JETwit

Meet ‘Buddharoid,’ an AI-Powered Robot Monk Trained on ancient scriptures, the robot monk is designed to provide spiritual guidance at a temple in Kyoto.

An AI monk?

Researchers have created the "Buddharoid"—an AI-integrated monk-robot that provides spiritual support at Shorenji Temple in Kyoto. What do you think? Would you be comfortable taking advice from a robot?

www.tokyoweekender.com/entertainmen...

#Buddharoid #ブッダロイド #AI #Monk #JETAA #Japan

Lillian Wies - Saga (2012-2013) Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?I was a JET from 2012-2013 in Karatsu-shi, Saga Prefecture. I worked at three schools, the Karatsu Higashi Junior High School, Karatsu Minami High School, and...

JET Alumni Profile: Lillian Wies

The Japan Society of Boston speaks with Lillian Wies about her experience as a JET in Saga Prefecture, 2012–2013.

www.japansocietyboston.org/post/lillian...

#AlumniProfile #LifeAfterJET #Saga #ArtHistory #JETAA #Japan

How To Become a Manga Editor in Japan as a Foreigner We sat down with an editor from Kodansha to discuss what it's like to work on Japanese manga and how foreigners can enter the industry.

Want to live & work in Japan?
Love manga?
Consider becoming a manga editor!

The door is opening to editors from abroad as more and more manga are translated into foreign languages. Do you have what it takes?

www.tokyoweekender.com/entertainmen...

#Manga #Editor #WorkInJapan #Career #JETAA #Japan

Step Back in Time at Historical Estate Renovated into a Commercial Complex in Tokyo A large residence in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward dating back to the early Edo period (1603-1867) where community heads and then their descendants lived until two years ago, reopened in November as the comme...

Visit Itabashi Tototo, a new venture housed in a historical Tokyo estate dating back to the Edo period. Experience local history and culture as you explore the shops and cafe.

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/original/per...

#Shops&Cafe #History&Culture #EdoPeriodEstate #ItabashiTototo #JETAA #Japan

Japan Uncovered #15: Izunokuni -- Samurai shadows, Mt. Fuji, hot springs tell country's tale - The Mainichi Nestled on the northern edge of the Izu Peninsula, the city of Izunokuni in Shizuoka Prefecture offers a rare chance to experience Japan's story all i

The "Japan Uncovered" series shares what is special about off-the-beaten-path locales across Japan. In this article, discover the community of Izunokuni, Shizuoka.

mainichi.jp/english/arti...

#JapanUncovered #MainichiNews #Izunokuni #Shizuoka #JETAA #Japan

Teacher, students team to improve English learning in high school | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis YOKOHAMA--Teacher Yumiko Imanishi wrestled with the fact that some students form a negative view of English after entering high school.

Have you taught English in Japan? Take a look at this article about involving students in research to improve the learning experience—what do you think? Should other schools follow suit?

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#EnglishEducation #Learning #Feedback #HighSchool #ALT #JETAA #Japan

Popular hot air balloon festival in Kyoto set to return this April At Kyoto Kameoka Balloon Festival 2026, take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy a nighttime light-up amid cherry blossoms

Are you thinking about cherry blossoms & Kyoto this year? Then plan ahead & include the Kyoto Kameoka Balloon Festival in your schedule, too!

Balloon glows, but also rides, classes, competitions and more!

www.timeout.com/osaka/news/k...

#KameokaBalloonFestival #HotAirBalloons #Kyoto #JETAA #Japan

Inside PokePark Kanto: Attractions, Goods and How To Get Tickets PokePark Kanto, the first-ever Pokemon theme park, had its grand opening. Here's a guide to the attractions and how to score tickets.

Curious about the new PokePark Kanto theme park? Located in the Tokyo suburb of Inagi, PokePark Kanto offers all things Pokemon, including 600 characters from the Pokemon world that visitors can encounter.

www.tokyoweekender.com/things-to-do...

#Pokemon #PokeParkKanto #ThemePark #JETAA #Japan

Murakami wins joint Italian award, lauds art of translation | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis Haruki Murakami’s novel “Machi to Sono Futashikana Kabe” (The City and Its Uncertain Walls) won an Italian prize that honors contemporary Japanese works translated into Italian.

Translation is more than changing words; it is the art of making connections between cultures possible.

As a writer and a translator, Murakami appreciates those who construct these bridges, bringing us together.

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#Author #Translator #Literature #Bridges #JETAA #Japan

Peak conditions: ‘Diamond Fuji’ visible from Tokyo Skytree | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis A “Diamond Fuji” dazzled Tokyo Skytree visitors on Feb. 3, with a crowd multiple rows deep packing into the observation deck's west-facing side to witness the setting sun align perfectly with the moun...

Were you one of the lucky few to view "Diamond Fuji" this week? There are only 2 chances per year when the setting sun and Mt. Fuji perfectly align, and the weather has to be clear for the phenomenon to be visible.

www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

#DiamondFuji #Sunset #Rare #JETAA #Japan

Candied Kumquat Recipe: The Tiniest Citrus Fruit With An Edible Peel - Savvy Tokyo Elevate any snack at a moment’s notice—and maybe attract some health and wealth in the New Year—with this candied kumquat recipe.

Love citrus? But craving something sweet? How about kinkan no kanroni, or candied kumquats?🍊

You only need kumquats, sugar, water, and less than 1 hour. So why wait? Treat yourself to these golden wintertime sweets!

savvytokyo.com/kinkan-the-t...

#Kumquat #キンカン #Sweets #Homemade #JETAA #Japan

Anise Overton - Fukuoka (2023-2024) Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? I was a high school Assistant Language Teacher in Fukuoka Prefecture, specifically in Iizuka-shi, during 2023-2024.What sparked your interest in applying for...

JET Alumni Profile: Anise Overton

The Japan Society of Boston speaks with Anise Overton about her experience as a JET in Fukuoka Prefecture, 2023–2024.

www.japansocietyboston.org/post/anise-o...

#AlumniProfile #LifeAfterJET #Fukuoka #HomeAwayFromHome #JETAA #Japan

Single women plan community home in Osaka to age together | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis Their vision came together over tea, desserts and an array of colorful sticky notes.

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: Welcoming Spring with Ogres, Beans, and Sushi Celebrate Setsubun, Japan’s bean-throwing festival to welcome spring. Find out how you can enjoy this tradition believed to ward off evil and bring good luck.

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

Osaka Marathon 2026: What you need to know Where to watch the race, how to get around and everything else you need to know about the Osaka Marathon

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’ goods from Japan find eager buyers in global market | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis On a recent weekday in November, buyers from outside Japan showed up en masse at an auction center seeking secondhand articles.

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

Kyoto exhibition of cultural properties to be held this spring | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis KYOTO--The public will be offered rare access to temples, shrines and Buddhist statues normally closed off in the ancient capital in an exhibition to be held in two phases this spring.

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

I ran into Godzilla and Hello Kitty on this laid-back island just outside Kobe A visit to Awaji Island, where pop culture collides with nature, meditation and excellent food

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

The Best Farmers Markets in Tokyo Whether you’re looking for a relaxed weekend outing or fresh produce, these are some of the best farmers markets in Tokyo.

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

Photo of a Zetteria storefront, the new name for Lotteria hamburger shops.

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

Stephanie Balakrishnan - Kyotanabe, Kyoto (2015-2017) Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?I was placed as an ALT in Kyotanabe, Kyoto Prefecture, from 2015-2017. I was very fortunate to have been placed in Kyoto, with its rich history and culture. K...

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

Evolution of Kimono Styles Exhibition The Marubeni Gallery's exhibition on traditional fashion will explore how Japanese clothing developed throughout the Edo and Meiji periods.

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

Influencers in Japan share halal spots for Muslim viewers | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis One early afternoon in November, Nanako Shibasaki popped into Hangry Joe's Tokyo in the capital's Akihabara district, which was bustling with foreign tourists.

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

10 Best Japanese Bath Salts for an Authentic Onsen Experience at Home Get to know our picks for the best Japanese bath products like bath salts, essences and tablets to warm up on a cold day.

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

Lucky box production in full swing at temple in Japan's Aichi ahead of Setsubun ritual - The Mainichi CHITA, Aichi -- The production of

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

Rooftop container garden using abandoned luggage as containers for growing vegetables.

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

Japan Has a New Cat Stationmaster: Meet Yontama It’s a great day to be a cat lover. Wakayama Electric Railway has just welcomed its newest employee for the next feline stationmaster.

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

Here's the official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2026 – updated Jan 8 Get an idea of when to expect this year’s blooms across Japan with this long-term forecast

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