You’re probably familiar with the wonderful beverage that is umeshu, but have you heard of ume juice before? It’s basically a less sweet, non-alcoholic version of umeshu and makes for a super refreshing drink, especially in the sweltering summer heat. Like umeshu, it is very simple to make and the homemade version is a lot…
Saturday the 23rd of May marked this year’s annual Biwa boat cruise and what a delight it was. We set sail at dusk in the balmy evening aboard the Michigan paddle steamer on Lake Biwa. Truly picturesque. First a group-picture at the port that your author only just managed to arrive in time for…
Get lost this month in a number of imaginary worlds. Whether it’s the Marvel or Disney Universe, a post-apocalyptic Australia, a fantastical Shibuya or the hilarious town of Pawnee you’ll find something to enjoy. Avengers: Age of Ultron directed by Joss Whedon, release: 4 July 2015 In a world where our lives…
 “Oh I almost forgot to tell you, today…†Who hasn’t started a sentence using these exact words during their time on the JET program? Facing situations that most of our friends and family back home would simply find odd or unbelievable has in many ways become routine for us here in Japan. However,…
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….
What’s up Hyogo people, my name is Elliot Seeto. I’m from the city of San Francisco, California but I lived in San Diego for several years prior to joining JET. I’m a 2nd year JET ALT, and the current president of Aichi AJET. I reside in Tsushima, which is a small city about half an…
Not for the Galaxy, but still Useful: Hitchhiking in Japan During my latest travels in Fukuoka and Nagasaki, I met a fellow traveler from Australia at the hostel we were staying at. A few minutes into our conversation I realized the two of us had arrived at our destination by very different means. After…
Surely it cannot be summer again! Where did the past year go? The last time I sat down to write a PR piece for the Hyogo Times I had just officially begun my duties as a member of the AJET National Council. As many of you know I have held the positions of Block 6…
From the start of June it’s 58 days, 1392 hours, 83520 minutes, or 5011200 seconds until my contract officially ends with JET and, though I might paint myself as someone anxiously counting down the days by knowing that, the truth is I’m nervously watching those numbers, worried that I’m running out of time. If…