Hope had a lovely start to their year! Still got love left for the rest of winter and all it has to offer? We sure hope so; thereās still so much to do! There is still time to get your skis out and join us for Skibo! We are also starting sign-ups for Art Share, one of the most anticipated and entertaining events of the year, plus a Winter Photo Contest for all our artistic photographers out there. Donāt miss out!
Youāre gonna love what we have planned!
Upcoming Major Events
Round One
Prefer staying inside for winter? Youāll love Round One! GAJET is planning a Round One meetup on Saturday February 15. Round One is a large amusement center with so many things to keep you entertained. From sports to claw machines and karaoke, itās impossible to be bored at Round One! If you want to get a discount with GAJET, sign up by Wednesday, Feb. 12 here!
Date: February 15
Start Time: 2:30-5:30pm
Location: Maebashi Round 1
Skibo 2025
Wanna try your hand skiing or snowboarding? Join GAJET for SKIBO 2025! This year weāll be heading up to Hodaigi in Minakami to have some fun in the snow! Please check out our socials for any updates or changes.
Date: 10:00AM Saturday, February 22nd~ until close (opens at 8:30 if you want to get out there earlier!)
Location: Hodaigi
Sign-ups: Click here to sign up.
Deadline: The RSVP deadline is Saturday February 15
Just a heads up; GAJET will not be providing any lessons this year. If you are not experienced or comfortable on the slopes, we recommend learning for a friend or joining us up on the mountain without skiing or snowboarding.
Winter Photo Contest
GAJET is bringing back the photo contest for the start of the year with the theme of winter!
You can submit up to two photos only until February 21, so make them count! You can also be anonymous if you would like. The only requirement is for it to be photography and to submit no more than two photos.
We would love to see your work! You can sign up here!
Voting will be from February 24th~28th and the winner will be posted on social media and the newsletter in March!
Art Share Sign-Ups
Calling all artists, poets, musicians, and other amazing creatives!
Do you have some art to share with the world? Hereās your chance!
Whether youāre a painter, photographer, videographer, sketch artist, cartoonist, writer, poet, sculpture, singer, dancer, comedian, actor, musician, magician, fashion designer, or candlestick maker- all are welcome and needed to make Art Share what it is!
In the past, weāve had t-shirt designers, plushie artists, and postcards in the artists corner, and everything on stage from karaoke singers, synth musicians, and three-piece bands, so whether you make classic oil paintings, or blankets from secondhand clothes, there is a place for your wonderful art here. We hope to see you there!
Date: March 8th, 2025
Time: 2pm-6pm
Location: Maebashi Red-brick house
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Click here for Google maps.
Tickets: Ā„1000 at the door for attendees, Ā„500 at the door for participating artists.
GAJET is a non-profit organization, so this fee is only used to cover the cost of the venue and equipment.
Sign-ups: Click here to sign-up. Although walk-in spectators are welcome, we ask that both artists and spectators sign-up before the deadline to help us gauge numbers. We do not accept artist walk-ins.
Sign-up deadline: 11:59pm March 2nd, 2025
Who can take part: This event is open to the public, so spread the word! If you know anyone who has some amazing art, or would love to perform, they are very welcome!
***Important Notice for Attendees***
Maebashiās Red-brick House for Culture and Arts is a beautiful old gallery space that doesnāt allow food or drink inside. But weāll keep it relaxed with plenty of chances for you to grab food and drink and socialize in the courtyard outside.
If you are unable to join the event after signing up, please let a member of GAJET know BEFORE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5.
Did someone say plum blossom?
Not loving the snow? Already desiring to see some flowers blossom? Check out the beautiful plum blossoms! Plum blossoms flower from mid February to Late March, so theyāre the perfect way to get your flower fix before spring really begins.
- Akima Bairin Plum Grove FestivalNestled in the hills of Annaka City,Ā Akima BairinĀ is home to 35,000 plum blossom trees. The festival starts on February 17 and ends in Late March. The easiest access is by car, which is about 20 minutes from the Joshin-Etsu Expressway. Apart from trees, the festival also includes traditional performances such as taiko drums and singing, various food stalls, and a flea market. For more information (in Japanese)Ā click here.
- Haruna Bairin Plum Grove FestivalThroughout the month of March 120,000 tree, 400-hectare plum grove celebrates the blossoms with a festival offering plenty of plum products, Ā snacks and a flea market. The Haruna Ume Marathon also passes through the park on Sunday March 10, so be sure to tag along and cheer the runners on under the shade of the plum blossom trees. Accesible by car 40 minutes from Takasaki Expressway, or on 50 minute bus from Takasaki station. For more information,Ā click here.
- Misato Bairin Plum GroveWith a grove of 100,000 trees,Ā Misato BairinĀ makes up the last of Gunmaās āThree Great Plum Blossomā sites. They hold their plum blossom festival from late February to late March, and sell many plum based products. Accessible by car 30 minutes from the expressway, or by on a approx. 40 minute bus and an hours walk from Takasaki station. For more information,Ā click here.
Bunpro is an excellent learning tool for Japanese learners. They are currently offering a discount to all active JET members. Please contact hello@bunpro.jp to get the discount. You will need your JET number to be eligible for the discount.
Thatās all from us for this month! Stay subscribed and check out our social media to receive updates about GAJET sponsored events and more happening in the cabbage patch.
Have something you would like to share? Email our Editor (Leydi) at editor@gunmajet.net
Donāt forget to wrap up and stay warm!
