AKITA JET QUARTERLY
THE AKITAN
winter issue
19.03.19
THE AKITAN WINTER 2019
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 photo by Caitlin Wilcox
CONTENTS FROM THE EDITOR .......... PAGE #3 IF YOU’RE NOT FIRST YOU’RE LAST.......... PAGE #7 THE NAKED TRUTH .......... PAGE #13 ONSEN FEATURE: LAMP NO YADO .......... PAGE #23 WHITE IS BEAUTIFUL! .......... PAGE #27 WINTER FESTIVALS .......... PAGE #33 WINTER RECIPES .......... PAGE #69 THE LONELY SASHA GUIDE: CAFES.......... PAGE #74 HOROSCOPES.......... PAGE #85 WINTER READS .......... PAGE #91 NIGHT GRANITE .......... PAGE #99
MEET THE AKITAN STAFF pimms hubbell Director of Publications
Hey folks! I’m Pimms, and I’m in my 4th year in Akita. You’ll probably come to know me as the PA working at the Education center. I love eating food, going on cyling trips, visiting festivals, eating more food, and relaxing in onsen. I hope you enjoy Akita as much as I do.
priscilla chong Editor & Creative Director
Hi everyone! I’m Priscilla, a 3rd year from Ugo Town. I lack self control and have a serious snack problem. Fun thing about living alone, no one will know if you eat a tub of ice cream in one night. I love food, coffee, skincare, and a good forest onsen.
reza danesh pajooh Editor of Book Reviews
I’m Reza Danesh-Pajooh, a fourth year living in Yokote. My hobbies are avoiding people, staying indoors, and making plans while secretly hoping that someone will cancel so I don’t have to go. Surprisingly, I’ve been told I’m a pleasant person.
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THE AKITAN
JOIN THE PRC akita jet public relations committee ABOUT US The Akita JET Public Relations Committee (PRC) is made up of the JETs currently responsible for creating and managing four digital platforms for collaborative information exchange, promotions, and communication.
POSITION OPENINGS The PRC will be undergoing a complete handover in the oncoming year. We are opening applications early to find the best candidates for each position. Stay tuned for more information on the application process. The positions available include: Social Media Manager Editor & Creative Director of The Akitan Manager of the AkitaJET Wiki
NEW CONTENT OPPORTUNITY From May 1 2019, the AkitaJET Youtube Channel will be discontinued. We are interested in developing a new platform (for example, podcast, blog etc.). If you are interested in joining the PRC under a new position please pitch us your idea at:
akitajoho@gmail.com Priscilla Chong PRC Coordinator
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From the editor
Making snowmen and memo Hello all you lovely readers, it’s been a short winter hasn’t it?
The big melt has begun but it will be a while still before we really feel the start o
always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with spring. The gradual blooming of
the warmth of the sun brings me back to life, but it also means saying goodbye to t
white scenery I’ve become so fond of. I enjoyed my final Akita winter to the full snowmen, snowball battles, trying to run up snow banks and failing, eating
around the kotatsu, sitting with kids in igloos, swinging giant balls of fire around
know, the normal winter things. With each season that passes I get more teary (
was such a sentimental person). I’m thankful to this wonderful season but it’s tim Thanks for the memories Akita. [cue sad emo music] Spring brings new beginnings, new school years, new colleagues, and a time for
our minds and prepare for the future. How do we refresh you may ask? By going full M on your place. Spring cleaning is good not only for the mind, but will help air
build-up that happens during winter. Start cleaning early in the season before hay-f
allergens and pollens fill the air. To those of you returning to your home country in summer months will be busy, so get rid of excess junk as early as possible.
In this edition of The Akitan, join us as we recap some of the big festivals, explore o and guide you to some of the best cafes in Akita.
Priscilla Chong, Editor and Cre
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THE AKITAN
ories
of spring. I’ve
f flowers and
this beautiful
lest, building shabu-shabu
d myself, you
(who knew I
me to let go. us to refresh
Marie Kondo out the dust
fever causing
n August the
onsen culture,
eative Director “Ms. Oppai” (Ugo), Priscilla Chong
4
Snowy mountain drives (Ugo), Priscilla Chong
if you’re not first you’re last
IF YOU’RE NOT FIRST YOU’RE LAST kate smith If you had one shot, or one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted, in one moment. Would you capture it, or just let it slip? In my case, I let my opportunity slip.
Every year at the beginning of March, the
Actually I let it roll a couple times then
“けっつじょり 世界選手権 (Ketsujori World
sadly slide across the finish line. My
Championship)” is held. A winding course
little town, Chokai, does its best to get
carved out of the snow up by the Sarukura
on the map. “How can we attract more
Onsen is the stage for this competition.
tourists? How can we show the rest of
You trek to the top of the slope and slide
Akita that we’re more than just a hike up
down on a fertilizer bag using your hips to
a mountain?” Well, by hosting a sledding
navigate the turns. You get two timed runs
competition, duh.
and they’re added together, the lowest total
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Sledding competition, Priscilla Chong
THE AKITAN
time is the winner. Then you’re thrown
the end. No biggie, my practice runs went
onto a podium and showered with local
well and I was confident that I’d get my
goodies, and then you get lunch! Why it’s
Three Time World Champion title. After
considered a “world” championship is
a successful first run crashing into the
beyond me, but it’s definitely an event.
staff at the end of the course, I was tied for the fastest time with another lady.
I have been the reigning world champion
Literally everything was on my second
for the last two years with record times,
run. As I stood at the top waiting for my
and I was going for that sweet Three
turn, I turned into B-Rabbit from 8 Mile.
Time World Champion title. An odd flex,
My palms were sweaty, knees weak, arms
I know, but it’s all I have going for me.
were heavy. I didn’t have mom’s spaghetti
As soon as February hits, the ketsujori
on my sweater though I was definitely
buzz begins. “Kate, will you be champion
nervous but on the surface I looked calm
again?” At first I laughed it off because
and ready to- you get it.
it’s a sledding competition. But seeing how the entire town prepares for this event, that competitive fire in me wanted that number one podium spot. This year the course was different. It was longer with harsher turns, and a jump at
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if you’re not first you’re last
Unfortunately, the pressure became too
is very welcoming and the energy is
much and on the last turn, I lost the
almost so overwhelming that you can’t
edge and went for a tumble. Sounds of
stop smiling all day. As a bonus, the view
disappointment,
defeat
of Mt. Chokai is impeccable, even when
echoed from the crowd and the dream
you take a little spill down the course, you
was crushed.
can look up and she’s there to comfort
despair,
and
the failure that you are. And as a bonus All joking aside, this event never fails to
bonus, all sliders get lunch at the onsen
be a blast. Even though it’s a sledding
after. Overall, it’s a Sunday well spent.
competition, it’s taken very seriously
Nothing but good vibes, good people, and
and everyone in the community chips
sore tailbones.
in. Students, parents, and staff are either competing or volunteering, showing up at 6:30am to prepare the course. Everyone
(I will get my title back next year though)
...
(above) Kate Smith during an interview, Priscilla Chong
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(opposite) Mini Kamakura, Jillian Camille
THE AKITAN
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Mt. Chokai (Yurihonjo), Priscilla Chong
•
THE NAKED TRUTH The history of onsen and how public bathing can help fight body stereotypes
Priscilla Chong
THE AKITAN
Bathing customs around the world developed from a variety of things, such as religion, status, and lifestyles. These lifestyle habits though, are heavily influenced by the geography and climate of the region itself. It comes as no surprise that a volcanic country like Japan with high levels of geothermal activity developed a culture around natural hot springs. It’s not as if Japan is the only country in the world with access to spring water, Rome and Greece both once had public bathing. So why is it that those cultures have just about died out, but Japan’s prevailed to this day? What exactly is special about Japanese onsen?
ONSEN HISTORY
合い” (hadaka no tsukiai)
Being isolated from foreign influence for
Bathing
200 years, Japan was free from the modesty
friends, and colleagues is still to this day
restraints
Catholic,
quite a normal activity. The idea is when
Christian, and Confucian beliefs. During
we are naked we take off our daily mask,
this time onsen bathing became deeply
for example, subordinate or superior. We
rooted in Japanese culture and social
remove all our makeup, our fashion, our
behaviour. Originally everyone bathed
carefully created personas of who we
together because there were few water
think we should be and just simply go
sources available. If there was a natural
back to our natural form.
that
came
with
together
with
or “skinship”. your
family,
hot spring in the region, it made sense that all the townspeople used it. It became
Throughout history, onsen were never
a social activity as all family, friends, and
used purely for hygiene purposes. Before
coworkers would relax together and talk.
the arrival of western medicine, mineral-
Relationships were deepened as everyone
rich spring waters were commonly used
got along in this communal bath. This
for their healing properties. Different
concept is now referred to as “裸の付き
baths were used to treat specific ailments;
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the naked truth
iron baths improved blood circulation,
depression, and hostility, all key factors
acidic baths healed skin conditions, and
for stress relief and relaxation. Now, these
so on. These beliefs still exist today with
effects can be achieved in the comfort
many people travelling to specific onsen
of your own home and bathtub, but why
because of its mineral content.
settle for that when Akita has mineral rich, natural onsen in abundance.
ONSEN THERAPY climate,
To gain the full benefits it’s important
nowadays most western countries opt for
to know not only the kind of water but
showering out of convenience. We have
also the pH level. Onsen can be classified
become a culture where ‘time is money’.
as acidic (pH 2-3), weak acidic (pH 3-6),
With what little time we have left to relax
neutral (pH 6-7.5), weak alkaline (pH
each week, a long bath seems boring in
7.5-8.5), and alkaline (pH 8.5 and above).
comparison with yoga, hiking, or dinner
Acidic springs have strong anti-bacterial
with friends. It seems we are missing out
and sterilizing properties. This works
on a lot of physical and emotional benefits
similar to a chemical peel, and is able to
by choosing a 10-minute shower.
exfoliate and tighten your pores. Alkaline
Disregarding
tradition
and
springs are the real treat though, they According to some Japanese researchers,
are also known as bijin no yu or ‘beauty
it might be worth it to take a step back,
springs’. Thanks to the higher alkalinity,
slow down, and have a regular soak in the
the water feels much thicker than a regular
tub. A recent 2018 study* has proven that
spring. This gives a sense of buoyancy and
regular immersion bathing improves our
reduces all the pressure off your joints,
perceived health, skin condition, smile,
. They can dissolve surface sebum, this
social functioning, and mental health.
helps softens and smooth the skin.
Not to mention also lowering anxiety,
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*Y. Goto, S. Hayasaka, S. Kurihara, and Y. Nakamura “Physical and Mental Effects of Bathing: A Randomized Intervention Study” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol 2018
THE AKITAN
Kinosaki Onsen Town (Hyogo), Priscilla Chong
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the naked truth
Quite on trend at the moment in western
BED, BATH, & BODY IMAGE
countries, perhaps you have come across
An onsen enthusiast myself I’ve tried
the word shinroku in a bookstore or on
everything from konyoku (mixed gender
some ‘self-love’ inspo websites. It means
bathing) to sunnayu (sand baths) in a
‘forest bathing’ and is a kind of meditation
wide range of regions across Japan. I am
where one ventures out into nature for
proud to say Akita is home to many of my
no specific purpose other than to just be
all time favourites. Nothing quite beats
in nature. Now, it doesn’t actually mean
the charm of soaking in a secluded forest
taking a bath in a forest, but since we live
onsen listening to the sounds of the wind
in Akita we CAN do that, too! I mean, is
and river. So just strip off and get in,
there a more natural way to meditate in
sounds simple right?
nature than being naked?
Sulphur spring eggs in Hakone onsen region
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(Kanagawa), Priscilla Chong
THE AKITAN
The daunting part about all this isn’t
these as the norm. Just like that, we set the
whether or not you’ll have to book it
standards for beauty into an unreachable
with a bare buttock if a bear happens
position and every time we fail to reach
upon your rotenburo (outdoor bath). It’s
that bar our self-esteem takes a hit. Why
getting naked and being naked around
is this important? Well, there is a link
other people. We are comfortable with
between our self-esteem and our overall
shirtless men, tiny crop tops, barely-there
life satisfaction. Our psychology is quite
bikinis, underboob and side boob. (Does
fragile and can easily be influenced by
that tiny piece of fabric covering a nipple
negative thoughts. Body dissatisfaction is
or pubic area REALLY keep it a mystery?)
often the biggest contributor to negative
Why does the thought of full-body public
self-esteem. I believe public bathing could
nudity instil so much fear in us?
be beneficial in countering negative body stereotypes.
The answer is simple. We have become conditioned to think of our body as
A psychological study in 20117* explored
shameful. This isn’t a modern concept,
the
historically social status and religion
activities and self-esteem.
were the big enforcers of this “shame”.
widely defined as “going without clothes
Now we buy into ‘revenge bodies’, ‘beach
in the presence of non-intimate others,
bodies’ and even ‘post-baby bodies’.
or being nude in public without the
There is nothing wrong with wanting to
intention of being sexually stimulating”.
get in shape. However unrealistic body
The study concluded that seeing other
expectations are constantly being re-
people naked positively influenced the
enforced by social media. We have allowed
participant’s body image. An interesting
ourselves to be exposed to carefully edited
read if you have the time, the paper is
images of “real” bodies, internalising
available free.
relationship
between
Naturist
Naturism is
* West, K. J Happiness Stud (2018) 19: 677. “Naked and Unashamed: Investigations and Applications of the Effects of Naturist Activities on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Life Satisfaction” https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9846-1
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the naked truth
It got me thinking, if seeing other people
constantly try to live up to. You don’t need
naked in naturist activities had this
to discuss your insecurities with other
impact. Then, onsen is a much easier
patrons in the onsen. You don’t need to
method, especially while living in Japan.
feel pressured to look a certain way or
Being naked to take a bath is the most
impress someone. Just the act of sitting
common reason for nudity, it can’t really
quietly in a public onsen (even if other
be considered a ‘nudist’ activity. Public
guests aren’t around) shows a willingness
bathing, either gender segregated or
to be vulnerable and accept being seen
mixed (work within your own comfort
as you are. Isn’t that what we are all
level) provides us with a controlled space
hoping for anyway, acceptance for being
to free ourselves of the expectations we
ourselves.
...
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THE AKITAN
onsen experiences: two sides of the same bath priscilla chong For most of my formative years I had a
the one staring at others. There were
very unhealthy relationship with my
perky breasts, saggy breasts, wrinkly
body. Before I was 12 I was worried about
breasts, big ones, small ones, and nipples
the ‘extra’ bits of flab that other girls my
of every kind. I began to realise that no
age didn’t seem to have. I hated that no
one looked or judged, because no one
matter what I ate (or didn’t eat) I couldn’t
cared. The variety of bodies allowed me
look the way my friends did. I knew this
to step outside my anxiety and away from
kind of behaviour was unhealthy, but
the bikini body expectations I drilled into
I maintained this mentality for a long
myself from growing up by the beach.
time trying everything from paleo to the cabbage soup diet. I obsessed over
After moving to Japan I quickly fell in love
the number on the scales, ignoring the
with onsen culture. It has changed my
negative impact on my physical and
relationship with myself and improved
mental health.
my self-esteem. I’m not and never will be the idealised tanned and toned Australian
The first time I experienced public bathing
beach girl, but I’m okay with that. There
was during a spontaneous solo trip to
is no such thing as a “perfect” body and
South Korea when I was 19. I fretted in
we shouldn’t feel ashamed for being
the change room for a good 30 minutes
different.
worried about other women judging my body, body hair, or stretch marks. I didn’t
As women we should expose ourselves,
realise it at the time, but in retrospect I
our peers, and future generations to a
must have looked like a pervert as I was
variety of bodies. I think it’s important we
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the naked truth
view our physical differences in a positive
As an extreme minority living in rural
light, not only for ourselves but for each
japan, I get stared at. A lot. Of course,
other.
it comes with the territory. I’ve learned very early in my time here in Akita to not
Everyday we experience things that give
let it get to me and to create a barrier to
us opportunities to change, to rise up from
protect myself from the criticisms, nasty
our personal weaknesses, to positively
looks, double-takes, you name it. In an
influence those around us, or make an impact on issues we believe in. These changes don’t need to be recognised by
“How did she even end up here?”
masses of people to be valuable, as the saying goes, all journeys start with a few
onsen however, I just cant seem to escape
small steps.
those looks. It’s a combination of being in an enclosed space, naked, with strangers who are different, yet racially, the same in silence, probably. Everyone assumes I don’t speak Japanese, so as I strip I’ll
jackie francois Many people associate going to onsen as “relaxing”, “refreshing” or “calming”. Taking in the natural landscape while
always here these side comments:
“Where could she be from? Africa?” “Should she really be here?”
immersing oneself in warm water and
“How did she even end up here?”
steam would encourage one to say so. In
“Woah! Is that what a black body looks
fact, I’d like to believe thats the case, too.
like? I didn’t know that [insert body part
However, like the famous JET saying goes, not every situation is the same.
21
here] looked like that…”
THE AKITAN
“Look at her hair! It’s [insert slightly
The stares linger a bit longer. The glances
offensive Japanese onomatopoeia for
become quizzical. The room gets a bit quieter.
kinky, curly hair here]”
Of course, my experiences aren’t always “Do black people even wash their hair?”
negative, but they do vary. I believe that
(this I get a lot because I can’t be
coming from a conservative family, the
bothered to spend an hour detangling,
idea of bathing publicly in the nude is
shampooing, and conditioning my hair
shocking, to say the least, but as an artist,
in the public bath.)
I’ve attended many nude model drawing sessions for classes. So the idea of nudity
You can correctly assume that I haven’t
wasn’t novelty to me. The reception
always had a positive onsen experience. In
towards my own, however, was.
fact, the comments affected me so much, that I just stopped going for a long time.
I don’t think one should let experiences
I got tired of interjecting conversations,
like these shake you. I’ve missed out on
and telling people off that it’s just rude to
many good opportunities and invites
talk about others, especially when they’re
because I let those negative experiences
sitting right in front of you.
and comments, get to me, but at the end of the day, like everything else, you just
Theres
often
this
negative,
hyper-
gotta do you.
sexualised imagery that are often placed on black women, which are enforced by the little media that pervades into this island. I often hear much more sexually
...
based comments about my body than I do with my lighter-skin counterparts.
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onsen feature: lamp no yado
Entrance of the waterfall viewing bath at Lamp no Yado (Aomori), Priscilla Chong
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THE AKITAN
onsen feature
Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen, Aomori Hidden deep within the mountains near the small town of Kuroishi lies a charming inn. It’s only December 1st, and yet the snow has already piled up into large snow drifts lining the narrow windy roads. The only transport available is a small shuttle bus; the skilled driver completely at ease as he expertly navigates us down a steep decline into the valley. Steam lightly floats through the air, and a few gas lamps create a hazy glow against the snow covered surroundings. A weekend away Lamp no Yado (Aoni onsen) felt as if I had time-slipped into an era past. Hundreds of gas lamps line the ryokan halls and light pathways to the various baths. It’s unlike any other ryokan I’ve stayed in. The lack of electricity, power outlets, and phone reception forced us to go off the grid. A lovely weekend with nothing but good company, simple food, and four beautiful onsen to enjoy.
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onsen feature: lamp no yado ďťż
THE FOOD
over the river and snowy forest, a small ryokan
veranda sitting above the moat running
experience is in the food. However if
around the ryokan, and a small lamp
traditional Japanese cuisine is not your
providing a golden glow over the room.
cup of tea, you may find yourself in a bit of
The bedding was a dream, the softest
a pickle (pun intended). Dinner included
linens on a futon so comfortable you just
simmered dishes, fresh salmon,
melted into it.
Part
of
the
quintessential
duck
nabe, and more. Breakfast was a selection of pickles, rice, miso soup, and grilled
THE BATHS
fish caught fresh from the river running
Lamp no Yado has four beautiful baths
by the inn. The chefs prepare seasonal
for guests to enjoy, including 3 gender
produce with simple flavors that pair well
separated baths and 1 konyoku (mixed).
together, truly a delight to the palatte.
The mixed outdoor bath and waterfall viewing bath are separated from the main
THE ROOM
building across a small bridge on the
Warm and inviting are the two words I
property. Enjoying the cool air walking
would use to describe our accommodation
in a yukata (provided) along a dimly lit
for the night. Tatami, a window with views
path is part of the charm of this onsen. The largest bath (pictured opposite) was my favorite. Made from Hiba wood, with high ceilings and glass panelled windows , the bath had completely different atmospheres during
the
daytime
and
night.
Lamp no Yado was founded in 1929. Traditional breakfast, Priscilla Chong
25
...
Large bath (above); Liam Fahy; Lamps at dining hall (below), Priscilla Cong
white is b This is the 3rd winter I’ve spent in Japan, but my first winter in Akita. For the last 2 I was in Kansai, so they were only cold with no snow. Coming to Akita I was afraid of the long winter, but now as it is already about to finish I am quite sad that there will be no more fun snow activities. Winter with endless white rice fields, beautiful snowy mountain views, and many activities to take part in is much more fun than the grayish-dark days in the city. I hope that many people can experience it. It is nice to become a child again and build a snowman with
Hachimantai Snow Monsters, Andrea Danko
eautiful! a team, take part in a snowball or rope pulling contest, or even build an igloo! But if you are not in the playing mood, you can just go and watch a ski contest, cheer for the fastest skiers, or just watch a snow volleyball match. Enjoying snow shoeing is a must, but it’s also quite tiring. For the views we could see on the day of Hina matsuri at the top of Hachimantai mountain I don’t mind walking for 14kms. They call the frozen trees ‘snow monsters’ or you can just call them zombies too. View of the mountains on such a clear day was just breathtaking.
andrea danko
white is beautiful
Making igloos, Andrea Danko
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THE AKITAN
For people who want something a little bit easier, and have no energy to walk in the snow I would recommend ice fishing. Gandouko is in Iwate prefecture, but still near to Akita. An even easier activity is to take a train to a sake brewery and taste the many freshly made sake in one of the open-events (for example, Yashima, Yuzawa etc.) Finally, for people who do not drink you can enjoy winter fireworks by Lake Towada, Ooyu, or in Omagari. I enjoyed many festivals this year, including Yuzawa Inukko, Oga Sedo ‘Namahage’, Kamifusen
in
Kamihinokinai,
and
Hirosaki Castle lantern festival in Aomori. At Inukko I could enjoy cute snow dog shrine sculptures and many food stalls. The famous scary Namahage was too touristy for me, it felt crowded like Kyoto. Kamifusen paper lantern festival was just beautiful, although I could not stay until the end. I just hope it won’t get more crowded, otherwise people cannot enjoy it.
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Hirosaki Castle snow lantern festival was the best for me. It is 3 days long so you can go anytime. During the daytime you can admire the snow sculptures and the park then at night everything is lit up. Since the castle garden is quite spacious you can walk around freely without bumping to other visitors. Talking about visitors, it felt like a real local festival, we met almost no foreigners as mainly locals enjoyed the festival. Just do not stay inside because it is cold, it is cold inside anyway. Find the best activity for yourself and enjoy it with the locals!
...
Snow volleyball, Andrea Danko
winter festiv
Akita is home to some of the most visually stunning events in
regions, paired with cold snowy winters, people here love to
your evening having fun in the snow isn’t the worst way to sp
most number of festivals throughout the year, and not only th
monsters, but where else do you find fire swinging, bamboo fi
Here are some of the best snapshots of some A
vals in akita
n Japan. Perhaps due to being one of the top sake producing
o hold festivals. Drinking nihonshu to stay warm and spend
pend winter. Compared to the rest of Tohoku, Akita holds the
he most but the most interesting. Sure Yamagata has Zao snow
fights, igloo cafes, and monsters that purposely scare children.
Akita winter fun taken by our own Akita JETs.
naked man festival Braving the cold in your birthday suit
The walk to the shrine (Yurihonjo), Caitlin Wilcox
Participants pose for a photo (Yurihonjo), Caitlin Wilcox
kamifusen A paper balloon sky lantern festival in Senboku
As the last big festival I hadn’t experienced
advise taking the train in. The festival was
it was my mission to go to Kamifusen this
magical, to say the least. Kicking it off was
winter. Having heard the nightmarish
a timed release of both large and small
traffic stories of the previous year, we set
decorated balloons soaring into the sky
out rather early to get to Kamihinokinai.
to a backdrop of fireworks. Spectators
It was a wise decision for as we started
are encouraged to join in the action,
closing in on the town around 5pm most
but finding an open space to hold the
car parks had already filled up. At 8pm
balloon was a battle in itself. Apart from
there were still hundreds of cars stuck in
the delightful sky views, the highlight of
traffic trailing down the mountain with no
the night was being able to decorate and
chance of reaching the festival. For those
release our own lantern with wishes for
of you thinking of going next year, I highly
the new year. Let’s hope they come true!
...
priscilla chong
Kamifusen festival (Senboku), Priscilla Chong
inukko festival Snow dogs and snowy days
Inukko (Yuzawa), Caitlin Wilcox
THE AKITAN
44
Inukko snow dog and shrine (Yuzawa), Caitlin Wilcox
Taiko performance at Inukko Festival (Yuzawa). Pimms Hubbell
the g
THE AKITAN
good doggos of akita Adorable snapshots of some festival floofers
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sedo ‘namahage’ fes Making children cry since 1964
Namahage at Sedo Festival (Oga), Andrea Danko
stival
Namahage at Sedo Festival (Oga), Caitlin Wilcox
THE AKITAN
56
takeuchi festival One of Japan’s most dangerous events
Round 3 fighting at Takeuchi, Priscilla Chong
felix clutson We set out for Misato armed with
Our drive to the car park was
slightly bewildered curiosity and
delayed by a bunch of drunk lads
very little knowledge. We knew
wandering aimlessly down the
there was a lot of bamboo, some
middle of the road, one of whom
fire, and what the Akita JET wiki
had nabbed a security officer’s
page had described as, ‘more
flashing baton and was waving it
hooligan fights than an English
gleefully at the rest of the officials,
soccer match’
who blithely ignored him.
Bonfire at Takeuchi, Priscilla Chong
THE AKITAN
The town’s men were divided into
it, so ignite it they did... They’d taken
two groups (representing North and
all the lunar new year decorations to
South of the town). There didn’t
made a giant bonfire, and they lit the
appear to be any pre-match stretching
beast before the third round. To the
or tactical recaps being handed out by
huddled masses it was a welcome bit
anyone you’d guess was the gaffer, but
of warmth, and watching the glowing
there was a bloke, standing stoically
ashes of new year wishes floating
with his arms crossed in a robe and
into the night really did have a poetic
a motorbike helmet. The lads were
quality to it.
basically milling around, attempting to bang their bamboo poles together,
To be honest, it was impressive
which to be fair, was pretty tricky,
anyone landed decent blows, because
because those sticks are probably five
the poles are so unwieldy, and real
or six metres.
heavy, so getting them back into the sky amongst a storm of other poles,
The build-up consisted of a lot of
after striking downwards, was quite
whooping, battle cries, horn-blowing
an achievement in itself. After the
and stick-bashing, wonderfully under-
three rounds, the North was declared
scored by a recording of some kids
victorious (thus, as tradition goes,
singing gentle songs drifting over the
securing a good rice harvest for the
tannoy. However, we didn’t have long
year). By what criteria and whose
to wait until our MC called a start to
judgement this decision was taken,
proceedings. The lads charged and
appeared to be a complete mystery,
went hell for leather at each other for
but I doubt anyone will be worried
a couple of minutes. It was a derby
about that when they’re tucking into
that was crying out for a spark to ignite
an onigiri at the end of summer.
... 60
yokote kamakura Chilling with friends in igloos
Kamakura at Yokote Castle, Priscilla Chong
THE AKITAN
62
Mini Kamakura by the river, Caitlin Wilcox
winter festivals
65
Kamakura, Caitlin Wilcox (opposite) Hiburi Kamakura, Priscilla Chong
hiburi kamakura Fire bending in Kakunodate
winter festivals Cancer by horoscope, water monkey by
as Zuko. The hiburi kamakura festival is
zodiac, it’s pretty clear that my affiliated
one of my favorite winter events in Aktia.
element is the good ol’ mizu. But in the
Where else in the world would it be chill
words of one of the best shows ever....
to pass children a ball of straw on a rope,
everything changed when the fire nation
set it on fire, then tell them to swing it
attacked. Channeling my inner Avatar
for good luck, then let that flaming ball
I felt a rush of endorphins as the giant
of fire fly dangerously into the area of
ball of fire swung around me. Perhaps I
onlookers. The festival is held over 2
was too into my character, for suddenly
nights in Kakunodate. It’s only a mere
the fire was dangerously close to my face,
500yen to join in, for that kind of price
almost leaving me with the same scar
you can do it again, and again, and again.
...
67
priscilla chong
(above and opposite) ALTs at Hiburi Kamakura, Priscilla Chong
WINTER RECIPES
priscilla chong & guests
THE AKITAN
Tasit dis quationet exeruntiae est pro cum cuptatur aut laut velland ignist delitis volorem quo ilis reian delendis et rerum vollacienis et volorem oluptatias sam lab ipsum et autas dolupti aepero quaturias et aut que nusda volectur?
Easy Vegetable Soup Serves: 4 Time: 60 minutes What you’ll need:
In a large soup pot heat the olive oil
1 Tbsp olive oil
Add onions, carrots, and celery and saute
1/2 brown onion (chopped)
4 minutes
2 large carrots (chopped) 1 1/2 sticks of celery (chopped)
Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds
2 cloves garlic (minced) 2 cans low-sodium chicken broth or
Add in broth tomatoes, potatoes, parsley,
vegetable broth
bay leaves, thyme
1 can diced tomatoes (undrained) 2 potatoes (peeled and chopped)
Season with salt and pepper and adjust
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
herbs to taste
1 bay leaves 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Bring to a boil, then add green beans
Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3/4 cup chopped frozen or fresh green
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and
beans
simmer for 20 - 30 minutes
1/2 cup frozen or fresh corn 1/2 cup frozen or fresh peas
Add corn and peas and cook 5 minutes
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winter recipes
Japanese Souffle Pancakes
Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites into two bowls
Serves: 3 pancakes Time: 45 minutes
Cover the whites with plastic wrap and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
What you’ll need: 2 large eggs
Add milk and vanilla to the yolks and
1 ½ Tbsp whole milk
whisk until frothy (the mixture should
¼ tsp vanilla extract
turn slightly pale and thicken)
¼ cup cake flour ½ tsp baking powder
Sift flour and baking powder into the
2 Tbsp sugar
yolk mixture, gently whisk to combine
1 Tbsp neutral flavor oil 2 Tbsp water (for steaming)
Remove egg whites from the freezer then sing an electric mixer beat the egg
Serving Suggestions:
whites until frothy
Stack the pancakes to get the ultimate
Slowly add the sugar in small portions,
wobbly satisfaction
beating continuously until all the sugar is added and the egg whites turn glossy
Highlight the pancakes flavor by
and make soft peaks
keeping it simple with a cube of butter and maple syrup
Gently fold egg whites into yolk mixture(be careful not to break the air
Go for the insta-worthy aesthetic with fresh berries and fresh cream
71
bubbles or it wont be fluffy)
THE AKITAN
Heat a large frypan on low and lightly
After 2 minutes add final scoop of batter
brush with oil
and some more water, cover and steam
Scoop batter for 3 pancakes into the
After 6-7 minutes carefully flip the
heated pan (you will layer the batter so
pancakes over
don’t go overboard in the first round) Add some water, cover with a lid and Carefully add a second layer of batter to
cook for 4-5 minutes
the pancakes, and then a third layer Check out the recipe with visual instructions at:
Add water to the pan, cover with a lid,
https://www.justonecookbook.com/souffle-
and steam for 6-7 minutes
pancake/#wprm-recipe-container-69708
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winter recipes
Aubergine Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan) Slice the aubergine into rounds about Serves: 2
1cm thick, sprinkle with salt and set
Time: 60 minutes
aside for 15 minutes
What you’ll need:
Put some flour in a shallow dish or plate,
2 medium aubergines (eggplants)
season with salt, pepper, oregano, and
Plain flour
other herbs as you please
1 egg (beaten) 1 jar tomato & basil pasta sauce
Rinse the aubergines and pat dry with
Dried oregano
paper towels
Salt and cracked black pepper Panko crumbs
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan
Parmesan cheese
Dip the aubergine slices in the egg then
Mozzarella cheese
coat in flour mixture, shallow fry the
Neutral oil (for frying)
slices until golden In an oven dish, layer the aubergine with the pasta sauce, and cheeses Top the dish with panko crumbs mixed with parmesan cheese Bake in the oven at 200°C for 20-30 minutes
... 73
THE LONELY SASHA GUIDE: CAFES sasha katzalay
08 Coffee (Akita City), Sasha Katzalay
the lonely sasha guide: cafes
Cafes has become a very versatile factor in my life: They find a place in my day at 7am when I rush through Starbucks with barely enough time to make my transfer, and then they also find a place in my weekend when I want to disappear into my scrap book for a few hours. The difference in experience balances on the question: am I consuming or am I tasting? When it comes to tasting, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the cafes sprinkled about Akita City and I have composed the following guide in the hopes that it will enrich your next caffeinated or sweets related experience.
Café 1: Kissa KitoKito 喫茶キトキト (Kissa KitoKito). Seated in the Kawabata area. Open from 10 am until 8 pm, the café offers an ideal night time setting for those who don’t drink but still want to have a nightlife experience. A rustic antique interior suggests that the café’s beginning drew inspiration from a western or European-styled home. Old
75
THE AKITAN
and new books and magazines fill the
め (osusume) coffee,” or simply find the
shelves, simple lights drop down from the
price you want to pay, point, and see what
ceiling, and the carefully crafted cluttered
shows up. During my visit, I went with
gives off the sense of a warm and fulfilling
the ‘cake and drink set’ for 900 yen which
inhabitants. While the brick walls and
gave me the freedom to choose a slice of
wooden dining furniture may present as a
cheesecake and a glass of orange juice. My
novelty to the locals, it reminds me of home
visit fell around 6pm and the lights that
in Canada. Various coffee, cakes, teas, and
bloomed from the surrounding bars made
liquor are abundantly scratched across a
something of a quiet, magical moment.
chalkboard for the customers’ viewing. Note that the menu is entirely in Japanese,
Kito Kito is closed on Tuesday and
so if you are unsure, go with the “おすす
Wednesday.
喫茶キトキト〒010-0921 秋田県秋田市大町３丁目２−３１
76
the lonely sasha guide: cafes
カフェ フェルム (Creperie cafe Ferme) 〒010-0003 秋田県秋田市東通１丁目１１−３
Café 2: Cafe Ferme カフェ フェルム (Creperie cafe Ferme) can
importantly, the rich and flavorful meal
be found on the south side of かんとうの通
did not transform into a heavy weight at
り (Kanto no dori) on the east side of Akita
the bottom of my stomach. Crepes range
Station. The spirit of the name ‘Ferme’
from approximately 650 to 800 which
(farmhouse in French) is directly reflected
settles well when you can experience
in the warm and wooden interior that
the taste of locally, responsibly sourced
greets the customer. A plethora of foliage
ingredients. Reminiscent of someone’s
bursts from the walls and ceiling to throw
country home, the café incorporates the
deep shades of green across the space and
customer to feel a sense of familiarity and
are only broken up by the chandeliers
during your stay, you may even be visited
and faerie lights mounted about the
by the owners’ child whose excitement
small room. The big draw of the café,
can be heard throughout the venue.
however, came from the menu. As the café specialized in crepes, it felt contradictory not to order the ‘compote de pomme’
crêpe
(apple
sauce
crepe). I was pleasantly greeted with the option for my crepe to be made with regular flour or buckwheat flower. This made the generous scoops of ice cream and caramelized apples feel slightly less self-indulgent, but more
77
Café Ferme is closed on Monday.
the lonely sasha guide: cafes
08coffee 〒010-0952秋田県秋田市山王新町13-21三栄ビル2F
79
THE AKITAN
Café 3: 08 Coffee
08 Coffee can be found a block away from Yabaseundōkōen, perfect for city ALTs after a BOE day. The inception of this modern meets rustic café occurred back in 2011 and its inspiration, I’m told, was sparked by the need for balance between the antique and modern. Simple and weathered wood rises out of the cracked concrete floor while elegantly crafted chairs of different shapes and sizes find their place around the small room. What attracted me to this space was how many different micro sceneries it held. If you felt privet, you could tuck yourself away at the bar table where your distractions would be minimized to the white bookshelf built into the wall. But for those who wished for a view, the panoramic window could be enjoyed individually at another bar table, or by the two sets of arm chairs.
80
the lonely sasha guide: cafes
I took the baristas recommendation of
my favourite coffee stop to date. On
crème brulee and the #8 blend of black
your way out, make sure to make a quick
coffee. Delicious, to say the least, and a
right and visit their store where you can
sophisticated marriage between sweet
purchase 08’s original brand of coffee.
and bitter. Unlike the confections and coffee you might find in the convenience
08 Coffee is closed on Wednesday
store and coffee chains, it was evident that my set was made with great care and this sentiment mirrored by timely and gracious service. In the end, my total bill came to exactly 1000 yen but I assure you that the price was worth the absolute calm and peace I was offered. The minimalist interior paired with the unobtrusive music made this possibly
81
...
Mini Kamakura, Jillian Camille
THE AKITAN
84
horoscopes
march
horoscopes lexi baker
Make sure to also check your cusp sign, if you were born on a cusp, or your Moon sign! PISCES
ARIES
(February 19 – March 20)
(March 21 – April 19)
You might be feeling a little overwhelmed
Pisces season isn’t exactly where you
and emotional lately. After all, Mercury is
thrive, but the moon is currently
currently on its way through a particularly
transiting
through
long retrograde in your star sign. Plans
which
sprinkling
might fail, or you might find yourself falling
sense of urgency into
short of personal goals. Don’t let yourself
your
fall back on avoidance and escapism!
boredom of March,
Even if you’re feeling overly sensitive, it’s
you’re pretty much
important to remember you excel when it
ready to participate
comes to intuition and emotional literacy.
in
Rather than getting too frustrated and
everything.
ignoring these good qualities, make sure
important,
to address your problems with clear
to slow down and pay
communication when they arise. Post-
attention to all the ways old
retrograde you will thank you!
connections are popping up again
is
life—after
anything
Aries, a
the
and
It’s
still
however,
in your life. Is there anything from the This
month’s
lucky
conbini
snack:
Strawberry Coolish—sweet like you!
85
past worth revisiting, or are the people you’re currently spending time with a
THE AKITAN
better fit? If you have any regrets or old,
try harder to excel in that environment.
unaddressed feelings, now is the time to
You’ve grown more than you believe you
bring them to light; otherwise, let your
have! Make more of an effort to befriend
old baggage go with the retrograde and
coworkers, and really look for new ways
step into the Aries spotlight on the 20th!
to let your creativity shine during deskwarming season at work. Everything will
This
month’s
lucky
conbini
snack:
feel better once the snow finally melts!
Karamucho hot chili potato sticks. Be This month’s lucky conbini snack: Peach
spicy.
flavored Coca Cola. Get out of your
TAURUS
comfort zone!
(April 20 – May 20) You might be feeling as
though
you’re
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)
clinging to the past
You’re feeling the weight of Mercury’s
while everything in
retrograde this month. You’re full of
your life is sending
energy and ideas for the future, but
you hurtling toward
you’re not quite sure how to make them
the
future.
Luckily,
a reality! Take notes for yourself, and see
with
Uranus
moving
this as an ongoing project—the goals
out of Taurus, you’ll start
that really stick with you a month or two
to feel more at peace with
from now are the ones worth pursuing.
your current situation. Take a deep
Additionally, you’ll enjoy a rush of new
breath and accept that change is not
friendships if you keep yourself open to
always negative; if anything, you should
meeting new people and enjoying new
embrace where you are currently, and
experiences. Aquarius in Venus will hit you
86
horoscopes
with a heightened ability to connect with
more than happy to return the favor for
others. Say yes to everything, and enjoy
all the support you’ve given them in the
expanding your circle. You’ll definitely
past. They’re simply waiting for you to be
have a fun time this Pisces season, even
honest.
if these new relationships don’t solidify into strong friendships moving forward.
This month’s lucky conbini snack: A classic iced latte—go ahead and put a
This month’s lucky conbini snack: Ikinari
caffeinated pep in your step.
Steak flavored Doritos. Enjoy all your new, Japan-exclusive experiences.
LEO CANCER
(July 23 – August 22)
(June 21 – July 22)
As a fixed sign, be wary of being too
By nature, you’re always thinking about
inflexible this month. Not everything is
what could go wrong, especially when
about you, and your loved ones might
Mercury’s in retrograde. Instead of letting
need you as much as you need them. Are
yourself feel anxious and closed-off, why
you listening carefully when others speak
not try something new and see where
to you? This is a good time to focus on
your inspiration takes you? You’re feeling
relationships one-on-one and reaffirm
deeply connected to your past right now;
how important these people are to you.
accept your history and hold it close, but
Review your closest friendships—or love
be prepared to turn these old feelings
interests—and reflect on how the two
into something productive and new
of you are dividing the emotional labor.
when Mercury turns direct next month.
Accommodating and caring for others can
Stop putting so much of yourself into
be its own reward, and they’ll definitely
others, and don’t be afraid to ask for help
have your back when you need their
when necessary! Your friends would be
support most! Reach out, invite friends to
87
THE AKITAN
dinner, and be receptive to anything they
This
month’s
lucky
conbini
snack:
might have to say.
TOUGH gummies. A snack with a weird name, perfect for sharing with friends.
This month’s lucky conbini snack: Tuna mayo onigiri—a tasty and filling classic.
LIBRA (September 23 – October 22)
VIRGO
As a cardinal sign of the zodiac, you’re
(August 23 – September 22)
highly motivated and insightful—and very
With your ruling planet in retrograde,
easy to make friends with! You like being
you’re seeing problems everywhere with
included, and you like understanding a
your friends or family that you wish you
variety of different viewpoints. If you’re
could simply fix for them. Don’t stretch
feeling a bit drained this month, however,
yourself too thin!While the people you care
it’s okay to step back and take some time
for are working on bettering themselves,
to reinvigorate yourself. Focus on your
take some time to better yourself, too.
own health and wellbeing. Superficial
Rather than coming off as too critical
friends and less-important acquaintances
about how others are living their lives,
will fade to the background, while your
look inward and reflect on the things you
ruling planet Venus will usher in new
could be doing for yourself. Now is a great
and stronger connections with friends
time for some spring cleaning, physically
you really want to know better—so make
and emotionally. When others do come
plans to catch the cherry blossoms with
to you with their troubles, be prepared to
them in April.
listen and support, rather than buckling down to find a solution—otherwise you
This month’s lucky conbini snack: Kappa
might just come across as unsympathetic
ebisen. Almost too fishy to eat, but you
and cold.
can’t put them down, either.
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horoscopes
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
(October 23 – November 21)
(November 22 – December 21)
You’re a very private person, and you like
Jupiter’s transit into your sign this year
your own company more than anyone
is still sending out thoroughly positive
else’s. However, this Mercury retrograde
vibes for growth, transformation, and
calls to your own water sign nature, and
new opportunities! Even if you’ve been
you might be feeling some of the effects!
experiencing a lingering, low-grade sense
This month, let yourself be honest
of anxiety this year, continue to have faith
and open, especially with your friends,
in good things being just around the
and shake things up by joining group
corner for you. Work at your own pace.
activities. Everyone will be thrilled to
This is an ideal time to expand your social
include you! Additionally, your ruling
crowd and try out new hobbies, especially
planet, Pluto, is in Capricorn, prompting
as the weather gets nicer! Make sure to
financial transformation. Rather than
call your loved ones if you’ve been too
letting yourself be stressed by change,
busy to stay in touch lately. They’ll really
remain open to any new career shifts and
appreciate the effort, and they’re looking
opportunities that come throughout this
forward to hearing about all the cool
month and the next. This window of your
things you’ve been doing.
life is all about lowering your walls and benefitting from the results!
This month’s lucky conbini snack: Egg sandwich flavored Pringles. What do you
This
month’s
lucky
conbini
snack:
Snickers bar—it always has your back.
89
have to lose?
THE AKITAN
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
(December 22 – January 19)
(January 20 – February 18)
Your ruling planet, Saturn, is currently at
With Venus entering Aquarius this month,
home in your sign, urging you to think
you have plenty to look forward to. Good
critically about your life. You’re working
things are ready to enter your life as long
hard and seeing results—but are you
as you remain open to them, so say yes
keeping everything in balance, or are
to new opportunities. Additionally, if
certain aspects of your life suffering
you’ve been thinking about a new haircut
while you dedicate yourself to your job? If
or wardrobe upgrade for spring, now is
you’re feeling lonely and closed off from
absolutely the time to follow through!
friends or coworkers, it might be time to
However, be careful you’re not wasting
step back and recognize that, while they
your energy on relationships that aren’t
have faith in your ability to do your work
really going anywhere, or putting too
well, they can’t connect with you if you
much of your time into projects that aren’t
don’t lower your walls a little. Let yourself
bearing fruit. As you take care of yourself,
be genuine and open, and make sure to
remember to throw out any unwanted or
listen to others as well. You’ll see results
unnecessary baggage in your life, too!
in no time! This month’s lucky conbini snack: Pocky This month’s lucky conbini snack: Calbee
Excellent
Sapporo Vegetable
Chocolate). Be luxurious!
Fries.
If
they’re
Torokeru
Chocolat
(Melty
vegetable fries, that means they’re healthy!
...
90
winter reads
winter reads reza danesh-pajooh
2001 Nights
colonizing the stars. Accounts include the
Yukinobu Hoshino
exploration of the moon, the development of cryogenics to facilitate space travel, all science-fiction
the way to dark-matter engines capable of
manga about humanity and its tentative
powering faster-than-light travel. On the
first steps into the solar system is as
spectrum of soft Sci-Fi to hard Sci-Fi,
gripping as it is idealistic. Hoshino’s
Hoshino stands closer towards the “hard”
optimism
so
end of the scale. In spite of this, he leaves
effervescent and tangible that even the
room for the fantastic and philosophical.
Yukinobu
Hoshino’s
towards
humanity
is
most battle-hardened cynic will find themselves rooting for humanity as we
One of the episodes in the series that
advance further and further away from
stands out to me is the discovery of a
Earth throughout the course of the series.
planet at the very edge of our solar system that had been undetected until that time.
Published in the mid-1980s, “2001 Nights”
The planet is made up entirely of anti-
opens up with the small discrepancy of
matter and runs in an orbit contrary to
the Soviet Union surviving past the 1990s.
the rest of the planets. Lots of symbolism
After that, however, each episode in the
and metaphors spread on Earth about the
three-volume series portrays a different
“ungodliness” of this celestial body and
event in humanity’s march towards
the Pope, who leads the charge against
91
THE AKITAN
interacting with “Lucifer” (the name of
development, he is able to deliver a
the planet and a very subtle reference),
startlingly impactful series in only three
sends Father Chavez—both a priest and
volumes. Combine that with the fact
scientist—to join the team investigating
that his artwork is far divorced from
it. This episode is especially compelling
the stereotypical “anime” art style, “2001
because the main conflict of the story
Nights” is an incredibly approachable
comes from within Father Chavez himself
work even for those who actively avoid
as he tries to reconcile his identity as both
reading comics. Highly recommended
a man of science and a man of faith.
series that can be re-read countless times.
Hoshino
interlaces
his
stories
with
My Rating: ★★★★
spiritual happenings, emphasizes the theme of ambiguous truth, and ultimately concludes the series with the idea that
The Lord of the Sands of Time
even if we are alone in the universe,
Issui Ogawa
we have each other, and the reluctant acquiescence of that fact is what makes
I went back home to America during
this series so powerful.
Winter Vacation and happened to stumble upon this book I had purchased over five
As I mentioned, “2001 Nights” is an
years ago. “The Lord of the Sands of Time”
episodic work, where almost none of the
is a soft sci-fi series clocking in at about
characters are re-used (apt, since the time
200 pages making it a quick read with a
frame between each story ranges from a
fun, if slightly banal, action story. That’s
couple of decades to over hundreds of
about the extent of praise I can muster for
years). By focusing on the leitmotif of his
this book. I’m very heavily biased against
work, rather than individual character
time-travel stories on principle. Out of
92
winter reads
all the sci-fi I’ve ever read, there were
of upstreaming into the past, and from
only two or three books that managed to
then on it becomes a race to go further
handle time-travel in a way that I thought
and further into the past, shamelessly
was innovative or creative. This was not
rewriting history, all in order to stop the
one of them.
human race from being obliterated.
The crux of the story centers on the
It goes without saying, the way that
fact that in the far future the Earth
upstreaming works makes absolutely no
is no longer inhabitable due to a war
sense and if there is a semblance of logic
between humanity and a race of bug-
behind it, I couldn’t bring myself to care
like aliens. We were forced to retreat past
about the story enough to try and figure
the asteroid belt and an uneasy ceasefire
it out. For a mostly character-driven
reigned. During this period, we started
narrative the exposition is especially
developing cyborgs capable of perfectly
weak, the bond formed between the main
imitating humans, including our desire
character and his later love interest is
for love, intimacy, creativity, and purpose.
forced, and the aliens are confusingly
After a few years, the cyborgs’ mission is
presented as both mindless insects yet
revealed. They are dispatched to time-
intelligent enough to burrow down into
travel (referred to as upstreaming) into
the Earth’s core to fuel their subsequent
the past to prevent the aliens from ever
upstreams. Finally, the reason why the
being able to overwhelm Earth’s defenses
aliens even attacked in the first place is
in the first place. Naturally, as this is a
ludicrous enough that I wish it hadn’t
story about humanity, the people from
been revealed, and the main conflict is
the past do not take the cyborg’s warnings
resolved with a Deus ex Machina that
seriously and refuse to mobilize quickly
would cause a time paradox; a sin on top
enough to counter the aliens’ plans. As
of a sin.
it turns out, the aliens were also capable
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...
THE AKITAN
There’s no grand narrative being told
came to “kidnap” the second prince of
here and I think Ogawa is aware of that,
the New Yogo Kingdom to protect him
wanting to present a fun, action-movie-
from assassins within the palace. The
esque story more than anything else.
reason for his assassination is not due to
That, in and of itself, makes “The Lord of
standard court politics, but because an
the Sands of Time” fine for what it is but
ancient demon is suspected of laying an
not worthy of recommendation.
“egg” inside the prince. After Balsa saves
his life by chance, the prince’s mother
My Rating: ★★
decides to entrust him into Balsa’s care. What evolves from there is a fairly typical coming-of-age adventure story where
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Chagum, (the prince) removed from the
Nahoko Uehashi
safety of the palace, has to learn what it means to be independent.
Full disclosure: I’m still working through this book in English. I did, however, read
This alone would make it a fairly run-of-
the Japanese version:「精霊の守り人」so I’ll
the-mill story at best in my eyes. But what
be basing this review off of that experience.
truly gives Moribito momentum is how
“Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit” is more
it breaks a lot of the “rules” of young-
or less a typical young-adult novel with
adult fiction. First and foremost, the main
a basic premise. That being said, there
character is not the child prince Chagum,
are a few factors that make it unique
but Balsa, the 30-year-old female warrior.
and gripping enough to motivate me to
Actually, the only child in the whole cast
complete the entire Moribito series.
of main characters is Chagum himself. Another interesting rule that Uehashi
The story is centered around a female
breaks is that the conflict of the story is not
bodyguard named Balsa, and how she
clear-cut black and white. The existence
94
winter reads
of the “demon” that plagues Chagum, the
make it seem alive and interconnected.
deeper role it plays in the world, and the
Uehashi obviously wrote about a subject
unlikely cooperation between opposing
that she has authority in and it only
groups makes the latter half of the story
enriches the story as a whole. Also, reading
that much more compelling to older
the story in Japanese is great language
readers.
practice, so I can easily recommend “Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit” for
Finally, an interesting thing to note is that
that reason alone!
Uehashi holds a doctorate in ethnology and it shows. So much of the exposition
My Rating: ★★★
in the story describes the class differences between the people in the capital of New Yogo and how the layout of the city formed
The Routledge Course in Japanese
over years of stratification. Balsa speaks
Translation
multiple languages and has visited many
Yoko Hasegawa
countries, so a lot of her early lessons with Chagum are about teaching him the
This is a little different from anything
differences between cultures, languages,
I’ve reviewed before, but I think that
and religions. The story also features the
this textbook is a valuable resource that
Yakoo, a tribe of people indigenous to the
people here in Akita might be interested
peninsula where the New Yogo Kingdom
in. “The Routledge Course in Japanese
was founded, and whose traditional
Translation” is, as written on the cover,
festivals and songs have deeper meanings
a course-book for Japanese and English
in regards to the mystery behind the
translation. Personally, I think this book is
demon, and the history of the royal
a must read for anyone aspiring towards
family. So many of these things come into
a career in localization or interpretation.
play and not only flesh out the world, but
95
THE AKITAN
Hasegawa compiled this book over the
Amazon works just as well for almost the
course of a few years of teaching classes
same price.
at Berkley. It contains the basics of translation (including relevant vocabulary
I highly recommend this textbook to
used in the industry and so on), but the
anyone interested in translation, and
meat of the book lies in the methodology
also to any aspiring linguist interested
of translating from Japanese to English
in exploring the differences between
and vice-versa. It offers insight not only
Japanese and English.
on practical translation, but also cultural nuance on Japanese writing habits,
My Rating: ★★★★
typical word choice, and so on. This book is effective not only as an introductory text, but can bolster those with translating experience to further improve their techniques. “The Routledge Course in Japanese Translation” makes use of novel excerpts, news clippings, poems, encyclopedia entries, and more in the translation exercises in order to give the reader a balanced sample size of the potential writing styles and source texts out there.
Have any ideas for great books to reccommend to your fellow JETs? Send your suggestions to Reza at
akitajoho@gmail.com!
Please
include a short review, a favorite passage or quote, and why you think it’s the perfect read!
...
The course-book itself is neatly organized and easy to digest, and should a physical copy be too much of a hassle to carry around, the kindle version available on
96
THE AKITAN
(above and opposite) Winter scenes, Jillian Camille
98
night granite
NIGHT GRANITE felix clutson
You hear a splash
Turning you peer
Then the spread of cold
Through glass bursting
Damp denim
With reflected strips
Cold calves
Cold cut pane
The night draws in
Looming through rubber seals
As your draw your coat
Twice shaped lozenges
And the water draws up your leg
Safe and sound
Drawing a line from puddle downroad
Rattle and bump
Climbing gaps, you mount
Peer harder
Slouch, hope that no one will encroach
Perhaps hand cupped
On our warming, collar up
Searching for secrets in the night
Thawing space
I came for you and your whispered dark
99
THE AKITAN
I see nothing
When we return to stamping streets
But it is a nothing of substance
Searching for pools
A nothing of matter
From standing light cranes
Held back by the chunter of speed and
Spaced along pavements
progress
The runway lights of home We watch our shadows
Once past the straight line of station
Against the rain-soaked reflection streets
There is nothing but the dark The dark of valleys and hills
The night is not a trail of dawn and dusk
Of nights with heavy hearts
But a black-hewn stone of strength and silence
The darkness does not look back at you
The cover of evening
It simply removes light
The granite of night
Strips it and bends it back across the land
...
It is obsidian, hard as the Earth’s foundations
100
Sake Brewery, Andrea Danko
THE AKITAN
102
the staff of the akitan would like many talented contributing
Most photographs are credited in pla
Caitlin Wilcox (background images p.36, 52-55) Sasha Katzalay (background images p.78-85)
Priscilla Chong (background images p.42-43; banner p.102) Danelle Acker (background image p.22) Kate Smith (background images p. 11)
e to extend our grattitude to our writers and photographers .
ace, but we would also like to thank: Josh Rangel, via unsplash.com (background image p.88-89) Toa Heftiba, via unsplash.com (background image p.72) Cera Chiu, via unsplash.com (background image p75) Patrick Tomasso, via unsplash.com (banner p.94)
Thank you for reading
T H E A K I TA N
S E E YO U I N S P R I N G
