Ready, Steady, 行こう!

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Sonic Taiyaki in Akihabara + Fish & Chips from the conbini I wonder what the next Passport Flavor will be! 

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Calling all DBZ fans!!

At the conbini in Japan, you can buy limited edition DBS stickers! It comes with a wafer because you know we’re all in it for the sticker.

Also Fire Coffee is doing a DBZ promotion where you can win a mini figure when you buy their coffee!

And Banpresto just produced new high quality figures that you can win at game centers.

Last but not least, check out the detail in each piece of that Goku puzzle I saw in Yokohama!

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It’s that lovely time of year again!

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DRAGON BALL SUPER FANS: In Japan, you can buy high quality DBS artwork from the convenience store. Because you don't know which out of the 16 you'll get you can't help but grab more than one ~ I got lucky with this one! 🤗

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I visited the Dragon Ball cafe in Osaka! This one wasn't as casual as the one in Tokyo, but it still had a creative menu~ The Saibamen Tapioca Milk Tea was adorable! 💕

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does a person’s Major have a significant impact on whether they’re chosen for JET? I’ve heard that it doesn’t matter what your degree is, but I️ figured I’d ask more people just to be. For example, my Major will be in psychology, so am I️ less likely to be chosen?

My major is actually Psychology too! So I don't think you need to worry about it too much. :) The field of my degree has never been an issue. If anything, it was a conversation starter at work. If they bring it up in the interview, try to connect it to JET. For example, maybe mention educational psychology and how that has helped you understand learning processes. 🤗 Hope this helps! Ganbatte!

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Hi! My name is Matisse and I'm currently a junior in uni. I came across your blog as I'm interested in teaching in Japan after graduation. I'll also be studying abroad in Yamaguchi in April. If you don't mind me asking what led you to want to do JET and what advice would you give to someone like me who will be applying. Thank you so much btw 😊

Hello Matisse!! Thank you for reaching out to me! So first, otsukare on your studies and getting into a study abroad program in Yamaguchi! I hope you have a wonderful experience there. 🤗So what led me to do JET was me wanting to gain more middle school teaching experience for my future job after JET. I want to work in a university one day so experience teaching abroad is definitely a plus on my resume. ✌️I worked in middle schools part time back home as a volunteer. Also, I'm in love with the food, tea, and culture here so it definitely sounded right up my alley. My advice for you is to get valuable and relevant experience to add on your application that'll help you stand out. Why should they choose you over someone else? For example, try to be more involved in organizations at your university and try to get some sort of teaching experience whether paid or volunteer work. It's worth it, I swear! Good luck with all your preparations!! ✌️🌊 Keep the questions coming if you've got them. 🤗

[ashintokyoooo]

Went on a road trip to Aomori. Took a little over 10 hours by car but was a complete blast! I finally got to see Nebuta Matsuri! For those living in Aomori, your prefecture is beautiful!

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I visited the Initial D Cafe in Gunma prefecture. I highly recommend their soy milk pudding! We went to the same starting line as the manga, too while blasting some Eurobeat! XD

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Daily Photo of Japan: Encountered aesthetic and Kirby in their natural environment.

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I visited Fukui prefecture with some friends for a scavenger hunt. The JETs there are so friendly!! If you’re getting placed there, you’re in for a great time!

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Settling Down in Japan

So you’ve finally made it to Japan, you’ve gone through customs, immigration, orientation and now you’re finally sitting in silence in your new apartment.

Don’t panic. You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve also been interacting nonstop with new friends and coworkers so some silence alone will do you some good.

I think it’s important to remember that you’ll eventually find your rhythm. You may doubt yourself at times and worry you’ll never find it but, trust me, if you really want to be apart of the community, you’ll find a way. I’m not talking about work. I’m talking about your free time. What you do with those hours will determine your happiness here in Japan. Maybe back home watching tv was what relaxed you. But while you’re here temporarily, why not do something out of your comfort zone?

For example, you could join a Yoga class, try tea ceremony, do Japanese archery, take karate, do bouldering, try calligraphy, join a Japanese language circle, etc etc~ ^^

The list goes on.

I’m not saying you won’t be happy here if you don’t challenge yourself. I’m encouraging you to go out and explore opportunities here that could change your life. :)

[ashintokyoooo]

Yogurt flavor! They taste better than they sound~

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You can get a Dragon Ball Super toy in a Happy Meal from McDonald's! I hear Goku is rare though. All the nuggets!

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Took a stroll at a temple~

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GU is having a Golden Week sale on their Dragon Ball apparel! For only about $5 you can buy a DB shirt! I bought too much stuff~ Yes, even cute boxers!

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When guests visit my elementary school, they must take off their shoes at the entrance. I'm not sure if other schools have a different system, but they can either leave their outdoor shoes on the mat or carry them in a plastic bag. Even after three years of living here it's still strange to see haha.