What years were you on JET? Where did you live and teach? It was a long time ago, from 1996-1999. I lived near Gakuentoshi. Koryodai, Hazetani Oshibedani and Sakuragaoka were the schools I worked at. The shenanigans of the ninensei at Oshibendani still make me shudder. When did your interest in Japan, its…
Dia daoibh. I’m Caol Ó h-ÚigÃn and I hail from Dublin, Ireland. I’m on my second year of JET. I teach at two senior high schools in Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka. I teach at one low-level school and one medium-high-level school. Why did you apply for the JET Programme? Honestly, I applied to JET because I just…
My name’s Joseph Baietto. I’m originally from New York City. I’m currently on my second year of JET, eagerly heading into my third. I teach at a junior high school in Shijonawate-shi, on the western edge of Osaka Prefecture, and once a week I teach at one of two elementary schools. Why did…
On January 18, ten ALTs gathered for the first HAJET Book Club meeting of the new year. We met outside the JR Motomachi Station, and after requisite “Akemashite Omedetou-s†and complaints about the cold weather, headed to our destination: Loco’s Kitchen Oluolu. This Hawaiian-themed cafe is small, but with enough space for our large…
My name is Bryan Villa. I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I’m on my second year of JET and teach middle school in Omihachiman City. Why did you apply for the JET program? I always had an interest in Asia. In University, I studied Asian Languages and was able to go abroad…
 Yo! My name is Ryan Suzuki. I was born and raised in California. I’ve moved around a few times, but the last city I lived in before JET was Garden Grove.I’m in my 2nd year on JET and I teach at Tochigi High School in Tochigi City. It’s an all-boys super science high…
With raves and music festivals spread throughout the year in California, coming to Japan where the electronic dance music scene is not as popular was a bit tough for me. Sure, I would hear some EDM music in the clubs or go to concerts at Ageha (like Porter Robinson), but with no outdoor festivals…
There’s just so much good food and drink around that we put three of our great contributors in one awesome article. Keep reading for Bender’s experience at El Charro, Erika’s review of Takarazuka’s The Cricketers, and Ryan’s look at several specialty bars all over Japan. South of the Border in Shinsaibashi: El Charro If…
After months of preparation, things were looking doubtful for this year’s rafting expedition. The largest typhoon of the year was brewing and looked set to bring high speed winds, torrential rains, and extremely dangerous conditions. After exhaustive organisation from our intrepid leaders, Erika and Claire, this was not what anyone wanted to hear. Fortunately, our…