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JETwit
@jetwit.bsky.social
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https://jetwit.com/wordpress/ The official un-official website, blog, job listings, alumni magazine, etc. for the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Alumni community worldwide. Founded by Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94) in 2008.
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jetwit.bsky.social
The "Japan Uncovered" series shares what is special about off-the-beaten-path locales across Japan. In this article, discover the community of Izunokuni, Shizuoka.

mainichi.jp/english/arti...

#JapanUncovered #MainichiNews #Izunokuni #Shizuoka #JETAA #Japan
Japan Uncovered #15: Izunokuni -- Samurai shadows, Mt. Fuji, hot springs tell country's tale - The Mainichi
Nestled on the northern edge of the Izu Peninsula, the city of Izunokuni in Shizuoka Prefecture offers a rare chance to experience Japan's story all i
mainichi.jp
February 14, 2026 at 2:33 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Have you taught English in Japan? Take a look at this article about involving students in research to improve the learning experience—what do you think? Should other schools follow suit?

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#EnglishEducation #Learning #Feedback #HighSchool #ALT #JETAA #Japan
Teacher, students team to improve English learning in high school | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
YOKOHAMA--Teacher Yumiko Imanishi wrestled with the fact that some students form a negative view of English after entering high school.
www.asahi.com
February 12, 2026 at 6:05 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Are you thinking about cherry blossoms & Kyoto this year? Then plan ahead & include the Kyoto Kameoka Balloon Festival in your schedule, too!

Balloon glows, but also rides, classes, competitions and more!

www.timeout.com/osaka/news/k...

#KameokaBalloonFestival #HotAirBalloons #Kyoto #JETAA #Japan
Popular hot air balloon festival in Kyoto set to return this April
At Kyoto Kameoka Balloon Festival 2026, take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy a nighttime light-up amid cherry blossoms
www.timeout.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:01 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Curious about the new PokePark Kanto theme park? Located in the Tokyo suburb of Inagi, PokePark Kanto offers all things Pokemon, including 600 characters from the Pokemon world that visitors can encounter.

www.tokyoweekender.com/things-to-do...

#Pokemon #PokeParkKanto #ThemePark #JETAA #Japan
Inside PokePark Kanto: Attractions, Goods and How To Get Tickets
PokePark Kanto, the first-ever Pokemon theme park, had its grand opening. Here's a guide to the attractions and how to score tickets.
www.tokyoweekender.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:40 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Translation is more than changing words; it is the art of making connections between cultures possible.

As a writer and a translator, Murakami appreciates those who construct these bridges, bringing us together.

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#Author #Translator #Literature #Bridges #JETAA #Japan
Murakami wins joint Italian award, lauds art of translation | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Haruki Murakami’s novel “Machi to Sono Futashikana Kabe” (The City and Its Uncertain Walls) won an Italian prize that honors contemporary Japanese works translated into Italian.
www.asahi.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:34 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Were you one of the lucky few to view "Diamond Fuji" this week? There are only 2 chances per year when the setting sun and Mt. Fuji perfectly align, and the weather has to be clear for the phenomenon to be visible.

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#DiamondFuji #Sunset #Rare #JETAA #Japan
Peak conditions: ‘Diamond Fuji’ visible from Tokyo Skytree | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
A “Diamond Fuji” dazzled Tokyo Skytree visitors on Feb. 3, with a crowd multiple rows deep packing into the observation deck's west-facing side to witness the setting sun align perfectly with the moun...
www.asahi.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:45 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Love citrus? But craving something sweet? How about kinkan no kanroni, or candied kumquats?🍊

You only need kumquats, sugar, water, and less than 1 hour. So why wait? Treat yourself to these golden wintertime sweets!

savvytokyo.com/kinkan-the-t...

#Kumquat #キンカン #Sweets #Homemade #JETAA #Japan
Candied Kumquat Recipe: The Tiniest Citrus Fruit With An Edible Peel - Savvy Tokyo
Elevate any snack at a moment’s notice—and maybe attract some health and wealth in the New Year—with this candied kumquat recipe.
savvytokyo.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:14 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
JET Alumni Profile: Anise Overton

The Japan Society of Boston speaks with Anise Overton about her experience as a JET in Fukuoka Prefecture, 2023–2024.

www.japansocietyboston.org/post/anise-o...

#AlumniProfile #LifeAfterJET #Fukuoka #HomeAwayFromHome #JETAA #Japan
Anise Overton - Fukuoka (2023-2024)
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I was a high school Assistant Language Teacher in Fukuoka Prefecture, specifically in Iizuka-shi, during 2023-2024.What sparked your interest in applying for...
www.japansocietyboston.org
February 3, 2026 at 6:02 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Collective living can take a variety of forms. Last month we looked at multigenerational Kankan Mori in Tokyo; today, let's explore the Adult Women’s Dormitory Project in Osaka—a place single women of all ages can call home.

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#CommunalLiving #Women #Aging #JETAA #Japan
Single women plan community home in Osaka to age together | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Their vision came together over tea, desserts and an array of colorful sticky notes.
www.asahi.com
February 2, 2026 at 12:08 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Setsubun is just around the corner. Are you ready to drive off any ogres by throwing beans? And do you have your giant ehomaki sushi roll to eat for good luck?

Learn more about celebrating Setsubun here:

www.japanlivingguide.com/expatinfo/ja...

#Setsubun #BeanThrowing #EhomakiSushi #JETAA #Japan
Setsubun: Welcoming Spring with Ogres, Beans, and Sushi
Celebrate Setsubun, Japan’s bean-throwing festival to welcome spring. Find out how you can enjoy this tradition believed to ward off evil and bring good luck.
www.japanlivingguide.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:48 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
The other day we highlighted job hunting. But what about graduate school?

Check out USJETAA's university partnerships where all JETs and JET alumni qualify for scholarships and other perks.

www.usjetaa.org/university-p...

#GradSchool #Scholarships #UniversityPartnerships #USJETAA #JETAA #Japan
January 31, 2026 at 5:50 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Have you ever seen 34,000 runners competing all at once? The 2026 Osaka Marathon on Feb 22 is your chance!

Cheer on participants and get into the festive mood. Winners qualify for the 2028 Olympic team!🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

www.timeout.com/osaka/sport-...

#OsakaMarathon #Runners #Sports #Cheering #JETAA #Japan
Osaka Marathon 2026: What you need to know
Where to watch the race, how to get around and everything else you need to know about the Osaka Marathon
www.timeout.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:22 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Mottainai! Don't waste!

Japanese quality plus the "mottainai spirit" of making the most of items has created demand for used Japanese goods abroad.

These days, many Japanese products gain a second life in a new country.

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#Mottainai #SecondHand #Auctions #JETAA #Japan
‘Mottainai’ goods from Japan find eager buyers in global market | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
On a recent weekday in November, buyers from outside Japan showed up en masse at an auction center seeking secondhand articles.
www.asahi.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:28 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
We love to share stuff about Japan here, but just a reminder that JETwit also has a website. And on that website we post a lot of job openings for those who have connections with Japan.

So if you're looking for work, come take a look!

jetwit.com/wordpress/

#JobHunt #Jobs #JETwit #JETAA #Japan
January 27, 2026 at 1:49 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
In Kyoto this spring? Take note: the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association has announced a special exhibition that will open "five hidden cultural properties" to the public for a limited time.

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#Kyoto #HiddenCulture #Temples #Shrines #SpecialExhibit #JETAA #Japan
Kyoto exhibition of cultural properties to be held this spring | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
KYOTO--The public will be offered rare access to temples, shrines and Buddhist statues normally closed off in the ancient capital in an exhibition to be held in two phases this spring.
www.asahi.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:25 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Have you heard of Awaji Island? Lying between Tokushima and Kobe, this island is often overlooked. But here's a fun article that points out some unusual things you can see and do there. Definitely worth a visit!

www.timeout.com/osaka/news/i...

#Awaji #淡路島 #Tourism #HaveFun #JETAA #Japan
I ran into Godzilla and Hello Kitty on this laid-back island just outside Kobe
A visit to Awaji Island, where pop culture collides with nature, meditation and excellent food
www.timeout.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:00 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Thanks to farmers markets throughout Tokyo, urban residents can buy farm-fresh produce, fresh baked goods, and more directly from growers and artisans.

Here's a list of Tokyo farmers markets worth checking out:

www.tokyoweekender.com/things-to-do...

#FarmersMarkets #Tokyo #Fresh #JETAA #Japan
The Best Farmers Markets in Tokyo
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed weekend outing or fresh produce, these are some of the best farmers markets in Tokyo.
www.tokyoweekender.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Lotteria seems to have been around forever—but now they are disappearing. By March of this year, the last Lotteria will be rebranded as Zetteria.

Have you tried Zetteria yet? Did anything but the name change?

en.sedaily.com/internationa...

#Lotteria #Zetteria #Hamburgers #JETAA #Japan
Photo of a Zetteria storefront, the new name for Lotteria hamburger shops.
January 22, 2026 at 5:29 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
JET Alumni Profile: Stephanie Balakrishnan

The Japan Society of Boston speaks with Stephanie Balakrishnan about her experience as a JET in Kyoto Prefecture, 2015–2017.

www.japansocietyboston.org/post/stephan...

#AlumniProfile #LifeAfterJET #Kyoto #Connection #JETAA #Japan
Stephanie Balakrishnan - Kyotanabe, Kyoto (2015-2017)
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?I was placed as an ALT in Kyotanabe, Kyoto Prefecture, from 2015-2017. I was very fortunate to have been placed in Kyoto, with its rich history and culture. K...
www.japansocietyboston.org
January 19, 2026 at 11:58 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Known for its collection of historical textile artifacts, the Marubeni Gallery is currently offering an exhibit exploring the evolution of kimono styles during the Edo and Meiji periods.

www.tokyoweekender.com/event/evolut...

#Kimono #Edo #Meiji #Marubeni #Gallery #Exhibit #JETAA #Japan
Evolution of Kimono Styles Exhibition
The Marubeni Gallery's exhibition on traditional fashion will explore how Japanese clothing developed throughout the Edo and Meiji periods.
www.tokyoweekender.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:55 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Food is intrinsic to culture and meals bring people together. But dietary restrictions can disrupt this.

These influencers are working to overcome one obstacle by ID'ing halal meals.

Pls share info re: other dietary needs below🙏

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#Food #Community #Diet #JETAA #Japan
Influencers in Japan share halal spots for Muslim viewers | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
One early afternoon in November, Nanako Shibasaki popped into Hangry Joe's Tokyo in the capital's Akihabara district, which was bustling with foreign tourists.
www.asahi.com
January 17, 2026 at 7:18 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
When you are craving a relaxing soak, but don't have an onsen nearby, what can you do? Bath salts to the rescue!

Here are some bath salts you can use at home to recreate that genuine hot spring feel.

www.tokyoweekender.com/health-and-b...

#Relaxation #Onsen #BathSalts #SoakAtHome #JETAA #Japan
10 Best Japanese Bath Salts for an Authentic Onsen Experience at Home
Get to know our picks for the best Japanese bath products like bath salts, essences and tablets to warm up on a cold day.
www.tokyoweekender.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:06 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
鬼は外福は内 "Out with the bad, In with the good!"

It's time to start preparing for Setsubun at Daiichi-in Temple, where monks handcraft 2,000 lucky boxes to be distributed at the February bean-throwing festival.

mainichi.jp/english/arti...

#Setsubun #LuckyBoxes #Handmade #DaiichiinTemple #JETAA #Japan
Lucky box production in full swing at temple in Japan's Aichi ahead of Setsubun ritual - The Mainichi
CHITA, Aichi -- The production of
mainichi.jp
January 15, 2026 at 4:55 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Suitcases abandoned by tourists are causing a lot of headaches for hotels, but now businesses are getting innovative in ways to upcycle this discarded luggage. Take a look at this rooftop container garden, for example!

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#AbandonedLuggage #Recycle #Upcycle #JETAA #Japan
Rooftop container garden using abandoned luggage as containers for growing vegetables.
January 14, 2026 at 9:56 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
In longstanding tradition, Yontama the cat has been appointed the newest stationmaster of Kishi Station in Wakayama Pref. Yontama will be joining her predecessors in welcoming travelers to her outpost.

www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/n...

#Stationmaster #Cats #KishiStation #Yontama #JETAA #Japan
Japan Has a New Cat Stationmaster: Meet Yontama
It’s a great day to be a cat lover. Wakayama Electric Railway has just welcomed its newest employee for the next feline stationmaster.
www.tokyoweekender.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:46 PM