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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
Life in Tokyo is practically inseparable from the Suica card penguin. Who doesn't have one (the card & the penguin) in their wallet?

Now the Suica penguin is "graduating." In 2026, a new mascot will take its place.

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

#Suica #Penguin #スイカ #mascot #JETAA #Japan
The Beloved Suica Penguin Is Retiring in 2026
JR East announced on November 11 that the Suica Card Penguin will “graduate” at the end of the 2026 fiscal year
www.tokyoweekender.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:58 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Join USJETAA on Nov 12 for "The Religion of Anime" and take a "deep dive into the world of anime's cultural roots, emotional impact, and the almost “religious” devotion it inspires among fans."

Register here: www.usjetaa.org/news/religio...

#Anime #Webinar #USJETAA #JETAA #Japan
The Religion of Anime | November 12, 2025 — USJETAA
Join us on November 12 from 7-8:30 PM ET for a fascinating deep dive into anime’s cultural roots, emotional impact, and the near “religious” devotion it inspires among fans, featuring Dr. Jolyon Tho...
www.usjetaa.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:28 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
The Expo is over, but Osaka still offers new experiences.

The "Dinner in the Sky" limited-time restaurant is now serving diners at an open-air table suspended 40 m above the ground. Last day is Dec 28.

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

#DinnerInTheSky #Osaka #OpenAirDining #Restaurant #JETAA #Japan
‘Dinner in Sky’ opens in Osaka; meals 40 meters above ground | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
OSAKA--A restaurant that offers diners the thrill of eating and drinking while suspended 40 meters above ground is now taking reservations in the city’s Nishi Ward.
www.asahi.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:29 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
PNWJETAA Transitions Networking Expo is Nov 15 @ Seattle Univ. and open to all!

Hear speakers from various sectors, explore company & community partners, and work on your career development skills.

transitions.pnwjetaa.org

#Networking #Opportunities #Connections #SeattleU #PNWJETAA #JETAA #Japan
November 7, 2025 at 4:51 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Do you know the Genki Tosaben Musical? If you were a Kochi JET, you likely not only know it, you probably performed in it, too!

Learn about this JET-led theater production and view past shows here:

www.youtube.com/@GenkiSeinen...
genkiseinenkai.wordpress.com

#Kochi #Tosaben #Musical #JETAA #Japan
GENKI Seinenkai
Established in 1995, the GENKI Youth Association is a volunteer organization primarily composed of JET Programme participants in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. The group has composed and performed an origin...
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:29 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Attn current JETs and JET alumni!

National AJET is asking our cooperation in taking the 2026 National Opinion Exchange Survey. Feedback collected is presented to CLAIR and the Japanese gov't to improve the JET Program.

forms.gle/fVZsgR2fZ85T...

#NationalAJET #2026Survey #ImproveJET #JETAA #Japan
2026 Annual National AJET Survey
The AJET Opinion Exchange is an annual meeting between representatives of the Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching (AJET) and the government sponsors of the JET Programme. The exchange is an op...
forms.gle
November 5, 2025 at 5:15 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Nov 3 is Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) in Japan, a holiday for reflecting on the value of culture & also on the value of peace and democracy to society.

This article shares the origins of Culture Day and also tips for celebrating it in Japan.

joyn.tokyo/about-japan/...

#CultureDay #文化の日 #JETAA #Japan
Culture Day in Japan 2025: A Complete Guide to Bunka no Hi | JoynTokyo
Culture Day in Japan on November 3rd celebrates art, peace, and education with festivals, museum events, and parades. A perfect way to experience Japanese culture.
joyn.tokyo
November 3, 2025 at 8:17 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
The Heian period 11-Face Kannon Statue of Fukurinji Temple (Shiga Pref.) is on display this month for the first time in 44 years. This is your chance to view this otherwise hidden-away work of art.

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

#Kannon #観音 #HeianTreasure #平安時代 #Fukurinji #福林時 #Shiga #JETAA #Japan
1st showing in 44 years of Shiga Buddhist statue from Heian age | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
MORIYAMA, Shiga Prefecture--A famed Buddhist statue likened by a renowned novelist to a noble from the Tenpyo Era (729-749) will go on public display here in November.
www.asahi.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:01 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Japan <—> US in 60 minutes? The world is shrinking!

This tourism company is developing transport that flies via space, making any point on Earth just 60 minutes away. It won't be cheap, but it will be fast.

mainichi.jp/english/arti...

#Travel #1Hour #JapanToUSA #Tourism #Space #JETAA #Japan
Japan company eyes offering 1-hour Japan-US travel via space - The Mainichi
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese travel agency said Tuesday it will launch a point-to-point transport service in the 2030s that would connect Tokyo and U.S
mainichi.jp
November 1, 2025 at 3:15 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
"Save Me!" says the teary-eyed mascot—and people do.

The FamilyMart drive to make buying discounted near-expiry products socially acceptable is a tiny change with huge results. Food waste is down markedly.

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

#FoodWaste #Sustainability #TakeAction #JETAA #Japan
FamilyMart Is Fighting Food Waste With Cute, Teary-Eyed Stickers
FamilyMart’s viral “teary-eyed” stickers, designed to encourage customers to buy discounted food and cut waste, are now free to download.
www.tokyoweekender.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:25 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Winter is shellfish season, and that means across Japan kakigoya oyster huts where you can grill fresh oysters are opening for business.

Here is a guide to kakigoya in Itoshima, Fukuoka. Bon appetit!

www.fukuoka-now.com/en/itoshima-...

#Oysters #OysterHut #Kakigoya #牡蠣小屋 #Itoshima #JETAA #Japan
Itoshima Kakigoya – Oyster Hut Guide 2025-2026 | Fukuoka Now
Every year from autumn through spring, the fishing ports around the Itoshima Peninsula come alive with the glow of charcoal grills and the scent of the sea...
www.fukuoka-now.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:42 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
In the fall in Japan, the sweet scent of tiny, orange kinmokusei (osmanthus) blossoms fills the air of many neighborhoods. The fragrance alone has the power to conjure up memories.

Learn more here:

japanesegardens.jp/2021/06/15/o...

#Osmanthus #Kinmokusei #キンモクセイ #Fragrance #Autumn #JETAA #Japan
Osmanthus fragrans – キンモクセイ – 金木犀
japanesegardens.jp
October 27, 2025 at 9:19 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
As Japan's population ages, more caregivers are needed. But they are in short supply—especially those strong enough to lift someone.

Enter Macho Care, a unique approach to caregiving.

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

#Caregivers #Elderly #Assistance #MachoCare #Bodybuilding #JETAA #Japan
How Japan's 'Macho Caregivers' Are Revolutionizing Elder Care
Japan’s soaring elderly population presents an urgent demand for caregivers. This welfare facility is employing muscular bodybuilders.
www.tokyoweekender.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:04 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
As JETs, most of us spent our days working at school. Did you notice the lack of new/younger teachers or feel any impact?

Maybe the need for teachers could open up new opportunities for JET alumni.

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

#Education #TeacherShortage #NewTeachers #ALTs #JETAA #Japan
FEATURE: Rural teacher shortage sending prefectural officials back to drawing board
On a humid June morning in Tottori Prefecture in western Japan, hundreds of would-be teachers filed into exam halls to compete for a chance to educate Japan's next generation.
english.kyodonews.net
October 25, 2025 at 7:04 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
In Tokyo for Halloween this year? Looking for something interesting to do? Here's a variety of Halloween activities and events to choose from—there's something for everyone!

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

#Halloween #Tokyo #Events #HalloweenParty #JETAA #Japan
Tokyo Halloween Events 2025: Where To Go Instead of Shibuya
Shibuya Halloween is cancelled again. But that doesn't mean the end of Halloween. Here are other parties, events and kid-friendly options.
www.tokyoweekender.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:48 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Explore Japan's yōkai through photographer Charles Fréger's incredible collection of portraits from local festivals across Japan.

The project:
www.atlasobscura.com/articles/pho...

The photographs:
www.charlesfreger.com/portfolio/yo...

#Yokai #妖怪 #Supernatural #Fréger #Yokainoshima #JETAA #Japan
Photographing the Incredible Costumes of Japan's Supernatural Festivals
Bringing folklore to life with capes and masks.
www.atlasobscura.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:35 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Starting in the spring of 2027, one school in Tokyo is adding sunglasses to the student uniform. The goal is to protect students' eyes from increasingly intense sunlight.

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

#SchoolUniform #Sunglasses #Students #JETAA #Japan
School adding sunglasses to uniform to safeguard eyes | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Shedding their traditional image as accessories for gangsters and movie stars, sunglasses will be part of the uniform at a Tokyo girls’ school amid growing concerns about exposure to ultraviolet rays.
www.asahi.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:49 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
JET Alumni Profile: Annelise Wilp

The Japan Society of Boston speaks with Annelise Wilp about her experience as a JET in Saitama, 2018–2020.

www.japansocietyboston.org/post/annelis...

#AlumniProfile #LifeAfterJET #Saitama #DreamAchieved #JETAA #Japan
Annelise Wilp - Saitama (2018-2020)
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I was in Saitama 2018-2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic started a few months before my contract ended, but I had a great 18 months before that.What ...
www.japansocietyboston.org
October 21, 2025 at 5:08 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Sponsored by USJETAA open to JETs, JET alumni, and the general public.

JET to HR: Turning Global Experience into People-Focused Careers

Date: Oct 21, 2025 (US Time)
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm EDT
Place: Zoom

Registration required.

usjetaa.wildapricot.org/event-6287904

#Career #Workshop #HR #JETAA
October 19, 2025 at 5:32 PM
jetwit.bsky.social
Today's inspiration.

At 102, Fuku Amagawa is lively and engaged, and still involved in running her rural ramen restaurant. She says "I just want to live without regrets... And you never know what tomorrow will bring."

mainichi.jp/english/arti...

#Inspiration #LivingLife #Centenarian #JETAA #Japan
102-year-old ramen restaurant worker in Japan lures customers from across the world - The Mainichi
FUJIOKA, Gunma -- At a ramen restaurant in the Gunma Prefecture city of Fujioka, a
mainichi.jp
October 19, 2025 at 5:24 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Being a JET means becoming part of your local community. Via offers a chance to do something similar again.

Take a look at Via's experiential learning opportunities throughout Asia and the US—and perhaps find your next adventure!

www.viaprograms.org

#Via #GlobalCommunity #Leadership #JETAA #Japan
October 18, 2025 at 3:10 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Many celebrate the fall season with koyo-gari, or autumn-leaf viewing. But you can also enjoy the fall colors at Hitachi Seaside Park, where 40,000 kochia bushes are approaching peak color this weekend.

www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/3...

#FallColors #Leaves #SeasidePark #JETAA #Japan
40,000 kochia bushes are now growing at Hitachi Seaside Park near Tokyo
Peak red is expected on October 18, as the fluffy summer cypress have begun to change colour
www.timeout.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:49 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Experience tea ceremony at rooftop Shibuya Sky, 229 m above street level.

This special morning tea ceremony is being held October 12–19 only, and advance reservation is required.

www.tokyoweekender.com/event/tenku-...

#TeaCeremony #Shibuya #ShibuyaSky #Tradition #Culture #JETAA #Japan
Tenku no Mitate Tea Ceremony at Shibuya Sky
Experience a tea ceremony 229 meters above the busy Shibuya center with ceramic artist and tea master Shota Yamada.
www.tokyoweekender.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:03 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
JET alum Emily Metzgar (Shimane, 1993-1995), a Kent University professor and author of a book on the JET alumni impact on the US-Japan relationship, is asking our help in responding to a survey for her research.

Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.🙏

shorturl.at/2a3PT

#JETimpact #Research #Survey #JETAA
October 15, 2025 at 3:54 AM
jetwit.bsky.social
Monday is Sports Day this year!

Sports Day commemorates the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It exists to promote sports and an active lifestyle.

Schools & communities alike hold field day events. Have you joined in one?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_...

#SportsDay #運動会 #FieldDay #JETAA #Japan
October 12, 2025 at 11:09 PM