I hope everyone had a spectacular summer, and all the new JETs and continuing JETs with new schools are settling in as well. Big thanks to everyone that weathered the storm to join us for the Takasaki Fireworks! There were many new JETs who made it out and we’re so glad you did. It was great meeting you all! Summer break is over but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. We have Gunma Games coming up really soon! Make sure to read about all the exciting events coming up to get you back in the swing of school life and make some new friends.
Put up your umbrellas and jump right in!
Upcoming Major Events
Shibukawa Bellybutton Festival
Do you have a belly button? Japan does too! It’s in the heart of Gunma, Shibukawa.
Heso matsuri or known as in English, “The belly button festival” is held in Shibukawa every year. It is a festival where we paint faces on our stomachs with faces as festival participants dance down the streets of Shibukawa to the tune of Heso Ondo “the belly button song”
This year Shibukawa is holding the 41st Heso matsuri on September 7th 2024. It would be amazing to see you all there for this unique festival!
RUFF (R U Free Friday?)
RUFF is an event hosted by GAJET. Usually the 1st Friday after payday, this is a chance for you to hang out and catch up with your fellow JETs! RUFF this month will be on Friday the 13th this year! Wanna test your luck! This month’s location will be posted on our socials so stay tuned!
Gunma Games
For everyone with school sports days right around the corner, wishing that they could get in on the action, here’s your chance! The Olympics are done, now it’s our turn to compete! While we don’t have medals to give out, we do have something better. The ✨GOLDEN CABBAGE✨!
Gunma Games is the ultimate undokai you never knew you needed, with plenty events for people of all abilities. There’s no need to be a world-class athlete; everyone can join in!
Check out our social media for more info!
GAJET Hike
GAJET will be hosting a group hike soon! Keep a look out on our social media pages for more info!
Around the Cabbage Patch
The summer might be winding down, but there’s still plenty of things to do in September!
Trivia at Pitch
Are you interested in discovering a new bar? Do you enjoy trivia? Well, have we got the place for you! Welcome to Pitch, a cool sports bar that has been popular with the ALT community in Takasaki. Usually on the second or third Tuesday of every month, there is an English trivia game night! Our hosts are James and Kirsten, a married couple who has been living in Takasaki for years. They have close ties to the ALT community and have created trivia night in both Takasaki and Tokyo to raise funds for the Gunma Satoyama School for children with learning disabilities. If you are interested in a fun night of trivia, getting to meet new people and donating to a good cause, check out Pitch! (Announcements for what day trivia is on, are posted to the Takasaki group chat. If you aren’t on the chat, check out Facebook and Instagram for updates as well!)
Takasaki Haruna-jinja Shrine
Check out the autumn leaves at Haruna-jinja Shrine starting late September.
Kesamaru Hike
Are you interested in hiking? Head to Midori this September and hike Mt. Kesamuru! This is a nice and easy trail for hikers of all levels. You’ll get to experience wonderful nature and a sleeping buddha on this mountain!
1203 Cafe
This is one of the coziest places in Japan. Set up by a Canadian local, this is a little slice of home in every way. It looks like a house, the food tastes like something your favorite relative would make and the friendly atmosphere from the owner can’t be beat! You’ll find superb coffee here (supplied by local roaster Norry). There’s a great selection of cold drinks and toasted sandwiches but by far the most popular item on the menu is the donuts. The 6 donuts often comes as 7 donuts as the owner is just that nice. Parking is sparse at the location so park at the local mall (and buy something at Daiso if you feel guilty)
That’s all from us for this month! If you’d like this newsletter straight to your inbox, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter!
Have something you would like to share? Email our Editor (Leydi) at editor@gunmajet.net
Try to stay cool for the rest of the warm weather!
