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A long distance view of the JET experience

  When our son received the letter of acceptance for JET we  were suitably impressed both with his achievement and the quality of the stationery used by the Japanese Embassy. The followed months waiting to hear his specific destination in Japan were agonising for the entire household. A distinct sense of relief followed the news…

Watashi Kirei?  Call of the Slit-Mouthed Woman
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Watashi Kirei? Call of the Slit-Mouthed Woman

  By Elise Burgess   Halloween is just around the corner, and although it’s not as popular of a holiday in Japan as in the West, there’s no shortage of terrifying ghosts, ghouls and general nightmare fuel. Low on Halloween costume ideas? Don’t want to end up being the 20th Harley Quinn on the block?…

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Children

Recently, at a family wedding, I was very distressed to find out that my year and a bit worth of teaching experience has not improved my ability to talk to children. I met a rather cool three year old (he could talk three languages and sing most of Frere Jacques) and, when called upon to…

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Stuff I Wish More Karaoke Machines Had

Invocal More Stephen Sondheim, specifically:  Moments in the Woods from Into the Woods You Could Drive a Person Crazy from Company  More from Dick Tracy Girl you don’t need make-up from Inside Amy Schumer Free cake, even if you’re not singing karaoke Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus Closing Time by Semi-sonic Remix to Ignition by Kelly…

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Celebrity

  It’s quite nice to be admired and even nicer to be respected- in Japan, as a gaijin-sensei, I certainly receive a lot of admiration. But I sometimes feel a dearth of respect. Once a week, I teach at one of four elementary schools. If you’re good at math, and Lord knows you don’t have…