Spring has truly spring here in Kyushu, with cherry blossoms almost a distant memory and the weather really starting to heat up and allow us plenty of time in the great outdoors. Hope you’re all making the most of the great weather and taking advantage of the teacher reshuffle and the opportunity to start afresh in the work environment.
Spring is also a time for the latest AJET survey – a chance for you to have your say about changes in elementary school education, how you would feel about being a solo educator in the classroom, and some feedback about AJET services.
Upcoming events
Now – May 6 – European Food Fair
Location: Brasserie & Lounge Seala/Hilton Seahawk Fukuoka
Enjoy a taste of Europe in Fukuoka this spring with dishes such as quiche, chicken confit, seafood lasagna, fish&chips and many more from a variety of European countries. ￥2,500 lunch/￥4,700 dinner on weekends (￥2,200 / ￥4,100 on weekdays)
Now – May 11 – Art Aquarium
Location: JR Kyushu Hall, Hakata
More than 2.5million visitors have already enjoyed this exhibit around the country, and now it comes to Fukuoka! See live goldfish swimming in tanks with impressive lighting and video projections creating stunning scenes. Also features a ‘night aquarium’ with bar and DJs playing on weekends.
Sat Apr 19 – Second Annual Fukuoka AJET Skills Auction/Luau
Location: Kebab Bar Ampoules, Fukuoka
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!
April 19 – May 6 – Kurogi Wisteria Festival
Location: Susano Shrine, Yame (Fukuoka Prefecture)
The Kurogi Wisteria tree is a 618-year-old national Natural Treasure, with its vines extending over several metres. Mid-April is prime viewing time, and seeing the tree lit up at night is magical.
April 27 – May 1 – Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival
Location: Dejima, Nagasaki
Come out and witness tall ships from all over the world as they gather in Dejima for Japan’s premier ship festival. You can watch ship drills, see fireworks, take a ride on some of the ships, and even enjoy some hands-on activities such as rope tying tutorials and some casual canoeing.
April 29 – May 5 – Golden Week Ceramics Festival
Location: Arita, Saga and Hasami, Nagasaki
Hasami is Nagasaki’s largest porcelain market, right over the hill from the world-famous Arita town in Saga prefecture. During this festival, in both towns you can find great deals on a wide variety of crockery and pottery of all sorts at once-a-year low prices!
May 3 – Sasebo to Shimabara Ultra Walk-Marathon
Location: Starts in Sasebo, Nagasaki
The 3rd annual Sasebo to Shimabara walk rally will have people walking 105 km within 24. Registrations have now closed, but a few of our JETs are participating and could surely use your support and cheering!
Saturday May 10 – Huge BBQ Party + Live Music Event
Location: Ariake Sky Park, Saga
As always, Mr Peter Bentley Jr. has planned one of his smashing BBQ party events. There’ll be bands, DJs, other performers, BBQs, booze and tons of foreign and Japanese friends, not to mention that you can stay overnight in the rented hall. BYO food, drinks, bedding (if you want to stay). Usually with around 100 people attending, this is one party you don’t want to miss!
Saturday May 17 – Annual Nagasaki ALT Undokai
Location: Matsuyama-machi sports ground
This year’s undokai, run for the first time by the new Nagasaki AJET chapter, is set to be bigger and better than ever, with events including tug of war, mukade race, obstacle courses and a relay. Just like a school sports day, but for grown-ups! Arrive by 10.30 on the day for registration; you can pre-arrange your team, or show up on the day as an individual to join with others.
Saturday May 24 – Fukuoka Big Day Out: Baseball + Beer
Location: Fukuoka Yahoo Dome + Asahi Beer Hall
Baseball registrations have now closed, but you can still join in for the all-you-can-eat-and-drink (yakiniku and beer) at the Asahi Beer Hall and clubbing afterwards. If you want to participate, please fill in this registration form.
May 24-25 – Oita AJET Camping Trip
Location: Nobeoka, Miyazaki
If baseball is not your thing, and you’re looking for something a little closer to the great outdoors, why not join the Oita camping trip to Miyazaki? With swimming, games and other activities, a huge fire pit for BBQing and cabins or tents to sleep in, this could be a great chance to take advantage of the glorious spring weather.
Sun Jun 1 – Rose and Wine Marathon
Location: Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo (Nagasaki)
Although called a ‘marathon’, this is actually a 10km race (or 2km family fun run) around Huis Ten Bosch. You can pay to just enter the race (￥3,000) or pay a combined entry fee that also gives you access to HTB to see the beautiful rose gardens and also participate in their wine tasting festival (￥5,000).
June 14-15 – BeerFest
Location: Daisen, Tottori
So this is a little outside our own block, but I highly recommend the annual 地(ji) BeerFest in Tottori. Featuring delicious craft beers from around the country, live music, great food and camping available for those who wish to stay over.
Hope to see you all about and about at some of these events soon!
Saga JET Programme 