Karisa Whelan
Contents Editor’s Note
4
Prez Talk
6
Fulfilling the ‘E’ in JET
8
Sakura Spotlight
10
Guarana
12
Takinoue Easter Event
14
On Getting Involved
16
Events
18
Poem
20
Kelsey Woodford
Editor’s Note
Enjoy the warm weather while it’s here!
The submission deadline for the next issue is June 29.
Colette English
Betrice Yambrach President, HAJET
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his past month has been a frustrating, exciting, and maybe a little bit of a confusing time for the HAJET community. As many of you may have noticed, for the last month and a half the HAJET and HEC websites have been down. While there definitely could have been a worse time for this to happen (i.e. HEC or Sapporo Orientation), it’s still not good that it happened at all. With the HEC Bike Relay, Summer Meeting, and other major HAJET events going on this season, the websites are crucial. In order for people outside of the HAJET community to support us, or for new JET arrivals to understand who and what we are, we need the websites to prove that we’re a legitimate organization and provide information on our mission and what it is we do. While it’s frustrating that this has happened and despite the crash being bigger and more complicated than we originally thought, the Prefectural Council is trying the best we can to make up for its absence while we continue to work on getting everything back up and running. That being said, I want thank all of you for being so patient and understanding while we work through this issue. Even though things don’t always work out how we want them to, like with the websites, not all is lost and there is usually something to look forward to for the time being. Since the middle of May, the Hokkaido JETs Facebook page has been taken over by new incoming JETs announcing their placements. New arrival announcements are always exciting because these people are our new neighbors, coworkers, or possibly even our new snowboarding or ramen buddies. New JETs are so full of energy and generally excited about their placements. Everything is new, unique, unknown, and unaccomplished. It kind of reminds us of how we felt when we first arrived in Hokkaido. It also gives us Senpai JETs the opportunity to share the knowledge we’ve acquired during our time here. I know many of us are just as excited and look forward to sharing with the new arrivals Hokkaido’s quirks and beauty. On the other hand, maybe one of these new
arrivals is your successor or the successor of one of your closest friends here. That’s where things can get confusing. I’m so excited to meet the new arrivals in August and introduce them to Hokkaido and HAJET. However, new arrivals also means that soon some of my very best friends will be leaving. There’s no doubt that this is a little sad, because what will Hokkaido be without the people who helped shape my life here? If you’re on the leaving end, maybe you’re just as excited and sad, but for different reasons. There’s a video that went viral around the time I was graduating college called “The Scared is scared”. It’s narrated by a six-year old and is about a giant bear and a tiny mouse who go to the swimming pool and have such a great time together. They want to come back to the swimming pool the following week, but realize they can’t because the swimming pool is closing for the winter. The moral of the story, as said by the six-year old, is, “You don’t really want to go when something’s closing…” I have found that this happens a lot in life no matter your age or position. Whether you’re staying in Hokkaido or leaving, it can be a little unsettling or even scary. Though, the six-year old goes on to comfort us by telling us that, “The Scared is scared of things you like.” Whenever you’re scared about anything, thinking about or doing the things that make you happy help that scared feeling feel less scary, or even go away. I’ve been following this advice since graduating college and believe that there is some credit to it. Rather than worrying about what may, could, or will happen, it’s better to spend this time doing those things that you like to do, looking forward to what makes you happy, and thinking of all of the good memories you’ve made here in Hokkaido. Personally, I can’t wait for Welcome Party season, my favorite time of the HAJET year, and the warm Hokkaido summer. Until then, I’m going to enjoy all of the new flowers blooming around my apartment, relax in the onsen, and make sure I eat as much yakitori as I can with my friends before they leave. The end of July will still be bittersweet, but at least I’ll be spending that time doing the things I like to do with the people I like.
Karisa Whelan Choosing to stay or leave was a personal choice that we made for ourselves in our best interest. Sometimes our decisions are difficult, but they only lead us closer to where we want to be. So, even though the swimming pool is closing, there are other adventures and opportunities waiting for you in lieu of it. And, if you really do miss the swimming pool, it’ll be open again in the spring.
The Scared is scared: https://vimeo.com/58659769
Putting the ‘E’ in JET
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ric was a Hokkaido JET in the Southwest region from 2013-2015. Though he’s been gone a few years, his reputation around these parts is unrivaled. He made a positive impact on the community, then returned home to the U.S. where he continued to make an impact. Whether you’ve just arrived, have been here a while, or are getting ready to leave, this seasoned JET-vet has some advice for you!
What drew you to Japan in the first place? And what brought you to JET? What drew me to Japan was almost solely the language. I didn’t have any of the usual interests—anime, j-pop, Tokyo fashion—but I did love Japan’s history, and their food is incredible. JET became a reality because my first Japanese teacher, an ambitious and hard-working Taiwanese woman, pushed every student who wanted to see the world to do JET—and I wanted to see the world. How was your time overall in Japan, and in Hokkaido? Like most folks who live in Japan coming from the outside, the first year was tough. I challenged myself to integrate as much as possible into Japanese culture, and it took me a year to finally decide that I could still be myself AND be a part of Japan. But being in Hokkaido was a blessing from the beginning - I got to try new foods, meet a different kind of people, and experience a climate about which I had absolutely no idea. I wouldn’t trade my placement for anything. What was your experience of cultural exchange in Hokkaido? Cultural exchange was rough in Hokkaido, but it wasn’t because the people weren’t open-minded and willing. The barrier to relationships is larger because, honestly, the accents are difficult to understand up north. I struggled to understand my students’ conversations and spent most of my time using objects and gestures, rather than language, trying to express the meaning of my culture and understand theirs. Still, the challenge is worth the effort, and it’s cool to know some local
grammar quirks and phrases. What’s been your experience of cultural exchange since returning to the US? After coming back to America, cultural exchange was slow. I was exhausted from two years of living in a place that was still foreign to me. But I kept working on translations, I found new opportunities in interpretation (even some work for NHK!) and have met a slew of new Japanese friends. I get to have cool conversations when I go to the Japanese grocery store, and I interact with University of Texas exchange students and students learning Japanese every chance I get. What’s remarkable is that I didn’t really seek out these opportunities, I just said “yes” when they came to me. Any advice regarding cultural exchange for those just arriving? How about for those getting ready to return to their home countries? I have one very important bit of advice regarding cultural exchange for new JETs first arriving - contrary to what you may think, interacting with other JETs is vital to your exchanges with native Japanese people. Don’t isolate yourself—mentally, it will only cause you grief and discourage you from interacting with anyone. Make friends who speak your native language, then bring in Japanese people interested in English or just foreign cultures. Grow a friend group that includes open-minded Japanese folks and non-Japanese folks who are in the country for any reason. In this way, lots of people will exchange lots of culture without even trying. For those coming home, I’d recommend not waiting too long before jumping back into cultural exchange. There are small Japanese communities almost everywhere, and there’s a lot for you to learn about the world from them. Take a few weeks, maybe a few months, to mentally refresh, but then jump right back into interactions with new and old Japanese friends. You’ll thank yourself later.
(March 4)
(May 14)
Iwanai-cho Erik Wiens
Matsumae Samantha Peterson
Saku Spotl
ura light Nemuro Kelsey Woodford Shizunai Maru Higdon
(May 18)
(May 5)
HOKKAIDO HIGHLIGHTS: GUARANA EDITION Every month, Samantha Peterson explores a different aspect of Hokkaido-specific culture. This time she’s introducing the history surrounding Hokkaido’s favorite soda flavor.
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apporo and Rio de Janeiro are 17,738 kilometers apart. That’s about as far away on the Earth’s surface as you can possibly get. If your elementary school students had a sandbox in which they could dig a hole straight through the center of the Earth during hiruyasumi they might end up somewhere in South America when they popped up on the other side. So why, then, is your corner jihanki stocked full of a soda made from a plant that’s native to Brazil? Its name, if you don’t already know, is Guarana, and if you’ve been in Hokkaido for more than a week you’ve probably seen it. Kirin produces their own version, as does Co-Up. Lucky Pierrot has one that comes in an bright yellow can. You can find it in every grocery store (where the big bottles often go for around 30-50 yen cheaper than their carbonated competitors), every conbini, and almost every vending machine. But hop over to Honshuu and you’ll find yourself in a serious guarana dearth. Here’s what they’re missing out on: the flavor we know as guarana comes from the seeds of the guarana plant, a climbing vine found in some areas of the Amazon. These are known to contain about twice the amount of caffeine as found in coffee seeds. Stories out of Brazil claim that guarana can work as a weight-loss supplement or an aphrodisiac, though of course there’s nothing to back this up but the claims of its drinkers. But maybe they’re onto something, since guarana drinks have been consumed in Brazil since at least the 1600s. Which is great for Brazil and all, but how did it get up here? What is the journey like, from
a sweltering equatorial rainforest to a snowy northern island? How is it that my superintendent came to shoving his glass full of it at me at every office event with claims that it’s a Hokkaido speciality? To find the answer we have to go back to 1950s Japan, where Coca-Cola was rapidly gaining popularity. Japanese people everywhere were beginning to enjoy that classic American taste and the high caffeine content. What was a country with no homegrown competition to do? Team up with the Brazilian embassy, that’s what. In Brazil, guarana sodas account for an entire fourth of the soft drink market. Coca-Cola wasn’t selling too well there too. The answer must have seemed obvious: bring in guarana, keep out Coke. Unfortunately, Coke had already sunk its claws into the meat of Japan. However, its spread was slower out in the boonies; there was a three year period in which Coca-cola hadn’t reached Hokkaido yet. Three years may not sound like much but it was enough for guarana sodas to establish a strong presence. By the time Coke made its way up here, it was too late. Hokkaido was already in love with the Brazilian-born drink. Today the drink is a Hokkaido classic. It’s considered one of those regional flavors of our area, and people are so into it that major arguments have broken out on twitter about which brand is best. You could be one of those fans too. Next time you drop by the conbini or the vending machine try out the bubbly dark beverage. Maybe it’ll be your new favorite thing. If not, at least you’ll have tasted Hokkaido culture.
Takin East Eve Jordan Frazier
event to get everything ready. We boil the eggs for dyeing, hide the plastic eggs outside, decorate the live in Takinoue, a pretty small town in northern room, prepare mugi-cha and the water for dyeing Hokkaido. Takinoue has around 2,500 people eggs, and do any other last-minute preparations. and a handful of schools, and as a result I’m Then the kids show up. Generally they’re really the only ALT--and foreigner--who lives there. shy, and some are a bit worried about hanging I really enjoy hosting events in my town because around new foreigners! This year I had about 20 kids come, with a mix of preschool and elementhey’re fun, but also because they give a chance for my students to be exposed to other foreigners tary students, but some years I’ve had as many as 40. If the students are young, generally we ask besides me, which I think is really important for their parents to come too, but that just means them. Since I moved to Takinoue, I have hosted their parents also get to experience Easter! Easter every year, and this past May was my 4th time doing so. We start off with introductions. All the ALTs
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The first time I held Easter, I did it on the proper day in April, but as most of us know the weather is really unpredictable then. The planned egg-hunt had to be done inside due to rain. So for the following years I decided to take a little bit of liberty with the date and hold it in May. We’ve been lucky to have had good weather and an outdoor egg hunt ever since! Last year the gummy candy in the eggs melted because it was so warm, though. Whoops. Generally the schedule runs like this: the volunteers and I show up a few hours before the
introduce themselves, where they’re from, and where they live now. Some of the kids get really into finding out where the ALTs are from. There was a cry of “Trump-san!!” every time a new American was introduced this year, and a very confused “CANADA!?” when the first Canadian introduced himself. Then, the hardest part: explaining what Easter is. It’s a complicated and kind of strange holiday, so I think it’s more fun to focus on what we actually do rather now than going too deeply into the history of it. Next is reading a book! This year we picked
n ue ter ent out a really good book, “Happy Easter Little Critter.” This book gave a walkthrough of Easter and how it’s typically celebrated, plus it talked about some good behaviors (like helping smaller children and not fighting over eggs!) that we hoped the students would do too. If the people reading the books are really excited and ask questions, the kids get really engaged and excited too! Our volunteer, Stephanie, and the BOE representative, Hirota, got really into the book this year and the kids loved it! Then we make easy paper baskets for the kids to use in the egg hunt. I generally model how to make it with both examples and drawings, and then parents and ALTs supervise cutting and using staplers. When that is done, outside the kids and half the volunteers go! We use the back half of our culture center, where there is some green space and a Japanese garden, for the egg hunt. Every child gets a certain number of eggs to find, and when they find that amount they’re encouraged to help the smaller children find theirs. While the kids are searching and running around, the rest of the ALTs turn over the room to prepare for dyeing eggs!
Dyeing eggs is really fun, and a good chance for the ALTs to really interact with the kids and show them their own tips and tricks. Most of the children have never done something like it and are eager to try and make their own creations. Parents also get into it and end up making some really cool designs. Every year I have kids who swear they will never eat their eggs, and can’t wait for their eggs to hatch into chickens... but that is not news for me to break to them. After this, the activities I do change every year. Generally I have about 30 minutes remaining in the event, but depending on how many kids and especially how many small kids are attending, this can vary a lot. This year we read another book and then did a scratch-off egg craft. Other years I have done games, like pin the egg on the basket, or a spoon-egg relay. By the end, without fail, even the children who were hiding behind their mothers at the beginning have really warmed up to the other ALTs and are readily talking and playing with them. I think everyone--children, parents, and volunteers--has a good time.
On Getting Involved Finlay Harnden
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etting involved in our communities one of the most rewarding things we can do for ourselves while we are here. It can help us get over the loneliness of living far from our friends and families. Getting involved can make us feel more at home, like we belong here on this beautiful island of ours. This is particularly important for those of us living in more rural areas of Hokkaido. During exam time or school holidays when some ALTs feel underused, being involved in the community can help us feel as if we are still contributing something. Getting involved in our communities is an easy way to bond with people outside of the education system here. Many older people in Hokkaido didn’t have an ALT while they were at school and you may well be the first foreigner that some people get to meet. This contributes to internationalisation. What internationalisation means is very much open to debate. For me, there are two aspects: what we can teach, and what we can learn. The teaching part of internationalisation is about interacting with people, sharing how things are done in other parts of the world, and trying to dispel myths and stereotypes about foreigners. The learning part of internationalisation is discovering more about how things work in Japan. We can learn more about the culture which allows us to bond better with our students and colleagues at school and helps us understand why things are the way they are. When (or if) we leave Japan we can draw on our experiences here, share how things are done in Japan, and help challenge stereotypes people hold about Japan back home. So if you are feeling lonely, ineffective, or are just a little bit bored, try and get yourself involved in your community. Below are a couple of suggestions for getting involved, but there are
so many ways to do this. I would love to hear of things that other ALTs are doing to become a part of their community! First, we need to make time. I think it is important to
make time for this. It is worth considering your priorities here in Japan and making sacrifices to give yourself time to get involved. It may be worth sacrificing spending time with other
foreigners to spend more time in your community. Second, where do we get involved? An eikaiwa is a great place to start. An evening class is a direct benefit to your community as you can help more people improve their English. It’s also a direct benefit to you as the class will hopefully draw all the English speakers in town towards you. The chat club l attend in Rumoi has introduced me to several people who have become good friends. Through them I have had the opportunity to join local festivals, tea ceremonies, and even spend a few days helping out on a farm. They are always willing to tell me about Rumoi’s history and they are full of recommendations about where to visit, what is going on in town, and which restaurants are best.
You may have been lucky and inherited your predecessor’s eikaiwa. Otherwise, set up your own. Eikaiwas can be very casual, where each student delivers a short speech which can then be followed by a discussion. Alternatively, there is so much information online for planning content for full-blown English lessons. Ask for help from one of your JTEs or fellow ALTs if you are nervous about your first few classes. Talk to the teachers at school (and anyone else you know) to find potential eikaiwa students. Perhaps your JTEs have friends who want to practice their English. Putting up posters or leaflets somewhere public might also let people know you are willing to start a class. Aside from an eikaiwa, start a hobby that you can do with other people. It’s an easy way to meet people who have nothing to do with the education system anymore. Doing something hands-on is also a great way to enjoy spending time with people without having to rely purely on awkward conversations in broken Japanese or English. Ask the teachers in school about their hobbies and use google translate to examine all the posters around town to find out what clubs or classes are available in your area. Most of us live in small towns, so we may have very little choice in what we can do. Be flexible and try doing something you hadn’t considered doing before. ALTs around Hokkaido have taken up some pretty neat hobbies by joining an orchestra, attending pottery classes, volunteering, or doing kyuudo. Your ideal hobby may not be an option in your town, but try something new instead. Making yourself available and saying ‘yes’ is important. It is very easy to say no to proposals and invitations because our Japanese may be poor or because we are too busy. By saying yes, you will probably end up in some awkward situations, but treat them as learning points and enjoy the good experiences that do arise. Saying yes allows you to meet new people, try new things and often leads to further invitations. People will start to see you being involved and may throw more invitations your way, and you will quickly become part of the community.
photo by Karisa Whelan
Events June Hell Valley Oni Fireworks June 1–July 28 Noboribetsu Town, Noboribetsu Onsen An oni fire show held every Thursday and Friday at the Noboribetsu Onsen. www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/?events=onihanabi Niikappu Kei Truck Market 2017 June – October, every Saturday Niikappu Town, Michi no Eki A cute market full of local produce and products, all displayed in the owner’s kei truck. niikappu.gr.jp/keitoraichi/ Horokanai Frigid Stream Soba June 11 – 25 Horokanai Town For the soba lovers! Horokanavi is well known for their soba, which is already delicious, but this Frigid Stream Soba is a special dish. Check the Hokkaido Likers article to see how it’s made! www.hokkaidolikers.com/en/articles/1091 Hidaka Two Day Beer Garden Late June Hidaka Town, JA Biratori Hidaka Branch Stage shows, an arm wrestling competition, Hidaka local specialties, and of course beer – what’s not to love?
Sai no Kawara (Children’s Limbo) Festival June 22 Okushiri Town A festival in honor of those who passed away along the rocky shores of the sacred spot Sai no Kawara. It sounds a little dark, but the festival still seems quite cheerful with children’s sumo matches, scallop shell stacking competitions, bingo, and performances. At night, toro, paper lanterns that are believed to bear the souls of the deceased, are released into the water. www.gutabi.jp/spot/detail/2021 Sapporo Flower Carpet 2017 June 22–25 Sapporo City, Sapporo Station, Underground Walkway Area Large pictures are made just using flowers and other plants – you can watch the pictures being built, and then from the 25th you can walk through them freely. Ningen Banba Festival June 24 Oketo Oketo’s biggest festival. The main event features teams of people pulling logs of wood over hills on a course. This festival happens over the course of two days. Here is the flyer from last year: www.town.oketo.hokkaido.jp/files/人間 ばん馬01.pdf Shiribeshi BBQ Summit June 24 Kuromatsunai Town, Town Hall Rear Parking Area All of the cities, towns, and villages in the
Shiribeshi area will gather in Kuromatsunai to put on the biggest BBQ event of the year for the region. www.facebook.com/siribesibbqsamitto 2017 Matsuyama Wetlands 22nd Annual Niupu Mountain Climbing Party June 24, 8:30 am Bifuka Town, Matuyama Wetlands (Meet at Bifuka Station) Get together with the locals to enjoy the wetlands scenery and climb Mt. Niupu. Following the climb, there will be an after party with Genghis Khan at a nearby park. bifuka-kankou.com/niuputanshou.php WE Ebetsu Festival June 24–25 Ebetsu City, Tonden Farm A festival to showcase Ebetsu’s charms, with booths from small- to middle-sized businesses, hands on activities, and of course delicious food. 67th Annual Lake Shikotsu Water Festival June 24–25 Chitose City, Lake Shikotsu Onsen Lakeside Area A yearly event, Lake Shikotsu welcomes the summer season with the usual festival activities, food, and of course fireworks! 28th Annual Eniwa Living with Flowers Event June 24–25 Eniwa City, Michi to Kawa no Eki, Flower Karisa Whelan Road Eniwa For those who are thinking of starting
a garden, or who simply love looking at flowers, this flower-filled event is for you!
June 24–July 2 Akkeshi Town, Primeval Flower Garden Ayamegahara 7th Annual Haboro Northern Shrimp Ayamegahara, a primeval flower garden Festival boasting of over 100 hectares, is paintJune 24–25 ed purple with the Akkeshi town flower, Haboro Town, Michi no Eki Hotto Haboro the Iris. With views of both the sprawling Enjoy Haboro Northern Shrimp along with flower field and the sea, it’s a magical other seafood at this local small town festival! seaside festival. akkeshi-kankou.7pm.jp/ayame-festival. www.facebook.com/haboroamaebi htm Lake Toya Manga and Anime Festival June 24–25 Toyako Town, Toyako Onsen Town The streets of the onsen area in Lake Toya are taken over by cosplayers during this very Japanese festival. tmaf.toyako-prj.net/ Omu Product and Tourism Festival June 24–25 Omu Town, Furusato 100th Memorial Plaza A big summer event for Omu Town, you can get your favorite local seafood like hairy crab or scallops as well as enjoy a fireworks show held on Saturday night. Odaito Shrimp Festival June 24–25 Betsukai Town, Odaito Port Odaito is famous for their traditional fishing method using Utasebune, beautiful ships with white sails. This festival is all about the shrimp, though, and you can certainly get your fill here! www.betsukai-kanko.jp/event/h29ebimaturi/ 58th Annual Akkeshi Iris Festival
41st Annual Toya Product Festival June 25 Toyako Town, Toya Central Park Barbeques, chances to try your hand at canoeing, and local produce on sale at a market. It’s also held the same weekend as the Anime Festival, so you are sure to see some cosplayers around! www.gutabi.jp/spot/detail/2390 12th Annual Shakotan Soran Taste Festival June 25 Shakotan Town, Bikuni Port Plaza Enjoy performances of Soran Yosakoi, which is said to have originated in Shakotan, and nom on Shakotan seafood dishes, especially the fresh sea urchin. www.gutabi.jp/spot/detail/605 Yubari Melon Festival June 25 Yubari City, Yubari Public Local Wholesale Market Starting with the usual Mock Yubari Melon Auction, there are tons of ways to get your fill of the famous Yubari Melons at this festival! www.yubari.info/event/
Teshikaga Town, Youth Center Delicious Rumoi! A marathon walking event held in the June 25 beautiful Teshikaga area. There is no Rumoi City, Rumoi City Local Wholesale clear deadline for the applications, but Market sooner is probably better than later! SafeLocal Rumoi products on wholesale ty walking! along with stage show performances and www.100kmwalk.net/ more. 10th Annual Rose Festival Flower Festa 2017 June 30–July 17 June 25 Eniwa City, Ekorin Village Higashikagura Town, Higashikagura For- Over 10 hectares of beautiful roses, as est Park well as edible roses, a Rose Marche, a Flower festival where you can buy flowRose Parade, etc. Pretty much anything ers as well as check out some camping rosy you could want! stuff and other outdoor goodies. www.visit-hokkaido.jp/event/detail/560
July
6th Annual Mokuiku Festival in Niseu Forest June 25 Higashikawa Town, Kitoushi Forest Park Mokuiku is a new Japanese word, meaning learning how to live in harmony with trees. This festival embraces that idea and has events and hands-on crafts ready for visitors. www.facebook.com/niseunomori 21st Annual Shiranuka Grand Fishing Festival June 25 Shiranuka Town, Shiranuka Fishing Port Tons of fresh seafood for sale, booths where you can try your hand at fishing, cruises, barbeque corner, etc. www.gutabi.jp/spot/detail/2718 2017 100km Arukou Taikai in Mashu and Kushiro June 30–July 2
Shibare Rock Festival July 1 Rikubetsu Town, Event Plaza The coldest town in Japan heats up in the summer with the Rock Festival. Shihoro-chi Summer Festival and Fireworks Show July 1 Shihoro Town, Shihoro Town Plaza The first fireworks show in Tokachi! Get the summer off to a good start. Nemuro Port Festival July 15 Nemuro City Port Area Performances, food, dances, music, and boat races! Hokkaido English Challenge July 28-August 2
Special thanks to Emily Schuster
Karisa Whelan
Although the cherry blossoms 桜には 誘われたのに Invited it The sun did not come 陽が出ない I’ll plant flowers あちこちに Here and there 花植えようと She said yet again 幾重にも
備え過ぎ 朝の授業の 間に合わず 油揚げ 黒い芋虫 塩が要る
Preparing too much For the first lesson I was late Fried in oil The black caterpillar Needs salt -Andrew Gerber