The Hokkaido Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching
PA Corner
Hokkaido PA Update
Jan 18th
We now sit just weeks out from the ‘famous-even-in-the-world’ Sapporo Snow Festival and carving and compacting is well underway for the giant structures that will dominate the park throughout the first weeks of February. First-years will hopefully be excited to come along and see what it’s all about, but in this land of snow and ice, Sapporo is certainly not the only city to be rising to the cold construction challenge.
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December Messages
Dec 8th
Well, hello there Hokkaido JET world. It’s been a month or more (ok, actually much more) since I’ve updated the PA Corner, and though there has been much going on there’s been little time to tell folk about it. So for now, a couple of updates and reminders to see you through the December season.
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Preparing for Battle – Cold, Flu, and Hokkaido
Sep 27th
No doubt Autumn’s sneaking up on us now, and while most folk will be concentrating on which hikes to get in before the real cold hits (or what food to stock up on for the winter), it should also beg the question of whether or not to book yourself in for a jab in the arm with Japan’s version of the flu-vaccine.
Sapporo Short Film Festival & More!
Sep 5th
Sapporo Short Film Festival kicks off next weekend – great opportunity to catch some nifty international films, to chill with Sapporo’s beatniks, to stuff yourself silly with popcorn and pleasure of a cinematographic sort. This continues to be one of my highlights on the Sapporo Events calendar, and hope that other people have the chance to get take a peek.
Though I know that not everyone will be around for it, the finals presentation occurs on the Monday evening, with the finalists showing in two group sessions. Highly recommended. Follow this link to find out more (English version available): http://www.sapporoshortfest.jp/
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Headed to Hokkaido! & New Year, More Paperwork
Jul 24th
Here we are just one week out from having forty fresh new faces on the island. Another week on from that and we’ll have our eighty plus intake of new JETs arrived and ready to get on with their Hokkaido lives. Much as I hate saying goodbye to friends, meeting the newcomers is always a thrill, and a good excuse for a new haircut (I’m not sure why).
What better way to capitalize on all of this excitement than by coming down for meet and greets at the Sapporo Welcome Enkai (Monday, 19th August at Kirin Beer Garden). We’re hoping for a bumper welcome party this year and would love as many ‘remaining’ JETs to come down as possible. If that idea doesn’t float your boat, then I still urge people to come and have a looksee at the Sapporo Beer Gardens, open from last weekend and brimming with happy folk enjoying beer and good times in the parklands.
In Regards to the G-8 Summit and Some Requests
May 29th
The G8
Much has been made of this already on the forums, and in attempt to keep this as apolitical as possible, I request anybody in the vicinity of the summit to be very well aware of the stringency of security measures and the fallout that may occur if you are to believed to be ‘mixed-up’ in behaviour that is not seen to befit your public-employee status.
Contact me directly if you have any concerns regarding the summit and its impact on your life here over the next couple of weeks, or if you’re seeking advice on any kinds of legal issues that may arise.
Please also keep in mind that we are expecting nonviolent AND other protesters to try to make it to the event, and as such, I urge you to exercise caution when offering your home to ‘travelers’ who are looking for a place to stay. We should keep in mind that this is a major event attracting a significant amount of global attention, and that all residents of the surrounding areas are asked to be especially vigilant and cautious.
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Make a Survival Kit
May 15th
Recent events, while tragic for those involved, are also a timely reminder for those of us living here, where earthquakes are always a possibility. Hokkaido is generally ‘lucky’ in that our share in the natural disaster pot tends to be minimal, earthquakes do happen, and when they do, you’ll sure be a much happier camper if you’re prepared.
Please download the following PDF to help prepare you for when and if a disaster happens.
Survival Kit – Right Click to “Save As…” or “Save Link As…”
Also, please check out this Emergency Procedures in the Event of an Earthquake document to help you prepare and know what to do during and after an earthquake.
Stay safe,
Chelle
