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A lot has happened since the last issue of The Akitan. But we are back with a whole new PA team to deliver you news from around the prefecture (sorry, no music yet). This issue is packed full of fun and interesting articles, event information, pictures, and more! Please comment and leave feedback about this issue! Thanks!
Citation preview
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Events Articles Festivals Photos
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New PA introductions ·········································· 4
Block Leader introductions ······························· 6
Conference Info ··················································· 7
ALTs in the news ·················································· 10
Akita-ben corner ·················································· 11
Akitaculture ························································· 12
Upcoming events and festivals ···························· 14
From Akita to Outer Space ·································· 24
Sempai tips ·························································· 26
Photo corner ························································ 28
High school curriculum changes for 2013 ··········· 32
Lesson corner ······················································ 33
A lot has happened since the
last issue of The Akitan. But
we are back with a whole new PA
team to deliver you news from around
the prefecture (sorry, no music yet).
This issue is packed full of fun and
interesting articles, event information,
pictures, and more!
Be sure to check out our new section,
Akita-ben Corner, to pick up a little of
the Akita dialect. Also, Five Tips on
Being a Stupendous Sempai will give
you great advice as we prepare for
the new arrivals.
In the next few months we will be
saying goodbye to many of our close
friends as they return to their home
countries and move on to a new
chapter in their lives. We will miss you
all and we wish you the best of luck!
But every goodbye means a new hello
on the JET Programme as we
welcome a whole new bunch of ALTs
to Akita. We don’t know about you,
but we are excited for another year of
adventures!
Your PAs : )
In this issueIn this issue
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A lot has happened since the
last issue of The Akitan. But
we are back with a whole new PA
team to deliver you news from around
the prefecture (sorry, no music yet).
This issue is packed full of fun and
interesting articles, event information,
pictures, and more!
Be sure to check out our new section,
Akita-ben Corner, to pick up a little of
the Akita dialect. Also, Five Tips on
Being a Stupendous Sempai will give
you great advice as we prepare for
the new arrivals.
In the next few months we will be
saying goodbye to many of our close
friends as they return to their home
countries and move on to a new
chapter in their lives. We will miss you
all and we wish you the best of luck!
But every goodbye means a new hello
on the JET Programme as we
welcome a whole new bunch of ALTs
to Akita. We don’t know about you,
but we are excited for another year of
adventures!
Your PAs : )
PA Info
Randy Umetsu
080-4576-1812
Josh Drewry 090-2987-1984
Stephanie Hupp
090-7565-5049
Taylor Fustin 080-3322-3820
AJET Peer Support Group
Everyday 8 p.m.–7 a.m.
Toll free: 050-5534-5566
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Again, special thanks to Renaud, Derek, and Nikki for all
your hard work this past year! We have an all new PA
team coming to you!
Taylor Fustin
Hey everyone! I am looking forward to being
PA this year. It is going to be such a
magical and delightful year!
Stephanie Hupp
Hey all! Although I am a second year ALT, this
isn't my first time to Akita. I first fell in love with
the inaka during my study abroad at Akita
International University back in the fall of 2009.
I'm looking forward
to working with
everyone. Send
me a line if you
need anything!
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Randy Umetsu
Hey Akitans! I will be
going into my second year
as a CIR/PA this August.
Akita has been great thus
far and I can’t wait for
more fun this year! Hit me
up if you are headed to
the beach this summer! As
always, let me know
anytime you need help with anything!
Again, special thanks to Renaud, Derek, and Nikki for all
your hard work this past year! We have an all new PA
team coming to you!
Stephanie Hupp
Hey all! Although I am a second year ALT, this
isn't my first time to Akita. I first fell in love with
the inaka during my study abroad at Akita
International University back in the fall of 2009.
I'm looking forward
to working with
everyone. Send
me a line if you
need anything!
Joshua Drewry
Greetings, fellow
Akitans! In case you
don’t know me. I’m a
third-year ALT from
the USA living in Akita
City and proud to
have been selected as
your PA. I hope to
work with you all to
build on the tradition
of excellent English education in our
prefecture. Call or e-mail me anytime. I’m always
happy to help or just talk!
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You have spoken and here are the new Block Leaders for 2013–2014. Congratulations! We know you will serve Akita well!
Sean Corrigan, North Block Jon Stimmer, North Block
Kenny Grant, Central Block
Kinza Cooper, South Block Russell Kabir, South Block
David Ranzini, Central Block
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Jon Stimmer, North Block
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Twenty-two English camps this
year
The Prefectural Board of Education (PBOE), as a part of the prefecture’s English enhancement programs, will officially start two-night, three-day English camps that provide experience in English conversation. From June, the PBOE will hold the camps in 11 locations for a total of 22 times. Recruiting approximately 1,760 students from elementary to high school, the camps will create an opportunity for exchange with ALTs and students from abroad
Since 2005, the PBOE has hosted numerous English camps aimed towards elementary and junior high school students but will substantially increase the number of camps and range of participants this year. In August of last year, 35 students participated in an event hosted at Akita International University in which they learned the basics of giving English speeches and interacted with students from abroad.
Each camp this year will be open to 80 participants and will be held twice at the 11 locations. The details, such as place and time, will be decided in the weeks to come. Apart from the 22 camps, the PBOE also plans to host three advanced English camps for students with proficiency of pre-grade 1 or higher on the Eiken (English proficiency exam).
The PBOE has been putting great effort into English communication enrichment since 2012, and in addition to the camps has created the “Can Do List” that establishes
learning achievement goals for each school, such as being able to introduce oneself in English and also plans to host training for English teaching staff.
“We would like to raise the students’ motivation to learn English through this series of initiatives and cultivate individuals who will be able to proclaim the wonders of their hometown to the world,” expressed the High School Education Division, English Education Promotion Section. April 14, 2013 Akita Sakigake Newspaper Translated by Randy Umetsu
Akita JET Directory
2013-2014
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The private link to the
directory will be sent via
email!
The Akita JET Directory has
been revised with an all new
design! This directory serves to
help maintain the Akita JET
network of communication, so
please be sure to tell a PA if any of
your information needs updating.
Remember, the directory contains
personal information of our fellow
JETs, so it will NOT be published on
the Akita JET Wiki but distributed
via email. Please do not share the
directory with anyone outside the
Akita JET community. Thanks!
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ALT Produces CD Records all original songs
Russell Kabir, the Oklahoma native who came to Japan in April of last year, teaches English as an ALT for Yurihonjo City’s Kamijinego, Chokai-machi. But teaching English is not all Kabir does; he has independently produced his CD featuring a picture of Akita’s own Mt. Chokai with its lingering snow printed on the front. Kabir recorded his songs, in which he both sings and plays the acoustic guitar, back home in the United States.
“I was moved by the beauty of the process of Mt. Chokai’s snow slowly melting away. I want to take the things I have felt in Akita and use them for my songs, and I would like to share my music with my students,” said Kabir.
Kabir came to Japan in April, 2012, as an ALT and now teaches at five elementary and junior high schools in the Chokai and Yashima regions. He recorded his self-written and self-composed tracks just before coming to Japan.
Kabir’s journey with guitar and composition began at age 15. From this time, he became familiar with Japanese pop music and manga.
“Japanese music is refreshing, and as for manga, even adults can enjoy them.”
With his interest in Japan sparked, Kabir pursued Asian studies at the University of Oklahoma and spent two months studying in Tokyo. After graduation, he spent eight months in Oklahoma teaching English to study abroad students from France and
Japan.
Besides his job as an ALT, Kabir also works to spread cultural exchange and the love of music. On March 16, Kabir performed live some of his original songs as well as Japanese songs at a local Yurihonjo eatery.
His CD sells for 1,000 yen. With 800 copies produced, sales will begin at the end of the
March in Yurihonjo’s music shops. By next month he will be touring bars and other venues in Yurihonjo, Nikaho, Daisen, Akita City and also be selling his CD.
Details can be found on his website: http://russellkabirmusic.com
March 1, 2013 Akita Sakigake Newspaper Translated by Randy Umetsu
ALTs in th
e news!
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AkitaAkita--ben Cornerben Corner
What is Akita-ben? Akita-ben, literally translating to “Akita dialect,” is a sub-dialect of the Tohoku dialect umbrella (often called Zuzu -ben).
For most of us, learning Japanese is hard enough as it is. Throw Akita-ben into the mix and we have a nearly unintelligible language. (It is often accompanied by subtitles in national broadcasts). But not to fear! Give these Akita-ben phrases a try and you will be conversing with the local obaachan and ojiichan in no time (WARNING: Not for use in formal situations)!
In every new issue of The Akitan, we will be featuring a new Akita-ben word or phrase.
すったげ(suttage) or sometimes しったげ(shittage) is
used the same way とても(totemo), meaning “very,” is
used in standard Japanese.
Example:
とてもおいしいでしょう (totemo oishii deshou)
↓
すったげんめべ～ (suttage nmebe)
Translation: It’s very delicious
すったげ
With Pat Costello, a.k.a Akita-ben Mastah
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akitaculture
Thank you to all of those creative individuals who have contributed to akitaculture over the past year, whether through submissions of poetry, creative writing, stories of life in Akita, reviews, or photos. We are an online blog-style magazine and are excited to showcase a variety of expressions of the cultural and artistic side of our prefecture. We are always looking for new contributions of the aforementioned variety, as well as anything else you think would make an interesting addition to the collection. Attended any interesting festivals or live concerts lately? Have a great DIY craft or recipe to share? Listened to a great new album that you think everyone should be aware of? Caught the latest big-screen adventure at your local theatre? Write about it, photograph it, review it, and send it to us! We update the blog just about every week, so check back regularly to see the latest pieces. Submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis. If you don’t have an idea at the moment but would like to be a part of this project in the future, please get in touch as well.
As August approaches, the time to say goodbye to two of our editors (Katie Yantzi and Nikki Zywina) is also approaching. We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to get involved in editing and putting it all together, so shoot us an email.
- Katie, Nikki, and Jessie
Click the screenshot below to be taken directly to akitaculture!
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Sumo like you have never seen it before...
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Come and support your fellow ALTs as they battle it out to be this year’s Yokozuna in our annual charity Sumo contest. Entrance: Adults - 1000 yen Concessions - 500 yen (Under 5’s - Free) Time:
11:30 - 3:30
June 22nd Akita Budokan
Do You Think You’re Big Enough??
AAJ International Sumo Tournament
Akita – 2013
AAJ For more information, please contact:
[email protected] (080-3145-7758)
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Akita Association of JETs (AAJ) will be holding the Akita ALT Goodbye Party on Sunday,
July 14t (Monday is a national holiday) at the Sanboen cabin, Yurihonjo. Live music, DJs,
art, food and drinks at one of the best party venues in the prefecture. This is one of the
best events of the year and the last chance we get to see many of our friends before
they head off on their next adventure.
Be sure to invite your friends. We hope to make this an event that the leaving ALTs
won’t forget.
Hope everyone can make it!
Wil, Sam, Kenny, Dave and Francesca
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Accommodation: We’re renting the entire cabin, its main tatami room (30+ people) and 3 smaller rooms (6-10 people per room). Smaller rooms have been reserved for Kenpoku, Yokote and Akita city.
Entrance:
Entrance fee to the event is 2000 yen. Be sure to receive a wrist band when you arrive. Profits raised will go to the AAJ charity.
Food and drink:
We’ll start serving food from around 7:00pm. There'll be taco rice (with beef/pork) as well as a vegetarian option. Cans of alcoholic beverages will be 300 yen each. Non-alcoholic drinks (juice and assorted sodas) will be 200 yen. We ask all guests to kindly not put their own drinks in the kitchen fridges as the event organizers need the space.
Bands:
There will be a number of live performances followed by DJs.
Getting there:
If you are driving to the venue and have not been to the Sanboen cabin before we recommend arriving there while there’s still daylight. Finding this place at night can be a little tricky. If anyone will be going to Ugo-Honjo by train and doesn’t have a lift to the site please let Wil Lentze ([email protected]) know well in advance so he can organize rides from the station.
Parking:
Situated about 50 meters from the venue.
Akita ALT Goodbye Party • Sunday, July 14th
• Sanboen cabin, Yuri-Honjo (5-10 min drive from Ugo-Honjo station)
三望苑キャンプ 場 大浦鳥屋８１. See below for directions & map.
• 2000 yen entry (includes food & accommodation)
• Taco rice for dinner (and vegetarian option)
• Beer, chu-hais & non-alcoholic drinks
• Bands, live performances, DJs
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Sandcraft
Sculpture building
Sculpture display
Playing with sand — Beach, Ocean, and Sky —
A town with harmony of art and the environment
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T he Sandcraft festival will be held the weekend of July 27 and 28 at Kamayahama beach in Mitane-cho. Every year thousands come to join this festival and enjoy the giant works of sand art. There will be many events going on throughout the weekend, including sand sculpture displays from professional artists, local residents and students alike. There will be numerous events and things to enjoy such as food, music, beautiful Kamayahama beach, and a swim suit competition! So please come and enjoy!
The theme of the sandcraft this year is “A town with harmony of art and the environment”
Save the dates! July 27 and 28, 2013 for Sandcraft in Mitane-cho.
Contributed by Jon Stimmer
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T he Noshiro Space Event will be held from Monday, Aug. 19 to Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013. This annual event, now in its 9th year, will include many exciting activities:
Visitors can enjoy the launch of hybrid rockets that were designed and built by university students. A Can Sat Satellite Fly Back Competition, “Space Koshien” for high school students, and more.
Sunday, Aug. 25 is opening day, so please come and show your support for university and high school students who have come from all over Japan and who have both big dreams and great passion for space!
Opening day will be exciting and open to everyone. It will include; An open day exhibition, demonstration flight, demonstration run of rockets, demo launch from land, public large model rocket launching, water rocket competition, model rocket launching experience, Akita junior high school model rocket competition.
Please follow the event on facebook and twitter:
Facebook: Noshiro Space Event 2013
Twitter: NSE2013
Contributed by Jon Stimmer
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Kanto Matsuri, Akita City, Aug. 3-6
Hundreds of paper lanterns dancing through the air, the sound of taiko drums and bamboo flutes echoing down the street, the unmistakable smell of yakisoba and other famous festivals foods—this is the spirit of Kanto. Originally beginning as a prayer for a good harvest, Kanto Matsuri continues every year August 3–6 on a nightly parade and is considered one of the three biggest festivals in Tohoko. Being a task of great skill, performers balance the heavy bamboo poles and lanterns in various ways, adding more weights with every cheer of the crowd. Typically starting by balancing the poles on their hands, the performers then move to impress the crowd by moving the pole to their hip, shoulder, head, or perhaps chin, adding a fan or umbrella for additional pretension. Hundreds of natives and foreigners alike line the streets to see the performers attempt to balance, and sometimes topple, the poles. Even the slightest error can cause the pole to sway, causing a moment of intensity and excitement for all. More information can be found at http://www.kantou.gr.jp/english/index.htm
Tanabata Picture Lantern Festival, Yuzawa City, Aug. 5-7
Tanabata, translating to the “seventh evening,” is an auspicious holiday in Japanese tradition where the two lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi can cross the Milky Way barrier and finally be together for a night. Though typically celebrated on July 7, this lantern festival is held in August. Traditionally in most Tanabata festivals one writes a wish on bright and colorful strips of paper and then hangs them from a bamboo pole. Unique to Yuzawa, however, are the beautifully lit paper lanterns depicting the story of Tanabata, truly captivating the beauty of women in traditional Japanese art. Locals create most of the art and prepare a month beforehand. Website (Japanese only) http://aios.city-yuzawa.jp/kanko/event01.htm
Okuribon, Yokoto City, Aug. 16
Nicknamed by some ALTs in the south as “the boat smashing festival,” Okuribon Matsuri is the
climax of a period of festivals held in Yokote City. In August, various neighborhoods and people from around the city come together to create boats made of thatch and wood, which are then blessed and carried to Janosaki Bridge, where they must then fight one on one for the right of way. Dozens of men arm each boat, with one “captain,” so to speak, on top armed with a whistle in attempts to guide his men to victory. Though not as exciting as it sounds, as people have died in the past, the energy in the air is good, and both the victor and losers are all in good spirits. At night, fireworks can be seen both over the river and over the castle. Details can be found at http://gonorth.jp/?p=488
Nishimonai Bon Odori, Ugo, Aug. 16-18
Respected as one of the top three bon dances in Japan, Ugo’s Nishimonai Bon Dance is a summer festival held as homage to one’s ancestors. Dancers dawn their geta and unique patchwork kimonos to dance on the streets with poise and grace. Unique to this festival, however, participants conceal their face with straw hats, undoubtedly adding an element of mystery to the air. Accompanying the dancers, naturally, are bands of vocalists and band members with vocals particularly directed towards the farmers. On the dancing stage one can see the kanji wishing for a good harvest to come. More information in English http://www.town.ugo.lg.jp/
sightseeing/detail.html?id=340
Omagari Hanabi Taikai (Omagari Fireworks Festival), Omagari, Aug. 24
Considered the most attracted fireworks competition in Japan, literally thousands of people from around the country flock to the Omono River to see the famous spectacle. Fireworks companies and artisans alike compete to claim the title of most skilled. Onlookers line themselves along the river under a blossoming sky of fire that truly does justice to its Japanese name hanabi. Enjoy a beer and yakitori, chat with your friends, and see a three-hour, non-stop display of fireworks. More information in English here: http://www.fireworksin.com/events/omagari-national-japan-fireworks-competition-2013/
Contributed by Stephanie Hupp
For a complete list of summer festivals, CLICK HERE
Festivals coming up in August
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Kanto Matsuri, Akita City, Aug. 3-6
Hundreds of paper lanterns dancing through the air, the sound of taiko drums and bamboo flutes echoing down the street, the unmistakable smell of yakisoba and other famous festivals foods—this is the spirit of Kanto. Originally beginning as a prayer for a good harvest, Kanto Matsuri continues every year August 3–6 on a nightly parade and is considered one of the three biggest festivals in Tohoko. Being a task of great skill, performers balance the heavy bamboo poles and lanterns in various ways, adding more weights with every cheer of the crowd. Typically starting by balancing the poles on their hands, the performers then move to impress the crowd by moving the pole to their hip, shoulder, head, or perhaps chin, adding a fan or umbrella for additional pretension. Hundreds of natives and foreigners alike line the streets to see the performers attempt to balance, and sometimes topple, the poles. Even the slightest error can cause the pole to sway, causing a moment of intensity and excitement for all. More information can be found at http://www.kantou.gr.jp/english/index.htm
Tanabata Picture Lantern Festival, Yuzawa City, Aug. 5-7
Tanabata, translating to the “seventh evening,” is an auspicious holiday in Japanese tradition where the two lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi can cross the Milky Way barrier and finally be together for a night. Though typically celebrated on July 7, this lantern festival is held in August. Traditionally in most Tanabata festivals one writes a wish on bright and colorful strips of paper and then hangs them from a bamboo pole. Unique to Yuzawa, however, are the beautifully lit paper lanterns depicting the story of Tanabata, truly captivating the beauty of women in traditional Japanese art. Locals create most of the art and prepare a month beforehand. Website (Japanese only) http://aios.city-yuzawa.jp/kanko/event01.htm
Okuribon, Yokoto City, Aug. 16
Nicknamed by some ALTs in the south as “the boat smashing festival,” Okuribon Matsuri is the
climax of a period of festivals held in Yokote City. In August, various neighborhoods and people from around the city come together to create boats made of thatch and wood, which are then blessed and carried to Janosaki Bridge, where they must then fight one on one for the right of way. Dozens of men arm each boat, with one “captain,” so to speak, on top armed with a whistle in attempts to guide his men to victory. Though not as exciting as it sounds, as people have died in the past, the energy in the air is good, and both the victor and losers are all in good spirits. At night, fireworks can be seen both over the river and over the castle. Details can be found at http://gonorth.jp/?p=488
Nishimonai Bon Odori, Ugo, Aug. 16-18
Respected as one of the top three bon dances in Japan, Ugo’s Nishimonai Bon Dance is a summer festival held as homage to one’s ancestors. Dancers dawn their geta and unique patchwork kimonos to dance on the streets with poise and grace. Unique to this festival, however, participants conceal their face with straw hats, undoubtedly adding an element of mystery to the air. Accompanying the dancers, naturally, are bands of vocalists and band members with vocals particularly directed towards the farmers. On the dancing stage one can see the kanji wishing for a good harvest to come. More information in English http://www.town.ugo.lg.jp/
sightseeing/detail.html?id=340
Omagari Hanabi Taikai (Omagari Fireworks Festival), Omagari, Aug. 24
Considered the most attracted fireworks competition in Japan, literally thousands of people from around the country flock to the Omono River to see the famous spectacle. Fireworks companies and artisans alike compete to claim the title of most skilled. Onlookers line themselves along the river under a blossoming sky of fire that truly does justice to its Japanese name hanabi. Enjoy a beer and yakitori, chat with your friends, and see a three-hour, non-stop display of fireworks. More information in English here: http://www.fireworksin.com/events/omagari-national-japan-fireworks-competition-2013/
Contributed by Stephanie Hupp
Festivals coming up in August
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From Akita to Outer Space
By Jonathan Stimmer
When I think of Akita, I think first, and most importantly of the great people who live here. Then, I think of the natural wonders that Akita possesses. And of course the great festivals like Kanto in Akita, the Sandcraft festival in Mitane, the Kamakura snow festival in Yokote, or the hundreds of other local festivals happening here around the year. Then of course, there is the great food, from junsai, to kiritanpo. I feel very fortunate, and lucky to have lived here in Akita for almost four years now.
And, when I come back home to Mitane every night, and I look up at the night sky and see the constellation Orion, or it just happens to be clear enough to see the Milky Way or even the International Space Station slowly crossing
the sky overhead, I am reminded of one more thing that makes Akita special. That it was here in Akita that Japan made some of those first steps launching into the universe.
It was here in 1955 that the Japanese Space program was taking some its first infant steps. As early Japanese rockets grew in size and
capability, rocket test launches were moved from Tokyo, to here, on the shores of
Michikawa beach in present day Yurihonjo. 糸
川 英夫 (Itokawa Hideo) a.k.a. “Dr. Rocket”
and his team were launching rockets which would gradually increase in size from a “pencil rocket” that was only 23 cm long, to a rocket that would grow in power and size, eventually reaching Korea. You can still visit the spot where these launches took place and there is a monument at the original launch site.
So important was the work of Itokawa Hideo and his team, as well as Akita’s legacy as a part of the Japanese space program, that in 1962 Akita became the permanent home of the Japanese rocket test center in the Asanai area of Noshiro city. It was built by the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo (the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science), ISAS, which is now a part of JAXA. (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
It is here in Noshiro, Akita, that the past of Japan’s rocket program meets the future as they test the engines for the new Epsilon rocket, and Reusable rocket Vehicle Testing (RVT) which may one day bring the astronauts of Japan to outer space.
If you haven’t visited the Rocket test center in Noshiro, it is a must, and I have included a link to their website at the bottom of this article. It includes the history of the facilities, upcoming projects, and information on how to make reservations for tours. (All visitors must make reservations before coming.)
Itokawa Hideo passed away in February of 1999, but his contributions and legacy continue on. And, in 2003 the asteroid 1998 SF36 was given his name and called 25143 Itokawa. That asteroid was visited by the Hayabusa spacecraft in November 2005, and pieces of this asteroid were returned to earth in 2010 from this mission. .
Now, that I have talked about Akita’s legacy in space, from Itokawa Hideo, to the Noshiro Rocket Test center, I have to mention a festival that I didn’t mention at the beginning of this article…the 9th Noshiro Space Event
The 9th Noshiro Space Event (第九回能代宇宙
イベント) will take place from August 18 to
August 25, 2013. And it is a festival like no other. This is the largest student rocket competition in Japan where junior high school, high school and college teams will compete. There will be a water rocket competition for elementary school students as well. The winners of the High School competition will go on to the World High School rocket competition. There will be space related events for children and adults alike, and I highly encourage all of you to go. I have the pleasure of being on the executive committee for the Noshiro space Event, so if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
This event is for all to enjoy, and a celebration
of Akita, and Japan’s contribution to space flight. From the first rockets launched in 1955 to the testing of the engines of the new Episilon rocket that will launch in August or September 2013, Akita has played a defining role in Japan’s journey into space.
Thanks for reading this, and enjoy all that Akita, Japan and outer space have to offer.
For your viewing pleasure:
JAXA official website:
http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html
Send your name to asteroid 1999 JU3 on Hayabusa 2!
http://www.jspec.jaxa.jp/e/hottopics/20130329.html
Noshiro Space Event:
http://www.noshiro-space-event.org/en/index.html
Pencil Rocket Story:
http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/sp1/prologue_p2_e.html
Noshiro Rocket Testing Center:
http://www.jaxa.jp/about/centers/ntc/index_e.html
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From Akita to Outer Space
By Jonathan Stimmer
When I think of Akita, I think first, and most importantly of the great people who live here. Then, I think of the natural wonders that Akita possesses. And of course the great festivals like Kanto in Akita, the Sandcraft festival in Mitane, the Kamakura snow festival in Yokote, or the hundreds of other local festivals happening here around the year. Then of course, there is the great food, from junsai, to kiritanpo. I feel very fortunate, and lucky to have lived here in Akita for almost four years now.
And, when I come back home to Mitane every night, and I look up at the night sky and see the constellation Orion, or it just happens to be clear enough to see the Milky Way or even the International Space Station slowly crossing
the sky overhead, I am reminded of one more thing that makes Akita special. That it was here in Akita that Japan made some of those first steps launching into the universe.
It was here in 1955 that the Japanese Space program was taking some its first infant steps. As early Japanese rockets grew in size and
capability, rocket test launches were moved from Tokyo, to here, on the shores of
Michikawa beach in present day Yurihonjo. 糸
川 英夫 (Itokawa Hideo) a.k.a. “Dr. Rocket”
and his team were launching rockets which would gradually increase in size from a “pencil rocket” that was only 23 cm long, to a rocket that would grow in power and size, eventually reaching Korea. You can still visit the spot where these launches took place and there is a monument at the original launch site.
So important was the work of Itokawa Hideo and his team, as well as Akita’s legacy as a part of the Japanese space program, that in 1962 Akita became the permanent home of the Japanese rocket test center in the Asanai area of Noshiro city. It was built by the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo (the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science), ISAS, which is now a part of JAXA. (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
It is here in Noshiro, Akita, that the past of Japan’s rocket program meets the future as they test the engines for the new Epsilon rocket, and Reusable rocket Vehicle Testing (RVT) which may one day bring the astronauts of Japan to outer space.
If you haven’t visited the Rocket test center in Noshiro, it is a must, and I have included a link to their website at the bottom of this article. It includes the history of the facilities, upcoming projects, and information on how to make reservations for tours. (All visitors must make reservations before coming.)
Itokawa Hideo passed away in February of 1999, but his contributions and legacy continue on. And, in 2003 the asteroid 1998 SF36 was given his name and called 25143 Itokawa. That asteroid was visited by the Hayabusa spacecraft in November 2005, and pieces of this asteroid were returned to earth in 2010 from this mission. .
Now, that I have talked about Akita’s legacy in space, from Itokawa Hideo, to the Noshiro Rocket Test center, I have to mention a festival that I didn’t mention at the beginning of this article…the 9th Noshiro Space Event
The 9th Noshiro Space Event (第九回能代宇宙
イベント) will take place from August 18 to
August 25, 2013. And it is a festival like no other. This is the largest student rocket competition in Japan where junior high school, high school and college teams will compete. There will be a water rocket competition for elementary school students as well. The winners of the High School competition will go on to the World High School rocket competition. There will be space related events for children and adults alike, and I highly encourage all of you to go. I have the pleasure of being on the executive committee for the Noshiro space Event, so if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
This event is for all to enjoy, and a celebration
of Akita, and Japan’s contribution to space flight. From the first rockets launched in 1955 to the testing of the engines of the new Episilon rocket that will launch in August or September 2013, Akita has played a defining role in Japan’s journey into space.
Thanks for reading this, and enjoy all that Akita, Japan and outer space have to offer.
For your viewing pleasure:
JAXA official website:
http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html
Send your name to asteroid 1999 JU3 on Hayabusa 2!
http://www.jspec.jaxa.jp/e/hottopics/20130329.html
Noshiro Space Event:
http://www.noshiro-space-event.org/en/index.html
Pencil Rocket Story:
http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/sp1/prologue_p2_e.html
Noshiro Rocket Testing Center:
http://www.jaxa.jp/about/centers/ntc/index_e.html
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Five Tips on Being a Stupendous Sempai
Blatantly plagiarized from Casey Kuester (and slightly revised)
In a few months, we will be seeing many new faces around the prefecture, eager and fresh to take up the mantle of the Akita ALT. Here are some simple ways to make our new colleagues feel welcome and help them adjust to life in their new homes.
1. Be available
You, as well as our incoming JETs, are probably excited about
meeting some new faces. You may have even prepared a
welcomes board or dinner for some of the new guys. Most
likely this will make their fist impression of Akita a great one,
and they will soon set out to explore all the prefecture has to
offer. In addition to these fantastic welcome gestures, one of
the best ways to help new ALTs is just to let them know you
are there to answer questions. Even if they never end up
contacting you, it is always nice to know you are supported by
the community.
2. Remain available
New JETs will likely remain excited about their new placements for a few days to a few
months in a euphoria that you probably experienced too when you first arrived. Sadly,
this period does not last for most of us, and we start to feel the cold hard pangs of cul-
ture shock/fatigue before long. Staying in contact with someone and talking with them
about their new experiences can help put into perspective a lot of things for new JETs.
You don’t need to provide any kind of intense counseling, but letting someone know
that you are still there if they need to talk can help them out more than you know.
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3. Try not to talk too much about a new JET’s predecessor
Nobody is saying that you have to forget about the friends that you have made over the last
few years, but put yourself into a newbie’s shoes. Do you really want to constantly hear
about how great/awful the person before you was? When you meet a new JET, be as
forward-thinking as possible and focus on cultivating new friendships over reminiscing about
old ones.
4. Try to be as positive as possible
We are not saying that you should lie and say you are having a
better time than you are, but you should try to focus on remaining
positive. Instead of talking about how long and hard winter is, you
could talk about all the chances to go skiing/snowboarding from
January to March.
5. Let new JETs make their own mistakes
Some of the best stories we have on JET are from our
wacky mix ups, such as randomly pressing those
strange buttons on the side of a toilet only to get a
spray of water in the face. It is easy to want to pass
down your hard-won wisdom onto the new folks, but
let them discover and make mistakes for themselves
too.
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Photo by Randy Umetsu
Photo corner
Photo by Randy Umetsu
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Photo by Andrew Lewis
Photo by Andrew Lewis
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Photo by Jordan Oxborough http://oxborough.co.nz/tohoku/
Photo by Jordan Oxborough http://oxborough.co.nz/tohoku/
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AKITAN – High School Curriculum Changes for 2013
The new school year has begun and as usual many things are changing. However, if you are a Prefectural/High School ALT then you have probably heard people mention that the curriculum and guidelines for 2013 are different. So what does this mean for the curriculum and your classes? Probably the biggest clear change will be the insistence that English class be taught in all English. For some of you this already is the case, but for others it may be new. This use of English includes giving class instructions. It also means that students will be encouraged to use English (I hope this is already happening). This does not mean that Japanese is banned within the classroom. MEXT acknowledges that there are situations where students would benefit from Japanese instruction, but in general teachers are encouraged to use only English. The new focus of study is pushing teachers to move away from translating/grammar and towards communication. When doing reading activities, teachers are asked to have students summarize and pick out main points instead of translating.
In general, they are attempting to move from a focus on grammar and translation towards a more communicative approach. The result is that they are asking for more activities to be based on comprehension and expression. Setting expression as a goal means that we can hope to see activities without a single answer but a variety of acceptable responses. There should also be a shift towards listening and speaking activities to help balance the current reading/writing heavy curriculum. The level of change within your schools will inevitably depend upon your teachers and how they interpret the new English goals. Whether these new expectations are taken seriously will also be reflected by the style of testing. If there is no significant movement towards communicative testing, then students will have a hard time seeing the value in focusing on expression.
I encourage everyone to help facilitate the change to a communicative curriculum.
Contributed by Taylor Fustin
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Step 1) Compose 3 sentences for your students to use in their stories. These
should be comprised of a first, central and last sentence for the story. They
should be easy to understand and sufficiently vague to allow a variety of
stories but still lend direction to initial ideas. For my version of this
assignment, I assigned the students the sentences:
1. “It was a dark and stormy night.”
2. “Suddenly, I heard something behind me!”
3. “I will never forget that night.”
Step 2) Inform the students that they must use the sentences you gave them
in their story. Read them an example or two of your own for inspiration.
Step 3) Provide them with English dictionaries and/or a toolbox of useful
vocabulary.
Step 4) After they have composed their short stories, take volunteers to read
them. Turn the lights down for atmosphere and have fun!
“It was a dark and stormy night…” Submitted by Tessie Vu and Joshua Drewry
In Japan, the hot summer months are a time for ghost stories. Why not use this as a chance to motivate your kids to use English creatively and craft their own spooky stories?
The hardest part of creative writing for our students is often deciding on a direction. Left with too much freedom, students may be intimidated by the task and freeze. By supplying portions of story they must use, students are often more confident in their ability, feeling that they are only “filling it in”. Here’s how it works:
Download the Student Sheet
and Writing Page
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A re you interested in
learning more about
language teaching?
Would you like to connect with
other language teachers around
Akita or maybe Japan? If so, then
you may be interested in The
Japan Association for Language
Teaching (JALT).
JALT is a non-profit organization
dedicated to the improvement of
language teaching and learning
both within Japan and
internationally. The Akita JALT
chapter meets monthly and
invites you to check out the
workshops. You will find a
schedule for workshops for the
year on their website.
There is a charge of 500 yen for
all non-members (It used to be
1,000 yen, but they lowered it for
us!) JALT members and students
are free. Scheduled meetings are
at JOIN US in Akita City.
NOTE: The Akita JALT community
would love to learn more about the
JET Programme in Akita and team
teaching. If you are interested in
presenting something, please contact
Wayne Malcom:
Akita JALT
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Life After the BOE by David Namisato
We hope that you found this newsletter useful. If you have
any suggestions to make The Akitan better, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Lastly, submissions from you will make this work-related
newsletter all the more interesting. So, if you have lesson
activities, work-related essays, job postings, news articles,
photos, etc., please submit them to one of the PAs. As always,
thanks for reading!
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We are looking for great photos
and articles by you! Please send
anything you would like to
contribute to one of the PAs
and help make The Akitan even
better!
Created by your PAs
Taylor Fustin, Josh Drewry,
Stephanie Hupp, Randy Umetsu
Design and layout : Randy Umetsu
Contributors:
Jon Stimmer
Katie Yantzi
Jordon Oxborough
Kenneth Grant
Andrew Lewis
Tess Vu
Pat Costello
Wil Lentze
You can download and
read The Akitan offline
by clicking on the
download icon below
the newsletter preview!
