The Akitan Spring 2021 by Akita JET

AKITA JET QUARTERLY

THE AKITAN

spring issue

19.06.21 1

THE AKITAN Spring 2021

We are always looking for new content and ideas for The Akitan. Don’t hesitate to contact us at akitajoho@gmail.com if you might be interested in becoming an Akitan contributor!

Cover by Andrea Danko 2

CONTENTS Meet Your New PAs and BAs...............................................p.8 A Word From the Editor....................................................p.22 Signs of Spring.................................................................p.26 Straight Outta Odate.........................................................p.28 Akita Drift.........................................................................p.35 Coworking in Japan’s Countryside....................................p.39 Poems................................................................................p.48 From Table to Tablet..........................................................p.50 Fan Letter Project.............................................................p.58 Horoscopes.......................................................................p.64 Movie Review....................................................................p.74 Restaurant Reviews...........................................................p.76 Comic................................................................................p.82

Inside cover backdrop by Brooke Dalgleish 3

Greetings from the akitan staff Philip Vyas Creative director & Editor Hi, I’m Philip! I’m a third-year ALT living up in Odate. I’m from South Africa. I enjoy life...in general... nothing too specific. Hope you enjoy this edition!

lexi baker Freelance Astrologist Hi, I’m Lexi, a 3rd year JET who moonlights as a part-time witch. I dabble in star readings, the mystic arts, and love potions. I almost never use my powers for evil.

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ally Ty Restaurant reviewer Mabuhay from the Philippine islands! I’m a 2nd year JET in Odate City and I absolutely love food. As a foodie, my weekends are spent trying out a new restaurant or baking cookies and banana bread. I post my adventures on Instagram (@alaizon) and I think I should make a TikTok about them too.

Peter Bond Movie reviewer I’m Peter, I’m a 2nd year JET in Yurihonjo City. When I’m not hiking or reading, I’m watching movies. Classic Japanese Cinema, Japanese New Wave, and of course Non-Japanese movies as well. Some favorite films of mine are : Mistress America, In the Mood for Love, Ran, Vertigo, The Act of Killing. Hit me up with any movie suggestions, always looking for more.

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7 Perfect Petals, Kazuno, Brooke Dalgleish

Meet your new prefectural advisors and block assistants North block Jody Frye PA Hello, everyone! I’m Jody Frye, and I’m the new North Block PA this year. Originally from Washington, DC in the USA, I’m now up in Odate and enjoying the nearby mountains (when the weather’s nice). I enjoy snowboarding in winter (the best season), Dungeons and Dragons whenever I can play, and puns all year round. If you ever need anything, let me know!

June Kim BA Hi everyone! I’m June Kim and I’m from Chicago, IL in the United States! I’ll be a 4th year ALT coming August in Kitaakita and I’m the new North Block BA! I love to travel, sometimes play video games, and finding new restaurants to try, so if you have any recommendations, please let me know! Hope to meet you soon!

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capital block Stephanie Daugherty PA

Hi! I’m Stephanie, the current Educational Center PA/ALT, and I am going into my 4th year on JET. I’m always here if you need any help!

international affairs division Alex Hennen PA

Hello! I’m Alex, a CIR and PA at the Akita Prefectural International Affairs Division. I’ve lived in Akita for 2 years now. I enjoy playing video games and reading, everything from manga to non-fiction.

yuri block Catherine Johnson PA

Oh, hey! I’m CJ, Yuri Block PA. I’ve been an ALT in Yurihonjo for four, going on five years! I like trying new recipes to cook and adding my own twist to make them my own. My specialty is one of my most favorite foods, gyoza!

Peter Bond BA

I’m Peter and I’m the Block Assistant for Yurihonjo Block. I’m a 2nd, soon to be third year ALT. If you’re ever looking to play ping pong, come on down to Honjo and hit me up.

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south block Caitlin Wilcox PA Hello! My name is Caitlin and I am a 4th year ALT in Yokote. I am excited to be returning as the South Block Prefectural Advisor again this year. I love good coffee, exploring new places and binge watching shows on netflix. Please reach out if you ever need a hand or want to grab a cup of coffee!

Ethan Ingram BA Dear Reader, I’m Ethan, this is my second year as a South Block BA and I’m a 5th year ALT living in Kakunodate. When not teaching children how to say “ball” or “Thursday”, I like Michi no Eki, (haunted?) shrines in the woods, and rolling dice while pretending to be an elf or other fantasy creature. Ask me anything about the major motion picture Gremlins or it’s groundbreaking sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

Amanda Lockwood BA Hey there! I’m Amanda, a fourth-year ALT in Yokote. I’m always willing to help, listen, and cook you any recipe under the sun (except for savory jell-o, that stuff is vile and goes against my moral code).

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13 Lake Shusen, Brooke Dalgleish

Akita PRC Akita Public Relations Committee

Philip Vyas Public Relations Coordinator Hey! Its me again, but this time I am shooting an arrow with a moustache.

brooke dalgleish and kim bartos Social Media Managers Hi! We are your Akita PRC social media managers! Kim: I’m the JHS and ES ALT in Kosaka and I also contribute webcomic strips to the Akitan. I enjoy drawing, animating, and learning languages. I also play D&D and often read about ghosts and the like in my free time. Brooke: I’m the Kazuno and Kosaka High school ALT. I’m obsessed with flowers and coffee and spend most of my free time adventuring outdoors capturing Akita’s natural beauty. We run the Akita JET social media accounts and we always look forward to connecting with you! 14

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Cloudy but still beautiful, Andrea Danko

June Kim

Day Night

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Hirosaki

Experiment

Charity Akita チャリティ秋⽥ About Us We are an unincorporated non-profit voluntary association that works to strengthen the expat and Japanese community by providing opportunities for people to connect, and to pass on the legacy of volunteerism in Akita prefecture.

Hosted events Beach Cleanup English Cafe Appi ski trip Christmas Carolling Sumo Tournament ...and more!

charityakita@gmail.com facebook.com/charityakita twitter.com/charityakita 18

instagram.com/charityakita

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Narcissus and Sakura, Saijel Kerai

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21 Sakura in Akita City, Shelby Stark

A word from the editor

And so it begins. . . Plants once dead, now burst with life. Animals, no longer in hiding, come out once again. The scene has changed in Akita and with it a fresh sense of adventure is in the air. Spring has come. Unfortunately, this year, like last, we are unable to explore and sojourn as freely as we would like to. All those spring train trips to Tokyo, boat rides to Hokkaido and even a night-out in Akita city have all been put on hold. No, spring is no ordinary spring for us this year. Perhaps the weather and habits of nature remain the same, but for us, we remain waiting patiently. I have now been relying on the various things in my general location to keep me going as well as the ever reliable and distracting internet. In this edition we hope to show you just a little bit of what some ALTs have been doing in these risky times. It may not be safe to attend large social gatherings or visit crowded places, but with the nature that Akita and Tohoku provide we are still able to sneak out on the weekend to enjoy the good weather, sensibly. I wait for the days where we can once again travel freely and meet new people without any fear of catching the virus. It can be easy to feel down in these times, especially not being able to visit home, but I hope that it will be all worth the wait. This has been a long-forced break from many things and I believe that when we are able to travel and meet in large groups again it will be incredible. In the meantime, while we are still waiting, thank you very much for reading the Akitan. We hope you enjoy this edition.

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23 Sakura in Bloom, Glenn Timoney

Weeping 24 Sakura, Kakunodate, Shelby Stark

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Reaching Out for Spring, Between Akita and Iwate, Andrea Danko

SIGNS OF SPRING

Signs of Spring Fuki no to “Fuki no to” also known as “bakke” is the first variant of mountain vegetable to appear after winter. When these plants start to grow out from the ground, It is generally considered a sign of spring’s arrival. They are not just a sign of spring, but can also be eaten. When raw it is not recommended to eat them as the contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can be harmful to the liver. Fortunately removing the alkaloids from the plant is quite easy. By frying it with miso until it becomes a paste, or by deep frying it, it is safe to eat and might I add quite delicious. The combination with miso is especially good in a grilled onigiri.

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Koinobori Golden week is not just one of those rare occasions where the ever dilligent japanese worker takes off from work, but it is also a cluster of holidays including variuos cultural celebrations, namely: Children’s day. Children’s day occurs on the last day of golden week (May 5th) and it is a day marked by the flying of colourful carp streamers known as “koinobori.” Koinobori are flown in honor of children and in hope that they will grow up healthy and strong.

STRAIGHT OUTTA ODATE

Straight Outta Odate PHILIP VYAS

Picture a mic, the stage is empty, people slowly flow in past the bouncer after receiving their stamps. They greet their friends, order drinks and stand in anticipation as the show is about to start. A presentation of Odate’s finest. Odate is a wonderful town known for its nature, Hachiko, chicken and kiritanpo, but not many people know it for its still young but growing hip hop scene. Promoted by local club owner known as “Matsuo” Club Vonita located in Odate’s entertainment district provides the space for local emcees to showcase their talent. Lucky enough through a chance encounter with Matsuo and his business partner Hikaru at a local onsen.

I was invited to his hip hop event and was able to conduct an interview too. The event comprised of six performers. Two being DJs and Four being emcees. Two of the emcees and both DJs were local with two special guest emcees from the surrounding area of Odate. One of the emcees known as “Jugg Rich” who is also a record producer was to be accompanied by a “talk box” a device which alters the sound of one’s voice through a tube with one end connected to the mouth and the other to a small keyboard. Each performer preformed a few of their own songs and had a set of about thirty minutes. The event started at 9pm and ended at 2am.

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STRAIGHT OUTTA ODATE

The interview took place at the front of the club after all the performances had finished. Here is what was said.

Is hip hop popular in Odate? Yeah, a little bit. People think it is very cool.

When did you first listen to hip hop? How many emcees are there in Odate? When I was 18 years old. I was first introduced to it by my sister. She played I think there are two. Jay-Z, Tupac and Naz for me. I really enjoyed them. What is your goal or dream? Who was your favourite? Who was the most influential hip hop artist for you?

I want to spread hip hop in Odate. I want young people to do rap too.

I would say T.I. I thought he was the coolest.

That was the end of the interview and the event wrapped up quite soon after it. The event was fun, with people coming together to support their friends dreams of becoming popular rappers. What interested me the most was the fact that there is a small local hip-hop scene in the middle of the inaka. Its perplexing to me that it exists, but it is a delightful surprise

What hip hop do you listen to now? I listen to Da Baby and Travis Scott. What did you do before running Club Vonita? I was a police officer. What made you stop being a police officer and start running this club? Being a police officer was not exciting, I really enjoyed rapping, also, the owner asked me to run the place.

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Nihonmatsu castle, Fukushima, Andre Danko

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Mt. Iwaki, Aomori, Glenn Timoney

STRAIGHT OUTTA ODATE

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Akita Drif t JACOB DELGADO

About a month ago I wore a 25 year old I got to see and experience the real Japjacket to watch a bunch of 25 year old anese drifting culture. Seeing all my facars slide around a track sideways. vorite JDM cars fly around the track was so much fun. The people there were kind The sport of drifting found its humble and excited to talk to me about their cars beginnings in the Japanese racing cir- and drifting. cuit sometime in the 60s or 70s and has To top the whole experience off, a procontinued to gain popularity ever since. fessional driver let me ride in the pasDrifting is flashy, exciting, and all in all senger seat of his car for a few couple very cool to watch. Lucky for us Akitans, laps of drifting around there is a nice little race track where you the track. Riding in that car was an exhilcan go and see live drifting. arating and unforgettable feeling. I hope to go back and experience it again soon! The track I’m talking about is called Shinkyowa Kart Land(新協和カートランド). While the track mainly serves as a go kart racing track, occasionally they have day long drifting events for full size cars. Attending the event and watching is free of charge and very enjoyable if you’re into this kind of thing. The track is tucked away in the mountains around Daisen and is very easy to find... using **Photos courtesy of Jacob Delgado Google Maps of course. My experience as Shinkyowa Kart Land was amazing. For the first time in my life 35

STRAIGHT OUTTA ODATE

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37 JP post, Kakunodate, Shelby Stark

COWORKING IN JAPAN’S COUNTRYSIDE

COWORKING IN JAPAN’S COUNTRYS AN INTERVIEW WITH MOE OGA A few weeks ago, some friends and I went to paint the walls of Tanehub, a coliving, coworking space in northern Akita’s Mitane town. It was the owner, Moe’s latest idea to liven up the neighborhood and connect it to people from across Japan and around the world. The livestreamed event, “Akiya Art 38

in Akita,” called on artistic volunteers to transform the exterior of Tanehub into a colorful, fun, and collaborative masterpiece. In our group alone, we had people representing five different countries.

ry home that stands along a narrow road facing a plot of tilled land. Its interior, albeit a bit worn-down, has the charm of a traditional Japanese home tatami mats, shoji screens, and sliding doors that open the space up to the It had been a little over a backyard. Like many othyear since I last visited the er buildings in the area, Tanehub house, a one-sto- Tanehub used to be aban-

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ALTS enjoying “Akiya Art in Akita”

SIDE: AWA

AKI REGAN

doned until Moe moved in in 2019. I remember that summer when a coworker of mine told me that there was a new lady in town. She and two others had traveled from the small island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand to Mitane, a town of about 16,000 residents that’s symbol is a semi-aquatic edible plant called junsai with the goal of starting a coliving, coworking space in Japan’s countryside. Within a matter of three months, we had

neighbors from Portugal, Switzerland, and from other parts of Japan. Mitane, like many other rural areas in Japan, is facing the pressing threat of extinction with a graying and dwindling population. Located along the sea, its landscape alternates between extensive farmland and small pocket communities, lone vending machines (including one with x-rated content!?) here and there. Life feels slow and predictable, and if **Photos coutesy of Aki Regan

COWORKING IN JAPAN’S COUNTRYSIDE

you’ve watched enough anime maybe even familiar. Here, obachans in bonnets push their carts along the road, k-trucks rumble past, and once an hour the dinging of the railroad cross cuts through the quiet. Fire stations resemble garages, police stations are often unmanned, and sometimes the mailman makes it into your genkan (entrance) before you do. To outsiders, its safety, simplicity, and authenticity is alluring. After our painting day, I revisited Moe to interview her for this article to talk to her about the start of Tanehub and her vision for its future. When I pulled up, new artwork covered the side of the house and the concrete fence in front (which was done by the local preschoolers).

care-free, spunky, and has a refreshing enthusiasm about even the smallest things. We sat drinking some hibiscus tea that she had brought from Thailand and chatted. You have been in the co-working business for some time now and have a co-working space in Koh Tao, Thailand too. Can you tell me about how you got into co-working?

In 2015, I moved from Koh Tao to Bali and I stayed there for 10 months. I was freelancing as a web designer but there was no good internet. I kept spending $5 per day just on the internet. It didn’t make sense. Even if I go to a cafe there’s no good internet. Then someone told me about a shop that had nice internet. It Moe stands a little over five feet with wavy turned out that this place was a coworkblack hair that’s often pulled back. She’s ing space -- one of the most popular co40

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working spaces in south Asia. So at that time I saw this business style and I was so happy to be there and so happy to chat with the staff. I realized that this business was going to work in Koh Tao. In 2014, 2015, there weren’t many coworking spaces in the world yet. It was still new. I attended CU Asia, a coworking conference, and I met 150 people there. I started to tell them “next year I’m going to open a coworking space in Thailand’s Koh Tao.” And in January 2016, I opened Taohub with my business partner and an investor. Wow, it sounds like things really moved quickly once you got the idea. Can you tell me about what your first few months of running Taohub was like? I was so lucky to meet three Danish guys who were wanting to set up a company in Koh Tao. They started using Taohub’s facility for their work. They had hired developers from all over the world so just their group was over 10 people at a time. It wasn’t much of a profit but we could build a kind of culture and I learned so many things from them because I was so new to being a director of a coworking space. It was so funny, we didn’t have money. We had gotten an investment for the building but we didn’t have much money to run the place. We didn’t have enough chairs. So in the beginning when we got a new

COWORKING IN JAPAN’S COUNTRYSIDE

member, I’d get the membership fee and then buy a chair with that money. Koh Tao’s an island so it’d take a week to get a chair. And sometimes, we’d have cheap chairs like a stool with no back. I started to tell people “if you want to order your

Most of them think they’re like Taohub family so maybe in that way I was successful. People who come over to coworking spaces come to meet people, to share knowledge, to share their feelings and fears. So I learned that a coworking space can be done anywhere, even in Akita. Yeah, I think at the end of the day a sense of community is most important. So this brings me to my next question, why Mitane?

My dad had property here. It was his dream to build a house and retire in Mitane. After he passed away, I came to visit with my mom and we tried to give away my dad’s property to someone...we even contacted the government office. Everyown chair, this is the website.” And some one just said “no, no, no, we don’t need of them were happy to buy it for them- it,” it made me feel like I was pushing selves. my dad’s death. This property was my Many new coworking business owners think so much about what their facility needs. I always try to explain that what the facility needs depends on the people and what they want. I think the best way is to ask new members what they need, prepare that, and just welcome them as family. What a wild start! It sounds like you were really successful in connecting with your guests and their needs which isn’t sur- dad’s treasure. So I stopped pushing and prising to me given your personality. I told my mom that I was going to use it somehow in the future. After I moved to 42

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Thailand I learned so many things. I was sure that if I could take care of them, my Taohub family would be happy to come over to my dad’s place and to see the real Japan. I love that you have a personal connection to the land. You mentioned before that you had only been to Akita a few times before deciding to start Tanehub here. Were you scared at all about starting a business here? Not really. I was sure that once I was living here and gave a nice price, my Taohub family would come to visit me. I got so strong after Thailand. I learned that not everything is going to be on the schedule. Thailand’s joushiki (ordinary) equals no plans.

hello or konnichiwa.” I thought maybe they [locals] wouldn’t answer in the beginning but they answered on the first day. Especially as foreigners in rural Japan, the impressions we give off can carry a lot of weight. I often hear that Akitans have a stereotype of being hitoshimire, fearful of or shy around strangers. But it sounds like your experience suggests otherwise… They don’t talk much but they’re patient and they know how to survive. When I opened Tanehub, I received so much soap, towels, and tissues because the locals saved everything to survive. Maybe not having enough was shameful. Like most Japanese people, they are so shy to ask for help.

How locals would react was the most scary thing. When we first came, I told The interesting thing was that when I my two friends “you need to keep saying thought about how to support them, lo-

COWORKING IN JAPAN’S COUNTRYSIDE

cals avoided getting close to me. Because the local newspaper and TV station will come. Compared to other prefectures, I think it’s much easier to start things in Akita because Akita people know how bad the situation is. When you go to other rural areas, there’s a bigger wall. They have more pride. But Akita is one of the worst prefectures for depopulation and so on, so they’re more open to ideas.

they didn't need help, they didn’t want to ask for help. But once I said, “I need your help,” they all came because they wanted to support me. Even today, my neighbor gave me spinach and parsley so I gave her back chicken which I had marinated with miso, and some crepes. She was like “oh my god, I don’t have anything to give you.” In the end, she gave me flowers. They’re so happy to be close with people. wI feel like that recognition is key to starting a sustainable business! Through my job, I’ve met so many inspiring young people that are collaborating with and learning from locals to start something new and it’s so cool! There’s so much empty land and so much opportunity in Akita. You cannot do these things in the middle of Tokyo but you can do it in Akita easily without much cash. And once you do something, 44

And someone told me once that Akita people know what it’s like to be an outsider. In the winter time, maybe they needed to move to Tokyo for work and then they would come back to Akita in the spring to farm. So maybe they treat people from the outside nicer than other places. The Tanehub area is the same. Kita-Kanaoka Station was renovated about 60 years ago, the town made the land flat and sold it to that generation so many people on the west side of the tracks are newer. In Japan, preserving the honke (main household) is very important. Especially in the countryside, most people have history in the area so they want to protect the place. But many people here don’t have that same kind of history and [attachment to the land]. Wow, I never knew that. What an interesting perspective. Can you tell me a bit about some of the things you and TaneHub members have done with the com-

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munity? Any favorite memories? My favorite memory...so many things. People came over to share cultural things like tea ceremony and calligraphy, and we went to many summer festivals. One summer festival was in the middle of nowhere. Only the villagers came to dance together - no shops around. In the beginning there were only 10 people lined up and dancing in traditional Japanese clothes. Then they taught us how to dance bon-odori and in less than one hour, people started coming out from their house like “what’s going on?” and the dance circle grew to 20-30 people. As a city person from Yokohama, I had never seen that. There are so many fes-

tivals here. The fireworks festival on the beach was also so nice. The fireworks festivals in Tokyo are so crowded, but here you can barbecue at the festival and see the fireworks without anything blocking your view. I was also really happy to see people that were [struggling] with depression connect with us. There’s an [alternative] school for students that can’t go to the local school. They do taiko drumming. We loved their drumming so we’ve visited them many times and they’ve come and visited us too. My friend told them about programming, and we told them that even if they can’t follow the Japanese education system or the Japanese rules, that they are still amazing people and could get some other job...that there 45

COWORKING IN JAPAN’S COUNTRYSIDE

are many ways to make your life. As digital nomads and freelancers we don’t live a standard life, so I think it was good to tell them this.

worthless in this world. I want to bring back value to things. People might think that this is rubbish or not worth visiting...I just want to change this [attitude]. I know people will love it here.

Akita has so many festivals and they can feel so special and private. I remember Check out TaneHub here: https://tanehow fun the local kabuki performance hub.asia/about/ was, in a city that would’ve cost so much to see! We definitely wouldn’t have gotten to take pictures with the cast either. And, that conversation with the kids... what an eye-opening and inspiring thing to see and hear... We got so many cultural experiences here and locals shared with us what is Japan. They are so happy to be hosts for us, they get energy and are so excited. And some of them learned from us too, that the world is big and life is different. It sounds like it’s been a win-win. To finish up, what is your vision for the future of TaneHub? One day I was drinking with my cousin who lives here. She told me “I’m so scared ten year later this village is going to be nearly empty. It's only people over 80 years old and now I’m 62 years old and no one will be able to call my ambulance.” This is what she said to me. She asked me to please try. I don’t really dream to change the town. I don’t need to change the world. I just feel so sad that so many things seem

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47 Senshu Park, Akita City, Saijel Kerai

First of May ERICA WHITE

Rain sinks into the pond. Fallen sakura petals cling to water lilies on the surface. They drift, small and large together, like children pawing at the raincoats of their mothers. A breeze folds overhead, sends white ripples over the surface, and it is only me.

Skunk Cabbage, Hirosaki, Andrea Danko

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The budding of spring PHILIP VYAS

The days become easier as the sun shines upon me, to greet me in the morning and I say “hello” back! Thank you for gracing me this day. This brand-new day. Life is returning, the bugs begin to hatch from their eggs to start the search for food and a mate. Signs of life are of course marked with signs of death as the mosquito hangs in the spider’s web. Winter an interesting place of complete and utter silence. The signs of life and death cease as the cold descends to the throne. The stark nature of forever. Nothing changing, nothing moving, nothing dead. From this, the sun gives me birth and hope of life again. The warm air caresses me and your bright colour turns everything on. I can feel it. Life has returned and now I may endeavor to live once again. Like the early insects flying out to see the world anew I too dream of seeing, touching and smelling the outside like saying hello to a friend, A friend that fills you with hope and expectation. Expectation of life and living, of jumping, shouting, dancing and laughing. All because you have returned.

Shibata Castle, Niigata, Andrea Danko 49

From Table to Tablet FROM TABLE TO TABLET

JODY FRYE

Mavis The Bard

FROM TABLE TO TABLET

Morrigan The Sorcerer 50

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Barnaby The Fighter

Bartholomew The Barbarian

Hebi The Wizard

51 All Characters drawn by Kim Bartos

FROM TABLE TO TABLET

For those who don’t know, “Dungeons and Dragons” is a “tabletop role-playing game.” This means that a bunch of people gather around a table together, act out what their characters want to do in this fantasy adventure, and roll some dice to see how well they do at things.

But, most importantly, you get to hang out with your friends. It’s a wonderful way to see folks, catch up, be creative, and have a good time. You will always lose some dice rolling off the table, but the search to find them can be an adventure in itself.

Dungeons and Dragons is collective However, when you have to take storytelling: collaboratively build- away the “tabletop,” it makes things ing a tale of epic, tragic, or comedic a bit more difficult. proportions, depending on how everyone wants to play and how the dice fall. High numbers are good, low numbers are bad - there’s a chance that any idea could succeed, or go terribly, terribly wrong. Usually, hilariously so. Finally, everyone plays their own main character, while one person plays the part of the narrator, describing the world and the other characters in it. Everyone usually brings some snacks, and while you’re chomping away at some new flavor of Kit-Kat, you’re also fighting off a thirty foot long crocodile, dancing at a magical nightclub, or exploring a subterranean forest of giant mushrooms.

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There’s something intangible about the energy in the room when you play in person. The tension can be palpable in the air, much like for a theater production. Not to mention, it makes taking turns speaking a lot easier. When you’re in person, reading other people’s body languages and cues as to when they will and won’t speak is intuitive. When you’re looking at six small, somewhat pixelated images of people in their apartments on a small bar on your computer, it can be a lot more difficult to get those same feelings and cues.

Even with these resources, the experience could be, well, bumpy. “Technical difficulties” plague any endeavor using technology, and playing online is certainly no exception. Computer, internet, and app issues were no strangers to our campaign as we took it to the virtual

A screenshot of online.Roll20

When COVID 19 lockdowns started going into place, and meeting in person was no longer safe, we had to make a choice: stop playing, or find another way to play. Well, the show must go on, so we decided to make a virtual “table.” Luckily, this wasn’t initially too difficult, because there were already a number of easy-to-use resources online. Roll20 is a website specifically designed to host tabletop games online, so we all made our accounts

and prepped our webcams. We used the Discord app for our conversations and game music. When in person, we could share the various, multisided dice needed to play, but moving online obviously made this impossible. Luckily, “there’s an app for that!” Folks could either download one of those, or use Roll20’s build in command system, typing in “/roll 1d20” to take their chances. Fun fact, you can even ask Google-sensei to roll for you!

FROM TABLE TO TABLET

world. But, like much of any good improvisational game, you’ve got to learn to “roll” with the punches and go with the flow, and we did our best. That being said, moving online provided unique opportunities as well. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I am not an artist. However, moving the maps we use online allowed me to incorporate other people’s art which I was given or found online. This lets us bring a bit more vibrance to the table than my abilities would have allowed on their own. Additionally, it allowed me to give one of my players a side experience that would have been impossible in person. I was able to have them log out, and simultaneously follow a separate narrative while the rest of the players continued to fight the enemies. If we had been playing in my apartment, I wouldn’t have been able to run these two things side by side, let alone keep certain surprises secret from the players.

Playing online has also been nice for players who had to drive from further away to play. Now, everyone can just quickly log on (albeit with occasional issues), and not worry about the commute, saving everyone time. I’ve also been able to play with my friends and siblings back home, which has been a wonderful way to stay connected. All in all, playing online hasn’t always been easy, but I’m happy that we’ve been able to continue playing. Playing online can’t compare with sitting around a real table; there’s just something in the air that’s lost. But, playing online is infinitely better than not playing at all. It’s always comforting to see your friends, and share those wonderful, crazy moments, regardless of how. Making fantasy berry pies, knocking your companions down rocky slipand-slides, saving a baby dragon from a legion of spiders, or reincarnating a sentient mushroom assassin you’ve befriended into a child who doesn’t know how to speak and then teaching them to sing -

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I could never give up these kinds of shenanigans. And, despite all of the other wrenches COVID 19 has thrown into the gears of everything, I’m glad that I don’t have to.

FROM TABLE TO TABLET

Akita Inu Teddy, Oyu, Kazuno , Ally Ty

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57 Dogo, Tsuchida Farm, Seijal Kerai

FAN LETTER PROJECT

Fan letter Project MARTIN JACKSON

I have been fortunate during my time on the JET program to have worked on some fun and exciting projects at school. The most rewarding project for me has been my third-year students’ fan mail project. For this project, the students had to write fan mail letters to people around the world who inspire them. Many of the people the students wrote to will be well known to you. Popular choices included Michael Jordan, Emma Watson, Ed Sheeran and Johnny Depp. Some students also wrote to less well-known individuals who had inspired them. These included talented musicians, designers, ger, LeBron James and Austin Mahone, and authors and even some their teach- as well as others. Many of these replies ers too! included signed photographs too. One reply, from the Pokémon designer James Later on, we were lucky to receive many Turner, even included an illustration replies to these letters. These came from of my student’s favourite Pokémon! We Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzeneg- also received replies by email too, from 58

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people like Professor Yuval Noah Harari, for the students to reach a decision and the best-selling author of Sapiens and also made the project more manageable Homo Deus. too. How then did my school organize this project and what was the process involved? It’s possible you too may get to work on a similar project with your students someday. If so, I hope the following is of use to you.

Following this, the students wrote their draft letters in class with help from their JTEs and me. After these drafts were proofread, the students wrote their final letters. Following this, I then had to find the fan mail addresses of the people the The first thing I and my JTEs did was students chose. Most of these addresses provide our students with a shortlist of were available online via websites such as celebrity candidates. This made it easier Fanbiz.com. For those who did not have 59

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fan mail addresses online, I had to send emails either to them or their agents. I also kept a record of who the students wrote to and their contact details in a separate Excel spreadsheet. After finishing this phase of the project, I then a drafted cover letter to include with the student’s fan mail. I would recommend doing this, as it provides context for the person receiving the fan mail.

third-year students are now working on this project themselves, and I can’t wait to see how this year’s project turns out for them. I hope some of what I have written here inspires you to convince your JTEs to try a fan mail project at your school! I hope it is also of use to those of you who are or will work on such a project in the future.

With these tasks completed, the last If you have questions or feedback about thing to do was to compile all the letters this article, please get in touch. and send them on their way. We made sure to include return envelopes when doing so, to make it easier for the person receiving the fan mail to respond. The school fan mail project was a lot of fun to work on and produced very rewarding results for students and teachers alike. I was glad to see my students receive mail from their favourite celebrities and to see how excited some of my colleagues got too! I also had the wonderful opportunity to write letters of response myself, to those students who had written fan mail letters to me! The project was also a great opportunity for me to learn more about my students and to work on improving my writing and research skills, too. As of the time of writing, my school has continued to receive extra responses to last year’s fan mail project. We recently received a handwritten letter from Megumi Kanda, a famous trombonist, and more letters from MJ too! My current 60

**All photos used provided by Martin Jackson

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FAN LETTER PROJECT

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WHAT’S YOUR NAME? WHAT’S YOUR SIGN?

What’s your name? Wha Horoscopes by Lexi Baker Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Happy birthday, Gemini! You feel happiest when your energy is spread out over multiple tasks, and nobody can balance friendships and acquaintanceships like you. However, you might find your attention flagging as Mercury retrogrades in your sign this month. It’s not a crime to step back and give yourself a break, especially as the sun eclipses on June 10th and urges you to think critically about the places where you still need to grow. Remember to stay open and really try to hear the people around you, rather than responding to their experiences with stories of your own. As Cancer season approaches, reconnect with your loved ones and show them you care, even if it’s just over Zoom. They might be waiting for you to make the first move, and they’ll be so glad you did! (Keep wearing masks when you meet up!)

This hasn’t been an easy few months... or years. Your sign is ruled by the moon, and earlier in May, we saw a lunar eclipse that urged you to consider yourself, your emotional state, and the relationships you carry, both whole and severed. Now is the time to think back on who you were, and who you’ve become: are you happy? Are you loved—not just by others, but also by yourself? How will you continue to choose yourself when everything around you is in flux? And when you have your answers, it’s time to release anything stifling your growth, so that when Mercury exits retrograde on June 22th, you’ll be ready to realign your needs and reach out to your loved ones. Keep your head up—and happy birthday! (Don’t blow out candles if people are right next to you!)

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Salted Butter Cookie Bread from Family Mart.

This month’s lucky conbini snack: “French Toast Flavor” ice bar.

at’s your sign?

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Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Around June 14th, when Saturn and Uranus face off in the sky, you may feel a dramatic shift in your close relationships. Don’t reflexively fight these changes; instead, take some time to see the ways in which your friendships and partnerships are healthy, as well as how they might be fraying. Nothing can stay the same forever. This period of your life will urge you to set boundaries and seek closure with old relationships that you’ve been hanging on to. Alternatively, Venus will enter your sign on June 27—an unpredictable combination that will welcome fresh love into your life, or perhaps deepen your connection with your current partner. Don’t censor yourself—demand what you need, release what you don’t. Let yourself show off and seek attention! (And bring hand sanitizer!)

Listen: the urge to text your ex happens to the best of us during a Mercury retrograde, and Venus transiting through sentimental Cancer isn’t helping. You don’t need this horoscope to explain why reconnecting with them won’t be good for you right now, though—you’re already very aware! Instead of giving in to nostalgia, focus on all the dramatic change unfurling around you. On June 14th, Saturn and Uranus will enter a square aspect, and force you to do some critical thinking about how you can push yourself and transform. Now is a great time to plan and work toward a new aspect of your future, whether that means educational opportunities, a change in work, or a big trip once the world opens back up! (But maybe hold off on traveling a little longer while we wait for our vaccines!)

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Tomato Pretz.

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Seasonal Calbee “Consomme Punch Butter” chips.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, Graham Holtshausen via Unsplash65

WHAT’S YOUR NAME? WHAT’S YOUR SIGN?

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Your ruling planet, Venus, entered Cancer on June 2, lighting up the parts of your chart that deal with your career! If you’re planning on heading out of Akita soon, keep your eyes peeled, as this period will bring some new opportunities your way; if you’re staying, try saying yes to your coworkers’ invitations to sporting events and get-togethers and seek new chances to connect with the people around you! You’re entering a personal spotlight where you’ll feel recognized and appreciated by your work partnerships and friendships, and you shouldn’t be afraid to let yourself shine. Just make sure you’re double checking the plans you make and the projects you take on, since Mercury retrograde is notorious for fouling up communication. (Social distancing with those outside your circles is still important!)

Mercury in retrograde may have you dealing with things you find super frustrating lately, like miscommunications, delays, and missed connections. This period asks for your patience, as well as some self-reflection on how you deal with setbacks. The recent lunar and solar eclipses are directing you to look inward. Why not reflect on old grudges, and revisit old apologies—both the ones you haven’t accepted, and the ones you haven’t offered? This isn’t a time to be prideful. Lower your walls, and let your loved ones back in. Sentimentality isn’t weakness, and emotions aren’t shameful. Allow a little love and tender energy back into your life, and you might be surprised by the good it brings you. (Self-isolation is only a positive thing if you’ve been out of the prefecture within the past two weeks!)

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Seasonal “Hokkaido Inka no Mezame” Jagabee.

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Seasonal pistachio-flavored Pino ice cream.

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Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

As Mercury retrograde meets the solar eclipse on June 10th, be prepared to feel a dramatic shift. For so long, you’ve felt troubled and confused about various aspects of your life, your work, and your partnerships; this is an opportunity to look at everything with clear eyes. Mercury retrograde brings attention to old relationships, so be cautious but open as you wade into communication with exes and lost friends. You’ve been lonely lately, and this offers a chance for you to reconnect with people you’ve been missing. Just don’t welcome people back into your life if they’ve already proven that they’re no good for you! Mars dipping into Leo on June 11th will also offer you a bright burst of energy for the hobbies and people you really care about. You will definitely be rewarded. (Just remember to keep avoiding the 3 Cs!)

As your ruling sign, Saturn, creates tension with Uranus on June 14th, you might feel slight deja-vu; you’ve already tackled some similar feelings and themes earlier in the year, but they’re back to haunt you. Saturn is a structured, practical, and rule-oriented force that guides you, but Uranus directly challenges everything about the current layout of your life. Sometimes, things that work...stop working! Sometimes the things you want...just don’t happen! You’ll especially notice this need for change in your career and your love life. It’s okay to let go of your rigidity, and it’s okay to want more freedom. This isn’t the end; it’s a moment of transformation. You are so prone to fixating on the end result that you’re forgetting to look at the present. Are you enjoying the journey? (And also staying two meters away from people?)

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Curry bread.

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Chocolate chip cookie.

WHAT’S YOUR NAME? WHAT’S YOUR SIGN?

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

You’re so excited to be heard that you’re forgetting to listen! When you’re talking with your friends, are you building a conversation together, or are you just waiting for them to finish talking so you can bring the topic back to yourself? Gemini season always brings out bubbly and communicative energy for you, but don’t let yourself drown out your loved ones. Keep your words direct and clear during Mercury retrograde, and be wary of miscommunication during this period. Take this time to explore creative outlets, too—this is an opportunity to begin a new chapter of what makes you feel artistic, passionate, joyful, and loved. You’re overflowing with energy—so give it an outlet! (Maybe you should journal about any frustration you feel.)

You may have noticed a feeling of disconnect from your closest relationships—or you might be deliberately walking away to avoid being hurt. Don’t lose heart! Sure, people come and go all the time, but you can choose and cultivate the energy around you that you’d like to keep. Think deeply on the people that honor who you are, and who you hope to be. Seek the security that you are craving, and take this opportunity to sort through all the emotional clutter you’ve been both building up and ignoring. Mercury retrogrades have a habit of highlighting unfinished business in our pasts, which can be painful—but the right people will be there to support you if you let them. (Also wash your hands for at least 20 seconds at a time.)

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Coffee custard melon bread from Lawson.

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Chocolate peanut clusters.

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Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Mercury in retrograde has you focused less on the future, and instead considering the intense nostalgia of the past. Harness this energy to rework the places you feel you’ve fallen stagnant. What are your biggest frustrations lately? How can you move forward? A good place to start might be by finishing all the old things you’ve left undone. Once you’ve got closure, you can finally begin something new. Try to stay patient, and don’t let your frustration get the best of you during this period. It’s okay if you feel like you’re disconnected from your usual charismatic, bright energy. There is value in doing things that are restorative and relaxing, even if you’re just by yourself. (This is an awesome time to be staying home, after all.)

Ordinarily, your fixed sign thrives in comfort: good food, good people, a clearly-defined schedule. Disruptions don’t sit well with you, and unfortunately, the world is in upheaval. Are you reaching out to your friends when you feel overwhelmed? The houses of your chart that deal with communication, imagination, and expression are all active, and you can use this energy to move forward and set a new path for yourself in this time of uncertainty. Don’t be too stubborn to see that you have people on your side! Uranus is solidly in your corner of the sky until 2026, and its steady influence is in tune with your earth sign energy; take comfort in knowing everything will pan out the way it needs to. (And in the meantime, give people space in the grocery store.)

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Yuzu Lemon cider from Seven Eleven.

This month’s lucky conbini snack: Yukimi Daifuku ice cream.

Wysteria in the Area Photos by BROOKE DALGLEISH Tashiro Wysteria Garden, Odate, Akita

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ONE CUT OF THE DEAD ONE CUT OF THE DEAD

カメラを止めるな！ PETER BOND

Ueda Shinichiro’s debut film was released in 2017. It made some waves in Tokyo and was then released a little more widely within Japan. Word of mouth grew and grew as audiences continued to be confused, surprised and delighted by the film. It grew so big as to warrant an expanded international released under the english title “One Cut of the Dead”

this place. It’s not long before zombies actually start to descend on the film crew, and the director will not stop filming. It’s chaotic, wild and all continued in one long 37 minute shot.

It’s also kind of mediocre. Pretty watchable, but not special. However the movie has some tricks up its sleeve and is smarter than it lets on. I The english title is far from a direct won’t spoil anything here but trust me translation, rather they chose to under- when I say it’s worth a stream on Netflix. score an essential idea of the film, the One Shot. The use of a single, long cam- After the opening 37 minutes, there is era shot, surprising viewers and adding a tonal shift. The movie changes gears a type of flourish to the film has been and we learn this was really an act one used for decades. It’s a foundational film to a larger story. The story builds as you technique, and the movie in fact begins get to know the characters in a deeper, with one. A 37 minute shot. and different sense. You understand the A woman screams, a zombie approaches movie is not truly about zombies, but and then a director calls cut. more about the filmmakers, and the act In an old water filtration plant, an in- of filmmaking. die crew is filming a zombie movie. Soon they are talking about the film, com- After the staks are set the finale comes, plaining during breaks between shoot- and everything that has been set up just ing and talking about old stories about starts getting paid off like gangbusters. 74

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You start to understand the entire film in a different light. It’s riotously fun and filled with great surprises. Forgive all the vagueness, it would be a crime to ruin this film. If you are willing maybe to take a chance, to relish in the joy of indie filmmaking, and see a zombie or two, then I check out “One Cut of the Dead”

**Photos courtesy of Peter Bond

FOOD TRIPS AROUND ODATE

Food Trips Around Odate ALLY TY

Deskwarming season seems to be tiring, boring, and unfulfilling but for me it’s an opportunity to explore Odate’s gastronomical delights. When you hear “Odate City”, it’s usually synonymous with the Akita Dog Visitor Center, Hachiko (he was born here), and magewappa. To be honest, I thought that was all until I had food adventures with my supervisor and friends in these restaurants.

茶色の小びん Also called “Gomen”, this restaurant actually has one of the best noodles and softest chashus I’ve ever had. I always pass by this restaurant on my way to the office and I thought this red brick shop must be closed or abandoned. Turns out, they’re only open for lunch and serve ramen, coffee, and cake. They also have a good selection of manga so you can read a few novels while waiting for your order. My personal favorite is the tonkotsu tsukemen. It used to be a seasonal offering but people loved it so much that they included it in their menu. The broth is not so overpowering and the noodles have a hint of sesame oil. You can choose the serv76

ing size that you want and add a couple more slices of chashu. Best. Tsukemen. Ever.

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レストランいずみ This restaurant is attached to a nursing home and is run by PWDs. They make their own edamame tofu (the texture is amazing) and they won the Kiritanpo Grand Prix (2018 and 2019), meaning they have really tasty kiritanpo nabe. Each set meal is good for 2 people and it comes with an appetizer, side dish, and dessert. Their mapo tofu is really spicy and filling and the yakitori chicken rice bowl satisfies that salty and savory yakitori craving. If you feel adventurous, you can try the kiritanpo ramen here, too. Complimentary coffee is available but you have to come here early as people usually start coming from 11:30am.

FOOD TRIPS AROUND ODATE

酉や喜兵衛大館店 “This place has the best chicken!” said my supervisor. And yes, she was absolutely correct. I never thought I could love chicken so much until I tried their chicken wings. It’s not your usual chicken as the breading is light and crispy, and the sauce is the perfect combination of black pepper, soy sauce, and umami flavor. They serve it on a bed of cabbage so you can still eat the cabbage with that delectable sauce. As this is an izakaya, their lychee highballs and 生ビール are best paired with sticks of yakitori (around ¥120200 each).

藍亭大館店 For people who love spicy food, this is the place for you. You can choose your stamina ramen’s spice level according to these levels: fireworks (half spicy), dynamite (level 1), bomb (level 2), atomic bomb (level 3), hydrogen bomb (level 4), 78

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hell (level 5), 5 times hell (level 10), and 10 times hell (level 15). When I eat ramen, I usually add pepper or chili oil but for Rantei, there’s no need to add anything. The garlicky broth with fluffy scrambled egg, leeks, bamboo shoots, carrots, pork, and bell peppers are enough to hug your spice-loving soul.

ＢＡＲＧＲＥＥＮＷＯＯＤ This hole-in-the-wall bar has one of the most extensive liquor shelves in Odate. Upon entering the establishment that gives off some Great Gatsby vibes, you find yourself in the company of a friendly bartender dressed to impress. Another server accompanies him and takes your order. I highly recommend their Irish coffee (¥1650, including sit down fee) as you’re in for a treat when you watch how they make it. It’s quite a show! Honestly, if it was possible to order a cup of fresh cream, I would do it.

樽八 I found out about this restaurant from my supervisor. During lunch, we would always ask each other where our tummies felt like eating. We were craving for Chinese food so we ended up in this casual eatery in the house garage of a cute old couple. The chef looked stylish as he

wore round glasses and a beret. What caught my attention was their kitchen it was spacious and resembled a proper Chinese restaurant kitchen. There were big steel tables, woks, and a prep table filled with chopped vegetables. Their fried rice and lunch sets were nothing 79

FOOD TRIPS AROUND ODATE

but amazing. The rice and sauce were enough to feed two people and they didn’t scrimp on the ingredients.

産直処さんのう Tofu lovers, rejoice! This shop has everything soy - soy milk, soy bread, soybean curds, and even soy milk ice cream! For ¥280 you’ll taste one of the creamiest soft serves (they have vanilla, too) and will wish that you’ll have another one. They also have edamames and kiritanpo nabe, so it’s worth visiting for lunch if you ever end up in Odate. Moreover, if you visit this tofu shop often, the staff might recognize you and you end up gaining a friend. These are just a few of the hidden gems in Odate. I’m pretty sure there are more restaurants worth visiting all over Akita that redefine what you know about Japanese food. Until then, let’s go to eat! 80

**All photos used provided by Ally Ty

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81 Coffee Art, Brooke Dalgleish

Masks vs.

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by: KIM BARTOS

FOOD TRIPS AROUND ODATE

A big thanks to all contributing

Without your submissions this magazine woul

ticles and pictures you have sent in. The sheer

we hope we have done them justice. We look fo

in the future. Than

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g writers and photographers!

ld not be possible. We thank you for all the ar-

r quality of the submissions are so impressive,

orwrd to receiving more submissions from you

nk you Akita JETs! From: The Team at the Akitan

Rice Paddy Mirrors, Jody85Frye

FOOD TRIPS AROUND ODATE

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Goodbye Spring Ashino Kouen, Aomori, Andrea Danko

FOOD TRIPS AROUND ODATE

Ho-oh-zan, Odate, Jody Frye 88

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Hello Summer

FOOD TRIPS AROUND ODATE

Thank you for reading

T H E A K I TA N

S E E YO U I N S U M M E R

The Akitan Spring 2021

Articles inside

Movie Review

Horoscopes

Restaurant Reviews

Fan Letter Project

From Table to Tablet

Coworking in Japan’s Countryside

A Word From the Editor

Signs of Spring

Akita Drift

Poems

Straight Outta Odate