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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 last day of the year…New Year's Eve…what are your plans? Don't forget to include a bowl of toshikoshi soba!

Symbolizing long-life and more, invite good fortune into your new year!

www.tokyoweekender.com/food-and-dri...

#ToshikoshiSoba #LongLifeNoodles #NewYearsEve #Tradition #JETAA #Japan
Toshikoshi Soba Guide: Tokyo’s Best Spots for New Year’s Eve Noodles
Discover the tradition of Toshikoshi Soba. Here is your guide to finding the best New Year's Eve noodles in Tokyo.
www.tokyoweekender.com
December 30, 2025 at 7:41 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Natural disasters can strike at any moment, so being prepared is important. But are you truly ready?

This gamified evacuation drill feels like fun but also communicates critical points.

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/original/per...

#DisasterPreparedness #Evacuation #Drill #Gamification #JETAA #Japan
Japanese Student Gamifies Tsunami Evacuation Drill with Nighttime Quake Scenario
<p>Disasters strike without warning. Kindai University senior Tsuyoshi Kitahara, 21, has come up with a gamified evacuation drill using the scenario of an earthquake that occurs at night.</p>
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
December 30, 2025 at 3:13 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Did you ever have a piggy bank, or chokin-bako? Probably.

Discover a trove of money boxes from around the world (many of which are pig-shaped) at the Museum of Money Boxes in Amagasaki, Hyogo.

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/muse...

#PiggyBank #MoneyBox #貯金箱 #MuseumOfMoneyBoxes #JETAA #Japan
Popularity of Piggy Banks Across Time and Place Seen at Bank’s Museum of Money Boxes in Hyogo Pref.
<p>Money boxes come in all shapes and sizes, but the pig is one of the most familiar shapes, as is indicated by the fact that they are commonly called piggy banks in English. </p>
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
December 28, 2025 at 8:39 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
For those who follow the Imperial family, Prince Hisahito will join the family for the traditional New Year's public greeting on Jan 2 for the first time this year.

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/impe...

#NewYear #Oshogatsu #Greeting #ImperialFamily #PrinceHisahito #JETAA #Japan
Prince Hisahito to Attend New Year Public Greetings for First Time, Also Expected at New Year’s Celebration Ceremony
<p>Prince Hisahito, the 19-year-old son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, for the first time will attend the Imperial family’s New Year public greetings, scheduled for Jan. 2 at the Im...
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
December 28, 2025 at 5:24 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Music can be found anywhere—and created with nearly anything. Taku Junichiro excels at making instruments from everyday objects. Here he plays a chikuwa fish cake and a kendama!

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
youtu.be/g8tU45fLki0?...

#Music #AnythingIsAnInstrument #Chikuwa #Kendama #JETAA #Japan
ちくわを吹くとどんな音に？　動画が話題のフルート奏者・多久潤一朗さん
YouTube video by 朝日新聞
youtu.be
December 27, 2025 at 6:15 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
We're only a week away from Kohaku—the Red & White Song Battle. As we count down the days—and then the hours—to year-end, here's all you'll need to know about this year's Kohaku line-up and more!

www.tokyoweekender.com/entertainmen...

#Kohaku #紅白歌合戦 #Red&WhiteSongBattle #NewYearsEve #JETAA #Japan
Kohaku Uta Gassen 2025 Guide: Japan's Biggest TV Music Event
NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen music battle is a cultural spectacle. Here is our guide to the show's history and this year's performer lineup.
www.tokyoweekender.com
December 25, 2025 at 8:27 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Bounenkais, Christmas, Oshogatsu, and more—feeling like you've over-indulged in holiday treats?

Take a deep breath & treat yourself to this common-sense advice for making merry while keeping your health intact.

savvytokyo.com/a-tokyo-diet...

#HolidayFeasting #HealthyEating #Balance #JETAA #Japan
A Tokyo Dietitian’s Guide To Festive Feasting - Savvy Tokyo
Here's a dietitian's guide on how to celebrate the holidays and the festive feasting period without sacrificing your health.
savvytokyo.com
December 24, 2025 at 10:46 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
It's Christmas Eve in Japan…what are you doing? Well, if you're single, you're probably going out on a date!

savvytokyo.com/ideal-japane...

#ChristmasEve #HolidayDate #DatingInJapan #December24 #JETAA #Japan
A Typical Japanese Christmas Date: What To Expect, Where To Go & Cultural Surprises - Savvy Tokyo
Fried chicken and strawberry shortcake after working all day—welcome to a typical Japanese Christmas Eve date!
savvytokyo.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:10 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
A strawberry-adorned white sponge cake is the traditional Christmas cake in Japan—but how did this come to be?

This article traces the history of Christmas cake in Japan from 1910 till now. Yum!

savvytokyo.com/christmas-ca...

#ChristmasCake #FujiyaBakery #クリスマスケーキ #不二家 #Strawberries #JETAA #Japan
Christmas Cake in Japan: An Affectionate History - Savvy Tokyo
Move over cookies, in Japan, cake reigns supreme. Learn more about the Japanese Christmas cake and the history behind its popularity.
savvytokyo.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:56 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Wanting to up your festive mood? Timeout Osaka has compiled a list of 12 dazzling winter and holiday illuminations throughout the city.

www.timeout.com/osaka/things...

#Wintertime #Holidays #Illumination #Lights #Osaka #JETAA #Japan
12 best winter illuminations and Christmas light-ups in Osaka
The most dazzling winter light displays and festive illuminations in the city, from Midosuji to Osaka Castle and beyond
www.timeout.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:19 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
JET Alumni Profile: Jennifer Sherman

The Japan Society of Boston speaks with Jennifer Sherman about her experience as a JET in Mie, 2012–2016.

www.japansocietyboston.org/post/jennife...

#AlumniProfile #LifeAfterJET #Mie #LifeImpact #CareerPath #JETAA #Japan
Jennifer Sherman - Mie (2012-2016)
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I lived in Mihama, Mie as an ALT from 2012 to 2016, and I taught elementary and junior high school.What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program...
www.japansocietyboston.org
December 19, 2025 at 3:30 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Tokyo moved up to #2 in the 2025 Global Power City Index. It also ranked 1st in the livability category, and 2nd for cultural interaction.

Do you agree? Also, do you think residents and visitors have the same Tokyo experience?

mainichi.jp/english/arti...

#Tokyo #GlobalPowerCity #JETAA #Japan
Tokyo rises to 2nd in global city attractiveness ranking for first time - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo rose to second among 48 major cities worldwide in overall attractiveness for the first time after nine years in third place, ac
mainichi.jp
December 17, 2025 at 8:55 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Attn: JETs & JET alumni! The 2026 JET Program Career Fair is your chance to connect with employers in a variety of sectors.

The fair will be held this coming February in Tokyo and Osaka, and registration is now open:

dotank.net/afterjet/en/...

#CareerFair #JETProgramme #Tokyo #Osaka #JETAA #Japan
December 16, 2025 at 5:38 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Kobe Uni's team won the Student Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Japan 2025 competition for small-scale formula-style race cars. Check out their entry!

english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/6...

#Engineering #Design #FormulaOne #SAEJapan2025 #JETAA #Japan
FEATURE: Student formula car design competition helps shape future engineers
A collegiate manufacturing and design competition for small-scale formula-style race cars has helped fuel the growth of Japan's automotive industry by producing future automobile engineers for more th...
english.kyodonews.net
December 14, 2025 at 8:22 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
And the kanji of the year for 2025 is…

…BEAR・ 熊・くま

Is anyone surprised? With the surge in sightings and attacks, bears have been on everyone's mind lately.

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

#KanjiOfTheYear2025 #Kuma #熊 #Bear #JETAA #Japan
Bear Character Chosen as Japan's Kanji of the Year for 2025
On Friday, the official Kanji of the Year for 2025 was announced. The winner this year was 熊 (pronounced Kuma) meaning bear.
www.tokyoweekender.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:11 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Are you searching for a job?

JETwit's website regularly features job posts submitted by JET alumni for JET alumni. Find opportunities in business, hospitality, at Japanese consulates, and more!

Come see what's available now!

jetwit.com

#JobHunting #JapanRelatedJobs #Opportunities #JETAA #Japan
December 11, 2025 at 8:29 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Journey into the world of Japan's luxury sightseeing trains through this photographic essay/interview with Mitooka Eiji, designer.

immersive.kyodonews.net/sightseeing-...

#TrainTravel #LuxuryTrain #Sightseeing #Design #JETAA #Japan
Illustrator Eiji Mitooka has grand designs for future of sightseeing trains
immersive.kyodonews.net
December 9, 2025 at 6:57 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
This article reflects on the ALT experience in Japan. What do you think? Does your ALT experience (on JET or independently) mirror this educator's observations?

mainichi.jp/english/arti...

#ALT #TeachingInJapan #Education #JETAA #Japan
Opinion: What Japan's schools teach us: 16 years inside the system - The Mainichi
By Nathaniel Reed For 16 years, I have worked in education in Japan -- from kindergartens to universities, conversation school management to public s
mainichi.jp
December 9, 2025 at 4:41 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Artist/Pilot Hachiya Kazuhiko flew his jet-powered glider based on the Mehve from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind for the last time today. Hachiya hopes to train a new generation of pilots to carry on the tradition.

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

#Mehve #JetGlider #Nausicaa #Flight #JETAA #Japan
Real-world ‘Nausicaa’ glider goes on final flight in Chiba | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
NODA, Chiba Prefecture—Nearly a decade after first taking to the sky in his take on the glider from “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” Kazuhiko Hachiya flew his creation for the last time here.
www.asahi.com
December 7, 2025 at 8:18 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Galerie Tamenaga has extended its free exhibit of Chagall's works to Dec 21!

"For Chagall flowers symbolized love, happiness, remembrance, and life itself, intimately reflecting the joys and sorrows of his own journey."

www.tamenaga.com/en/exhibitio...

#GalerieTamenaga #Chagall #Art #JETAA #Japan
Marc Chagall：40 Years in Remembrance | Galerie Taménaga
We are pleased to announce that, due to popular demand, the exhibition Marc Chagall—which has been on view at Galerie Tamenaga since Saturday, November 8, 2025—has been extended until Sunday, December...
www.tamenaga.com
December 6, 2025 at 7:31 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
December is here and it's time for bōnenkai, or "forget-the-year" parties!

Forgetting the year cleans the slate, giving us a fresh start for the coming New Year.

Are you attending any bōnenkai this month?

www.ordinaryjapan.jp/bo-nen-kai

#Bōnenkai #忘年会 #ForgetTheYear #YearEnd #Party #JETAA #Japan
🎍 Bo-Nen-Kai（忘年会）: Japan’s Year-End Party to Forget the Year
Learn what a Bonenkai is, why Japanese people celebrate it, and how this year-end tradition began. A simple guide to Japan’s unique “forget-the-year” party culture.
www.ordinaryjapan.jp
December 5, 2025 at 5:25 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
The days are growing colder, and that means it's the perfect time to visit a hot spring. What better way to relax and feel warm through & through?

Here's a list of a dozen famous onsen destinations to get you started. Happy soaking!

www.timeout.com/tokyo/travel...

#Onsen #温泉 #Winter #JETAA #Japan
12 best onsen destinations in Japan for a rejuvenating holiday
Warm up as well as rejuvenate your body and mind at these scenic hot spring resorts, easily accessible from Tokyo
www.timeout.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:14 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Looking for a holiday gift for someone who loves Nintendo? Check out the new Nintendo shop in Fukuoka! At 1,000 m2, it stocks more than 2,500 items. You'll definitely be able to find something for everyone.

english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/6...

#Nintendo #Fukuoka #HolidayShopping #JETAA #Japan
Nintendo opens 1st directly operated store in southwestern Japan
Major Japanese game developer Nintendo Co. on Friday opened its first directly operated store in southwestern Japan, adding a fourth such location to its lineup after Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, hoping to...
english.kyodonews.net
December 3, 2025 at 2:40 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Coming soon: The Snow Monsters of Zao!

Every winter, Mt. Zao's trees, covered in layers of snow and ice, transform into "snow monsters." Come see them for yourself, Dec through Feb, at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort!

visitmiyagi.com/contents/sno...

#Zao #蔵王 #SnowMonsters #Wintertime #JETAA #Japan
Snow Monsters of Zao - VISIT MIYAGI
Frozen natural wonders
visitmiyagi.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:38 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
ICYMI, Edo Hashiri—or running like an Edo Japanese—is apparently far more efficient than modern-day Western-style running. Edo period couriers reportedly ran 160 km or more per day using these techniques!

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

#Running #EdoHashiri #江戸走り #大場克則 #JETAA #Japan
Edo-Era 'Sideways Running': Japan's Brilliantly Weird New Meme
Meet Ooba Katsunori, a researcher responsible for turning Edo-period running techniques into one of Japan’s unlikeliest viral sensations.
www.tokyoweekender.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:30 AM