You might be skimming through this month’s issue while sitting at your desk, slightly sweating (are they ever going to turn on the air conditioning?) and bored out off your mind, wondering why in the world you have to be at school during the students’ summer vacation. It is a good question, especially for…
 “To build and strengthen connections between Japanese and foreigners through the Taj Ultimate event and introduce people to the wonderful scenery and community in Tajima†– the vision of Taj Ultimate For the past eleven years, Taj Ultimate has provided a platform for foreign and Japanese people of all ages to come together…
Looking to get away from everyone’s living and travel advice? Or maybe you need a break from current events? In short, you simply want a few minutes away from the real world. Welcome to The Refuge. This is the newest section of Hyogo Times, where we bring you works of fiction from our very own…
I cannot believe it is August and we are welcoming all the new JETs already! I hope that you are all surviving the humid and hot weather and settling into your new homes. I remember this time last year I was sitting in my empty apartment with nothing more than a fold-up chair and about…
If April’s article “The Do’s and Don’ts of Yakushima Hiking†by Paige Ngo intrigued you, read on for details about the most popular hikes on Yakushima and getting around the island without a car! First things first: don’t expect your typical walk in the woods! The many forces of nature combine to…
For the last year, with the help of various contacts, I have been reaching out to Hyogo JET alumni, pestering them about what they have been doing since finishing up on the JET programme. For me, it has been inspiring to learn about the career and life paths of our ALT contemporaries. [Alumni – if…
“Atsui†needn’t be the only word you use this summer to make small talk in the staff room. Make this easy peasy Japanesey somen lunch and you’ll be bantering about bentos till school’s out. Somen noodles are made of wheat flour and are usually served cold. With an easy dipping sauce, they can be…
Sushi is probably Japan’s most well-known cuisine and in the country you are spoilt for choice, with such a huge variety of price, quality and venue. For the freshest fish it makes sense to eat sushi straight off the boat, and Japan’s incredible wholesale markets are ideal for this. For many, Tokyo’s Tsukiji market is top of the list…
31 May, 2014 – Minamiawaji-shi, Awajishima A group of 20 individuals, mostly made up of Hyogo JET ALTs, is rumored to have taken part in a camping and entertainment experience on the southern shores of Awaji Island over the period of Saturday, May 31st to Sunday, June 1st. According to witness reports, fun and…