There are a number of places in Japan that visitors are always recommended to see, such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Hokkaido is one of those places, but for all its popularity as a recommended travel destination, the northernmost prefecture of Japan seems rather remote. Perhaps this is in part because Hokkaido has a reputation throughout Japan for bitter cold, and because it is not easily accessible by Shinkansen like many other popular tourist spots. Many people may wonder, “Is it worth the time to go there?”

At the end of March the Japanese landscape explodes into a cloud of ethereal pink blossoms, accompanied by the traditional hanami parties, or cherry blossom viewing parties. Not ones to let such beauty pass unappreciated, the Japanese pack the parks to wile away their afternoons sipping sake and relaxing under the cherry trees. With the season so short-lived – the blossoms only last about 10 days – there’s a small window of time to visit many of the area’s most spectacular spots. That’s why we’ve compiled this Hiroshima-ken Hanami Guide to help you find the most beautiful cherry blossom sites.

Entries were received from all over Hiroshima-ken, and included animation, contemporary urban ghost stories, psycho killer features, and tales of simian revenge. There was even one film submitted from England, giving the festival an international, if somewhat bizarre, flavor.

We’d like to thank everyone who has participated in our events so far this year. The Mt. Fuji climb was an absolute success. The transportation was all on time, the weather was perfect, and every single climber made it to the summit! Everyone also got back to the bus on time, so we had ample time at the after-climb onsen. The onsen was definitely not great and we’ve told the travel company that we want to change that next year. But overall the trip was great. Thanks and congratulations to all those who took part. We hope Mt. Fuji provided you with some good memories!

There are ten sake breweries located in Saijo. I remember visiting approximately three of them as part of an English language tour. Most of the sake breweries are clustered together in a single neighborhood in Saijo. One of the guides told us that the breweries are easily recognizable by their tall brick chimneys, each proudly bearing the name of the brewery.

It was July 6 and the Carp were taking on the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, a team nearly as bad as the Carp, who’ve lost more than half their games this year. This was one game the Carp had a chance to win. And given the Japanese people’s deep devotion to baseball, especially in Hiroshima, I figured this was one experience I shouldn’t miss while I’m in Japan.

If you are leaving Japan this year, you may have piles of clothes that you either no longer need or don’t want to pay to transport home. Of course you could put them out for recycling, disguise them as cushions and irritate your successor… or you could donate them to this year’s AJET clothing drive and bask in the smug glow of knowing your togs have gone to people who need them.

These are your Hiroshima-ken AJET Representatives for 2008-2009.

First, let me say that one of the hosts, Bill Lawson, was totally great and the other host, I think his name is Matt Hazel, needs a hair cut. Really, what was he thinking? The 3rd annual Fukuyama “Let’s Film” Festival was held on May 31, 2008. As one of the organizers of this event I can say without any bias that this one was definitely one of the top three ever!

Spring Break is upon us and Golden Week is just around the corner. That means that there are only a few months left before we have to say goodbye to some friends. Add more memories of your time in Japan and come out for the upcoming AJET events. So get out your planner and a pen, and write these dates down! More details will be coming as the dates get closer.