Read more about the article Backtrack #5 : The First Trinidadian in Matsuyama (Nichelle Mitchell, Matsuyama 2009-2014)
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Backtrack #5 : The First Trinidadian in Matsuyama (Nichelle Mitchell, Matsuyama 2009-2014)

Nicky

What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally?

My name is Nichelle Mitchell and I’m from the island of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). I was placed in Matsuyama-shi in Ehime ken on the island of Shikoku in August 2009.

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Continue ReadingBacktrack #5 : The First Trinidadian in Matsuyama (Nichelle Mitchell, Matsuyama 2009-2014)
Read more about the article Backtrack #4: Those Impressions Last for Generations (Abdulla Zokari, Imabari & Matsuyama 2011-2016)
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Backtrack #4: Those Impressions Last for Generations (Abdulla Zokari, Imabari & Matsuyama 2011-2016)

horse

What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally?

Abdulla Zokari. I was placed originally in Imabari in 2011, but I got married to a foreigner in Matsuyama and was able to transfer to that school to live with my wife 🙂   

Originally I’m from Yemen, but moved to Canada at 13 and learned English, then moved to Japan in 2010 at 23 years old to work for a private company (iTTTi PKC) in Ozu. That year I applied for the JET program, flew back for two weeks to take the interview, returned to Japan, then found out I was a successful candidate for 2011 JET programme. Not a typical JET story lol. 

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Continue ReadingBacktrack #4: Those Impressions Last for Generations (Abdulla Zokari, Imabari & Matsuyama 2011-2016)
Read more about the article Mikan PhotoMaps #1: Matsuyama Castle with Sage
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Mikan PhotoMaps #1: Matsuyama Castle with Sage

By Sage Burch

This is the first installment of our new series, Mikan PhotoMaps. If you are interested in submitting a location near you, please have a look at what we’re looking for in a submission here.

IMG_20200802_190525-EFFECTS

For our first installment of Mican PhotoMaps, there was no other place I wanted to introduce more than Matsuyama Castle. 

Take a look at the post below if you’re looking for a place to visit in Matsuyama City and want to know what to expect, and remember, for this series we need your photos and descriptions of your favorite places across Ehime. What place will you write about?

This is Matsuyama Castle.

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Continue ReadingMikan PhotoMaps #1: Matsuyama Castle with Sage
Read more about the article Unbeaten Paths: Chuyo <s>2020</s><b>2021</b>
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Unbeaten Paths: Chuyo 20202021

Edited by Jordan Rocke

Welcome to Unbeaten Paths 2020/21 pt 2, covering the central region of Chuyo! Once again, thank you very much to everyone who took the time to submit their introductions, and if there are any incoming folks who would like to be included, I am always happy to add you in!

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Continue ReadingUnbeaten Paths: Chuyo 20202021
Read more about the article Unbeaten Paths: Toyo <s>2020</s><b>2021</b>
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Unbeaten Paths: Toyo 20202021

Edited by Jordan Rocke

Hey everyone! Welcome to our second annual consecutive Unbeaten Paths. Last time, we focused on a handful of incoming JETs from under-represented countries on the JET programme, talking about how they ended up coming here despite not having the same avenues to entry as British and American JETs. This year, I want to use Unbeaten Paths as a way for any incoming JET to introduce themselves to their community, considering how ridiculously long the delay has been.

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Read more about the article Backtrack #3: Goal Well Met (Terrence Gardiner, Yawatahama 1993-1995)
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Backtrack #3: Goal Well Met (Terrence Gardiner, Yawatahama 1993-1995)

Thanks

Flowers say thanks,
As do some sweets,
But a poem 
Does them better...

For the flowers will die,
And the sweets will be eaten,
But a poem is immortal,
To all forms of death,
And may only be consumed
By the heart...

So thus is my thanks,
Hereby written,
In hopes that your hearts,
May be filled
By my thanks.

Terry2

What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally?


I’m Terrence Michael Gardiner. I was a JET in 1993 in Japan, Ehime prefecture, working in high schools, and I lived in Yawatahama city . I’m originally from Corcoran, Minnesota, USA.

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Continue ReadingBacktrack #3: Goal Well Met (Terrence Gardiner, Yawatahama 1993-1995)
Read more about the article Backtrack #2: With New Eyes and Extra Colours (Sara Armstrong, Matsuyama 2005-08)
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Backtrack #2: With New Eyes and Extra Colours (Sara Armstrong, Matsuyama 2005-08)

English Camp July 2006

A picture from a SHS school camp.

What’s your name, when and where was your placement, and where are you from originally?

My name is Sara Armstrong, I’m originally from West Virginia, USA. I was placed with the Matsuyama-shi BOE from 2005-2008 and worked at Asahi-chu my first year, Yushin and Nishi during my second, and I was in the BOE working only elementary schools for my third year.

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Continue ReadingBacktrack #2: With New Eyes and Extra Colours (Sara Armstrong, Matsuyama 2005-08)