to chair the panel of experts. You can submit your designs to this account or to him directly between now and next Friday. There is no limit to the number you can submit – We like to work hard for our money. So hard for it honey.
The winner of the competition can be any Yamagatian we know who submits a design cool enough – it doesn't have to be a current JET participant. And for their troubles, the winner will achieve fame and glory, and the honor of serving their ken well. Oh, and they will get their shirt for free.
Let's engage technology with creativity to solve this people-going-shirtless threat to our community!
Welcome page in the AJET LookBook!
Posted 2008-6-18
Have a look at our Welcome Page in the AJET LookBook created by Penny Stamellos!
My Fellow Yamagatians (Today, just the leaving ones),
Posted: June 16, 2008
As I shuffle papers and try to get a feel for the best course of action, it has occurred to met that a "go-it-alone" policy is SO 2003. Inclusion is the new hawt political trend to follow. Delicious!
So, before you amazing friends and teachers go out into the wild blue yonder, I have 3 favors to ask.
1. If your successor will be in your same apartment, will you please email me your physical address, and his/her first name? Why so? Because we want to send a card and an invite with directions to a welcome party. And we want it waiting in the new resident's mailbox as proof that we are chomping at the bit to meet them. =)
Not to sell their information to spammers or anything they wouldn't want. Just a little Welcome Wagon.
2. If you have any suggestions, materials or advice you'd like to pass along to the new people, please email me. I'll compile it, and email it out once new people register with us. =)
The new year is fast approaching. I wish you all the best in packing and beyond. It would take a lot of spin to make a letter of support from me applicable to any job you are applying for....but if you want a reference letter at any point, I give GREAT verbiage. ;) And I'm willing...anytime, anywhere....
Ahem. No scandals in the office today. Thank you citizens, any help is greatly appreciated. Carry on,
Kat
--
Yamagata AJET President
cellphone: 090-7528-4114
cellphone mail: katmckell@ezweb.ne.jp
Jobs with Inside Tours Japan
Posted: 16,2008
My fellow Yamagatians,
What I lack in consistency, I make up in volume! Two emails in two days? Amazing dedication, if I may so humbly say.
I received this email today, and as I have OFTEN thought about how fun it would be to be a tour guide here, I wanted to get the information out to all ya'll ASAP.
Carry on!
Kat
Dear AJET-rep,
I am writing to let you know about some fantastic job opportunities with InsideJapan Tours, the UK's leading independent Japan travel specialist. With several ex-JETs already among our staff (myself included!), the new roles are ideal for JETs who are coming to the end of their time in Japan, and looking for a new challenge.
If you have JETs who will soon be leaving and are currently thinking about the next step, please let them know about these opportunities.
Kind regards,
Harry Sargant
www.insidejapantours.com
Exciting Job Opportunities with InsideJapan Tours!
InsideJapan Tours is a young, dynamic travel company organising small group tours and tailored travel packages. We have offices in Bristol, UK and Nagoya, Japan. We are a small team of dedicated experts, all with a passion for Japan.
We are currently accepting applications for two different roles:
Tour Leader (in Japan, seasonal)
Travel Consultant (full-time, based in our Bristol office)
These positions present the perfect opportunity for a returning JET to begin a career in the travel industry and use their knowledge and love of Japan!
See the attached docs for job descriptions and full details of the positions.
Applications should be made through our website:
www.insidejapantours.com
Farewell Parties and Toyotoa Event
Posted: 2008-6-13
*My fellow Yamagatians,*
As summer rolls back into the ken full force, I will probably have to raise the sweat threat level from elevated to high. Please be forewarned and take precautions. Stay hydrated. Preferably, at the Farewell Party and Logger's Rock out coming up on July 12th in Sakata.
3 things. No wait....5.
*1. Thank you Trish, Maggy, Chris and David for stepping up and taking AJET positions.* You'll be perfect. =D I am really looking forward to this coming year. And if anyone else wants to join the planning fun, feel free. It's an open offer. =)
*2. The Farewell party!* Invite your friends! Invite non ALTs! Invite your enemies - it's an all call event!
Saturday, July 12th. This will be a party in several parts.
First - a Farewell BBQ in Hiyoriyama park. From 2 - 7ish pm Confirmation and a map will come at ya next week. Bring beer, meat to grill, and a tarp, if you have one.
Second - Cafe Freestyle - THE event of the summer.
Third - An absolutely epic night of Karaoke.
Fourth - Crash at a friend's, at a hotel, or just stay in the karaoke place till sunrise.
Fifth - Go to beach near Sakata to wallow in hangover-ness. Will be decided night before.
*3.* Not really an AJET thing, but just a reminder that *the English Camp in Oe is approaching*, and they need ALTs to entertain and mystify students. If you've not done an English Camp - they are super fun. If you've not - contact Ceed. ceed-s@center.yamagata-c.ed.jp
*4.* The Block leader for Tohoku - who coincidentally is the PR rep for AJET - emailed us, and wants us to make a *Lookbook*? I am getting details now, but basically it will be a 5 page, B4 sized, color copy advertisement about Yamagata for the new people.
I am not sure about the parameters...but the deadline is June 20th. One week. Anyone looking for a structured excuse to use their artist talent? (Penny? =D ) If so, please email me. If not, I will steal images of Haguro and Skiing and festivals from our blogs and facebook pages, and throw something together. They want us to downplay the drinking part. This is a chance to show off your talent to a guy who actually appreciates nicely done marketing work. =D
*5.* I'm not sure if this is a job seminar, or just a chance to network and put your feelers out...but I got this from the same awesome AJET Block Leader. They need a decision by *SUNDAY JUNE 15*.
Interested in finding out more about Toyota?
Toyota Motor Corporation, situated in Toyota City, Aichi-Ken, would like to hold a one-day seminar for participants currently working under the JET program in Japan. We have held this program since 1998; the program is part of the Corporate Public Relations Division's program of international exchange activities within Japan. The schedule of this program is listed below. Please read carefully the following details.
*Date**:* **August 1 (Friday) **
(Note that this is not an official sponsored JET event so you would need a leave of absence if required to work on the day.)
*Meeting Place**: * *Nagoya Station*
(We will send you a map later with your acceptance notification.)
*Time**:* **8:30AM (Sharp, please!!)*
*Seminar ends at 4:15 PM; arrive back to Nagoya Station around 5:30 PM.
*Participants**: * *Current and former JET members
*Program**: * ①Tour of Toyota Kaikan Exhibition Hall and Presentation
about Environment
② Luncheon
③ Assembly & Welding plant tour
④ Trial Ride of FCHV Bus
⑤ Discussion with Corporate Public Relations Div. Managers
*Contact**: * Fumi Saito(Ms.) (e-mail: fumi_saito@mail.toyota.co.jp)
Corporate Public Relations Division
Tel: (0565) - 23 -3952
*Application**: * **By June 15, 2008*
*Number of participants: 30 people
(If more than 30 people apply, we will select participants referring
*Notification of acceptance in the end of June
*Application sheet: Please use the attached form.
*Other Info:** **The program will be conducted in English.
**Participants are requested to cover travel expenses to and from *the meeting place (Nagoya station). "*
Ok citizens. That will be all. Carry on. Good day!
Kat =D
Notes from Ceed - Welcome Letters, Oe English Camp, Reference Letters, Taxes, News Articles
Posted 2008-6-13
Good Afternoon Everyone!
What a beautiful day today! It’s strange to think that in just under 2 months the overall Yamagata JET group dynamic will change. What an exciting, yet somewhat sad time this is, ne.
Sorry for this lengthy mail. Separate mails seemed too time-consuming.
Welcome Letters for new ALTs
Kato-sensei and I will mail welcome packs to the new Prefectural ALTs next week. Whether you’re staying or leaving, Municipal or Prefectural, write a welcome letter for them. Please send me your letter, as an attachment, by Wednesday June 18th, onegaishimasu.
Municipal ALTs, the
Reference Letters for departing ALTs
If you want a reference letter, it’s better if you write you own letters and have your bosses sign them, rather than having your bosses write them. Thanx Jeremy.
If some of you are interested in a reference from Sato-sensei, he's invites you to mail and ask him.
If you’re interested in a reference from me, let me know and we’ll talk about it.
1st & 2nd year leaving JETs
You have a 3-year VISA. This working VISA is valid for 3 months after your JET contract ends. To extend it, you have to find a new job while this VISA is valid. After you find a new full-time job, go to the Sendai/Sakata bureau to get the Shurou Shikaku Shomeisho (employment certificate) (就労資格署名書). Remember, whether it’s work or leisure, if you plan to stay in
Inhibitant’s Tax (3rd-5th-year ALTs)
Inhabitant's Tax is due this month. You should figure out "if" or "how" you need to pay beforehand so it doesn't come as a nasty surprise. Just to let you know, your BOE does deposit this amount into your account.
OE English Camp
Volunteers needed! Trust me, I know that it’s a difficult time of the year, but these students would love to meet you. So far, I have only one potential volunteer. You don’t have to be at the camp for 4 days. If you’re only available for 2 days, 1 day or even 1 afternoon, please volunteer. Don’t stay at your school nenkyued out and bored. This is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with students really interested in English! Leaving JETs, I promise that I’ll never ask you again. Think of the kids! Explore beautiful OE town!
Once again, below is a general outline for the Oe E-CAMP YAMAGATA 2008.
Date: From 3:00pm, Tuesday July 29th to 11am, Friday Aug 1st (4 days 3 nights).
Where: Yamagata-ken Asahi children’s nature center
2523-5 Tateyama Aterazawa Oe-city Yamagata-ken
Phone: 0237-62-4125
Participants: 20-40 JHS students
Aims:
1 To give junior high students the opportunity to develop their listening and speaking skills.
2 To provide a deeper understanding of the English language, foreign countries and their cultures.
Class size: 20 participants
Class length: 50 minutes
Content: English conversation activities.
If you are interested, please let me know by Monday, June 16th, if not sooner. I’ll provide more information to those of you who volunteer.
Daily Yomiuri news articles:
Here are a few more articles for you to ponder…
Bringing English to rural
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/language/20080529TDY14001.htm
Focus on form emphasized to improve English Fluency
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/language/20080603TDY18004.htm
Making English Work
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/language/20080603TDY18002.htm
Japanese in Depth: Live to Communicate!
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/language/20080520TDY19001.htm
Take care! Hope to see you at Van’s!
List of Japanese Names
Posted 2008-6-11
This is a good resource for new JETs to Japan. It is a list of some family and given names in Japan. The list is in English and Japanese. It is a small sampling and you can find more by searching through Jim Breen's Dictionary using the ENAMDIC. The document is online at Yamagata English.
http://www.yamagataenglish.com/viewdocument?id=82
Cherry Seed Spitting Contest Sunday, June 15 in Higashine
Posted 2008-6-11
Outside of Higashine City Hall (map) from 10am -1pm is our annual Cherry Seed Spitting Contest. Lots of fun for everyone. Want to try for the record of 16 meters!?! Prizes will be given for the top three contestants.
-Mark
Logger's Band Event - Saturday, July 12 （７月１２（土）） And AJET Farewell BBQ in Sakata
Posted 2008-6-11 Hi everybody,
On Saturday, July 12th, the Logger's Band (Ed Fec, Paul Brown, myself, and the Sakurada sensei-gata) will play at Cafe Freestyle just outside Sakata station (map). Bring your dancing shoes and twist the night away.
As this is the last show that Paul and I will be playing with the band, you can expect to hear some climactic synth-glam-rock, and there are rumors of Julia Mushalko and Dorrie Spencer rocking the mic, too!!!
More details will come soon, but there is also talk of an AJET Farewell BBQ in Sakata that day. Kat will keep you all posted on that.
I will clean my apartment and open it for people to crash after the show. Should sleep 5 comfortably (10 if you're feeling friendly).
Hope to see you all some time soon,
Jeff
Calling Home for Cheap!
The cheapest way to call internationall is to use VOIP. VOIP is bascailly your phone over the Internet. There are many companies to choose from, so I will tell you about a few.
Why is it so cool?
1. Not so expensive, spend less than $30 USD for basically unlimited international phone calls.
2. Bring a local phone number from your home town to JAPAN! Yes, I have an American phone number here in Japan. It is only a local call for my mother and grandmother to call me in Japan!
3. This is all possible with the Internet! (Please support Net Neutrality (Google Letter, Save the Internet), without Net Neutrality VOIP, YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Xanga, etc. will probably dissapear!)
Skype - www.skype.com first desgned to call from your computer, but now they have handsets which to not require a comptuer (to be connected to). Lots of options, kind of pay as you go.
Vongage - (UK, Canada, USA) - Plugs into your WiFi, router, or ADSL/DSL modem. Works just like a real phone and does not require a comptuer. Various montly rates starting from $25USD. You can sign up for various world packages where you recieve unlimited calling to Europe, Asia, Central America, etc.
Lingo - (USA, Australia) - This is the company I use. Plugs into your WiFi, router, or ADSL/DSL modem. Works just like a real phone and does not require a comptuer. Various montly rates starting from $25USD. You can sign up for various world packages where you recieve unlimited calling to Europe, Asia, Central America, etc. For $5 a month get an additional phone nubmer anywhere in the world (20 some odd countries including Japan).
Global Range - Another easy to use system.
Check phone companies in your local country for VOIP services. There are more than what is listed here.
-Mark
Directions to VANs House for Party on the 14th
Posted 2008-6-6
Sorry for the spam, but those of you who are interested in the party June 14th, here are the bus directions to my house in haguro. get to the Yamagata Train Station go the the bus stand nearest to the police box (i think platform 1) bus comes at: yamagata station - Tsuruoka S mall 山形駅前 - 鶴岡エスモール 7:02 - 8:47 8:22 - 10:13 9:57 - 11:48 10:47 - 12:32 11:37 - 13:28 13:02 - 14:47 14:42 - 16:33 16:07 - 17:52 17:07 - 18:58 18:02 - 19:47 19:32 - 21:17 round trip will cost about 4200 yen once u get to S-mall, the bus stop for the city bus is outside the covered area near the bikes. If you arrive late, just give me a call and ill come pick you up. 080-6044-3121 unfortunately, i could not get a hold of the city bus schedule, sorry for the inconvenience. if you decide to take the city bus, its a red bus. get on that bus and about 30 mins later you'll want to get off at the stop called "Arakawa" (荒川) my house is the one with a blue roof on the main street. my address is: 997-0141 130-13 Nishida Arakawa Haguro-machi Tsuruoka-shi 997-0141 鶴岡市羽黒町荒川字西田130-12 just a reminder, you can come as early as 5PM (if you come earlier than 5 please call me) or as late as you want. come at your leisure. Some food and drinks will be provided and also room to sleep; but please bring your own bedding. ps. if you want to take the JR, take the JR to tsuruoka station. then once there you need to take the city bus to my house.
Welcome to all new Yamagata JETs!
Posted: 2008-6-5
Our YAJET President, Kat, welcomes all new JETs to Yamagata! Please read her letter.
Birthday Part at Van's House
Posted: 2008-5-30
When: June 14th
starts about 5ish (ifyou want to come earlier please let Van know)
House can sleep 20 people - BYO sleeping gear.
There is a BUS from Yamagata Station to S-Mall and then another BUS
from there to directly infront of Van's house. MORE to come soon
about location.
SOME food and drinks provided. Max Value and Family Mart close by
Type of party: Chill, hang, talk, chill music, ridiculously good
looking people.
Van's cell number: 08060443121
This is NOT a goodbye party. Just because.
Ps - JUST by the way - its also Van's birthday.
Stuff to do in Haguro:
If you havent been already - Mt Haguro is REALLY worth it. 2,446
steps and really beautiful - you also get a certificate! WOOO...
Good Onsen
and all the usual Japanese goodness.
PS - Van house is BIG.
Bring friends - everyone welcome - please RSVP Van (Cell Phone:
08060443121).
My Fellow Yamagatians - A Word From Our New YAJET President
Posted: 2008-5-30
We face a time of transition. But we will overcome. And emerge into a new age of fun and frolic.
I need your help to use these few, precious months of non-snow to help shape the face of our social-bonding and partying scene. The new people cometh. Are you ready to be a sempai? Until you have a new person looking at you like you are genius because you can order a pizza without meat or fish pieces on it....you haven't known flattery or how far you've progressed in this oh-so-beautiful language. It is super fun.
And true Yamagatians will go out of their way to scare the newbies with friendliness and inclusion. Are we from Tokyo? NAY! We are Yamagatians! Which means we don't have enough of us to merit any pretence, and we don't have any bragging rights that would merit snobbishness (except the UFO shaped love hotel in Tendo....THAT is amazing).
I hope you are ready to answer the call when a new ALT can't operate her shower, or finds himself stranded in Takahata instead of Takatama.
Also, I hope that today some brave souls will answer the call to be representatives.
Treasurer
Mogami representative
Shonai representative
Murayama representative
Shinjo representative
Chris and JoeyD have already volunteered – who else is in? Just email me here, or at kat_mckell@yahoo.com.
60% of our group is sadly leaving us. But! We have a fun opportunity before us. We can use our hard won, haphazard and patchy knowledge of this country's food, expectations, and spots of interest to help make the next year better for all of us.
Email me by the ned of next week to join the fight against snow-based isolation! Or, just to help make the parties even mo bettah than we could reasonably expect them to be with just a lazy southern tart planning them on her own.
Plays well with others,
--
Yamagata AJET President
+ New! + cellphone: 090-7528-4114
A Message From Our Outgoing YAJET President
Posted: 2008/5/30
Rockbuddies,
2007-08 Yamagata AJET President
cellphone: 080-3195-7377
English Camp in Oe
Posted: 2008/5/26
Good Afternoon Everyone,
The English Camp season is just around the corner and Konnai-sensei needs volunteers. Below is a general outline for the Oe E-CAMP YAMAGATA 2008.
Date: From 3:00pm, Tuesday July 29th to 11am , Friday Aug 1st (4 days 3 nights).
Where: Yamagata-ken Asahi children’s nature center
2523-5 Tateyama Aterazawa Oe-city Yamagata-ken
Phone: 0237-62-4125
Participants: 20-40 JHS students
Aims:
1 To give junior high students the opportunity to develop their listening and speaking skills.
2 To provide a deeper understanding of the English language, foreign countries and their cultures.
Class size: 20 participants
Class length: 50 minutes
Content: English conversation activities.
If you are interested, please let me know by Friday, June 13th, if not sooner. I’ll provide more information to those of you who volunteer.
Thanks in advance. Have a splendid week,
Ceed
English Teacher Needed in Higashine
Posted: 2008/5/21
MyEigo English School in Higashine needs an teacher for the following dates: Definitely Tuesday 8/26 – Friday 8/29. Probably Saturdays 8/23 and 8/30. The pay is 12,000 per day. The work would be in Higashine and/or Funagata. Please contact Ryan Hagglund (ryan@makiandryan.com) if interested or for further details.
Leaving Japan? Need to sell things?
Posted May 14, 2008
Are you leaving Japan soon? Not sure what to do with your car, Wii, furniture, etc? If your successor is not interested, then send me the details along with pictures (if you like) and I will post them here on Yamagata AJET. Check back often for items on sale!
You may also try CraigsList (Japan) and Kijiji (Japan) for selling your items.
-Mark
YAJET Webmaster
Cafe Opening and Live Music in Tendo
Posted May 14, 2008
Hey everyone!
You are invited to the opening of Cafe 262 this weekend. You probably know TAMIYA'S BAR in Tendo, well Mr. Tamiya has turned his HOUSE into a restaurant and the opening party is on Sunday. Details and directions below, hope you can come!
WHAT: Grand Opening for Cafe 262. Drinks, food & wicked music. Soak in the sun on the deck or absorbe the sounds inside the newest, coolest, hangout in Yama-G. There will be funky DJs, live piano and sexy djembe.
WHEN: Sunday 18 May, 2008 from 4pm.
WHERE: TAMIYA'S HOUSE! Tendo-shi, Oinomori 262 visual map link MarksMaps.info
COST: 3000 yen for nomihoudai, food and entertainment
HOW TO GET THERE: From Tendo station, exit east and go straight. Turn left at the third traffic lights, just after Yamazawa. Go straight until Yamaya. (Over the river, past city hall, through two traffic lights, past a 100yen shop, past the post office, more traffic lights, past a 7/11, past Onuma, through one more set of lights).
Turn right straight after Yamaya. Take the third left - there is a barber shop on that corner. Go down the narrow street and past a park on the right. Then on the left, there are two corrugated iron fences, Tamiya's driveway is opposite the second one. You'll probably see a sign for the cafe there.
Sounds tricky but isn't really. Mail these directions to your keitai if you can make it:) Invite your friends! It'll be fun!!!
Notice for United Kingdom Citizens
Posted: May 8, 2008
This is a message to all JETs with UK passports. Yankees, Irish, and riff-raff from the colonies kindly disregard.
By order of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, I hereby inform you that the British Embassy in Japan has put forth requisition that you browse its website.
http://www.uknow.or.jp/be_e/
In particular, the aforementioned Embassy would like to draw your attention to the following:
1) LOCATE - Online Consular Registration
2) Warden - Volunteer Network
In closing, the Embassy would like to remind you of the following:
Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves～ Britons never never never shall be slaves
Colin Rennie
Colonial Riff-Raff
Association for International Relations in Yamagata
Tel. 023-647-2560 Fax. 023-646-8860
URL: http://www2.jan.ne.jp/~airy
Email: renniec2007@pref.yamagata.jp
May AJET News / Camping Information
Posted: May 7, 2008
--
Yamagata AJET President
cellphone: 080-3195-7377
The Kings of Neon
Posted: May 7, 2008
LOCATION: J's Bar in Yamagata City [www.marksmaps.info]
WHEN: Friday, May 23.
THE RETURN
=========================================================
A new YAJET President!
Date Posted: April 22, 2008
Komrades,
Running uncontested, Kat McKell will be next year's Yamagata AJET President!
Here is a short message from her and information on a summer Japanese
course in Kyoto.
Yamagotcha by the balls,
Jeff
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM KAT:
My Fellow Yamagatians,
I'd like to start by thanking you for your vote, for not running
yourself, or both!
I'll do my best to follow in the footsteps of our current leader, beat
poet and robot – Jeff Kuntz. While it is generally accepted that he
is 100% more likely to bust into a freestyle rap whenever handed a
mic, I am at least 80% more likely to keep my pants securely on at all
AJET events. A fact that will surely bring peace of mind to
Yamagatians everywhere.
Other than that minor change, I will keep true to the campaign promise
of "More of the Same!" and maintain the proud traditions of AJET
events that have highlighted gaijin social calendars for years.
While I look forward to introducing the next generation of JETs to the
personal challenge that is "nomihodai", even running uncontested in
this election has me out of breath. I hope that some of the tried and
true party people and local legends will come forth and help AJET as
officers and representatives in the coming year. Yamagata needs YOU to
make the parties more amazing, help think of new events, and do the
math for us. Because, we are clearly doomed if I have to handle the
bank account…
Thank you again. This year has been fun and with your help next year
will be "More of the Same!"
Kat
--------
I was worried no one else would run, so I put myself forward in hopes
other people would follow suit. If Chris or Siobhan entered a bid, I
intended to withdraw mine. I am not a hard core Decan of Disco or
partyer, but I can responsibly handle event details, and hope that's
enough to do a good job. Thank you for stepping up last year - your
appearances have all been fun, your emails entertaining, and your
event ideas great. You will certainly be missed.
Kat(thryn the Cruel)
(Pirate and Future President of THE WORLD)
Human Chess - Ningen-Shogi in Tendo
Date Posted: April 18, 2008
Just a quick note about the Human Chess Festival in Tendo this weekend. Sorry for the late notice!
The Ningen-shogi is one of the biggest festivals in Yamagata Prefecture, held annually in Tendo. It will be held at the top of Mount Maizuru (Maidzuru-yama) on April 19th and 20th this year. Clare will participate on Sunday, 20th, so let's go along and cheer her and her side on!! GO CLARE!!!
Mt. Maizuru is about 15minutes walk from Tendo station - there will be no parking at the top on the day but you could leave your cars somewhere in town, city hall or a supermarket or hachimonjiya etc.From Tendo station, exit the main exit heading east. Walk up eki-mae and turn right at the traffic lights after Yamazawa. Follow that road round a few blocks and it will be obvious when to turn right up the mountain. English map here: http://www.city.tendo.yamagata.jp/2002map/map-eng.html
I think the game starts at 1pm, but there is plenty of entertainment and sakura to see before then, so I recommend getting there round 11 or 12. (The sakura up there are amazing!)
It's a free event:) If it rains, it will be held in the bunka-kaikan (city auditorium) which is next to city hall. You'd turn left at the lights after Yamazawa, then right at the little river. Bunka-kaikan apears on the left, unmistakable.
In my second year, I went along with a huge group of gaijin and we got nice and drunk and noisy watching the game and it was great! Later on I realised that most people there are actually interested in the game going on, as the people directing the pieces around the board are some of the best shogi players in Japan.
Maybe see you there! Have fun!
Cherie
Date Posted: April 18, 2008
Date Posted: Sunday, April 13, 2008 Hello Comrades,
3 wonderful points of interest today:
1. Hanami for OXFAM in Kajo Park, this Saturday
2. Yamagata AJET Elections, this week
3. Info on Peace Boat Volunteer Program
-----------------------------
1. Hanami for OXFAM (Saturday, April 19):
As you might know, TEXAS has assembled a team of indestructible hiking
droids that will unleash themselves on Japan in May in the name of the
OXFAM charity. Come out this Saturday to Kajo Park in Yamagata City
to help raise money for the Trailwalkers!
http://trailwalker.jp/en
More details to follow!
-------------------------------
2. VOTE: Yamagata AJET Elections start on Wednesday: April 16 - April 21!!!
I will forward the platforms for next years AJET candidates on
Wednesday. Elect next year's officials... Or I will pull a Putin and
install my own successor.
-------------------------------
3. From National AJET: Volunteer on the Peace Boat
Peace Boat (www.peaceboat.org) is holding our biggest scale event in
Japan yet! More than 10,000 people are expected to attend our Global
Article 9 Conference to
Abolish War, to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba from May 4-6(www.whynot9.jp).
The principle of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution - which
renounces war and the right to maintain military forces for that
purpose - has a worldwide significance in peace building and conflict
prevention around the world. Furthermore, in reducing spending on
military and arms, the principle of Article 9 frees up resources to be
spent on ending poverty, human rights protection, sustainable
development, education and environmental protection. We strongly
believe that Article 9 (if such a principle could be spread around the
world) signposts the way for humanity to create a sustainable, just
and peaceful planet.
This conference will bring together together Nobel Peace Laureates,
intellectuals, cultural figures and NGO activists, and provide a forum
to discuss what the citizens of the world can do to realize the
principle of Article 9 to create an international movement for
realization of "peace without force."
+ We are looking for volunteers to help us before and during the
conference as well as participants to attend the event and the
exciting lead-up events. We will have information sessions for
volunteers every Saturday in April. For more information, contact:
info@whynot9.jp
+ Our Peace Bike Ride for Article 9 will be taking place on April
19th. Join us at Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station at 11am and cycle to
Yoyogi Park to join the Earth Day Celebrations. For more information,
contact:jamie@whynot9.jp or just show up with a bike!
+ Participate in the Peace Walk which departed from Hiroshima 24
February and is walking through Japan to Makuhari. To join in on the
walk, which gathered 400 people on just the first day, check out:
http://homepage3.nifty.com/peace_walk/Welcome.html
+Sign the "Global Article 9 Statement to Abolish War" which will be
submitted to the Japanese government, the United Nations and all its
member states: http://www.whynot9.jp/_support/
+Sign up for the Global Article 9 Newsletter: http://whynot9.jp/index_en.html
+ Find us our representative Kyu To (registered under
jteeter@peaceboat.gr.jp) on Facebook or become a fan of the Global
Article 9 Campaign at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Global-Article-9-Campaign/11528818514
+Help us spread the word far and wide any way you can!
**Makuhari Messe - tickets now on sale!
4 May (Sun) Plenary, Live concert
Pre-sales 1000 yen/USD10, on the day 1500 yen/USD15
4 May (Mon) Symposiums and workshops
Pre-sales 1000 yen/USD10, on the day 1500 yen/USD15
(Children free)
Tickets will also be available on the homepage shortly, for
information about the venue, registration, accommodation and more see
here:
http://www.whynot9.jp/_participate/register.html
For more details, visit: http://www.whynot9.jp/_programme/
Sincerely, a former Toyama JET,
Jennifer Teeter
Peace Boat and Global Article 9 Campaign
--
Jeff Kuntz
Yamagata AJET President
cellphone: 080-3195-7377
Interested in martial arts? Pol's Dojo in Obanazawa is accepting new students.
From Pol:
My dojo is starting some new classes for beginners and ladies classes especially.
For more information, please see my website
http://www.freewebs.com/bujinkannafiannadojoyamagata/uaireantatraenailtimes.htm
If any one needs anymore information about the dojo or the art they can check here,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bujinkan
Thanks!
Take care,
Pol MacFionmhacain
Location posted to MarksMaps.info
Hey Rockbuddies,
I hope you're enjoying the lovely spring weather. It's almost tree-drunk time in Sakata.
I'm writing to remind and encourage you to run for a 2008 AJET office. President, Treasurer, and Regional Representative positions are all up for grabs. Write up a short proposal, send it to me and I will
forward them to the group next week for a general election.
To date, I have received one proposal. Brave soul! That's a start, but there are many positions to fill!
If you have questions, ask any of the current officers (Me, Jessica, Al, Heather, Texas) and we can give you the lowdown on what the positions entail (squat-thrusts).
Also, for you computer savvy people, National AJET has an opening for Webmaster.
Hope to hear from more of you!
Jeff
Not sure where to go for Hanami? Not sure when different areas of Japan are blossoming? Try these two websites:
Hanami Calendar - O-Hanami
Hanami Calendar - Walkerplus
*Contact JEFF for the officer document.*
Dear Jets,
The annual Easter Party at Kajo Central is comming up and we are looking
for volunteers. The activities will include Easter Egg painting and an egg
hunt. We are also going to have eggnog (cause I didn’t get any at
Christmas) and cake.
Date and time: Saturday, March 22 14:00 ? 16:00
We need some people to help with making the cake and eggnog. Anyone who
likes baking would be fantastic. I was thinking of making Babka (the Polish
kind, not the one from Seinfeld), but this might be a bit too complex. See
the recipe here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Babka-III/Detail.aspx
Advice on that one is welcome.
We will do some prepartions in the afternoon the day before (the egg nog
has to sit overnight) and on Saturday morning. I don’t figure anyone can
come on Friday afternoon, but hopefully on Saturday.
If you are interested, send me an email.
Thanks,
Colin Rennie
Coordinator for International Relations
Association for International Relations in Yamagata
Tel. 023-647-2560 Fax. 023-646-8860
URL: http://www2.jan.ne.jp/~airy
Email: renniec2007@pref.yamagata.jp
Friday, 29th February 2008.
As you may be aware, the AJET website is currently undergoing
maintenance. As a result, we experienced some technical difficulties
and our website was not accessible from Saturday evening, 23rd
February 2008 through until Monday evening, 25th February 2008.
This was most unfortunate and we appreciate that some applicants would
not have been able to view last year's platforms at that time. To
compensate for this, the deadline has been extended until Friday
midnight, 29th February 2008.
For more information please refer to the website www.ajet.net
Any inquiries? Please send an email to Christian Tsuji, at honyaku@ajet.net.
Good luck!
April
-----------------------------------
Expedition to India over Golden Week 2008.
Please reply to Volunteer Group Leader Emily Haydock at
ehaydock@gmail.com, asap if you are interested as space is limited.
Cheers,
April
-------------------------------------------
Join us in "Building Communities" with the Dalit (Untouchables) of
India over Golden Week, April 28 - May 6, 2008. We are dedicated to
providing the means and resources to build communities, both the
physical structures and the support and compassion necessary for a
community to thrive. We are finishing construction of 45 family homes
in a coastal village in southeast Andhra Pradesh, which was ravaged by
the 2004 Asian Tsunami, and we need your help. The sign-up deadline
has passed, BUT there are still a few spots left. To volunteer,
contact Emily Haydock at ehaydock@gmail.com. Learn more at
http://www.golongitude.org/www/JET_May_2008.html and read what our
former volunteers have to say at
http://building-communities.blogspot.com.
Thank you for your continued efforts in Building Communities with us.
In the Telugu language of the Dalit villagers we are helping,
WANDANAMURU!
Rick Mickelson
Longitude Director of International Volunteering
Email Longitude Home India Blog Ghana Blog Newsletter
Subscription / Archives Donations
---
To help 'Raise FUNds & Raise Houses,' please consider volunteering or
making an online donation. Thank you, or in the Telugu language of the
people you are helping, Wandanamuru!
----
Hello Yamagatians,
I come before you today seeking help that only the craziest need reply to. I wish to participate in a charity event that borders on the limits of reasonable.
The Oxfam Trailwalker is a team event benefitting the Oxfam Charity. The basic outline is that teams of 4 walk/march 100 km in under 48 hours. That's a hair over 62 miles for some of us, aka approximately 2 marathons. To make this more fun, this distance (Odawara city, Kanagawa prefecture --> Lake Yamanaka) is not flat, but a trail going over some mountains and through some forested areas. As this is an event simulating one of the standard exercises of the Gurkha troops of the British Military (100km marches) you aren't allowed to sleep. You must start as a team, walk as a team, and finish as a team.
I am seeking at least 3 other borderline insane people to join me in taking this sucker down. Also, I am asking for at least 2 (4 would be a lot better) large hearted people to come along and act as our support crew. Their job is to ride from checkpoint to checkpoint (not walk) and hold onto our stuff, help us if we have problems, and generally make sure we finish. Only people who are willing to undergo serious athletic training over the course of the next 4 months should apply. This is a serious event and anyone who slacks on their training will not only hurt themselves, they'll hurt the team that has to pick up their slack.
Because this is a charity event, there is a charge to join. Each team must pay 60,000 yen (15,000 per person) to join. Also, they must raise an additional 60,000 yen (total 120,000 yen) which is a direct donation. Before you freak out, no, I don't expect to pay all that myself. Provided I can get a team together, I plan to sponsor a series of fund-raisers (parties, events, etc) to help raise as much money as possible. And think, how many friends, coworkers, community members do we know that can chip in 1,000 yen or 5,000 yen? We have 4 months and lots of ingenuity on our side. I am also aiming for the fundraising to cover all the transportation and equipment costs we will occur. My goal is to only expect a reasonable donation from each member, and if we're over, great, more for charity.
Frankly, I'm not a philanthropic person, I just want to conquer this challenge. Plus, it's a great motivator to start getting back into the training groove and shed that winter weight. Anyone who joins the team will receive my utmost support. If you need motivation, training plans, nutritional advice, whatever, I am a certified personal trainer at your disposal. I will also be organizing group training days when the snow starts melting and it warms up a bit. For now we train in the snow, so that when it melts it'll feel like we're flying.
For more information, the website is http://trailwalker.jp/en . Click the About the Event tab. I'm serious about this event, and I hope I can interest a few of you.
To date, I already have 3 people interested, so email me quickly to get onboard. Also, I'm looking for people to help with fundraising (can you say party?) and support crew.
Hoping you are up for a challenge,
Texas
080-3199-3514
texas@h.vodafone.ne.jp
Dust off the traffic vests and get to the 100yen store for glow sticks...
Just a quick e-mail to remind you about Kings of NEON this Saturday (23rd...yes, after pay day!)
From 7.30pm at Sandinista in Yamagata City, we will be rocking it out to phat tunes and pounding beats. ouch!
Sandinista is really easy to find from the station. Here`s a link to a map.
http://www.sandinista.jp/rounge/access/index.html
Please get inviting. The more, the sweatier. The only prerequisite to an invitation is that you have ass and that you enjoy shaking it.
Once again, the main event will be DJ Stepfather who`ll be sure to whip the crowd into a frenzy with his addictive blend of break beats and pumping house,
whilst Das Maxx will also be at the controls spinning some filthy electro. A third DJ will also be playing. He`s an old uni mate from Miyagi coming over with friends to entertain!
On the accommodation front, there are a number of options. Lots of cheap business hotels around Yamagata station or...
The Kings of NEON Kommune! 3 places to chill your boots.
Guy-san no Ryokan:
This quaint little apartment, situated close to nanokamachi, offers unparalleled hospitality and convenience for the loyal Kings of NEON dancer.
With stunning vistas of Yamagata`s famous Mt. Zao, please enjoy.
Cost: nothing
Space: 4 people
Contact info: guysgoing@gmail.com
Casa de Stepfather:
Why wouldn`t you want to chill back at the home of Yamagata`s most famous DJ?!
His apartment was recently featured in MTV Japan`s "cribs". It`s pimping...
10 minutes walk from the station.
Cost: nothing
Space: 6 people
Contact info: ianslog@yahoo.co.uk
Hotel Barnetto:
10 minutes walk from the station with parking space also. Offers 5 star luxury with an award winning spa experience. i.e. i just scrubbed the shower.
cost: nothing
Space: 6
Contact info: maxbarnett@hotmail.com
Just give us a quick e-mail, and bring your own bedding if possible.
Looking forward to seeing you all, neoned up to the eyeballs, on Saturday night.
We`re getting very excited about it all. I hope you are, too.
Max Barnett
+ 81 (0)80-1689-8994
Programme? Then run for a position on the AJET National Council!
Here's what you need to do:
1. Contact me at <block2@ajet.net> stating your intention to run.
2. Submit your platform (in English and Japanese) to Christian at
<honyaku@ajet.net> by February 26th.
Elections will run from March 3-13. Winners will be notified in the
beginning of April.
More info at ajet.net
Please email me if you have any questions.
Cheers,
April
***************************************
April Morley
2007-2008 AJET National Council
Block 2 Representative
***************************************
Happy New Year Everyone,
This is Matt Topping, CIR for
the start of the Interpreter Volunteer Program for the 2008 Ishigaki
World Cup Triathlon. The triathlon is a world-class competition
with athletes from over 30 countries in attendance. We are looking
for volunteers that have a strong command of Japanese as well as
another language. Many of the international athletes can speak
English, but it is highly likely that we will also need
translation/interpretation in languages such as Chinese and Russian.
The triathlon will be held April 13th, and the volunteer program
April 8th-15th. For more information, please see the following websites and then send me an email.
http://www.ishigakijima-triathlon.jp/
http://triathlonvolunteer.blogspot.com/
http://www.hirata-group.co.jp/
http://www.city.ishigaki.okinawa.jp/International/home.html
Sincerely,
Matt Topping
CIR,
cir@city.ishigaki.okinawa.jp
PR Division
Cheers,
this is an email from Sean Inawashiro, Fukushima prefecture.
He'd like to invite you all to their 500 yen ski day.
Please see below for details
Every year we arrange to have a 500 yen ski day at Inawashiro Snow Paradise.
This price is not available to everyone coming on that day, only the people who have signed up with me. Also let me know which prefecture you are from. As this is turning out to be a multi-prefecture event with possibly over 400 people attending.
Here is a run-down of the basic info:
> What: 500 YEN SKI DAY
> When: Saturday, March 8th- 8.30-16.30
> Where: Inawashiro Snow Paradise
> http://www.inawashiro-ski.jp/
> http://goinawashiro.com/
> Who: JETs and non JETs- so everyone
> Why: We're here for a good time, not a long time!!
> Cost: 500 yen, plus a 1000yen deposit for ski card
>
> Sign-up deadline: Friday, February 22nd
>
> If your non-Jet mates are coming, please include
> their names in your email as well.
>
> So basically "if your names not down, your not getting in". Well you can still get in, but a day ticket at Inawashiro Ski-Paradise normally costs 3900yen. So you'd be crazy to miss out.
>
> MONEY: 1500Yen
> We're going to need the money from everyone in advance of the ski day. 500 yen for JETs and Non-JETs and 1000 Yen for the ski card. Don't forget, you will get 1000 yen back at the end of the day when you return your lift pass at the machine.
> Furikomi Information:
> Postal Account #: 18240 12322071
> Account Name: Fukushima AJET
> Take your cash to the post office, go to the banking
> counter (open til 3pm weekdays) and say,"Furikomi,
> onegaishimasu." Then give them the account number.
> There is a fee to furikomi money, so if you want to
> save yourself a few hundred yen, try sending a few
> people's money at the same time. If you furikomi
> money, please email me after you've done it and
> say who you have paid for. Thanks!
>
>
>
> More info on the ski day will follow
>
> skiing/snowboarding, ikimasho!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> So if you want to sign up for a great day on the slopes.
> Send me an email at seanmatthewcurley@yahoo.com
>
> Hope you see you all soon.
>
> Sean
Hey guys,
Here's the news that I received from National AJET.
There's a new Team Teaching book coming out and, if you work with an exceptional teacher, you can nominate them for a teaching award! There's also a CIR job opening in Fukushima this August.
Hope you're having a good week,
Jeff
-------------------------------
- Lesson planning activities for team teaching.
- Completely bilingual in English and Japanese.
- Dedicated content for elementary school, as well as junior and senior high school.
New material that is in Planet Eigo:
- New and improved activities and lesson plans.
- Language teaching theories and methodology.
- Specific section on the Japanese educational system and how to work with it.
If JETs or JTEs in Yamagata would like to order a copy of the book, they can email Audrey Tavares at < publications@ajet.net >. Be sure to include your name, telephone number and address. The price of the book is 3000yen plus 800yen for shipping.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you know a Japanese teacher of a second language who is great at what they do? Do you know someone who deserves special recognition for their dedication to increasing international awareness in your community?
National AJET's Teaching Awards Programme recognizes the exceptional language teachers with whom JETs work and the Internationalization Awards Programme seeks to acknowledge members of the Japanese community who increase international awareness in Japan.
--
National AJET 2008
http://www.ajet.net/
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Job Opportunity: The Aizu Wakamatsu International Association in Fukushima is looking for a native English speaker to become the Association's new Coordinator of International Relations (CIR).
Details: Start date: April 2008 for non-JET applicants, August 2008 for JET applicants (subject to change)
Duties: Translating, Interpretation, Advising, Counseling local foreign residents. Helping with events, etc.
Qualifications: 22 years of age or older, any nationality, native English speaker, University graduate, Japanese ability equivalent to at least 2 nd level of the Japanese Proficiency Test, computer literate (word processing, Internet, email skills necessary)
Salary: 230,000 yen/month (regular raises not provided). Travel and overtime paid.
Work hours: 9am-5:45pm, 5 days a week (Every Monday and on other day are a day off). Contract is for one year with option for renewal. Contact the AWIA by Jan. 31 for more information by phone (0242-27-3703) or email ( mail@awia.jp) if you have any questions about the position.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Rockbuddies,
I hope you all had fun during your winter break. Very Japanese
sounding sentence. The feeling is sincere, though :)
Here's info on two KILLER rock events this weekend.
Rocking the jetlag,
Jeff
--------------
1. Saturday, Jan. 12 -- Loggers Band @ Cafe Freestyle - Sakata
Happy New Year! The Loggers band (featuring Jeff, Paul and Chrispy)
will play it's next gig at Cafe Freestyle this coming Saturday (Jan
12th).
The format will be the same as last time, I believe - we will play 3
sets starting around 8:30pm. Tickets are available on the door (1000
yen includes 1 free drink; subsequent drinks 500 yen each). Doors open
at 7pm.
Cafe Freestyle is located in front of Sakata train station. Walk out
of the station doors, look up and to your left and you will see the
welcoming neon lights.
Cheers,
Ed
2. Sunday, Jan. 13 -- British Rock Dance Party - downtown Niigata City
I heard about this from Dorrie Spencer, whose teacher told her about
it. 11 pm to 5 am, lots of fun, loud Brit-rock, dancing all night.
I'll forward more info if I come into it. Warning: tight jeans may
lower sperm count.