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May 2014

Well hello there and hurrah for May!

The sun is shining, yet we are not melting! Cherry blossoms are long gone, but new flowers bloom every day, each more brightly than the one before. Schedules are finally in normal mode after April’s organised chaos of ceremonies, health checks and interviews. Sure we’re going to miss a few days, which can be a bit of a hassle, but who can complain for long when it means Golden Week has arrived? Yes, avid travellers and all those simply in need of a break can breathe easy in May when precious nenkyu can be stretched that bit further and travel buddies abound. In truth Golden Week is best utilised by the planners among us – I am not ashamed to admit having booked my jolly back in November – but even if you decided to have a leisurely holiday at home this year, it is the ideal time for a ‘staycation’. We are finally in that long-awaited sweet spot between cool spring and searing summer, and happily before June’s rains. Whether home or abroad, make the most of May’s 30 days whilst you can – especially if the clock on your time in Hyogo has started its dreaded ticking.

Of course before relaxing for our own holiday reprieve, we at the Hyogo Times have made sure you are covered for airport, bus or bedside reading. This month we have essential reading on hot Japan topics: see Kylie’s follow up on the result of the case against Japan’s whaling programme, Sean discussing Japan’s nuclear future and Taylor on the recent tax hike. We also have topical features on Golden Week itself and what albums to listen to in celebration of their anniversaries. Plus travel to Inujima, a nostalgic recipe in the kitchen and more!

On top of all that content we also introduce a new addition to the HT team: Erika Horwege, who takes over as our graphic designer and will be slaving away monthly to make the beautiful PDF you see before you. Welcome Erika!

All that’s left is for me to wish you a very pleasant month. Want to share your adventures in a future issue of the Hyogo Times? Send us an email at hyogotimespublications@gmail.com

Char

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