by Vince Madriaga
“There are places I remember. All my life, though some have changed…”
The opening lines of The Beatles’ classic ring true to anyone who has found a home in the JET Programme. Over a few short years, unfamiliar dots on a map of Japan transform into deeply personal landscapes filled with faces we will never forget. On a random Saturday in June, JETs gathered to remember and celebrate the end of the journey for our departing friends who have made waves in the Ehime prefecture.
The weather forecast leading up to the weekend had the entire AJET Team checking their phones relentlessly, but by morning, the clouds parted perfectly over Hojo. The sun came out, the coastal breeze was just right, and the stage was officially set. Packed with bags of meat,
onigiris, drinks, and charcoals from the previous beach event (
yes, we are sustainable like that), and a dose of bittersweet energy, JETs from all corners of the prefecture made the scenic ferry crossing to Kashima Island. Welcomed by the island’s serene atmosphere and a couple of deer, everyone was pumped to get the barbecue started, play beach volleyball, and dip in the perfectly cool waters.
Grills, Thrills, and Island Chills
After a good while of firing up the grill and getting everything sorted, the focus shifted to the main event: the food. The spread included mountains of meat, dozens of
onigiris, hands of bananas, packs of custard- and
anko-filled bread, and liters of drinks for everyone to enjoy. Some Bring Your Own (BYO) contingent brought their own culinary flair, grilling their own meat and patties, and creating personalized skewers and burgers. Some got a little inventive and grilled even their
onigiris, bread, and bananas – with their peel still attached!Between the trips around the food table, people drifted between playing beach volleyball, tossing frisbees, listening to music, and just chatting on the sand over cold drinks.
Lies, Deception, and the Great Storyteller
While the original plan called for a quiet icebreaker, the group ended up pivoting to something much more legendary: an intense, classic game of Mafia (a game of deception and hidden identities).Leading the chaos as the ultimate game master and storyteller (or should I say, manufacturer?) was none other than Peng, our former AJET president and a true Ehime pillar who is sadly leaving this year after an incredible five-year run. With Peng directing the narrative, accusing innocent people, and orchestrating the drama, the beach quickly filled with shouts, strategic pointing, and endless laughter. Disclaimer: No friendships were harmed by this card game. It turned out to be the absolute perfect way to get everyone mingling and showcase everyone’s brilliance and wit.
A Mikan-Flavored Send-Off
As the afternoon wound down, everyone gathered by the white torii gate at the Kashima Port for the bittersweet main event: honoring our departing JETs. In retrospect, holding the ceremony by the gate felt fittingly symbolic, as
torii traditionally mark a threshold of leaving one world behind and stepping into the next.
Vince, who represented the AJET Team, read aloud a message of appreciation on behalf of the Ehime JET community, thanking the departing JETs for sharing their hearts over the past couple of years. Afterwards, the departing JETs took a moment to look back on their journeys and offer words of encouragement to those staying behind. There were plenty of emotional smiles and a few misty eyes as the group realized just how much Ehime would miss these departing fellows. The other JETs also gave short yet heartfelt messages.
“But of all these friends and lovers, there is no one compares with you. And these memories lose their meaning, when I think of something new…”
To our departing friends, thank you for everything you have given to this prefecture. We wish you the absolute best on your next grand adventure. Though people may move on and places may change, the impact you left on Ehime stays right here.
The weather forecast leading up to the weekend had the entire AJET Team checking their phones relentlessly, but by morning, the clouds parted perfectly over Hojo. The sun came out, the coastal breeze was just right, and the stage was officially set. Packed with bags of meat, onigiris, drinks, and charcoals from the previous beach event (yes, we are sustainable like that), and a dose of bittersweet energy, JETs from all corners of the prefecture made the scenic ferry crossing to Kashima Island. Welcomed by the island’s serene atmosphere and a couple of deer, everyone was pumped to get the barbecue started, play beach volleyball, and dip in the perfectly cool waters.
After a good while of firing up the grill and getting everything sorted, the focus shifted to the main event: the food. The spread included mountains of meat, dozens of onigiris, hands of bananas, packs of custard- and anko-filled bread, and liters of drinks for everyone to enjoy. Some Bring Your Own (BYO) contingent brought their own culinary flair, grilling their own meat and patties, and creating personalized skewers and burgers. Some got a little inventive and grilled even their onigiris, bread, and bananas – with their peel still attached!Between the trips around the food table, people drifted between playing beach volleyball, tossing frisbees, listening to music, and just chatting on the sand over cold drinks.
While the original plan called for a quiet icebreaker, the group ended up pivoting to something much more legendary: an intense, classic game of Mafia (a game of deception and hidden identities).Leading the chaos as the ultimate game master and storyteller (or should I say, manufacturer?) was none other than Peng, our former AJET president and a true Ehime pillar who is sadly leaving this year after an incredible five-year run. With Peng directing the narrative, accusing innocent people, and orchestrating the drama, the beach quickly filled with shouts, strategic pointing, and endless laughter. Disclaimer: No friendships were harmed by this card game. It turned out to be the absolute perfect way to get everyone mingling and showcase everyone’s brilliance and wit.
Vince, who represented the AJET Team, read aloud a message of appreciation on behalf of the Ehime JET community, thanking the departing JETs for sharing their hearts over the past couple of years. Afterwards, the departing JETs took a moment to look back on their journeys and offer words of encouragement to those staying behind. There were plenty of emotional smiles and a few misty eyes as the group realized just how much Ehime would miss these departing fellows. The other JETs also gave short yet heartfelt messages.
To our departing friends, thank you for everything you have given to this prefecture. We wish you the absolute best on your next grand adventure. Though people may move on and places may change, the impact you left on Ehime stays right here.