Starting their day by wrapping themselves in scarves and wearing Uniqlo Heat Tech for what they believed would be a typical Japanese winter afternoon, HAJET Book Club members soon found themselves removing articles of clothing (some might think inappropriately) while expressing their surprise at the unexpected heat with comments like, “It’s so hot†and “This…
Wait, do you hear that? Could it be true, has it finally happened!? That’s right it’s January, the start of a new year and you can finally turn the radio on without fearing that your eardrums will be flooded with unforgiving Christmas music. To help you recover from holiday jingle fatigue, take a listen to…
Asia Pacific Current Events 1. A lone gunman, Man Haron Monis, took hostages for 16 hours on Monday, Dec 15 at the Lindt Chocolate Café in Sydney, Australia. The standoff ended the following day when police quickly raided the building after hearing shots, Monis and two hostages died. NYT 2. American man denounces…
Renewal. That’s the word that comes to mind after the start of a new year. January 1st is like the Monday of a new week; it’s full of hope, possibilities, and often positivity. It is a time when most are motivated to start doing the things they have wanted to, but haven’t. Sure the weather…
             Last month was a busy time for many world leaders first attending the Asian-Pacific Economic Partnership (APEC) Summit in Beijing, China and then the G-20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane, Australia. These summits, often merely speeches of flattery and pats on the back or of criticism with wags of the finger sometimes surprise everyone and…
Although, I’ve never been the biggest fan of winter, Japan has slowly been winning me over with its variety of unique activities during this season. When going outside may be one of the last things you want to do, these 8 activities and places will be more than enough to get you out from…
It’s December and the weather has turned bitterly against us. The idea of heading outdoors is growing less and less attractive and we find ourselves wanting to curl up under the katatsu and simply relax. Luckily, this month we provide you with five things to watch as you take a break from last month’s readingsand…
Message from the Editor First off, let me congratulate any JET who arrived this past July and August on almost completing their first term of teaching here in Japan. For all your initial classroom confusion, cultural faux pas, and any other mishaps, you’ve nearly made it to your first closing ceremony. Let winter vacation be…
              There seems to be a general consensus in the music review world that good music isn’t defined by one sound or genre, but what certain bands or musicians are doing within their specific genre. Most creative praise is given to those who find new methods, either instrumentally or vocally, to introduce the familiar…