School’s starting, the heat is still blaring on, and the second month of the JET year has begun. Welcome to September! As those of us in attendance to the Hyogo Welcome Party this past Saturday were reminded, things don’t always go according to plan. Less than an hour and a half until our designated…
Working as an ALT, especially during the summer holidays, can wage war on your senses. Often, we have nothing, or less, to do. It can be so easy to slip into the abyss that is the internet, wasting countless hours checking Facebook, reddit, tumblr, imgur, and many more. For those who want to feel…
After reading the most recent Hyogo book club selection, From the Fatherland, With Love, I felt I already had a connection to the city of Fukuoka, where most of the novel takes place. Fortunately, there have been no recent attempts to invade the prefecture’s capital, though interestingly enough, the origin of kamikaze stems from one…
With August comes the continuation of sickeningly humid heat, the buzzing of cicadas, and a new year on the JET program. It is a time of beginnings and goodbyes. To all of our new JETs, I say “Welcome!†To our returners, “ãŒã‚“ã°ã‚Œ!†To those leaving, “Good luck!†My name is Brittany Teodorski and I’m…
8:15 AM. At this time on August 6th, 1945, the city of Hiroshima became the first to be devastated by a nuclear weapon. The ones who were instantly vaporized were lucky in that they did not have to suffer the effects of radiation poisoning. After Japan surrendered, reconstruction began. Now, the only visible remnant…
XII As she glided over the countryside, all Bionca could see was the carcasses of trees strewn about. Some of these had been caused by herself and her compatriots. However, many beyond their wooden tunnel were dying into the ground upon which they once stood strong. Behind her, she could already feel the lava…
Brion’s strong arms embraced her and she felt warm for the first time in ages. She nuzzled into his shoulder. “I miss you,†she whispered against his burning skin. His thumb brushed away the tear that had escaped from her downcast eyes and tilted her head up. Flames danced out from his blue eyes….
 Naha            The capital (actually the prefectural seat, but that’s beside the point) of Okinawa has been an important center for the island from the time it was still the Ryukyu Kingdom. This kingdom had strong ties to both China and Japan until it was annexed by the latter in 1879. During World War…
Katie’s violent swearing ripped her traveling companions from their slumber. “Rakowsky’s gone and cut himself a new one!†Frustration cut through her voice. “We can’t infiltrate the guilds by ourselves, Orsin.†The large man rose gracefully and padded over to his comrade’s corpse. The sword was still pinning it to the earth. He glanced…