Matsushima Ya: The Wonders of Miyagi-ken
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Matsushima Ya: The Wonders of Miyagi-ken

  Perhaps Miyagi’s most well-known denizen is the daimyo that founded Sendai, Date Masamune. His likeness can be observed in many areas near the prefecture’s capital. Several years following his death in 1636, the pine tree-clad islands of the aptly named Matsushima were recorded as one of the Three Views of Japan. It’s easy to…

Far From the Same: Saga Prefecture
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Far From the Same: Saga Prefecture

My name is Penny Fox and I’m originally from Sydney, Australia, although I’m not sure now which to call my ‘hometown,’ since I spent the full 5 years on JET (2009 – 2014). I actually had 2 placements – one for the first 3 years, where I taught at a total of 10 schools (3…

Birthday Suit Loincloths: Okayama Prefecture
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Birthday Suit Loincloths: Okayama Prefecture

Who are you? Where are from originally? What year are you on JET? Where do you teach? What level? My name is Nicole Finch, and I’m from the hockey loving, maple syrup drinking country of Canada. I’m a 3rd year JET in Okayama City, Okayama, where I teach at two academic high schools, one academic…

Osaka Prefecture All the Shades of Urban Japan
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Osaka Prefecture All the Shades of Urban Japan

  My name’s Joseph Baietto. I’m originally from New York City. I’m currently on my second year of JET, eagerly heading into my third. I teach at a junior high school in Shijonawate-shi, on the western edge of Osaka Prefecture, and once a week I teach at one of two elementary schools.   Why did…

Kagawa Prefecture: A New and Very Different Land of Enchantment
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Kagawa Prefecture: A New and Very Different Land of Enchantment

  Hey there!I’m Julia Mace from the Land of Enchantment (that’s New Mexico in the United States). I was a JET for five years in Mitoyo, Kagawa and now I’m independently contracted with my BOE as a full-on instructor. I teach at one Junior High School, two Elementary Schools, several Kindergartens, and one intermediate level…

Tochigi Prefecture: A Nature-lover’s Paradise near Tokyo
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Tochigi Prefecture: A Nature-lover’s Paradise near Tokyo

    Yo! My name is Ryan Suzuki. I was born and raised in California. I’ve moved around a few times, but the last city I lived in before JET was Garden Grove.I’m in my 2nd year on JET and I teach at Tochigi High School in Tochigi City. It’s an all-boys super science high…