Problems

The grammar is too difficult

I will begin with the answer to one question for a third-year high school test at an academic school. The students were asked to translate from Japanese into English. Model answers were, “When we, covered in sweat, go into a building where the air conditioner is too strong, we can get a cold” or “it is possible for you to catch a cold by entering an over cooled building with your body soaked in sweat.”

Say what? When are normal English speakers ever going to use such complicated and convoluted English grammar? My students have a hard time answering, “What is your name?” and they are expected to understand these sentences. One student who had lived for a year in the U.S.A. remarked to my wife, “English really isn’t that difficult, but the grammar we learn is ridiculous.” Tell me about it.

English is geared towards university entrance examinations

In my opinion, nothing will change so long as university entrance examinations require their applicants to “understand” such complicated grammar. In the end, the solution to English in Japan will happen from the top down. It will require universities to place more importance on speaking and understanding rather than reading and writing for our students to begin learning to speak English.

Otherwise, and more logically, it will need to begin from the bottom up.

ALTs are misused

Ever since I first taught in Japan as a junior high school teacher in Gunma-ken, it has been my firm belief that if the Japanese government truly wanted its Japanese citizens to learn English, they would place their paid resources, the thousands of ALTs, within the elementary schools. Recently there has been a switch to that idea, but unfortunately in Saga-ken, there is only one such ALT in one town. As most, if not all, studies show, the best time to acquire a language is in the early years. Therefore, why waste all this time, effort and resources in junior and senior high schools? In addition, I am fairly certain that more ALTs would feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from the fast rate of improvement in their young pupils.

Most ALTs are not even teachers themselves

Let’s examine the situation of teaching English in Japan. How are we, as ALTs, really expected to improve the level of English in Japan if we are not trained as teachers in a foreign language? Are we here to internationalize or teach English? Some schools allow the ALT to teach anything to the students and often expect the ALT to prepare the entire lesson plan as if they were magicians pulling tricks out of their hats. Although this can be a great experience for the ALT and a way to get away from the dreaded textbook, most ALTs have no experience preparing consistent lesson plans. Without consistency and review, learning a foreign language just goes from bad to worse.

Many Japanese English teachers are woefully incompetent in English

Why is it that ALTs will talk about one or two JTEs they talk to who are so very special just because they can understand and converse in a regular-paced conversation in English? It seems as if the longer I am in Japan, the more often I am thrilled when I can have a normal conversation in English without dumbing down two-thirds of my vocabulary. What’s going on here? Shouldn’t that be the least a trained English teacher in Japan can do? I remember my Spanish teacher in high school (the U.S.A. is more incompetent than Japan in learning a foreign language, by the way) had lived in a Spanish-speaking country for at least a year and was fluent in the language. Now there weren’t many Spanish speakers in my town and there wasn’t even an assistant from Spain or Mexico for her to occasionally talk with. Therefore, she had to study the language on her own to keep up her level of abilities. Most Japanese English teachers I have come across rarely, if ever, read in English or so much as seek out a conversation with an English speaker.

Six years of mandatory English?

No wonder students don’t want to learn the language. Look around; how many opportunities in the future do you think your students will really, truly have to speak English? Most will never have the opportunity to travel abroad and many will ultimately be too shy or nervous to seek out and speak with a foreign person. So why waste all that time?

Solutions to use before you get too depressed

We can make a difference while we are here. We may not see it now, but your very presence might cause one of your students to travel abroad or learn to speak English just so they can talk to people like you sometime in the future.

Keep it simple

Teach the basics. Always try to make your class an “oral communications activity,” because that’s why you’re here, right? My students are quite good at reading and writing, but they can always use practice in speaking and listening. In my opinion, if you want to really learn a language and not just have a bunch of useless vocabulary swimming around in your head, you’ve got to work on your ear and speak as much as possible.

How do you learn a foreign language? Does it work?

Apply it to your teaching if it works, or do the opposite of what you’ve been doing if it doesn’t.

Actively seek out your teachers and try to have conversations

I know, they always look busy, but once a day, pick a teacher and try your best to keep a conversation going with them. They need the practice and you need to get away from that computer or book. For a bit of fun, try to have a conversation in class or in the hallway. Students love to see their teacher actually speak English and they become much more curious and attentive to try to understand what is going on. Have you ever sat in on one of your teacher’s English classes? Try it sometime. You’ll see why the students are so excited to have you in their class (no, its not just because you are so good-looking). Beyond that, talk to those experienced second and third year ALTs in your area and ask how they do it. Share ideas, worksheets, and lesson plans in your area.

Demand your team-teaching classes

Even the best of ALTs find it easy to sit back and watch your team-teaching classes get cancelled. I’m guilty of that. But we should really think of the students first. They love to have you in that class (see above). And your students should be guaranteed at least one class a week of oral or listening comprehension with you. Just for fun, ask your teacher how many English classes the students have each week and then ask yourself if once a week with an ALT is too much to ask.

Take a TEFL or TESOL or whatever course

Just look it up on the Internet under distance learning. Otherwise, check out all the resources on the Internet for ideas of better games, activities, etc. Just type in “ESL” on a Google search and be prepared to sift through all the stuff (or check out sagajet.com’s teaching links, -ed.). Once you collect a few things here or there, start organizing a big folder for yourself at school (to be handed down from generation to generation of ALTs) filled with different categories, games and warm-up ideas. Beyond that, write down what you did in class every week or make a monthly plan. It’ll really make your life easier if you plan to stay a second or third year.

Speak to the students as much as you can

Get out of that chair and take a walk around the school between classes or during cleaning time. It’s good for you and the students. Choose a question and see how many students you can ask before the bell rings. Just talk to them about anything.

Good luck. Now get out there and start speaking English!

1. Plan your English classes
2. Study Japanese
3. Learn an easier language
4. Conduct “research” on the Internet
5. Read a book
6. Write a book
7. Write a play
8. Act out the play in your teacher’s room
9. Write an article for a magazine or newspaper back home
10. Write an article for this website
11. Learn HTML and make your own website
12. Download music onto your laptop
13. Take a distance learning Masters course
14. Become a better teacher by taking a TEFL or TESOL distance learning certificate program
15. Oxygenate that brain by taking a vigorous walk around the school grounds
16. Head off to the dojo and do some yoga, dance, or meditation
17. Attain nirvana at your desk
18. Check out the gym and shoot some hoops
19. Go to the music room and practice or learn the piano
20. Finished with the piano? Try the guitar
21. Serenade your students and teachers during the lunchtime
22. Start a lunchtime movie and make some movie posters
23. Start an English school newspaper
24. Put that library to work and start a section for learning or studying English
25. Make an English bulletin board that changes weekly
26. Write pop songs at your desk to sell for vast amounts of money
27. Write haiku poems about your existence or non-existence at school
28. Organize an English camp at your school
29. Order your food online at The Flying Pig
30. Granola junkies can order your food at Alishan Organic Center
31. Get another book or CD at Amazon Japan
32. See how many students you can talk to in one day by wandering the halls between classes
33. Come up with a school song in English
34. Try to get your teachers to stop using disposable (wariboshi) chopsticks
35. Start a recycling pile of old worksheets in the printing room
36. Plan your next trip inside or outside of Japan — check out the Japan National Tourist Organization

If you are anything like me, arriving in Japan with no previous immersion language experience, you are probably thinking that Saga prefecture presents an ideal situation in which to learn Japanese (an expectation that your family and friends have probably also expressed, including their parting farewell, "you’ll be fluent in no time"). Well, shit happens! Getting a good grasp on Japanese no matter how smart you are is really hard; just hearing it constantly is not going to set up you up to be able to understand it, speak it or read it without lots of regular practice and study (I thought I’d start with the bad news).

There are some mythic ALTs who came here with no Japanese and passed level 2 of the Japanese Proficiency Exam after two or three years. For most students of nihongo, finding native speakers who are patient enough to listen to and correct our fledgling efforts is the most difficult part of building good communication skills. Some places which have served previous ALTs well in their quest for conversation buddies and incidental learning opportunities include bars, churches, Buddhist lay organizations, selling Amway door-to-door and partaking in various recreational activities. The turning point in my language-learning motivation was finding some people who I would want as friends even if I were in my home country. They are out there, but finding them takes time and perseverance.

Be aware that what can sound like awesome Japanese being spoken by some longer term foreign residents may have all the nuance and flair of a native three year old’s conversation (I admit it). Informal Japanese learned in social situations is not the same as that spoken between colleagues in a work situation. Learning when and with whom to use different politeness levels is one of the big challenges of learning to speak good Japanese. To claim proficiency you need to be able to do this. It is also worth mentioning at this point that there is a tendency among some Japanese people to extravagantly praise the language ability of previous ALTs to incoming ALTs. The most kindly rationale for this is that they are trying to motivate you. Know that in actual fact, most likely your processor’s Japanese (unless they were already immediate/advanced speakers before they arrived) never came within the realm of fluency. Don’t let any stories of your predecessor’s supposed linguistic brilliance intimidate you.

For the purposes of setting your own goals, it might be helpful to know that CLAIR has apparently done research, which found that the ALTs who make the most gains in their Japanese study are those who arrive with immediate ability. On average, absolute beginners are well into their third year before the basics start to gel, while advanced students tend to fall into complacency because their Japanese is already good enough for them to be able to get around okay.

Starting as an absolute beginner, after three years here and regular study, I managed to learn most of the Joyo 1006 kanji that Japanese school children learn before they enter junior high school (in practical terms I can figure out the basic gist of most general reading material). My speaking ability is good enough that I can get around and have “daily conversations.” I am lost once the conversation turns to the philosophical. It is still quite possible for me not to be able to figure out what topic is under discussion in the staff room (this can be disconcerting when it includes gestures and eye movement in my direction — you learn to get used to it).

Where to start

Japanese Proficiency Exam (nihongo nouryoku shiken)

This is an internationally recognized exam, held annually throughout Japan in early December. You can buy the application form from any of the major bookshops in Fukuoka. Your application needs to be in by the end of September. Ask at the counter for the nihongo nouryoku shiken no moshikomusho onegaishimasu. If you are a total beginner but study consistently over the next five months, you should be able to pass level four (yon kyuu). The application form will cost around 500 yen; submitting the application in order to sit the exam will cost around 5000 yen.

Study material

Japanese study material, including the preparatory books for the proficiency exam, are stocked in Junkudo’s Tenjin book store around aisle 50 on level four. You can also buy books over the net from Amazon Japan. Even if you plan to use the correspondence course provided by CLAIR as your main textbook, you will need a few reference books. These would include, if you’re serious about learning kanji, the Compact Nelson Japanese-English Character Dictionary. You will also need a good grammar reference like Seiichi Makino & Michio Tsutsui’s A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar (yellow book) and A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar (pale green book).

I personally found the CLAIR language course frustrating because of it’s lack of clear explanation and tendency to move too fast without focusing on essential vocabulary for everyday situations. You may want to pick out another textbook to base your study around. Both the Japanese For Busy People and the Minna no Nihongo series have their loyal supporters. The Japanese Language Proficiency Exam preparation books are good for structuring study as well. Richard Graham (the guy who started Genki English) recommends the Pimsleur series set of tapes and gives his tips at Genki Japan.

Dictionaries

Unfortunately there are not many good dictionaries published for foreign students of Japanese. Kodansha’s Furigana English-Japanese/ Japanese-English Dictionary (an enlarged version of their romanji dictionary with hiragana script above the kanji) is probably your best option (especially as it has example sentences following most of its word entries).

No electronic dictionaries are made specifically for foreigners, although the Canon Wordtank series have a reputation for being somewhat foreigner user-friendly. From the point of view of portability, electronic dictionaries are good. They usually also have a history function, which enables you to look back over the words that you recently looked up. You can find a good English language comparison guide to electronic dictionaries at Wordtank Central.

You probably want to shop for electronic dictionaries around in Fukuoka (Best Denki and Yobahashi electronics shops would be good hunting grounds). I first bought the Casio XD-470, which enables you to write unknown kanji on it’s screen and look them up this way. It made understanding written Japanese a whole lot easier. I also finally broke down and bought a Canon Wordtank so that I wouldn’t have to lug the furigana dictionary around when I wanted to study at school.

If you don’t have some Japanese language background already you will need someone to step you through how to use these dictionaries. The Wordtank site above has a link that explains how to use one Wordtank model, otherwise see if you can get someone knowledgeable to go shopping with you.

Keitai

Once you know hiragana and katakana scripts (and some basic kanji), you are set to send and receive text messages in Japanese. Good fun!

Manga

Comic books are another good way of practicing your reading skills. Look out for the bilingual copies of Sazae san, Doraemon, Inuyasha, Kitaro no Ge Ge Ge, etc.

Kanji

In my first year, I was introduced to kanji through the same workbooks as those used by Japanese elementary school kids. If you ask your school librarian they can probably order these workbooks for you (there are three for each grade and they cost around 400 yen each). If you type "kanji" into Google, a whole lot of websites will come up with online learning aids. The Japanese Page is a site that I have found useful.

Otherwise, pick out a kanji workbook from those on sale at Junkudo. If this is your first introduction to kanji, you need someone to explain on/kun readings, stroke order, stroke number and the radical system to you. Things like grid paper for kanji practice, mechanical pencils, lead fillings, etc., can be bought in the stationary sections of most of the department stores.

Some people studying kanji really enjoy shodo, and others don’t. From the point of view of study, calligraphy is encouraged because it shows all the flaws in your writing form. If you buy a beginner’s shodo set (100 yen stores sell the essentials cheaply), the Japanese teachers at your school will be able to show you how to get started. There are also some English language books on calligraphy in the Japanese culture section at Junkudo. There are shodo classes offered through Avance as well.

Who can help you

When you have your week of Japanese lessons as a new JET in Saga City, the course instructors will probably mention the language classes held at Avance (Saga’s international center building). You can sign up for these. The cost is minimal and it’s a good opportunity to see other ALTs. On the other hand, the time in travel could probably be more productively used to study one-on-one with a local teacher of Japanese.

There are also some private language schools that offer intensive courses that coincide with Japanese school holidays. AJET often circulates information about these. One school in Okinawa offers courses specifically designed for ALTs.

Features of Saga-ben (hyogen, or local dialect)

The Japanese being spoken around you is often going to bear only a passing resemblance to the text book Japanese that you are learning. To assist your comprehension here are some examples of how central Saga-ben diverges from standard Japanese. The dialect also changes in form across Saga-ken.

Often the “i” at the end of “i” adjectives is dropped and replaced with “ka”; for example, samui becomes samuka.

The textbook verses informal spoken Japanese

Probably the best book to help you get a handle on slang and informal Japanese is Making Out in Japanese by Todd and Erika Geers. Its probably best to avoid using most of the listed expressions until you understand enough Japanese to be able to grasp their nuance (most Japanese people are not as free and playful with their insults as English speakers). Nevertheless, this book can help you understand what is really going on in the school playground and on Japanese TV.

One final avenue I would suggest are the scripts of popular Hollywood films published with English and Japanese script side-by-side on the page (books of these sell for around 1200 yen at Junkudo). These are good study companions to the DVD of the movie (DVDs enable you to switch between languages as you watch).

Gambatte ne!

Located in the center of western Kyushu, Nagasaki has played a unique role in the history of Japan starting in 1550, when it was the entry point for the first foreign settlers in Japan. Fast forwarding to present day Nagasaki, visitors will certainly notice a strong foreign presence from young, animated English teachers to long-term residents serving the ship industry to the frequent Chinese accent flying across the city’s famed China Town. Several times a year the city is also flooded with Russian sailors offering all kinds of “bargains” in exchange for yen. Many Russian hostesses from neighboring prefectures flock to Nagasaki to feed the sailors’ hungry sexual appetite, while local Japanese flock to the harbor and aim their deadly Nikons at the sailors’ ships.

Hedonism aside, for a medium-sized prefecture, Nagasaki has a rather high number of universities and post-high school colleges. This is clearly reflected on the streets during weekends when the lab rats and future lawmakers come out to play. Upon clearer inspection into bars and clubs, it’s not at all difficult to acquaint oneself with brethrens from different parts of the country who are eager to practice their English.

Nightlife in Nagasaki is divided between three major areas:

• Dejima Wharf
• Hamano Machi
• Sian Bashi

Dejima Wharf

Dejima Wharf, as the name indicates, is located along the waterfront, just beside the harbor. It is a large construction housing numerous eating and drinking establishments catering to all tastes. As it’s a waterfront complex, most establishments put emphasis on their maritime dishes, so if you’re a carnivore, you may want to look elsewhere. 長崎港 offers seasonal sashimi and cooked fish, as well as some creative salads and the slightly controversial whale. It’s also possible to catch your own from the well-fed school floating in a small pool. Lambini is a rather informal outfit, often hosting live musicians and bands, catering to those with a taste for Latin. They do an excellent paella bursting with seafood and very reasonably priced. On the second floor, there’s St Andrews, a loungy bar with a British theme. They too often host live jazz musicians, and, depending on the artist, there may be a cover. There is a typical pub menu with the usual snacks, but most people go for the fish and chips. The owner is a sound chap who can’t speak much English but loves foreigners. If you’re lucky, he might let you glimpse at the stars through his state-of-the-art telescope. There are also several other bars located along both floors of the complex.

Hamano Machi and Sian Bashi

The bulk of the nightlife is concentrated between Hamano Machi and Sian Bashi. This is the center of the city and there is a decent sized shopping arcade, as well as China Town. There are hundreds of izakayas and restaurants dotted around, and the best thing is to just walk in randomly. However, you will definitely have trouble on a Saturday night, so get in early or wait in line!

As with most Japanese cities, barring the huge metropolises, it’s difficult to just walk in to a bar and find it bursting with people eager to talk to the newbies in town (well, discounting the drunk salaryman and the gaijin-obsessed-obaasan, that is). There are several decent spots in Nagasaki, catering to all kinds of people. Here is my pick of the crop.

Sugar Hill

A relatively new addition to the Nagasaki nightlife scene, Sugar Hill opened just last year, it’s quickly become a favorite with many. Musically, it focuses on Reggae, hip-hop and R&B and often hosts well know guests from across the country and abroad. There is usually a cover on weekends, but the atmosphere inside will soon make you forget you had to delve into your wallet. It has a decent sized dance floor and the drinks are reasonably priced.

Address: 油屋町�れ��通り

Caveau

This used to be a fairly up-scale restaurant which underwent a recent facelift to become a bar occasionally spilling into club territory. The staff is very friendly and will make an effort to talk to you, while the clientele are young, well-dressed professionals who won’t turn their head away from you!

Address: 長崎CAVEAU長崎市築町1-19井手ﾋﾞﾙB1F (Nagasaki City, Machi 1-19, Ide Building B1F), 095-825-9387

Panic Paradise

If music is your thing, this is the place for you. The owner, Ryutaro, has a huge CD collection housed in a small enclosure that, amongst other things, contains turntables, music memorabilia and Ryutaro himself, gratefully taking requests. You could quite possible hear some Detroit techno, 70s punk and Irish folk on the same night here. Drinks are slightly expensive, but there’s no rush to get them down. Panic Paradise is very popular with both the Nagasaki English teaching community and the seasonal ship workers as well as Japanese music aficionados.

Address: Nagato Shokai Bldg. BF1, 5-33, Yorozuya-machi, Nagasaki City, 850-0852

Ayer’s Rock

This is the oldest club in the city and regularly hosts live bands and guest DJs, including some international talent. It’s not exactly swanky, but then the musical focus is on techno, punk/rock and hip-hop, so the industrial feel goes with the territory. It is occasionally frequented by rowdy members from the American base in Sasebo, so be careful if you’re there on a night with big people wearing muscle-enhancing T-shirts. All drinks are 500 yen and the cover is usually 2000 yen.

Address: Ayer’s Rock, Hananoki Bldg. 3F, 6-13 Yorozuya-machi, Nagasaki City, 850-0852, 095-827-7373

Coming from Michigan, U.S.A., which is surrounded by the Great Lakes, I’m a fresh-water kind of guy. So if you are hot and bothered (you know what I mean) in the summer, why not grab a few friends and head to one of these lovely little natural swimming pools.

Note: You’ll need a car or to know someone who is willing to chauffeur you around to get to either of these places. If you don’t have either, well, there’s always your shower.

Obuchi Mebuchi

Great big rocks to sit on and soak up the sun. A big pool perfect for swimming in, and you can jump off the rocks (or the bridge) for a little excitement. Generally no one but other foreigners are found swimming here.

About 20 minutes drive north of Saga City’s center. Off the Yamato expressway exit, head north on the 263 towards Mitsuse town. You’ll want to cross a bridge to the left and continue north on the 323 towards Fuji village. There should be a sign before you get to a tunnel for Obuchi mebuchi. There’s parking there.

Nanayama

Water quality should usually be a bit nicer at this beautiful river. A great place for a swim and also for a good hike. There’s a lot more shade here. Lots of different waterholes to try and one has a great rope swing. Many of Nanayama’s school kids swim here.

A 15-minute drive east of Karatsu. From Hamatama beach, get on the 323 and head to Nanayama. Turn right at the one light in town and immediately veer to the left of the post office. Continue straight until you see a small restaurant (with Bass on tap!) called Funny Nanayama and turn right in front of the restaurant. At your first chance, turn left and drive up this narrow road. Cross a very narrow bridge and there will be a parking lot on the left.

1. Buy (yep, you have to pay for it, 476 yen) the application at any major bookstore that has an English section. Probably at the counter (green envelope wrapped in plastic).
   • kinokuniya–hakata, 6th floor of daimaru dept. store (above hakata bus terminal)
   • kinokuniya–tenjin, 8th floor of tenjin core bldg.) maruzen–tenjin, fukuoka bldg. 2nd & 3rd floor, on the corner w/the subway “tenjin” station jukundo–tenjin, media mall, behind tenjin core
2. fill in the application (this year the application & explanatory booklet included in the packet are in english!)
3. attach (3cm x 4cm), b & w or color, taken w/in the last 6 months. (more info in the packet!) *write your name & d.o.b. on the back!
4. photocopy your application.
5. take application to the post office!
6. pay the fee (5300 yen) w/the postal payment form @ the post office (most close by 4:00!) or @ the postal ATM
7. send by delivery-certified mail (haitatsu kiroku yuubin)!

this is just for quick reference, please follow the instructions in the packet! GOOD LUCK!

As Prefectural Advisor, my primary role is to support you confidentially and emotionally when you are going through a rough time. However, I understand that in some situations, you might feel more comfortable consulting a licensed counsellor. So I have information on that too!

The one recommended most by ALT’s is Ms. Yuriko Yanaga, an English speaking clinical psychologist in Fukuoka. Her phone number is (092) 733-2220 and you can find her office in the Rainbow Plaza. Most costs are covered by the Rainbow Plaza.

8 fl IMS Building, Tenjin 1-7-11, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-Ken

Hours: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 1-6.

Other resources you might try are as follows:

Dr. Satoshi Fukui (psychiatrist)
(092) 801-1011
7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
Accepts National Health Insurance
Speaks Japanese, English
9-5PM

Dr. Masahisa Nishozono (psychiatrist)
(092) 474-4383
7th floor of the Yuhu Building 6, 3-16-13-1 Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku
Fukuoka
Accepts National Health Insurance
Japanese, English
Weds, Fri 9-12

This is from the Hokkaido JETs listserve: info on special train discounts at certain times of the year. Discounts & night trains. Check it out & tell your friends!

Application for Lump-sum withdrawal must be made within 2 years of you leaving Japan, and it will be sent to an account you designate in your home country. It is not clear in the General Information Handbook if you can designate an account in 3rd country that you intend to go to but from what I hear, the CIR/PA from 2 years ago has not yet claimed his back because he has not yet gone back to his home country.

Your lump-sum payment WILL be taxed, and this will be refunded but to a Japanese “Tax-representative’s” account in Japan. Refund of this must be applied for within 5 years.

For those staying a fourth year and beyond

As for what would happen with your 4th year pension contributions and if you could get pay-back for 4 years rolled into one; I ain’t got a clue I’m afraid. What is important though is that your tax representative is clued up on your intentions and maybe even your local tax office. (It is recommended that your tax-representative is your supervisor or BOE.) Being Japan, they are likely to have a fit of confusion if they were to realize that you were back in the country and also there may well be some restrictions as they want to be absolutely certain that you are out of the country before they pay. CLAIR will actually answer questions about the refund etc. in general so I recommend that you ring them and ask to speak to a JET PC if you have any queries:03-3591-5350

Santa Claus
North Pole
HOHOHO
Canada

Check out this link for more info.

The very generous Canadian Postal Service even post replies to all students — tell them and even the kids who hate English will be writing away into the next lesson.

I thought some people out there in Saga might be interested in taking a distance learning course in TESL or TOEFL. There are two schools that I am aware of up in the Tokyo area. They are Lambert University and Tokyo College (or University — I can’t remember) and they offer distance programs. All you need is some cash, access to the internet, and some time.

The JET Peer Support Group is a Volunteer Listening Line here to help.

Dial: 0120-837-725

The line is available from 8pm-8am everyday

What is it? The PSG is a night time listening line that is a useful resource for JET specific issues, more general Japan related questions or just to vent or work through some personal issues with the help of a listening ear.

This time of year can get really busy for a lot of JETs with summer festivals, work, returning home, summer travel, saying good-bye to friends, leaving JET as well as day to day survival in the summer months. We just want to remind you that the Peer Support Group is available should you start to feel overwhelmed (or underwhelmed for that matter).

If you ever go to elementary schools, you should really, really! Check out the book:

English for Primary Teachers: A handbook of activities & classroom language by Mary Slattery & Jane Willis. This book is a clear, easy to use introduction to teaching English to children in elementary grades. It contains advice and practical teaching tips. It also builds teachers’ confidence in their ability to use classroom English effectively. A free audio CD gives examples of language from actual classrooms.

Read more about it.

It’s won all sorts of awards, and the best thing is that there is a Japanese version! Oxford had the book translated! So you can hopefully get your JTE to read it too. If you leaving and looking for a goodbye gift to give a JTE…

You can find it at Amazon Japan.

Edward Crandall of the Saga Shimbun has just launched his homepage.     UPDATE ( 2009-02-09) :  The page is now located here.

It is a bilingual page. Click on the English table of contents to access the various sections. Note that the “update” section, which contains an English translation of his weekly column (originally appearing in Japanese in the Saga Shimbun), will be updated every Thursday with new material.

Free to send him an email. Enjoy!

Dear JETs

Akita International University AIU as you may or may not have heard is Japan newest university located in Yuwa Machi Akita Prefecture. AIU is a unique university in that it is the first in Japan to offer all its courses and lectures (except some Japanese language classes for International students) in English.

AIU offers a chance to study more about Japan in Akita prefecture famous for is natural beauty and traditional way of life.

AIU is keen to attract International students to its regular and summer programs. We are particularly keen to appeal to former JETs that may be interested in staying in Japan to study after they finish their contracts.

At present AIU is currently recruiting students for 2004 Summer Program at six week intensive Japanese Course (Elementary-Advanced). Tuition is only 10000Yen (Residential Option Available) and for its Autumn Semester.

The deadline for Applications is May 14th and 21st respectively.

If you are interested about learning more information about AIU please visit http://www.aiu.ac.jp.

Finally if know anyone that might be interested in AIU friends colleagues former professors. We would appreciate it if you would pass this information on to them in due course

Yours Sincerely

Masaki Nakatsu
Student Affairs AIU

• Democrats abroad
• Republicans abroad
• Through the U.S. embassy

The fundamental principle of aikido is to be so “in tune” with the opponent that one can sense his intentions and be able to take advantage of his movement. This principle has given aikido its name: ai means “to meet,” the character ki means “spirit or energy” and do means “the way” in the philosophical sense of Zen Buddhism.

The aikido school in Saga is the Nabeshima Yoshinkan Aikido School, near Nabeshima station, one stop west of Saga. The master, Ishi-sensei, is a great and welcoming person and makes efforts to speak English but expects a lot from his students in return. The class is given in Japanese and it is very important to learn the technical terminology to go along with the movements. You will have to buy your own gi (7000-10,000 yen, depending on size) and pay 5000 yen a month as a subscription fee. Classes are given every day of the week from 7-8:30 p.m. and in the morning on weekends. You can attend as many classes as you want once you’ve paid your monthly fee. I suggest you try to attend at least twice a week for any improvements. It’s hard to learn movements, the technical terminology and fight at the same time, but it is a fascinating Japanese martial art.

Directions to Nabeshima Yoshinkan Aikido School

From Nabeshima station, walk straight out of the small station, turn right at the first main street. Go straight on this road for about 10 minutes. You will cross a wide main road and you should find the school after a few blocks on your right. The sign is small and in Japanese; it’s on the second floor of a tatami maker’s shop. An alternative is to take a taxi and hope the driver knows where the Yoshinkan Aikido School is.

More information

• Visit the Yoshinkan Aikido website
• Read Dynamic Aikido by Gozo Shioda (ISBN4-7700-0578-4 in Japan), a good book with all the basic techniques and movements written by the Yoshikan founder himself

Wadaiko, also known as taiko, is what I would call an ancient art form. It requires strength, stamina and rhythm. Wadaiko started its life as a method of communication, possibly between communities, but reportedly it was used as a method to talk to god(s); the harder you beat, the clearer the god(s) would hear you. Nowadays it is a mezmorizing and awe-inspiring spectacle. If you’ve ever played or seen some professional taiko group play, you will gape at the effort needed to play some pieces.

I’ve been involved in Wadaiko Hagakure (based in Saga City) for almost 10 months now. I don’t know exactly how to categorize the group, but I’d say we’re amateur. However, we perform several times a month and get paid for it (if you attend). It’s fairly young as far as taiko groups go. Apparently the club was set up by the main instructor’s father some years ago, when they broke away from Hagakure Wadaiko (but don’t quote me on that…). Sensei speaks fairly good English, as do his two kids, Kento, 14, and Asuka, 17, who also are part of the group and miles above most of the members as regards talent (I guess they just have the genes).

We practice twice a week in Saga City, on Wednesdays from 7:45-9:30 p.m. at Yamato Wellness and on Sundays from 7:45-9:30pm in a Saga Chugakou. As a non-permanent resident of Japan, you will be treated as a junior member, which means you do not pay the monthly fee of 3000 yen, but get paid half what senior members do for performances.

So, please feel free to contact me (via the contact form) if you’d like more information or to come along for a trial run. I will issue one request: committment means a lot to these people, so no half-hearted attempts to be a part. You are either in heart and soul or out. You do not need any previous experience — just bring along enthusiasm and watch those biceps mould into shape!

Introduction

Japanese cuisine isn’t just fish and noodles. Okay, it’s mostly fish and noodles, but if you spend any time in Japan, you’ll discover a culinary selection as big as any in the world. Read on to learn more about some typical Japanese dishes.

Japanese foods

Agedashi tofu

Soft tofu lightly fried and sitting in a sauce with, usually, fish flakes, chopped green onions and a dollop of minced ginger on top.

Champon

The Nagasaki culinary delight. Noodles in broth with plenty of seafood, strips of meat, cabbage, chop suey and corn to delight your taste buds.

Gyoza

Dough stuffed with cabbage, some other vegetables and minced meat fried up and served with a dipping sauce (soy sauce, splash of vinegar, spicy oil to taste, sesame seeds and a bit of crushed hot peppers).

Miso shiru

Miso soup. A highly nutritious bean curd soup with a variety of ingredients. Anything from seaweed to carrots to a crab claw might be found floating around in the broth.

Okonomiyaki

Japan’s version of a pancake. Flour, egg, water, cabbage and any other ingredients you care to add are mixed together and grilled on a hot griddle. A brown sauce, fish flakes, dried seaweed flakes and a healthy squeeze of mayonnaise and hot mustard are thrown on top.

Ramen

Fried white noodles in a pork broth with some meat, chopped green onions, and seaweed swimming around in it.

Tempura

Shrimp, fish and vegetables lightly battered and fried and served with a dipping sauce.

Yakisoba

The ultimate festival food. Soba (buckwheat noodles) are heated up on a large hot plate and mixed with a yakisoba sauce, red ginger, perhaps some chop suey and, of course, cabbage

Yakitori

Grilled meat and vegetables. If it ever breathed, they can grill it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Chinese cabbage, plus onions, carrots and any other vegetables (for a total of about 2 cups per pancake)
• 1-2 eggs
• shrimp, beef or squid
• 1/2 cup flour
• water
• okonomiyaki sauce (I use yakisoba sauce), fish flakes, mayonnaise and try some hot mustard to top

Directions

Chop up all the vegetables and toss with flour in a big bowl. Beat the egg(s) and stir into the vegetable mixture. Add a bit of water until it has a nice pancake mix type of consistency. Lightly fry the shrimp, beef or squid and pour the mixture over the meat and fry as a pancake on both sides. Top with the okonomiyaki sauce, fish flakes, mayonnaise and hot mustard.

Ingredients

• Miso paste
• Carrots, onions, leek, potatoes, konnyaku (a rubbery root), seaweed, pork, etc.
• Water

Directions

Put about three or four cups of water in a pan and boil. Add the vegetables and boil until soft. Important: Reduce to low heat so that the water has stopped boiling before adding the miso or else you will lose the nutrition of the soybean (miso) paste. I generally add about two tablespoons, but it’s up to you. I put the miso in a strainer and place it in the hot water, letting the water mix with the paste (if you add the miso paste without a strainer, it tends to create lumps and small debris floating in the broth). Stir.

A different way of getting to know your area is to hop on a bicycle and explore the country roads outside of your town. Get off the main roads, find those small farmers’ roads and get lost for an hour.

You will find yourself surrounded by fresh air, space and beautiful rice or wheat fields (depending on the season). It’s a perfect way to exercise, explore, empty your mind and relax at the same time. You can do it on any kind of bike, and there’s no need to be an athlete either.

And if you really enjoy it and want to get into it, buy maps at the 100 yen shop and go further and higher into the mountains. It’s very beautiful and worth the sweat. Fall and spring are the best seasons for cycling here.

There are hard times to come when you live in a foreign country and must keep active to stay balanced and happy. Cycling is one amongst hundreds of activities that you can try.

Aso, which lies in Kumamoto Prefecture about two to three hours away from Saga Prefecture, is one of the biggest active craters in the world. Most people go see the huge and impressive active crater and then drive home missing out on the whole area surrounding the crater.

The area surrounding Mount Aso’s crater is big and diverse and offers all kinds of hikes and/or walks. There are many trails labeled with yellow, white or red arrows on rocks. Keep your eyes on big rocks and look for the arrows which might lead you to some red, rocky, steep hills for a climb or green rolling hills for an easy stroll. You will discover amazing rock formations, beautiful views, hidden little craters and maybe even some cows. Take a chance and wonder off the beaten track!

Every year during Golden Week, which is from 29 April to 5 May, one of the biggest ceramics fairs in the world takes place in the little porcelain town of Arita in Saga prefecture. In Japanese, it’s called Arita Toukiichi.

There are thousands of shops and stalls full of all kinds of ceramics at all prices. Most ceramics are industrially produced in the area and others handcrafted by local potters. That’s what usually makes the difference in the price. A hand made ceramics vase hand painted by a local potter will be quite expensive as opposed to a mass produced bowl with a design printed on it which might only be 200 yen.

Beware of the Japanese ladies dragging their suitcases on wheels full of ceramics as nothing can stand in their way, and try not to bump into people as everyone is walking around with breakables in their bags.

How to get there

The festival takes place on the main street between Kami-Arita and Arita station (take the Sasebo or the Haiki train line). You can get off at either station and follow the crowds.

A few important advices

• Take the train instead of a car as traffic is heavy and parking is expensive.
• Bring a backpack or a solid bag if you think you’ll buy a lot.
• Bargain away as if you were in a Thai market!