Collective living can take a variety of forms. Last month we looked at multigenerational Kankan Mori in Tokyo; today, let's explore the Adult Women’s Dormitory Project in Osaka—a place single women of all ages can call home. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... #CommunalLiving #Women #Aging #JETAA #Japan

Setsubun is just around the corner. Are you ready to drive off any ogres by throwing beans? And do you have your giant ehomaki sushi roll to eat for good luck? Learn more about celebrating Setsubun here: www.japanlivingguide.com/expatinfo/ja... #Setsubun #BeanThrowing #EhomakiSushi #JETAA #Japan

The other day we highlighted job hunting. But what about graduate school? Check out USJETAA's university partnerships where all JETs and JET alumni qualify for scholarships and other perks. www.usjetaa.org/university-p... #GradSchool #Scholarships #UniversityPartnerships #USJETAA #JETAA #Japan

Have you ever seen 34,000 runners competing all at once? The 2026 Osaka Marathon on Feb 22 is your chance! Cheer on participants and get into the festive mood. Winners qualify for the 2028 Olympic team!🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️ www.timeout.com/osaka/sport-... #OsakaMarathon #Runners #Sports #Cheering #JETAA #Japan

Mottainai! Don't waste! Japanese quality plus the "mottainai spirit" of making the most of items has created demand for used Japanese goods abroad. These days, many Japanese products gain a second life in a new country. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... #Mottainai #SecondHand #Auctions #JETAA #Japan

We love to share stuff about Japan here, but just a reminder that JETwit also has a website. And on that website we post a lot of job openings for those who have connections with Japan. So if you're looking for work, come take a look! jetwit.com/wordpress/ #JobHunt #Jobs #JETwit #JETAA #Japan

In Kyoto this spring? Take note: the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association has announced a special exhibition that will open "five hidden cultural properties" to the public for a limited time. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... #Kyoto #HiddenCulture #Temples #Shrines #SpecialExhibit #JETAA #Japan

Have you heard of Awaji Island? Lying between Tokushima and Kobe, this island is often overlooked. But here's a fun article that points out some unusual things you can see and do there. Definitely worth a visit! www.timeout.com/osaka/news/i... #Awaji #淡路島 #Tourism #HaveFun #JETAA #Japan

Thanks to farmers markets throughout Tokyo, urban residents can buy farm-fresh produce, fresh baked goods, and more directly from growers and artisans. Here's a list of Tokyo farmers markets worth checking out: www.tokyoweekender.com/things-to-do... #FarmersMarkets #Tokyo #Fresh #JETAA #Japan

Lotteria seems to have been around forever—but now they are disappearing. By March of this year, the last Lotteria will be rebranded as Zetteria. Have you tried Zetteria yet? Did anything but the name change? en.sedaily.com/internationa... #Lotteria #Zetteria #Hamburgers #JETAA #Japan

JET Alumni Profile: Stephanie Balakrishnan The Japan Society of Boston speaks with Stephanie Balakrishnan about her experience as a JET in Kyoto Prefecture, 2015–2017. www.japansocietyboston.org/post/stephan... #AlumniProfile #LifeAfterJET #Kyoto #Connection #JETAA #Japan

Known for its collection of historical textile artifacts, the Marubeni Gallery is currently offering an exhibit exploring the evolution of kimono styles during the Edo and Meiji periods. www.tokyoweekender.com/event/evolut... #Kimono #Edo #Meiji #Marubeni #Gallery #Exhibit #JETAA #Japan

Food is intrinsic to culture and meals bring people together. But dietary restrictions can disrupt this. These influencers are working to overcome one obstacle by ID'ing halal meals. Pls share info re: other dietary needs below🙏 www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... #Food #Community #Diet #JETAA #Japan

When you are craving a relaxing soak, but don't have an onsen nearby, what can you do? Bath salts to the rescue! Here are some bath salts you can use at home to recreate that genuine hot spring feel. www.tokyoweekender.com/health-and-b... #Relaxation #Onsen #BathSalts #SoakAtHome #JETAA #Japan

鬼は外福は内 "Out with the bad, In with the good!" It's time to start preparing for Setsubun at Daiichi-in Temple, where monks handcraft 2,000 lucky boxes to be distributed at the February bean-throwing festival. mainichi.jp/english/arti... #Setsubun #LuckyBoxes #Handmade #DaiichiinTemple #JETAA #Japan

Suitcases abandoned by tourists are causing a lot of headaches for hotels, but now businesses are getting innovative in ways to upcycle this discarded luggage. Take a look at this rooftop container garden, for example! www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... #AbandonedLuggage #Recycle #Upcycle #JETAA #Japan

In longstanding tradition, Yontama the cat has been appointed the newest stationmaster of Kishi Station in Wakayama Pref. Yontama will be joining her predecessors in welcoming travelers to her outpost. www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/n... #Stationmaster #Cats #KishiStation #Yontama #JETAA #Japan

It's never too early for sakura🌸 JMC has released its updated 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast, and it looks like the flowers will be appearing earlier than last year. Take a look and plan your hanami picnics! www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/h... #Sakura #CherryBlossoms #2026Forecast #Hanami #JETAA #Japan

How many castles in Japan have you visited? Some castles, like Matsumoto-jo and Himeji-jo, are well-known; others are more obscure. But all of them will sell you their official castle stamp to record your visit. savvytokyo.com/a-guide-to-g... #Collect #Stamps #Castles #Gojyoin #御城印 #JETAA #Japan

For fans of Japanese literature, here's a list of ten recent English translations of fiction works. Have you read any of these yet? If not, now is the perfect time to pick one up and get started! www.tokyoweekender.com/art_and_cult... #Bookworms #JapaneseLit #EnglishTranslation #JETAA #Japan

Collective living creates third places—places other than home and work—where we can connect with others. Kankan Mori is one such community where multiple generations are building a life together. mainichi.jp/english/arti... #CollectiveLiving #ThirdPlace #Community #KankanMori #JETAA #Japan

Have you ever watched a Japanese fire department's annual drill? It is a drill, but it's also quite a performance. Here's a report on Tokyo's fire department, which just held their drill Tuesday (Jan 6). mainichi.jp/english/arti... #FireDepartment #AnnualDrill #TokyoFD #JETAA #Japan

Millions of yen for a single bluefin tuna or a few cherries. Beyond the eyebrow-raising wow factor, what do you think spurs people to bid so high? www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/n... #Auction #MillionYenTuna #TunaKing #MillionYenCherries #JETAA #Japan

What's new with the shinkansen this year? Private compartments! Starting from October 2026, travelers will be able to book a private room for either 1 or 2 passengers on Tokaido shinkansen routes. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... #Travel #BulletTrain #新幹線 #Tokaido #PrivateCompartment #JETAA #Japan

It seems like konbinis already offer it all, but now nearly 400 7-Elevens have something new to offer: luggage storage. Drop by or reserve a spot ahead via the Ecbo Cloak app—super convenient! www.timeout.com/osaka/news/7... #Travel #LuggageStorage #Konbini #7Eleven #Convenience #JETAA #Japan

Well, Indonesia's civet (poop) coffee has become a luxury drink, so why not Japanese caterpillar (poop) tea? This innovative tea has been highly praised, with flavors based on the caterpillars' leafy diet. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... #ChuHiCha #CaterpillarPoopTea #Innovation #Tea #JETAA #Japan

A "marriage of tradition with contemporary technology" made possible Hokkaido's first wooden five-storied pagoda. Visit Koshoin Temple in Ishikari, near Sapporo, to view this elegant pagoda for yourself. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... #5StoryPagoda #Hokkaido #KoshoinTemple #Ishikari #JETAA #Japan

The New Year is here and it's time for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year! Some choose their family shrine or a nearby neighborhood one, but here are 7 major shrines many choose to travel to. www.tokyoweekender.com/travel/spiri... #Hatsumode #初詣 #NewYear #FirstShrineVisit #JETAA #Japan

The last day of the year…New Year's Eve…what are your plans? Don't forget to include a bowl of toshikoshi soba! Symbolizing long-life and more, invite good fortune into your new year! www.tokyoweekender.com/food-and-dri... #ToshikoshiSoba #LongLifeNoodles #NewYearsEve #Tradition #JETAA #Japan

Natural disasters can strike at any moment, so being prepared is important. But are you truly ready? This gamified evacuation drill feels like fun but also communicates critical points. japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/original/per... #DisasterPreparedness #Evacuation #Drill #Gamification #JETAA #Japan

Did you ever have a piggy bank, or chokin-bako? Probably. Discover a trove of money boxes from around the world (many of which are pig-shaped) at the Museum of Money Boxes in Amagasaki, Hyogo. japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/muse... #PiggyBank #MoneyBox #貯金箱 #MuseumOfMoneyBoxes #JETAA #Japan

For those who follow the Imperial family, Prince Hisahito will join the family for the traditional New Year's public greeting on Jan 2 for the first time this year. japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/impe... #NewYear #Oshogatsu #Greeting #ImperialFamily #PrinceHisahito #JETAA #Japan

Music can be found anywhere—and created with nearly anything. Taku Junichiro excels at making instruments from everyday objects. Here he plays a chikuwa fish cake and a kendama! www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... youtu.be/g8tU45fLki0?... #Music #AnythingIsAnInstrument #Chikuwa #Kendama #JETAA #Japan

We're only a week away from Kohaku—the Red & White Song Battle. As we count down the days—and then the hours—to year-end, here's all you'll need to know about this year's Kohaku line-up and more! www.tokyoweekender.com/entertainmen... #Kohaku #紅白歌合戦 #Red&WhiteSongBattle #NewYearsEve #JETAA #Japan

Bounenkais, Christmas, Oshogatsu, and more—feeling like you've over-indulged in holiday treats? Take a deep breath & treat yourself to this common-sense advice for making merry while keeping your health intact. savvytokyo.com/a-tokyo-diet... #HolidayFeasting #HealthyEating #Balance #JETAA #Japan

It's Christmas Eve in Japan…what are you doing? Well, if you're single, you're probably going out on a date! savvytokyo.com/ideal-japane... #ChristmasEve #HolidayDate #DatingInJapan #December24 #JETAA #Japan

A strawberry-adorned white sponge cake is the traditional Christmas cake in Japan—but how did this come to be? This article traces the history of Christmas cake in Japan from 1910 till now. Yum! savvytokyo.com/christmas-ca... #ChristmasCake #FujiyaBakery #クリスマスケーキ #不二家 #Strawberries #JETAA #Japan

Wanting to up your festive mood? Timeout Osaka has compiled a list of 12 dazzling winter and holiday illuminations throughout the city. www.timeout.com/osaka/things... #Wintertime #Holidays #Illumination #Lights #Osaka #JETAA #Japan

JET Alumni Profile: Jennifer Sherman The Japan Society of Boston speaks with Jennifer Sherman about her experience as a JET in Mie, 2012–2016. www.japansocietyboston.org/post/jennife... #AlumniProfile #LifeAfterJET #Mie #LifeImpact #CareerPath #JETAA #Japan

Tokyo moved up to #2 in the 2025 Global Power City Index. It also ranked 1st in the livability category, and 2nd for cultural interaction. Do you agree? Also, do you think residents and visitors have the same Tokyo experience? mainichi.jp/english/arti... #Tokyo #GlobalPowerCity #JETAA #Japan

Attn: JETs & JET alumni! The 2026 JET Program Career Fair is your chance to connect with employers in a variety of sectors. The fair will be held this coming February in Tokyo and Osaka, and registration is now open: dotank.net/afterjet/en/... #CareerFair #JETProgramme #Tokyo #Osaka #JETAA #Japan

Kobe Uni's team won the Student Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Japan 2025 competition for small-scale formula-style race cars. Check out their entry! english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/6... #Engineering #Design #FormulaOne #SAEJapan2025 #JETAA #Japan

And the kanji of the year for 2025 is… …BEAR・ 熊・くま Is anyone surprised? With the surge in sightings and attacks, bears have been on everyone's mind lately. www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/n... #KanjiOfTheYear2025 #Kuma #熊 #Bear #JETAA #Japan

Are you searching for a job? JETwit's website regularly features job posts submitted by JET alumni for JET alumni. Find opportunities in business, hospitality, at Japanese consulates, and more! Come see what's available now! jetwit.com #JobHunting #JapanRelatedJobs #Opportunities #JETAA #Japan

Journey into the world of Japan's luxury sightseeing trains through this photographic essay/interview with Mitooka Eiji, designer. immersive.kyodonews.net/sightseeing-... #TrainTravel #LuxuryTrain #Sightseeing #Design #JETAA #Japan

This article reflects on the ALT experience in Japan. What do you think? Does your ALT experience (on JET or independently) mirror this educator's observations? mainichi.jp/english/arti... #ALT #TeachingInJapan #Education #JETAA #Japan

Artist/Pilot Hachiya Kazuhiko flew his jet-powered glider based on the Mehve from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind for the last time today. Hachiya hopes to train a new generation of pilots to carry on the tradition. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... #Mehve #JetGlider #Nausicaa #Flight #JETAA #Japan

Galerie Tamenaga has extended its free exhibit of Chagall's works to Dec 21! "For Chagall flowers symbolized love, happiness, remembrance, and life itself, intimately reflecting the joys and sorrows of his own journey." www.tamenaga.com/en/exhibitio... #GalerieTamenaga #Chagall #Art #JETAA #Japan

December is here and it's time for bōnenkai, or "forget-the-year" parties! Forgetting the year cleans the slate, giving us a fresh start for the coming New Year. Are you attending any bōnenkai this month? www.ordinaryjapan.jp/bo-nen-kai #Bōnenkai #忘年会 #ForgetTheYear #YearEnd #Party #JETAA #Japan

The days are growing colder, and that means it's the perfect time to visit a hot spring. What better way to relax and feel warm through & through? Here's a list of a dozen famous onsen destinations to get you started. Happy soaking! www.timeout.com/tokyo/travel... #Onsen #温泉 #Winter #JETAA #Japan