The Akitan Summer 2016
1
Photograph courtesy of Brianna Hom
The Akitan Team Jonathon Morris Hi everyone! My name is Jonathon Morris. This is my fourth year on JET, and this is my second year as the Education Center ALT/PA. I enjoy watching the footy, skiing, cycling, onsens, reading the news, and day dreaming.
We are always looking for new content and ideas for The Akitan, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
Rebecca Bamlett
Photos courtesy of Maeleen Arce Photograph courtesy of Jeff Lowther
Hey! My name’s Rebecca, graphic designer for the Akitan. I’m a second year ALT in Akita city, with passions for running, yoga and exploring the great outdoors!
Tara Scott Hello everyone! My name is Tara and I am a second year UK JET living in Daisen. I love taking photos and exploring new places, especially outdoors! I also have a real passion for history and look forward to getting stuck in to Japanese history and culture. I hope you all enjoy reading the Akitan!
2 Cover photograph courtesy of Brianna Hom, Design templates courtesy of Steph Broder
3
In This Issue ALTs in the News...................................................................................................... 6 Summer Festivals 101............................................................................................13 Nishimonai Bon Odori............................................................................................16 Myths and Misinformation about Akita..........................................................19 Seasonal Fruit Picking Around Akita...............................................................22 Ravenous Rick`s Raving Ramen Reviews.......................................................24 How to Take Amazing Photos of Fireworks..................................................29 4 Things You Probably Haven't Been Cleaning (but really should)....32 Akita Association of JETs...................................................................................... 35
Photographs courtesy of Tara Scott Photo coutrtesy of Tara Scott
4
Photo Photo coutrtesy courtesy of Tara of Tara Scott Scott
5
Photos courtesy of Crystal Wright
ALTs in the News On Brexit (6.25)
I am shocked,” “Now I am worried whether or not the UK will become isolated” - British residents in Japan raised their voices after the results of the popular referendum, that the UK would be seceding from the EU, had arrived. “Despite the opposition, I thought the trend towards Remain was going to prevail. This was not the decision I was hoping for,” third year student at AIU Simon Lee (26) replied stiffly, having learned of the results via web news. “I was for Remain. Secession will weaken our standing in international trade, and I fear it will weaken Britain’s economic strength.”
worried about how this will affect the lives of my family and friends back home.”
Jonathon Morris (32), ALT in Akita City, also having anticipated a Remain victory, was also taken aback, “There were a great number of people who were lost in popular opinion and voted to secede without thinking rationally about it.”
ALT from Yuzawa, Pimms Hubbel (23), voting Remain on his absentee ballot, commented disparagingly, “The voices of bigots have carried great strength and the Parliament, which has been unable to peacefully integrate immigrants into society, has a great responsibility here.”A great number of Hubbel’s friends, from the EU and now working in the UK, know firsthand the appeal of being able to work across national boundaries, “We do not want the UK to go down a path of isolation.”
A new style of Team, A new style of League This season marks Max Raskin’s first term playing for the Takanosu Lions, part of the Takanosu district’s Morning Baseball League. As the league’s only foreign player,
Leave supporters emphasize that there has been an influx of immigration with participation in the EU, and citizens of the UK are losing jobs. To this it is countered that if the UK economy suffers, many opportunities for employment will actually be lost. In retrospect, the Leave supporters have simply focused on the short term-issues, while the Remain movement’s positions are not as easy to understand.
On Brexit: JR Passengers watch a news programme relaying the results of the UK’s referendum
“This was beyond my expectations.”, “Independence is going to be trouble” - British residents in the prefecture. “This is in contrast to what I had expected,
6
Eikaiwa lecturer in Akita city, Martin Spivey (32), whose family resides in central England, familiar with the Nissan motor factories, was shocked. Secession may very well pummel the transportation industries within the UK, “It’s possible that factories may move outside of the country now. I am
A new style of Team, A new style of League: The Hunchback of Notre Dame goes to bat
7
this national sport, aimed at learning more about Japanese culture and deepening each other's cultural experience. Participants from five different countries, including the US, UK and South Africa, fastened on their mawashis and earnestly took hold of the challenge.
he has been ushering into to his local baseball community a new style of play. A resident of California, Berkeley, Raskin, who took an interest in English education during university, had hoped to become an assistant language teacher (ALT). Wanting to work in Japan’s countryside, he was appointed to Akita Hokuyou High School, where he has been working since summer of last year.
Called onto stage with unique names such as “Musashi Maru” or “The White Gorilla,”
“As a Major League Baseball fan, I go out to the field and watch the games frequently”
The theme at AES is, “Learning made plentiful with good friends - seeking dialogues which shall create new values.” The courses offered are designed to heighten students’ competency making these type of discoveries, through conversations with their peers.
Chris McNeal (USA) from Akita City and Michelle Berent (USA) from Odate came in first place in the men and women’s division, respectively.
Raskin missed the ball and had three strikeouts at his first game, the 21st of last month. Taking the plate as the third pitcher in the third game, he was substituted after taking five consecutive walks, but Raskin remained enthusiastic, “I want to up my game little by little, so I can start to contribute more to the team.”
Giuseppe De Martino (27, Italy), from Ueyama, Yamagata prefecture, was also a participant, “Even though this is my second time putting on a mawashi it was still really hard! It is so fun to be able to do something that you can’t normally do!”
In the 5-B English class, children conversed with university students who assumed the role of foreign-exchange students. The foreign exchange students, having come to purchase unique items from within the prefecture, interacted with separate groups of The international sumo tournament has been going on since 2004. This year the pro- about 4 children each. ceeds from both admissions and the bake sale are being donated to the disaster relief The children in these groups assumed the role of shopkeepers, tasked with asking the fund in Kumamoto prefecture. foreign exchange students what they would like in English. The wider their topic of Picking up and Understanding English discussion became, the better their product sold. Conversation
After he finishes a game, he heads home for a quick shower before work. Not accustomed to getting up this early, he often finds himself sleepy at work, “The students are incredibly positive and classes are exciting,” Raskin displays a roguish grin, “it definitely wakes me up!” A Real Mawashi-bound Battle Charity Akita’s 12th annual International Sumo Tournament was held at the Akita Budoukan on July 11th.
Thirteen men and women, composed of junior and senior high school ALTs from Akita, Iwate and Yamagata, tried first hand
The elementary schools’ foreign language courses, set to adjust their 5th and 6th grade curriculum in line with next semester’s government sanctioned guidelines, have developed classes geared more towards English-based communication. At the junior high school level, students think For more difficult to determine matches, the about how to elicit information or progress intensity of the ring became quite elevated, the conversation. similar to the professional matches, as the Challenge judges deliberated over a “Recall” determiPromoting your Unique Local Produce nation. participants squared off against each other. Either an opponent’s epic fall to the ground or a push-out casting them outside the ring decides the match, after which the wrestlers are sent off stage amidst cheers and supportive applause from the audience.
ALTs from Akita, Iwate and Yamagata participate in an International Sumo Tournament.
8
This year’s Akita University Affiliated Elementary and Junior High School (AES and AJS, respectively) public training conferences were held at their respective campuses in Hodono, Akita city, where courses were made available to the public in each grade level.
Children listened for familiar phrases and used vocabulary that they knew, introducing their patrons, for example, to the Akita-ben word for cabbage, Tamana, or Kazuno’s local delicacy, Hokugen peaches.
9
As for the Q&A they had envisioned, al-
though their exchange might have gone smoothly, the children became unable to continue their dialogue and could be seen exchanging blank stares when they were in trouble. At which point their teacher, Maki Komuro, had the students think about how to keep
the conversation going. Ms.Komuro points out to a student that abruptly asking “What do you want?” is liable to confuse the listener, instead showing them a more natural means of starting the conversation, using the phrase “What would you like?” She also advises them beforehand to attempt making big gestures when they say “Hello!”
The children then consider this advice and have another go at speaking with the university students. As things like gesturing driving a car in order to explain the distance to local produce areas, or saying simply, “Kiritanpo is more famous than Junsai” when unable to explain the flavour of Junsai became topics of discussion, the children were able to deepen their English-based communication. Coming up with Questions that Ask for More Information
Mr.Suda points out that in order to gain more pertinent information, the students should anticipate what sort of answer the transfer student would give and polish their questions accordingly. The students then exchanged various opinions with one another: “Isn’t listening to someone answer clearly in Yes/No format better?” “When putting together more concrete information, (i.e., when relating the issue to environmental problems at large) I want to begin asking questions that would include concrete numbers.”
The theme at AJS is, “A place where high ambitions are upheld - cooperative education Students who finished their discussions that is directed towards the cultivation of offered up some specific questions on topics individuals engaged in society.” such as the size of rainforest that has been destroyed or the variety of animal life that The school’s aim is based on accepting there currently inhabits the rainforest. are differences in thinking between students and reinforces their ability to develop Mr.Suda then addressed the audience, “It is solutions to problems. integral to question your audience in line with your topic. In our classes from here on Shin Suda develops the English lessons for out, I will be judging whether the info have class 3D: referencing a line from the textput together from your Q&A sessions would book about a transfer student from Brazil be relevant to your reports.” discussing deforestation in the Amazon. The students are to write a report directed towards calling attention to the current state of the Amazon and the need for aid and then must think about how to proceed if they were to interview this transfer student.
Akita University Affiliated Elementary and Junior High School: Picking up and Understanding English Conversation
10
ALTs and CIR receive Letters of Appreciation On July 14th, 7 prefectural high school ALTs and the senior high school division CIR, nearing the end of their work terms, received congratulatory Letters of Appreciation.
The students receive information about the man-made destruction of large tropical rainforests taking place by the Amazon river These 8 individuals, from the US, Austramentioned earlier by the transfer student, lia and South Africa, were participants in and then get into groups and present ques- the prefecture’s JET programme. From one tions geared towards learning more about to five years, these participants helped to the current state of the forest. 11
Summer Festivals 101
A Coordinator of International Relations receiving a Letter of Appreciation and award from Superintendent Yoneda. guide young student’s English education, ALT from Nikaho Senior High School,Tracy both in their high school courses and by tak- Ann Telfer (USA, 34), who arrived to the ing part in the prefectural English Camps. prefecture in 2011, said a few words, Letters of Appreciation were presented at the Akita Second Prefectural Office, with 7 attendees present. Superintendent Yoneda presented each certificate individually, “It is my wish that you continue to build bridges between Japan and Akita even after you return to your home countries.” Students from Omagari Special Needs High School (Senboku-city, Kakunodate town), also presented them with handmade Kabazaiku (wood trinkets crafted from Sakura-tree bark).
“From the bottom of my heart, I am thankful for the kindness with which the people of Akita have treated me. I am so fortunate to have been able to work in this prefecture.” Sources: Akita Sakigake newspaper Translator: Nicholas Asquith
12
Story and Photos by Tara Scott
Whether you’ve just landed in Akita or
you’re a veteran of the north, summer festivals are worth getting excited about! For the most part you can just turn up to festivals and enjoy them, but we’ve put together a quick guide of things to keep in mind to help you plan ahead. Get Comfy For festivals which require a lot of sitting (e.g Omagari Fireworks) you might want to take along something to sit on. Some people take along small stools or cushions. It’s worth taking something that’s waterproof as the show will go on regardless of the weather. Last year it rained heavily at the fireworks festival and rather than postponing it, everyone just got wet.
Travel Smart It’s definitely a good idea to plan your transport in advance. During festivals it is very difficult to find parking spaces, so it’s usually better to use public transport to get to the events. If you are going to drive then
13
consider car-sharing and figure out where you’ll park in advance. Getting there early is always a good idea, regardless of whether you’re driving or using public transport. Dress Appropriately Unless you’re going to watch a firework show, chances are you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing. Comfortable clothes are an absolute must! Most of the festivals will be happening during August and the weather is likely to be hot and humid. Clothes that you can easily move in are a good idea, but of course it’s also a perfect opportunity to break out that yukata! You can find lots of ‘how to’ videos for yukata and Japanese clothing online. If it’s hot then you might want to bring along a fan to keep cool.
Charge Up Getting to an event and realizing that your camera battery is flat is very frustrating. Make sure you’ve charged up all your electronics before you leave the house, and ensure that you’ve plugged in your memory card! If you are hooked on Pokémon Go and plan on playing it whenever you’re out, then think about bringing along a portable charger. Eat Tasty Food I’ve yet to attend a festival where I couldn’t buy delicious food. Some places will even sell local dishes like Yokote Yakisoba. It’s worth buying a bit of everything you like as you work your way around the festival. There are often places to buy alcohol at the events, so remember to plan ahead if you want to drink! No operating vehicles (that means bicycles too!) after you’ve been drinking!
14
15
We hope you can get out and enjoy many festivals this summer! Have fun!
Nishimonai Bon Odori Story and Photos by Tara Scott
The bonfires are lit, the musicians are
ready and the dancers have taken their places. The Bon Odori is about to begin. A strong beat begins to thrum throughout the town as the whistle of a flute lifts high into the night sky. Faceless dancers begin their graceful movements of sweeping hands and feet to the beat of the music. The Nishimonai Bon Odori dates back roughly 700 years, and so it is one of the oldest of these kinds of dances still performed in Japan. The style of dance is particular to the period of Obon and is a celebration of the ancestors. It is meant as a way to welcome the spirits of the dead during the festival. Usually, during a Bon dance, the participants would move in a circle around a central plinth where the musicians play, but in Ugo the dance is performed along the main street of the town.
There are two types of costumes worn during the Bon Odori. The first is a curved straw hat called an amigasa. It sits forward over the face and so the people wearing them have a very limited field of vision.
16
They wear a special kind of kimono made from symmetrical patches of silk. This type of kimono is called a hanui. Some of the items are over 100 years old and are worn by several generations over time.
The second type of costume involves a black hood called a hikosa zukin with small slit openings for the eyes. An indigo-dyed (shibori) yukata is worn with this outfit, and when these dancers join the performance the atmosphere definitely feels more dark and spiritual. Both ensembles require white socks (tabi) and sandals (zori) made from reeds.
It is thought that the Nishimonai Bon Odori is a fusion of two different dances. The first was a prayer for a good harvest, performed at the temple of Zaogongen (currently the site is occupied by the Nishimonai Mitake Shrine). The other dance was a traditional Bon Odori, performed to console the spirits of the Nishimonai feudal lord Shigemichi, when his clan disappeared roughly 400 years ago after he burned down the castle. The two dances were brought together at the nearby Hosen temple, and was then moved to Motomachi-dori (its current location) during the 1780’s. In 1981 it was designated as a significant intangible folk cultural asset by the national government, and is listed as one of the top three Bon dances in Japan.
The music accompanying the dance is also a huge part of creating the atmosphere and the dance itself. Called the hayashikata, the musicians at Nishimonai sit in the balcony of the Bon Odori Hall, and speakers are 17
placed along the street so that the songs can be heard by all. The instruments used are the flute, hand-held drum, shamisen, taiko drum, snare drum and the gong. Singers accompany the music and dancers, and after 10pm the lyrics have even been known to get a bit cheeky! The town of Ugo contains many historical buildings, and on a moonlit night surrounded by music and bonfires, you can almost
imagine yourself back in the Edo period. The dance takes places for three nights, from the 16th to the 18th of August each year. If you can’t wait that long to see it, there are special performances on the second Saturday of every month at the Nishimonai Bon Odori Hall.
Why not head over to Ugo and experience the rich history and culture of the Nishimonai Bon Odori for yourself?
Myths and Misinformation about Akita Story by Keith Ikoma, edited by Jonathon Morris
When I arrived in Akita, I relied heavily on
information from people and the internet for advice and help in settling in. But sometimes the information was wrong. Let me first make some general suggestions. First, a few people - not me - have worked really hard on creating an English-language resource specific to Akita: the Akita Wiki (akitajet.com). It has some really helpful information. Second, if you hear something that you think is incorrect or you don’t like the answer you get, ask around: for example, maybe a different company will provide a service “impossible” for foreigners.
Finally, people who have been in Akita a while will likely have solved some of the strange quirks and myths that you’ll hear. They may be grumpy and roll their eyes at you, but they also might know a thing or two (hint: buy them a tasty beverage to appease their grumpiness).
Here are some things people have been told upon arrival: 18
“Foreigners can’t get credit cards.” False. I have two. Go to your bank and say “hey, I want a credit card” or have someone help you sign up for a Rakuten credit card. I signed up for a credit card at my bank on my first day in Akita. “Foreigners can’t lease a car.” Many non-Japanese people lease a car. Or own a car. Or rent a car. If you don’t want to spend too much time thinking about it, go with one that is well-known among English-speaking foreigners in Akita (or companies that other foreigners have leased from). “Your building can’t get internet.” One person was told this in a building where all other tenants had internet. Don’t listen if someone says this and instead go to an electronics store and sign up. Or, use “BB apply, www.bbapply.com. 19
This is a completely free and completely English service that will give you a complete rundown of the services that are available (listing connection speed, price, and optional add-ons) and will even tell you which service providers have customer services in English, under no obligation. If you wish, you can then select the service best for you and they will arrange installation for you free of charge.
Edits and links by J.Morris
“You can’t buy [insert foreign food] in Akita.”
the larger hospitals in the bigger cities are better equipped with the latest facilities and training, and there is a much better chance of finding a specialist too. We are lucky in that we can find a list of doctors and dentists that are recommended by other ALTs in Akita on the Akita wiki and also in your Akita orientation handbook. Never postpone going to the doctor or dentist if you are in need. If you have concerns, please contact a Prefectural Advisor. Akita wiki doctor and dentist recommendations: http://akitajet.com/wiki/Doctors_and_dentists English-Japanese medical handbook: http://www.ia-ibaraki.or.jp/kokusai/english/ medical/book/all.pdf
Possibly. Between Yamaya, Jupiter, and Kaldi, there are many foreign foods here. If you are looking for something from home, Edits and links by J.Morris talk to ex-pats from your country that live in Akita since they will most likely be similarly afflicted. They may know a physical shop you can find things, so reward them with a “You can only choose from the three large, tasty beverage for their knowledge. You can expensive companies for cellphone seralways check online retailers such as Ravice.” kuten or Amazon as well. There are many alternatives. Go with lowcost carriers (some are owned by the main “Japanese doctors are the worst.” providers) such as Yahoo Mobile or Aeon Mobile. Or, you can get a SIM card through I’ve heard that Japanese doctors underRakuten or some electronics shops (YodAND over-prescribe medication. They both abashi Camera in Tokyo, for example). I are too careless and too cautious. There wish I had known this sooner. are some very talented doctors as well as some not so talented ones. Go see the talented doctors. Alternatively, don’t get “You absolutely cannot go to the onsen sick. Seriously, though, if you have serious [hot spring] with tattoos.” medical problems, please make sure your health is not sacrificed because of fear of It depends. Many people with tattoos reggoing to a doctor in Akita. There are many ularly go to the onsen. Talk to people who great doctors in Akita. Generally doctors at have tattoos and ask which ones are tat20
too-friendly. I think this would also be a good way to think about other restrictions such as restaurants for vegetarians, karaoke places for non-smokers, clubs for foreigners, sports clubs for beginners, etc, etc. Ask around, and thank people for their suggestions with a tasty beverage.
they can read those rankings and mock you (in English, of course). “ALTs and JTEs will team-teach and both will participate in classroom leadership.”
This is a nice theory. For those of us who work as ALTs, it comes down to the school “Pick up food with the back of the chopand individual teachers, but ALTs can be resticks when the food is in the middle of the quired to do anything from solo teaching (or table” something akin to that) to simply standing at the back watching lessons. Whatever you It’s a theoretical thing that people do. If hear beforehand, wait until you get to your people are drinking, relax a little. On this schools. Work culture and precedent often specific issue, I suggest doing it anyhow trump best practices or job descriptions, to show respect and then it’s 95% likely and that’s not only in Japan. that they’ll laugh and say “You’re being too polite. Please stop.” There are usually A quick note: none of the companies menutensils for the shared platters of food so tioned are endorsements, but simply places look around first! With rules of etiquette, that people have found success. Some of the do what you believe to be correct as much suggestions are our own and you may or may as possible. A good general rule is to follow not find them useful. But, if something comes the example of others. Japanese people like in handy don’t forget to thank us! receiving tasty beverages too, which is good if you accidentally offend people with poor etiquette. We should make mistakes as we would expect people to make cultural mistakes coming to our home regions. Like how those jerks from Toronto make cultural mistakes when they travel to Vancouver. Jerks. “Japan’s school system is the worst.” No. Don’t let other people infect you with their culture shock; this goes for similar “Japan is the worst at ~” statements. Sure, its English education could use some help, but Japan consistently rates better than many English-speaking countries on education. I suggest helping students learn English so
21
Seasonal Fruit Picking Around Akita
Apples Best season - September to November
Strawberries Best season - May
Kazuno - Sato Syuka En September to beginning of November
Hyogo - Wellness park
Ugo machi - Komachino
Kazuno - Oyu Tourism Apple Farm September to end of November
Also: Nakasen, Daisen
Katagami - Kagaya Farm Early September to late November
Blueberries Best season - July to September
Taihei - Takahashi Orchard October to mid-November
Kawabe - Seseragi Blueberry Orchard July to Early September
Yuwa - Tanezawa Apple Orchard for Tourists, October to mid-November
Story and Photos by Tara Scott
Produce in Japan is extremely seasonal,
which means you need to know the best time to get hold of your favourite fruits! Many fruit farms will charge an entry fee (usually around ￥1000) and then you can go in a pick as much fruit as you like. Most places won't allow you to take the fruit away, or they will charge you a little extra but it’s well worth it for fruit straight off the tree!
Below is a rough guide to where and when you can go fruit picking in Akita. Listed are the town names, and, where available, specific farms have been included. Of course there are hundreds of other places to visit, how about finding an area near you and taking your friends along?
If you head to your nearest local Michi no Eki during the peak period of a certain fruit, you can usually find information boards with details of different farms and places for fruit picking. It’s also a great place to buy seasonal fruit and vegetables! 22
Misato - Senhata Fruit Land Takasoen Early Autumn
Also: Yokote, Hiraka Machi
Tazawako - Organic Komatsu's Blueberry Plantation
Cherries Best season - June to July
Pears Best season - August to October
Jumonji - Oku Sakuranbo Nouen Also: Yokote
Katagami - Kagaya Farm, Late August to Late October
Grapes Best season - August to October
Chestnuts Best season - October to early November
Katagami - Kagaya Farm Late August to mid-October
Nishiki Cho - Sasaki Chestnut Plantation (booking required)
Yuwa - Kaboku Farm for Tourists *free for ~4 days in early September
Nishiki Cho - Kyunosuke Chestnut Plantation (booking required)
Also: Yokote
Also: Yuzawa
23
w
Ravenous Rick’s Raving Ramen Reviews Story and Photos by Ravenous Rick Nishiki 錦
Consistency is very important for a
The Negi Miso ramen is listed as one of, if not the, most popular dish. Nishiki advertises Hokkaido flour as a main ingredient in its noodles, giving them a consistently soft texture. This review covers three dishes off of their regular menu. Without further delay:
bustling franchise such as Nishiki, and they certainly deliver across the spectrum, offering a variety of options at a number of locations. Hailing from Odate, Nishiki has several branches across Akita City, Tsuchizaki, Hirosaki and Karuizawa. (The latter are in Aomori and Nagano prefecture, respectively).
Meaty Chuuka Soba (Extra Thick) 肉中華そば こってり
As of last year they went international, with a US shop in San Diego, California. This year they have gone on to open a spot in Taiwan’s new open-air international mall, Gloria Outlets.
Menu options are plentiful as there are shio, shoyu and miso stocks to choose from, as well as seasonal options that will vary from branch to branch. This review is for the Tsuchizaki branch, just north of Akita City and near Mansaido, although I have personally visited two of their Odate branches on earlier occasions.
Soup: The broth is a mixture of the Hinaidori chicken with katsuo (Bonito) and saba (Japanese mackerel) that give it an overall marine-based flavour. It is a light soup, so it was an easy up-
24
grade to the kotteri style version. The salt content is also considerably lower than what one would expect from Chuuka Soba - tangy and sweet are more accurate descriptors.
Noodles: The Hokkaido flour Nishiki uses gives these noodles a very unique composition. They are noticeably absorbent, and soak up the flavour of the soup quite well. They are about the most absorbent noodles I have personally tried. This also makes them fluff up and thicken to the size of udon noodles if left long enough in the bowl.
garlic is used for the broth, and it pays to let your noodles soak up some of this, as it is on the oilier side. Since the soup can coagulate quickly it is a good idea to keep your bowl constantly in motion, stir your veg and other toppings in regularly! Noodles: Thick handmade noodles, same as those used for the chuuka men.
Toppings: I added a flavoured egg (味 玉)to mine, on top of the kotteri, but it was perhaps too sweet to pair up well with the already sweet-tasting broth. Miso Chashu
Toppings: A variety of Nishiki’s most popular Negi Miso dish. Photo As thefrom name Yelp implies, they do not skimp on the meat, packing four large slices of succulent pork chashu into the dish. The chashu is on the harder side of the spectrum, it does not melt in your mouth but it is delicious nonetheless.
みそチャーシュー
黒胡麻担々麺
Soup: The colour of Nishiki’s miso should pop out to anyone, a bright noticeable yellow. A decent amount of
Soup: This is my personal favourite as it is a variety of tantanmen you don’t often see. This soup is a true hybrid
Photo from Yelp
Black Sesame Tantan Men
25
of red chili pepper sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. Visually you will see the two broths nestled against each other, the black and the red, giving the bowl a good mix before lapping up the soup is highly recommended as sesame seeds, having different densities, are liable to separate from each other. The black sesame seeds stifle the spiciness associated with regular tantan men but they do not by any means take away from the deliciousness, as the overall flavour becomes deeper, richer and smokier than regular tantanmen. Noodles: Nothing more to say here, they go fantastic with this.
Toppings: Ground beef and Bok-choi served on a bed of seasame seeds, this simple dish does not need any more or any less balance, in my opinion, it is best eaten as is with no additional toppings.
http://nishiki-diner.com/location.html
Nishiki is proof that a franchise does not have to suffer in quality, and that a relatively simple menu, if done right, can be massively popular. I cannot speak to the quality of the Nishiki-brand instant ramen or their Omiyage ramen gift sets, but their in-store menu will keep me coming back in the future.
from Senshu Park, Kotetsu is the place to go. Spicy Dipping Noodles 辛つけ麺
Noodles: The noodles are a handmade, medium cut. They are on the floury, drier side, and pair well with the base as a dipping noodle. Toppings: A soft boiled egg, thick chashu, onions and red chili paste come as default toppings.
Kotetsu つけ麺ＫＯＴＥＴＵ虎徹 Kotetsu, despite being a modest single store proprietor, has particularly high ratings on popular sites such as Tabelog, and a deceptively simple looking menu. First and foremost a speciality dipping noodle shop, the menu also has a plentiful ramen and mixed soba selection. But perhaps the menu’s most unique appeal is its dedicated seasonal section. As a dipping noodle shop, Kotetsu has only a limited quantity made of ramen soup per day, after which ramen comes off the menu, so it is advisable to come earlier if you have your heart set on ramen. The proprietor, active on Facebook, prides himself on offering new and exciting early morning menu options, which vary based on the feedback he has received from customers. Fancy an early morning ramen (Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 to 9:30!) after a night out on the town? Just a block
26
distinctive quality to Kotetsu’s soup which is best described as a charred oil. You can readily see this texture in the soup if you let it cool - it adds subtle, bitter notes to the flavour.
Shoyu Ramen 醤油らーめん
Soup: Deceptively simple, listed merely as “spicy” tsukemen, the soup is not too thick, and not too spicy. Succulent cuts of pork chashu are mixed in with the broth, but the balance is just about perfect - not too salty, not too sweet, and not too thick. As a dipping noodle base, it is just thick enough to lather your noodles in, but not overwhelmingly stodgy. You can easily lap up the rest of your bowl when you are finished with your noodles. Those wanting a much lighter variety are advised to try the shio base. There is a very
Soup: The soup is tangy and a bit sour. There is yuzu skin paired with the right amount of fat in this soup to keep it light and airy without losing its flavourfulness. The shio version is noticeably collagen packed, so go for shoyu if you are looking for a lighter bowl.
Noodles: Kotetsu’s ramen noodles are
27
significantly thicker than the dipping variety, and they are comparable to the Jiro’s brand ramen noodles - thick rough cuts that by no means melt in your mouth. They pair best with their Shio ramen.
Toppings: Menma, a soft boiled egg, and soft chashu come standard with ramen. There is more fat and less roughness in the chashu than the average chashu. Mixed Soba 塩混ぜそば
Soup: A very interesting, diluted soup. The main ingredients are a variety of spiced sesame seed oils and cuts of pork-fat that give it an overall mildly oily, mildly fatty consistency, and mix very well into the inordinate amount of toppings that are befitting of a proper mixed soba. Noodles: The thicker variety you will find in the ramen dishes is used.
Toppings: White onions, moyashi, green onions, fried garlic, thick cuts of menma, blanched onions, soft-boiled eggs, and aosa powder (a type of edible local Algae) come neatly separated for you to mix to your heart’s content. The secret menu items and morning offerings are enough to keep customers coming back, but the owner’s creativity and desire for feedback are in my opinion, what set Kotetsu apart from typical ramen shops.
How To Take Amazing Photos of Fireworks Story and Photos by Tara Scott
Why look what we have here, you can even order a Jiro’s style ramen.
http://www.kotetu-tukemen.com/original.html
28
Credit also to Jordan Oxborough for photography tips
29
Summer is upon us, which means that it’s
Shutter speed is perhaps the most important setting to get right. Whilst you want to keep the shutter open long enough to capture the whole explosion, it is easy to overexpose firework shots. You won’t need to leave the shutter open for 30 seconds, 2.510 seconds should be about right. I really depends on what you’re photographing.
time for festivals and fireworks! Many JETs agree that some of their best experiences come from festivals, so you’re sure to make many great memories. If you want to capture the moment on camera however, you might be in for a challenge! Low-light and night time photography is notoriously tricky for the amateur photographer, so we’ve put together some tips on how to capture those fantastic moments.
The first thing to do is to switch off automatic mode! Getting to grips with the manual settings on your camera will really level up your photography skills. In low-light environments you’ll need to use a slower shutter speed to allow more light into the camera. Unless you have arms of steel and are capable of holding a camera completely steady you will need a tripod. If you don’t want to buy a proper tripod, Daiso has mini tripods with screw in attachments so you can perch your camera on a wall etc. to get a steady shot.
If your camera allows for one, then a remote shutter release cable is recommended. If not, then you can set your camera up on a timer (2-15 seconds). This is to ensure that you don’t jog the camera whilst pressing the button. Using the latter method does mean that you will need to try and predict where the shells will break in the sky. Some trial and error might be involved.
To recap:
A single burst firework might need something like 8-10 seconds to get everything in shot, whereas a starmine will need less exposure otherwise it can look messy. Most importantly, predicting where fireworks will burst or where people will be when you take the photo is very important. This is easier at a firework show such as the Omagari Fireworks Festival as displays tend to go on for a long time in the same area.
-
Use manual settings Get a tripod Use a shutter release/self-timer Low ISO Aperture around f/8 to f/16 Shutter speed 2-10 seconds Predict the shot
When you get started with night time photography, you’ll probably end up taking a lot of useless shots. Practice and experimentation is important in getting your method right. However, whilst you’re enjoying capturing all the magic on camera don’t forget to look away from the screen every once in a while and soak up the atmosphere! Happy snapping!
You might get clearer shots if you set your ISO as low as possible (if you’re still not sure, stick it on something around ISO 100 and experiment from there). For focal length, anything between 24-70mm will be ok for most cases. The standard lens that most cameras come with should be able to cope with night time photography. As for aperture, set your camera around f/8 to f/16 depending on how bright the fireworks you’re shooting are. 30
31
4 Things You Probably Haven't Been Cleaning (But Really Should) Story and Photos by Brianna Hom
Welcome, new ALTs! We hope that you are settling nicely into your new home while try-
ing not to melt in the heat. But while both new and old ALTs alike are trying to escape their sweaty apartments, it’s easy to forget that it’s the seasons for mold blooms. Many ALTs don’t know the differences between housecleaning in Japan and the West and the methods for keeping their apartment mold-free. Here are 4 things that you might not have known that need to be maintained during your stay in this country. (1) You Have to Clean Your Washing Machine
The symptoms: Clothes smell like old, stale water or mildew, small bits of stuff float in the water as it fills, non-lint gunk in the lint trap, possible clogs The solution: Washing machine cleaning powder/liquid; letting the machine air out between washing days
Having to wash your washing machine is probably one of the least-known quirks of Japan, but mold can (and will) grow in the space between the inner drum and the outer one. To prevent this, you need to clean your washing machine every 3 months or so.
ing machine will fill itself, agitate awhile, and then sit for about 6-8 hours before draining and rinsing itself.
You should also let the machine dry between laundry days and clean the lint trap after every load to help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. (2) You Can Take Apart and Clean Your Drains
There are a variety of powders and liquids you can buy from grocery stores, Daiso, or Seria specifically for this purpose (though I think the brand name ones smell better). Your machine should have a course setting for this washing process, labeled 槽洗浄. After putting in the powder/liquid, the wash32
The symptoms: Water doesn’t drain, odor, water bugs The solution: drain nets, taking apart your drain to clean it
True story: after a month in Japan, I went to clean the grate covering the shower drain and accidentally discovered the whole thing comes apart. There is a second drain trap where all your hair truly collects, and this is also where I discovered that black water bug/beetle-type insects can make their home.
The best thing to do is buy disposable nets to cover your shower grate and line your sink traps in the kitchen (the kitchen sink should have a removable trap). These can be bought at your local ￥100 store. Of course, mildew and mold will still grow, so make sure to scrub and bleach all the removable drain parts every month or so. (3) Futons and Tatami Can Grow Mold.
The symptoms: Little black or green circles that pepper the futon/mattress. Easily mistaken for lint or dirt/dust. For tatami, discolored circles and splotches on the floor, ranging from black or green to white. The solution: Airing the futon/mattress out, proper storage; keep the tatami floor clear and the room well-ventilated. Use diluted white vinegar to clean off mold for both futon and tatami. We sweat and create heat when we sleep, even getting trapped beneath the futon and the floor, so be sure to check both sides when looking for spots. It’s important to air out your futon for a day—prop it up by
33
Charity Akita
an open window in direct sunlight, or if possible, buy a giant futon clip from a ￥100 store and lay it over your balcony or a sturdy laundry rack. Mattresses should be aired out by an open window too, or at least give it a day without any sheets, blankets, or clothes on it. If mold does appear, try scrubbing the spots with a toothbrush and diluted white vinegar. My co-workers advised buying a new futon every 5-7 years.
If you would like to get updates about our activities, please sign up for our mailing list by visiting our homepage charityakita.com In particular, we hope to see everyone on September 3 for the annual welcome party. It is a great place to make friends. Old ALTs meet new ones, new ALTs meet old ones, and friends of the community all get to know one another. Anyone and everything is welcome, and all kinds of people usually attend. While we are looking forward to the year to come, let’s take some time to review the events we’ve put on in the past few months.
Some places have a tatami room. To prevent mold, put away your futon every day and keep your floor clean (or at least periodically move your piles of clothes to a new corner). Keep the room well-ventilated and you shouldn’t have a problem. (4) The Inner Lid of the Rice Cooker Needs to be Cleaned, Too.
The ALT community in Akita prefecture
The symptoms: hard to tell initially—some slight odor. Removal of metal inner lid (for lack of a better term) shows mold. The solution: Kind of obvious, but removing the lid and cleaning it I believe a good chunk of readers already know how to use and clean a rice cooker, but there are plenty who don’t. The inner lid is not common knowledge if you haven’t grown up with a rice cooker, so don’t judge others too harshly! Once you know this inner lid cover can be taken out, cleaning it and putting it back is simple.
With these tips, I hope that you can keep your home mold-free! (And also remember to pass on this information to your successors!) 34
St. Patrick’s
has long had a history of volunteerism. Starting in 2002, Everest of Apples helped to build schools in Nepal. The Akita branch of Everest of Apples eventually shifted focus towards supporting Room to Read, an organization that promotes literacy and gender equality across Africa and Asia. In 2011, in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Akita branch of Room to Read changed its name to Akita Association of JETs (AAJ). From that time, AAJ continued to support mostly local causes, especially ones related to recovery from On March 20 we packed 92 people into Stuthe 2011 earthquake. dio London, the venue formerly known as This year, AAJ adopted a charter which Live Space (四階). Live Space was acquired among other things changed its name to by Mr. Abe this year, and we are very grateCharity Akita. This was largely done to avoid confusion, as the former name often ful to him for letting us continue to have this party there. The St. Patrick’s dance party led people to believe that we were a part of AJET, an organization that we are wholly is one of the mainstay fundraising events that Charity Akita and its predecessors have unaffiliated with. 35
hosted for over a decade. Over the years, we’ve amassed a diverse collection of colorful green decorations which were used to decorate Studio London’s new bright interior. People came out in all varieties of green clothing, some in fancy dress and others in character costumes. DJs Toby, Lana, David Wilson, Rachel Youngblood, Mufa and DJ Nori kept Studio London jumping throughout the night. This year, a total of ¥66,393 was raised which was donated to Blue for Tohoku on March 22. Blue for Tohoku is a non-profit organization created in response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The earthquake brought destruction to not only Japan’s infrastructure, but also untold and irreparable destruction to families and to the lives of children. Blue for Tohoku supports orphanages in areas which were affected by the earthquake, giving orphaned children a support structure. Blue for To-
hoku helps children with their studies while they are in school, and upon graduating and leaving their orphanages Blue for Tohoku helps them find jobs and integrate into society.
Charity Akita has had the pleasure and privilege of partnering with and raising money for Blue for Tohoku since last year, with the first time being last October at the Halloween party. I would like to extend a word of thanks to Mrs. Itsuko Hayashi, who has been our main point of contact when dealing with Blue for Tohoku. If you would like ot learn more about Blue for Tohoku, visit their website, bluefortohoku.jp/english.html Sumo
The 12th Akita International Sumo Tournament was held on June 11 at the Akita Prefectural Budoukan. Our champion in the women’s division was Michelle "White
36
37
Godzilla" Berent, with Noelle "Impi" Adams as the runner up. In the men's division, "Kamikazi Chris" McNeal, a first timer, took the championship, followed by runner up Dean "Musushimaru" Ruetzler. Every year a “fighting spirit” prize is also awarded to those who showed a tenacious love for the sport but nonetheless failed to grasp the championship. This year’s runners up were Connie "Kazekani" Look for the women's and Owen "SumOweN" Cunningham for the men's.
ing in next year’s tournament! Every year we have participants of all types with all levels of experience. The best way to get updates about sumo is to sign up for the previously mentioned mailing list on our website. Camping
This year’s turnout was small relative to previous years, but it made for a fun atmosphere. One of the great things about this event is that it is one of the few opportunities where women can participate in sumo. Traditionally, only men are around allowed to enter the ring. It is great to see all kinds of people from all different nations sharing a love for this traditional Japanese sport and engaging in friendly competition. We are grateful to all our volunteers and wrestlers, especially those who have returned year after year to help make sure this event runs smoothly and safely. In particular, our volunteer judges Patrick Costello, John Cooper, John Lennon, and Nicholas Asquith.
This year we were honored to have AKT and ABS television stations covering the event, as well as Sakigake newspaper. Proceeds from the event totaled ￥31,020, which was given to the Kumamoto Prefectural Government to aid in relief for those suffering from the effects of the earthquake which happened there earlier this year. If you would like to read more about the event, please see our article which is hosted on our Medium publication medium.com/charity-akita It is never too early to consider participat-
People brought all kinds of food to barbecue, and some even enjoyed fireworks. It was a great opportunity to spend time with our friends, but also to say goodbye to many of our north block friends who will be leaving us. Everyone had a great time, and we’ll definitely consider using this location again in the future. Every year Charity Akita hosts a camping trip for the ALT community and their friends. While in previous years we have mostly camped out near Lake Tazawa, this year’s camping trip was held in northern Akita at Beniyama Cottages in Hinai. As the name of the location implies, this was a kind of cottage camping as opposed to more traditional camping with tents. We had a lot of your typical summer fun:
38
If you would like to plan your own summer adventure, you can rent the cottages for yourself at beniyamasou.com. They make enjoying nature in summer a breeze by providing just about everything you need. Each cabin has three bunks, and can comfortably hold six people. The cabins have a shower room and bathroom attached, as well as a kitchen full of cooking supplies. The location has an onsen on site, which you can visit for only ¥100. The area is also famous for kiritampo. So, if you missed our summer adventure, be sure to make your own some-
time and check out this great spot. Farewell Party
This is the second year in a row that Nagasawa-san let us rent his beach house as the venue for our annual farewell party. Towards the beginning of the evening we got to view beautiful fireworks over the ocean. Everyone brought their favorite barbecue foods and cooked them on the beach. We were treated to cool tunes by our DJs, including leaving ALTs Rachel Youngblood and Alana Stephenson. Orange House’s bar was staffed by our volunteers for the night. Once the partying came to an end, some camped in tents on the beach, others slept inside the venue, and others slept in their cars. It was great to be able to come together and bid farewell to those dear friends and senpai who are leaving us.
39
A total of ÂĽ11,303 was raised for Akita Family House. Akita Family House is a small local organization which helps the families of sick and hospitalized children in Akita. They work to provide affordable housing and support that helps low income families to stay near their children during extended hospital stays. Upcoming (Welcome Party)
us on the beach. As always, Orange House will provide discounts on jet skis and banana boats throughout the day, so if you want to get in on that then come during the afternoon. Entry will be ÂĽ1500, with drink tickets sold at the door at ÂĽ1000 for three. Proceeds from this event will go to Akita Family House, the same charity we raised money for at the farewell party.
If you are interested in either attending our On September 3 we will be holding our events or volunteering to help put them on, welcome party for new ALTs. The venue will please visit our homepage charityakita.com be the same as the farewell party, Orange and sign up for our mailing list. We will be House at Shimohama beach. It is a great sending updates about future events to all opportunity to meet new people and make who sign up. You can also like us on Faceconnections. Every year, current ALTs attend book facebook.com/charityakita, read our publication on Medium medium.com/chariand bring along with them their Japanese ty-akita, and follow us on Twitter twitter.com/ and non-ALT foreigner friends. The annual welcome party is actually the place I met charityakita and Instagram instagram.com/ my first Japanese friend! Bring along your charityakita favorite barbecue foods and chill out with 40
The Akitan, Summer 2016 All works copyright to their respective owners 41