AJET Newsletter

Toyama AJET NewsletterVol.1, No.2, August 2008

A message from the pres…

On behalf of AJET and Toyama’s English-speaking community, I ‘d like to send a big ようこそ (yookoso -welcome) to the incoming JETs! Some of you have already arrived in Toyama, while Group B will be arriving next week. Whether you’ve been here for two days or two years, Toyama summers feel terribly hot; my best advice to you is to keep your energy up,

In this issue…

p. 11Fireworks in Toyama

p. 12AJET Social Events

p. 8T.R.A.M.

p. 10What’s Happening

p. 9Meet Chelsie

p. 7Got Books? (reprint)

p. 6I Had Trouble in Getting the Toyama Forums

p. 5-6Dig That Scene

p. 1-4Climbing Mt. Fuji

Climbing Mt. FujiBy Ally Lomas

Climbing Fuji to watch the sunrise has always been a dream of mine…“ ”THIS IS MY PERSONALaccount of climbing Fuji for the first time last year, an experience which was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It will stick with me for the rest of my life. Hopefully I can inspire you to take the plunge and go for the trip, as I still consider it one of the single best things I have done in a year of living in Japan.

Climbing Fuji to watch the sunrise has always been a dream

of mine, on that great unwritten list of things alongside seeing the Aurora Borealis, visiting the far west end of the Great Wall of China, and doing the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Naturally when I discovered I could do it so soon after arriving in Japan, I leapt at the chance. What better way to announce my arrival in this amazing country than to climb its highest peak and most recognisable symbol?

because August is filled to the brim with welcome events, festivals, excursions and more!

Incoming JETs, if you have any questions about AJET, or what AJET can and will do for you, please, send ‘em my way! I’d be happy to help however I can! See you soon at a welcome event or a local dinner! Keep it cool, everybody (^-^)b--Tiffany Dyer

Vol.1, No.2, August 2008 Toyama AJET Newsletter

Rumours of course came back, from people who had climbed it before. It’s hard work. I felt sick. It was cold. But of course it’s difficult; the mountain is 3776 metres high, high enough for some to experience altitude sickness and plunging night-time temperatures. Why do it if there is no challenge? If there was a railway to the top, it wouldn’t be something to be proud of. Anyway, other rumours I heard suggested the trail was packed with old ladies and kids.

We set off from Toyama on a typically hot, sticky August morning. This weather alone made me long for the cold on top of Fuji. Perhaps being a Brit I secretly enjoy cold weather. And indeed, it is very cold at the top, as this is one of the last weekends of the year when climbing Fuji is even possible, due to extreme temperatures. The bus drives right across Japan, first up the coast into Niigata, punching through long, long tunnels, and swinging out over the sea on stilts. It gives you a clearer idea of Toyama’s situation in Japan; culturally more attached to Kansai than the north, cut off by a near impenetrable barrier where the mountains plunge straight into the sea.

The first glimpse of Fuji is a surprise. Someone says, ‘there it is!’, and you look, but don’t see anything. Then you look again, higher, and see a vast pyramid hanging in the sky, blue in the haze of the heat. Gradually it grows, solidifies, and you enter the huge, wide forests that carpet the wide base of the mountain.

Fortunately, we didn’t climb the mountain from the very bottom. The road wound in switchbacks through a tunnel in the trees, climbing higher and higher, above the clouds, until finally we reached a traffic jam. This was the 5th station, the end of the road. Or perhaps it was just the beginning.

ony to watch the most incredible sunset in a country of incredible sunsets. I think there were colours in that last hour of light that I have never seen before.

When darkness falls, it is time to set off. Parties gather together, check supplies, fix head torches, and start the long hike. The mountain

“Why do it if there is no challenge?

If there was a railway to the top,

it wouldn’t be something to be proud of”Stepping off the coach, into the cool air and clear mountain sunshine, you enter a different world. Huge coach parties do synchronised warm-ups. An alpine lodge sits next to a Shinto Shrine. Then you turn around, and see the sea of clouds stretching to the horizon, a few black stencils of other mountains ripping through it. We grabbed some slightly over-priced udonbefore going outside onto a balc-

mountain path becomes a stream of lights jingling with bells. Every Japanese pilgrim who takes this journey seriously buys a wooden staff with a bell on it, which they get branded at various halts on the way up. I had bought one at last year’s failed attempt at Tateyama, so I have a rare thing: a Tateyama staff with a Fuji mark.

The first few miles of climbing were easy and pleasant. They

A long line of journeying “pilgrims”


were fairly flat, cutting through the last remnants of forest. Above me was the faint shadow of the mountain and a winding trail of lights, and below, miles of forest and in the distance the twinkling lights of towns, towns that wake up every morning to stare at Fuji, and every night watch the sun set over it.

As I climbed higher, onto the cinder cone and endless switchbacks, I passed small clusters of buildings, selling drinks, branding sticks, and offering floor space for a rest up at an incredible profit. These stations had an almost Himalayan feel, the people working there on the mountain looking more like tanned Sherpa than Japanese.

The long hard slog is an ideal time to get to know the other JETs, new and old. You fall in step, then fall into conversation, and then end up playing games to pass the time. I think my first introduction to the Japanese word-game of shiritori was at 3,000 metres. Groups are good to climb in, not only because you have comradely support at the time, but because you make friends that will last the duration of your time in Japan, perhaps longer. You can walk together, rest together, and share hot drinks and canned oxygen.

It was at about 3,000 metres that I think the altitude did begin to hit me. I realised that although I was breathing at the same rate as before, I didn’t seem to be gaining from it. A rest and a single puff on someone else’s can of oxygen sorted me out for quite

a way. I didn’t take oxygen last year. This year I will. It is definitely not necessary, and I would have made the summit without it, but it is cheap, light, and makes a difference.

At some point on the way up the

“The long hard slog is an ideal time to

get to know the other JETs…you

can walk together, rest together and share hot drinks

and canned oxygen”

The colors of sunrise on Mt. Fuji

mountain, I looked up at the stars. They were incredible. I had never seen so many. The air is thin, and there is no pollution. There must be millions of stars to count up there. As I watched, shooting stars streaked the sky. It’s a useful distraction if at any stage you end up wondering why you started the climb in the first place.

My little group reached the summit at around 02:30. We walked under a torii gate and arrived in a narrow, packed space. There is not much room at the top of Fuji. Just beyond the cluster of drink sellers there is a yawning, pitch-black chasm. It is Fuji’s incredibly deep and wide and steep crater.

My advice is to try to arrive later at the summit than I did. It’s crowded, and there is really not very much to do. The cold gradually penetrated me, and I felt tired.

After about 2 hours of dozing and freezing, the main event began.

We moved to a small rise just across from the summit station, under a torii wrapped in the ribbons and bells from the walking staffs, and hundreds of 5 yen coins stuck in every possible crack. The sky beyond turned a whole spectrum of colours, from a pale blue to a deep orange, before the sun finally pushed

above the clouds. Thousands of people on the mountain, from the summit stretching in a line down the switchbacks, turned as one to watch the same thing. It’s a very special moment, watching the last possible sunrise of the year on Japan’s holiest mountain.

As the light grew, I began to look around me and wonder. Just where is the bottom of the crater? How did that huge yellow digger get up here? Do the vendors live up here the whole summer? How do the supplies get up? I also noticed the huge icicles under rocky overhangs and realised why I was so cold.

Long after the sun had risen on the summit, and no one was paying any attention, the land all around was still in darkness. The forests were shadowy, the towns still asleep. But by that stage most people were either queuing


that feeling you only get after climbing a mountain. As soon as the bus arrived I crawled on and fell asleep.I can’t really remember the bus ride home. Everyone fell asleep. There is a fantastic picture lurking somewhere on Facebookof a bus load of JETs collapsed in various positions across the seats. I’ve slept through Sundays for much less healthy reasons since I’ve been here.

So that’s Fuji. It’s something that really must be experienced, and despite a lot of complaining about it being difficult I don’t think anyone really regrets doing it. It’s a hell of a story to relate to people back home, the jealous people who didn’t climb, or teachers when you are bored in the staffroom. It certainly beats staying in Toyama for the weekend and drinking a couple of pints. Hey, I enjoyed it so much I’m doing it a second time...

to get their walking staffs stamped or were beginning to head down.

I found the journey down the most difficult part. The rocky, dusty path is difficult to get a grip on, and I was tired beyond belief. The temperature was also rising dramatically, and I felt hot. At least now I could see things, though; the other mountains, the red, rusty colour of the rocks, the vast line of pilgrims on the upward path who didn’t quite make it in time for sunrise, and the weird effects the altitude has on the sky.

I was at the bottom by 9:30 after a long hard slog. I had never been so glad of the opportunity to sit down, have some food and a cold drink, but I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment. People came down in small groups and we congratulated each other. It was

A moment of reflection at the summit

If you would like information, or would like to sign up for this

year’s Fuji trip, contact Ally Lomas at 090-

9447-8587, or [email protected].


Dig that SceneBy Michael J. Grudzinski

ジェリコの戦い (The Battle of Jericho)(a/k/a The Jazz Bar)Toyama-shi, Toyama Eki-Mae7:00 pm-3:00 am

Coltrane and Johnnie Hartman. Silk baritone voice and soft sentiments on tenor. Spirits that suggest sinister possibilities line the long oak bar that runs almost the entire span of the establish-ment. On the wall behind the bottles hang portraits of jazz legends. A glass of delicious Scotch warms the throat and soul. Welcome to The Battle of Jericho, a/k/a The Jazz Bar, arguably Toyama’s best bar and holy refuge for music aficionados (the name comes from a famous jazz arrangement of an old American spiritual, “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho”). This is a good place to have a small celebration, to take a date, or to meditate on mistakes made. On a Friday or Saturday night the joint can be jumping, its small, narrow space filled with couples or with an enkai; the sounds of mirth mingling with the music of Miles. Yet on a weeknight, here one can go to seek a place of quiet repose in which to reflect or regret. Do not sully the sounds of Bill Evans with a rowdy, post-

karaoke, giant group of gaijin: if the mood of the night demands delirious debauchery, go to Potstill. Make no mistake: the Jazz Bar is a classy affair.

Upon first taking your seat at the bar, you will be offered a hot hand towel from one of the dapper barmen, who will invariably be impeccably dressed, complete with waistcoat and arm garters. Next comes the menu, which should be carefully studied, for it is a veritable book of refined drinks, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere. The specialty is Scotch whisky. The first two pages contain only malt Scotch whiskies (Speyside, Highland, Islands, Islay, Lowland, and Campbeltown malts). From there the menu maneuvers its way through lesser, but still delicious, whiskies (Blended, Irish, Bourbon, and Tennessee) and then onto gin, rum, vodka, liqueurs, and a dizzying array of cocktails, the latter of which makes for fun katakana-reading practice. Please note that the beer selection is minimal, at best, and that there is a surprising and disappointing absence of wine from the menu. For fans of rum, I recommend the Jazz Bar’s mojito, a tasty Cuban cocktail with lime and mint. However, the Jazz Bar is first and foremost a Scotch bar. As such, I suggest the ラフロイグ１０年 (Laphroaig 10 year-old Single Islay Malt whisky), a slow and oak-flavored sip. If you’re lucky, you may be offered a taste from a special bottle not on the menu, like the 15 year-old Laphroaig, a formidable foe not to be under-estimated. Order your concoction on the rocks and watch as one of the artisan bartenders carefully chips away at a chunk of ice to craft for you a perfect, frozen sphere. While waiting for your drink you can ponder what must have been in that empty bottle next to the right speaker, labeled only “Special Mysterious Whisky.”

But the booze is only half of the draw of this saloon of saints, for here there is a literal wall of music from which to choose the songs and vibes of the night. The Jazz Bar has a most impressive collection of CDs, containing the complete collected works of everyone from Clifford Brown to Nina Simone. There are several shelves of Japanese artists to compliment the array of American jazz greats. As long as it is not too busy, and you approach the collection with the reverence it so deserves, you may peruse the discs and choose one to be played. Once your selection is put on the stereo, you will usually be offered the CD case so that you may read the liner notes. For the smokers,

you may dig your tunes while either smoking a cigarette (chosen from group of packs in a humidor) or a fine cigar (try the Romeo and Juliet from Cuba – no embargo here!).

But be forewarned that the Jazz Bar is not a cheap outing. The cheapest Scotch is 900-yen, which is about the same price as most cocktails. Also, there is a tiny selection of food, mostly crackers and cheeses, so do not come if you are looking for anything more than bar snacks. Like all good things, the Jazz Bar is to be enjoyed in moderation, its unique spirits to be savored as an occasional break


I Had Trouble in Getting the Toyama ForumsOr, “The Internet in Anapestic Tetrameter”

By Tim LindenschmidtWhy, hello, my new friends! I say welcome to youwho have come from afar, and – oh yes – even flew!To Toyama I bid you a hearty hello;have a rest, drink a chu-hi, and please take it slow.

In Toyama we have many people, you see,but to keep in touch with them is often tricky.Do not worry or fret, it's all under control –there are methods in place; but beware the Rickroll!

The Internet Crew are a riotous bunch,but who the hell are they? (And fuck, when is brunch?)

Therefore from now I will teach you their names,their own special niche and their one claim to fame.

Why, Jack Bauer-Bristow is what they call me.I’m bitter and angry; but here is a key:don’t ever take my posts too seriously,for I am just taking the piss, don’t you see.

I am the Internet, trust me, it’s true.Don’t make me show you my l337 Google-fu.Now, now, hang on, yes I know just what you’re thinking,just let me say this (takes a breath) FUCK YEAH, SEAKING!

Oh my! Our tour is now at an end.But please don’t be overly saddened my friend,for you can join us and our like on the boards!We’re waiting for you with fantastic rewards!

The Toyama Forums can be found at http://toyamajets.net/boards/, and signing up is fast and easy. Facebook is Facebook. Don’t know it? Google, DO YOU USE IT?

For the unabridged version of this literary masterpiece, be sure to check out the latest edition of the T.R.A.M. during welcome weekend!

from the pedestrian-but-more-frugal draft beers you’ll find anywhere.

The Battle of Jericho is located around the corner, to the left, from Potstill, and is on the Toyama Interactive Map. It is located on the second floor of a building that also houses, next-door, the garish girlie-bar, Club Aqua. Open seven days a week, the Jazz Bar starts serving drinks at 7:00 p.m. and last call is not until a bit before 3:00 a.m.


The regional AJET libraries have a ton of great books just laying around, which is great for the librarians, but what does this all mean for you? The libraries (or at least the one here in Niikawa) hasn't received much publicity since I've been here, but I would like to change that by offering some neat programs to let everyone take advantage of our vast book collections.

Toyama Book ClubIf you've got a literary itch to scratch and a free day once a month, why not give it a shot? I ask that any interested folks please send me an email to

[email protected]

Input and suggestions are also welcome!

In particular, I would like to set up a Book Club for Toyama. Basically, I would just like a nice informal group to read books and get together about once a month or so to discuss them. I'm still working on the details of how this Club would work, but before I can proceed much further I need an idea of how many people would be interested in joining up.

Got books? (reprint from July 2008)

current read is. More info to come this Fall!

Read On!

James

If you’re interested in joining/starting a book club in your local area, or if you’d like to check out one of the many books our AJET libraries carry, contact your local AJET librarian!

For an online list of books each region carries, go to

http://toyamajets.net/index.php/Main/AJET

Hey Folks!

The Toyama-shi JET Library has been moved to my pad. I live in Chateau Yasunoya, an enchanted Japanese castle South of Toyama-eki by about 15 minutes on foot. You can find my place on the ToyamaJETmap, under "James' House of Preasure". I also live just above the Ami Grill, also in the Handbook. The new library will be bigger and better than ever, and it even has its own room!

For directions, title inquiries or wanting to set up a time to drop off any books you wish to donate to this great and fast-growing system, please email me

at: [email protected] or call my keitai at (080)3045-8559.

Donating your books to the ToyamaJET Library will ensure that they remain in circulation for the enjoyment of your successors and their successors, and even your great-great-great successors, who will keep your good graces in mind as they flip through the dusty, oxidized pages of that Olde English classic, "The Life of Pi".

Also, looking to get a Book Club together for the Toyama Region. We would meet at various comfy locations throughout the year to discuss whatever the


My newly acquired poster, sto – er, brought to you by Mizuhashi Station

How to steal a manner poster: 1. Talk to your students as you

walk to the train station.2. When you are near the poster

that is tacked to the wall, tell your students you want it.

3. Tell them to come closer to you so that they can hide you in the midst of students.

4. Quickly untack the poster, roll, and walk away laughing with your students as if nothing happened.

5. Your students may be shocked, but they’ll get over it. ☺

PS. May wanna make sure there are no security officers or train attendees around!

Check it out on facebook!

Welcome Tram deadline is August 27th. And here is something random for you….


National AJET: Meet ChelsieHi everyone!

I'm Chelsie Sluyk, your new Block 5 Representative to the National AJET Council. Block 5 is made up of Toyama, Gifu, Ishikawa, Fukui, and Aichi. I am here to connect JETs in our block as well as to act as your voice in the National AJET Council,

lots of information about NAJET on our website, www.ajet.net.

This year's National AJET Council is looking forward to working hard to help make your JET experience the best it can be. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions, thoughts,

ectures around you. Some of the things you can look forward to hearing about are: JET service projects, teaching and community involvement awards and programs, AJET Games, the Photo and Haiku Contest, the National AJET Peer Support Group, and exciting projects that JETs in our block are doing. I’ll be sending all of the info to Tiffany, so keep an eye out for updates from her, either directly or through the TNB. You can also find

which communicates regularly with CLAIR and the three government ministries that work with the JET Programme.

WHAT I'LL BE DOING FOR YOU:

I'll be keeping you up to date on all of the programs and resources that National AJET (NAJET) runs throughout the year as well as what JETs are doing in the pref-

or an exciting project that you'd like me to let JETsoutside of Toyama know about.

You can reach me at:[email protected].

I'm looking forward to a fantastic year!

Yours Sincerely,Chelsie Sluyk

WRITE FOR THE AJET NEWSLETTER!

I am currently looking for volunteers who would like to write regularly for the newsletter! If you are interested, please email me at [email protected]. Of course, if you have any ideas, pictures, or suggestions, send those my way too! Submissions forthe September newsletter are due by AUGUST 22nd.

What’s Happening – August 2008


6543Owara Kaze-no-bon festival (Yatsuo)



31Welcome WeekendHappy Birthday Vannie!!!

30

Welcome Weekend

292827262524

MT FUJI!

23

MT FUJI!

2221Happy Birthday Sevan!!!

20191817

1615141312Happy Birthday Josh D.!!!

11Takaoka region Group B welcome dinner

10

9Happy Birthday Nick!!!

8AJET Beer Garden

7Toyama and Niikawaregion Group B welcome dinners

6543

2AJET Welcome dinner (A)

1Toyama fireworks festival (see p. 11)

31Group A regional welcome dinners

30292827

SaturdayFridayThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday

Advertise your event (or an event you know about) on the AJET calendar! Send info to [email protected].

Come and help kick-off the biggest festival in Toyama with some snacks and wicked fireworks over the Jinzu-gawa.

WHAT: Hanabi Festival Kick-off (biggest fireworks display in the prefecture)WHERE: Next to my apato, Chateau Yasunoya(see http://toyamajets.net/map/index.php: "James' House of Preasure")WHEN: Friday, August 1st. Some refreshments at my place beginning at 6-6:30PM. Fireworks will start around 7:30-8pm, just across the street.


UPCOMING EVENTSToyama Fireworks Festival

DIRECTIONS TO CHATEAU YASUNOYA:

From Toyama Station, walk down the street that passes with the CIC and EXCEL HOTEL on your left. Stay on the right-hand side of the street until you reach a Dynamo Yamazaki combini (red sign). Make a right at the intersection at the combini. You'll now be on a smaller road. Walk it to the end and you'll reach a Sun-kuscombini on your left, and (my) school right in front of you. Cross the street and turn left. Walk a block until you hit another crosswalk. Turn right before you go over the bridge and walk with the canal parallel to you on your left. My building is the yellow brick apartment on your right. Walk time: 15 minutes

Go up to the 2nd floor and I'm just outside the elevator, #202.

If taking the tram from the station, catch the Tram headed Minami. When walking out from the station, it will be the tram heading West, past the CIC and fountains before it turns down that same street you

WHY: To commemorate the anniversary of the Americans totaling their prefecture through a display of pyrotechnics and explosives. Uncomfortably ironic, but the fireworks are off the hook.WHO: Everyone is invited, including newbies, providing they don't get lost on their way and do something stupid like wind up in a total stranger's house. I will not be associated with such things.HOW: In your yukata, if you have one. If you don't, you can find them cheap in some places, but casual wear is fine. BYOB if you plan on drinking, and perhaps contribute an easy snackfood. I will provide some snacks and green tea.RSVP: No need to, but if you get lost and need directions, call me at (090)8093-8540. Hope to see you out!

JAMES (email or call with any questions: [email protected])

would walk South on. It will get to the castle and then make a right. After a few blocks heading West again, you'll see a series of pedestrian bridges over an intersection. Press the button and get off at the next stop. It will drop you off before crossing the big bridge over the river where the fireworks will be held and my apato is on your right. There will likely be loads of people getting off at my stop, so follow the yukatas.

Chateau Yasunoya


UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, August 2nd: Welcome Dinner for Group APlace: Sennen no Utage in Takaoka CityTime: 6:30pmDetails: 8-course dinner plus 2-hour all you can drink beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available). Cost: ¥3,930 **Meet at Takaoka station at 6:15pm (north exit)** After dinner, we’ll dance/sing the night away at the nearest bar and/or karaoke joint!Contact: Janet Calhoun, 090-8094-5021

Friday, August 8th: Beer Gardens Welcome PartyPlace: Koshikaikan Beer Paradise in Toyama CityTime: 6:00pm Details: All you can drink beer + all you can eat buffet for 2 glorious hours!After dinner, we’ll dance/sing the night away at the nearest bar and/or karaoke joint!Cost: ¥3,300**Meet at Toyama station at 5:30pm (central exit)**Contact: Erika Bateman, 090-8093-8540

Save the Dates! August Welcome Events Sponsored by AJET

Saturday, August 30th – Sunday, August 31st: Welcome WeekendPlace: Tateyama Sanroku Kazokuryoko-mura camp-joTime: 4:00pm (Saturday) – 10:00am (Sunday)Contacts: Janet Calhoun, 090-8094-5021; Erika Bateman, 090-8093-8540

We will send out e-vites/facebook invitations for the above events so please check your email for details and to RSVP! Please send all questions/comments to [email protected].

Toyama AJET Contact Information:President: Tiffany Dyer………………………………………[email protected]: Danielle Lewerenz………………………………[email protected]: Ally Lomas…………………………………………[email protected] Reps: Janet Calhoun……………………………………[email protected]

Erika Bateman T.R.A.M: Van Tran……………………………………………[email protected]

James FloydStephanie Simpson-WhiteSusan CoyneHilda Solomon

Librarians: Dominique Pumphrey (Tonami/Takaoka) …[email protected] Floyd (Toyama)…………………………[email protected] Quimby (Niikawa)………………………[email protected]

Charity: Laura Rountree…………………………………[email protected]: Tim Lindenschmidt……………………………[email protected]

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