Reading and listening to all the information that JETs receive, you’ve got to admit that you guys have got it good. You get flights to Japan; an orientation on culture, teaching, food, study, life in Japan, etc.; a Japanese language program; and plenty of fun-filled activities to make new friends and adjust to Japanese life as quickly and easily as possible. Just about everything you could ask for in the initial training is all wrapped up into a nice neat package to take with you to your new home and new life. But for JET spouses it’s very different.

Fall is almost upon us. October and November happen to be the prime time for a close relative to the better known hanami custom: maple leaf viewing. This is sometimes called 紅葉狩り(momijigari), which literally means “maple leaf hunting.” This is a pretty accurate description as, like the short-lived hanami season, the turning of leaves in fall tends to last only a short period of time before their brilliance fades.

I am by no means fluent in Japanese, but I’m pretty sure undoukai translates to “silly acrobatics at a serious event.” Well, it’s either that or “athletic meet” (according to jisho.org). I prefer my definition, though, because it embodies the ever-so-present dichotomy between humor and serious ritual in Japan.

This photo was taken in Kawasaki, during the city’s big Halloween celebration.

You never know, it might be a good idea…maybe…?

The pickling containers are out at the hardware store, the farmer’s markets are abounding with amazing vegetables…How about joining the rest of the Japanese housewives and start pickling?

It seems that most people in Japan who are into cute things have taken a trip to Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea at some point, but let me tell you a little secret: I’m not that into Disney. No, my obsession is with Sanrio and so it was with great joy that I finally visited Sanrio’s own magical kingdom, Sanrio Puroland, a couple of weeks ago. Opened in 1990, Sanrio Puroland is a forty minute train ride from Shinjuku Station, located in the rather grey looking Tama New Town.

Iwate-ken JET alum Carl Bradley answers some questions about what he’s been up to post-JET and how the JET experience has helped him. If you’re a JET alum and would like to answer this questionnaire, please email the editor at wideislandview (atto) gmail (dotto) com!

Acupuncture has existed for thousands of years and yet, for the uninitiated, the question remains: Do little needles stabbing your pressure points have any medical benefits? I was one of these people, until recently. Stretching, massage, Japanese Icy-Hot, and ibuprofen all failed to relieve my worn out knees and legs, and after two months of pain I finally decided to give acupuncture a shot.

One of Hiroshima’s many small islands in the Seto Inland Sea.