It’s starting to warm up and as you might expect, Spring is full of great events, so here are some ideas to get you out and about!
Upcoming events
March 2 – April 7 – Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival
Location: Huis Ten Bosch (Sasebo)
This year the annual tulip festival at Huis Ten Bosch will be the largest ever, with 650 different types of tulips adorning the whole complex, not just the tulip garden itself. During the peak tulip time (21 March-6 April) there are special events and guided tours, and en evening light-up of the tulips until March 31.
For more info click here.
Saturday March 15 – Block 10 Shinnenkai
Location: HANA restaurant in Tenjin (Fukuoka City)
Time to welcome in the New Year with our friends…. in March! To be held in a fancy restaurant, with the theme ‘dress to impress’. If you haven’t already signed up and want to be a part of it, you must let Penny Fox know by this Saturday, 8th March.
Monday March 17 – St Patrick’s Day Celebration
Location: Nagasaki Brick Hall
Whether you feel like getting in touch with your Irish roots or you’d just like to see what all the fuss is about, you my friend are in luck. The world famous band Téada, specializing in traditional Irish music, will be in Nagasaki to play right on St. Patrick’s Day! Grab your Guinness and tuck in for some authentic Irish song and dance at Nagasaki’s Brick Hall.
Check the poster for more details.
March 21-22 – Oita AJET Charity Bike Trip
Location: Oita, starting in Beppu City
This will be the 17th annual Charity Bike Ride, with all proceeds being donated to the Red Cross in the Philippines. Registrations are now closed, but if anyone is interested in assisting as part of the volunteer support crew, please contact Martyn Jasinski as soon as possible.
Facebook event page.
Early April – Annual Nagasaki ALT Undokai
Location: TBA
Details are just being finalised at the moment, but stay tuned for more info about this amazing annual event. Just like a school sports day, but for grown-ups!
Saturday March 29 – Oita AJET Hanami Party
Location: Beppu Park
Enjoy the beautiful sakura and the even more beautiful company of our fellow JETs with a picnic in Beppu park! It’ll be a potluck affair as always, so bring a blanket and some treats to share.
Saturday March 29 – Unzen Fire Festival /Samurai Parade/Hanami
Location: Chijiwa, Unzen (Nagasaki)
The main part of the event is a parade of hundreds of people dressed up like real samurai (no plastic costumes) holding fire torches while walking from the port towards the top of Tachibana’s shrine passing along cherry blossoms trees in full bloom. It has been awarded as the biggest samurai parade in whole Japan!
Saturday April 19 – Second Annual Fukuoka AJET Skills Auction/Luau
Location: TBA
Join Fukuoka JETs for a night of camaraderie and purpose as they auction off their MAD SKILLZ. All funds support a Fukuoka SHS 1st or 2nd year student on a two-week homestay to an English-speaking country of their choice!
Facebook event page.
Saturday May 3 – Sasebo to Shimabara Ultra Walk-Marathon
Location: Starts in Sasebo, Nagasaki
The 3rd annual Sasebo to Shimabara walk rally is strictly a walking event so runners need not apply. The total distance of the walk is 105 km and you have 24 hours to finish. Entry fee is ￥10,000 and registration closes this Friday 7th March so if you want to participate use the following link asap.
Facebook event page.
Saturday May 24 – Fukuoka Big Day Out: Baseball + Beer
Location: Fukuoka Yahoo Dome + Asahi Beer Hall
Join JETs from around the Block in one last Block 10 event before Penny finishes up as Block Rep, for a massive day of baseball, beer hall and clubbing. The baseball match should be one of the best of the season. Feel free to join any or all parts. Keep a lookout for the registration form to come soon.
Facebook event page.
Hope to see you all about and about at some of these events soon!
Saga JET Programme 