Submitted by bahia on Mon, 2008/06/23 - 13:53.
This is a new thread for Gunma JETs arriving in 2008. It was getting a little confusing with the old thread from last year. Feel free to introduce yourselves or ask questions here.
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Also, here is some brief info for those of you coming to Gunma (What to bring, dresscode, the weather in Gunma, etc. Con't below):
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You will have to pay for many things when you arrive, for example 1) your foreigners card, 2) your official seal (hanko), 3) key money (possibly), 4) rent, 5) phone set-up (and/or internet), 6) Misc apartment needs, 7) social events with other JETs, etc. I recommend bringing at least 2,000 USD, or as much as 3,000 USD, though it sounds like a lot. You will not get paid until the end of your first month! (Additionally, you can usually access US banks from post office ATMs. Maybe other countries' as well.) You could probably get away with bringing 1,000 USD, though you may need to borrow from your BOE or other JETs until your first paycheck.
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It gets very hot here in the summer (up to 35 Celcious, about 90 Fareheit) and homes and schools do not have central air. It also gets very cold in in the winter and there is no central heating. Pack accordingly.
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The dresscode for teachers ranges from business casual to business formal. Jeans and sweatpants are not acceptable. On sports days and during vacation sportsware is acceptable. (Ladies, it may sound strange, but bare legs are not acceptable. You must wear pantyhose/tights or knee high socks when wearing skirts.)
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First impressions are very important. Please dress professionally for you orientations and first meetings with your school and board of education.
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The chain of command is often circuitous meaning that many JETs do not have contact with their predecessors until shortly before they come. That is normal, though unfortunate. Hopefully you can all connect with people from your area before you arrive.
Hey I'm Nayalan Moodley and
Hey
I'm Nayalan Moodley and i'll be on of the new arrials in Shibukawa this year.
I have a huge problem... I come from South Africa where the economy isn't quite up to first world standards. essentially puting together R3000 is as hard for us as it is for an american to put together $3000, however R3000 is roughly $375.
as you can see getting that kind of cash is damn near impossible...
I can definately pull together about R5000 with savings and whats left of my salaries. but its still nowhere near what is suggested here. i need to know what is the bare minimum you NEED cos i might have to take some sort of bank loan out (hope not.... the interest rate here is at 14%)
Bare Minimum Amount
I would say you will need at least 1,000 USD. I know it is a lot of cash (esp. 3,000 USD) and I didn't think I would need that much when I first came, so I didn't bring it, but I ended up borrowing 400 USD from my supervisor and I hated having to do that.
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Since you will be getting paid in yen, I suspect within your first two months you would be able to pay back any loans you might have to take. If you know your predecessor ask them how much they spent when they first moved here. That should give you a more realistic idea.
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Additionally, you might be able to work something out with your board of education considering your situation. It's sounds rough. Feel free to email me personally at the address below and I will talk with the current Prefectural Adviser and we will try to see what we can do to help you out.
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-Bahia
ALT Advisor
Gunma Prefecture
sm-bahia at pref.gunma.jp
375
Even if you bought ABSOLUTLY nothing, I don't think 375$ would buy you enough food to last you a month.
Beg, borrow, and steal whatever money you can and pay it back after you get your first paycheck.
Money for Nothing
Hey Nayalan. I live in Shibukawa too. If you are having money trouble, and need to scrape together some cash. I might be able to help. I have a few jobs around my house you could do. Washing my car - 200 yen (any loose change you find is yours)foot rest 300 yen per hour. Mowing the lawn 1000 yen (but you will need to provide your own lawnmower and gas). Go around and smack up brigg-2000 yen.
Anyway I hope this helps let me know if you're interested.
A good deal...
I'll tell you what Nayalan, I'll give you 2000yen for every tooth you knock out of Josh's mouth.
...Not enough food for Brigg
No...it won't buy Brigg enough food n beer for the month!
Look, ..assuming you can scrape together 60000￥, you will survive.
So heres the deal, our supervisor is a decent human being and will probbably foot the bill on certain costs until your first paycheck. There have been instances of other Jets borrowing from the BOE.
As far as cost of living: its expensive.
your upfront costs will be your Resident card and afew other miscelaneous expences of about ￥5000.
Your other bills will not be due till your first paycheck on August 20th.
So for the first month you don't need to worry about Gas, Water or Electric.
Next, your cellphone, this can cost you anywhere from ￥5000 and up. If you opt for the free phone, then your upfront cost for activation and such will be about ￥5000. Again the usage bill wont be due till after your first paycheck.
Next car...you will need one! Theres no other way about it. You will live in ass f*ck nowhere and your school will not be on a train line. So unless you forsee yourself walking...a lot, you will get a car. Some outgoing Jets may sell you theirs, and some have even taken payments (with some negotiating)which our supervisor colected and forwarded. You will pay for registration ￥5000 and proof of parking ￥3000 and insurance ￥8000.
Next, your place, the rent will be pretty cheap as our BOE subsidizes, and it wont be due till your first paycheck. But your situation is somewhat unique, in that you will more than likely be getting into a new lease on a house or appartment. The BOE is placing the incoming Jet closer to central Shibs (don't get your hopes up it doesn't mean much)
only that your place will be pretty bare. The BOE will provide you will all necessary electric devices ie rice cooker, stove, fridge etc., as well as a bed and bedding. You wont walk into a completely empty place.
I came over with ￥200000; I bought car in the first week and did a little frivolous shopping and drinking and was tapped out a week before payday, I didn't have to borrow from the BOE coz I had plastic. But it goes to show its easy to get spent out.
Again our superviser is super, and he will help you in any way he can, even if it involves footing you some cash until you get paid, having said that it will be a grim couple of months while you sit in your place with nothing to do eating cup-o-noodle for every meal.
I have been known to cook a meal or two for the sake of Shibs solidarity, but now Josh eats all the groceries and there ain't enough to go around!
As far as food and groceries and such, Fruit and Vegetables are expensive, so is meat. But if you stick to a Japanesy diet of rice and miso soup you'll survive.
So if I were you, like Brigg said...lie, beg, borrow and steal...otherwise its gonna be a long first month.
Best o luck.
It's possible.
$375 is undoubtly a tough situation, but not impossible by any stretch of the imagination. You just have to be really careful not to get sucked into expensive drinking parties and impulse buying for your first month (it sucks, but no one's going to hate you if you turn down a drinking party because you're strapped for cash your first month).
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Chances are, your rent won't be due till the end of the month, and if there is key money involved that can likely wait till the end of the month too. Many JETs ask their BoEs to lend them some cash (it really isn't as hard as it seems, as long as your supervisor isn't a jerk) for key money if they can't afford it. As well, your gas, electricity, and water bills will all come due conveniently after your first paycheck so no need to worry about them yet. The only thing to realize though, is that you will probably need a 10,000 yen deposit for the gas company (such is the case in Kiryu & Takasaki for sure). Internet will cost you nothing for at least the first 2 months because the companies always have promotions going on for new subscribers. Again, if you get a cell phone, the bill will be due at the end of the month (there isn't much in terms of up front costs anymore to aquire). Your foreigner's registration might cost you 350-500 yen, and that's it.
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The biggest issue is food for the month. It's very easy to stay below 500 yen per day for food (as I do it all the time, cooking for myself) which would come to be about 20,000 yen until your first paycheck. Avoiding going to restaurants and blowing all your money at the orientation in Tokyo is key.
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In sum, it's not going to be easy to resist all the temptations, but if you have no cash then you'll have to gaman through until your first paycheck. It's definitly possible to do without borrowing extra money.
I'd take Lana's advice...
Welcome to Gunma, Nayalan!
Lana's advice is sound. But before you get here, I'd try to talk to your Board of Education supervisor and make sure he knows your situation.
From what I know about him, he's one of the best supervisors in the prefecture, so in that sense, you're pretty lucky.
Also, I've attached an excel document of some prices for common items.
http://www.gunmajet.net/node/1207
Judith
CIR/PA
Gunma
Signing up for internet before you get to Japan
Judith asked me to post this information.
I don't know much about this company, as I didn't actually end up using them. But, they do offer some way of signing up for service before you actually arrive in Japan. A bonus as it can take A MONTH or more to get service. No fun when you are making a life in a new land.
Any way, here's the URL:
https://asahi-net.jp/en/
re: Signing up for internet before you get to Japan
do you need to have signed up for phone service before you can sign up for internet? whether you do or not, how does that work?
Phone and Internet
Many phone companies offer internet service, and many internet companies offer phone service.
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With YahooBB and NTT (Flets) you can get an ISP phone line which has cheap longdistance calls.
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In the past, it used to be very expensive to install a phone line, because you had to rent or pay to have installed the actual service. However, with these new internet companies it is often included with the price of start up.
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Depending on the location you live in, some services may not be available. When I lived in Numata I had YahooBB, but when I moved to an area outside of Kiryu I had to get NTT Flets because YahooBB couldn't service the area.
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Many of the companies are complicated and you usually have to get it in Japanese. It's a process you should start as soon as you get here, as there is often a wait time (up to a month or two) before they can come and hook it up.
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-Bahia
ALT Advisor
Gunma Prefecture
sm-bahia at pref.gunma.jp
re: Signing up for internet before you get to Japan
I have cable internet, so I didn't have to get a phone line. Another advantage of cable internet is that I had to wait only a few days to get my service started, whereas people who had to get a phone line often had to wait a month or more.
yahoobb
YahooBB doesn't require you to have an NTT line anymore (in most cases). You have to pay them more money, but it works out to be about the same as if you'd had an NTT line.
BUT, as they say every situation is different. I myself had to wait more than a month because my pred forgot to cancel his service! So I had to wait for that to get cleared up before I could even start the process. Highly annoying, but it was good for community integration. I didn't have any choice but to interact with the people who lived around me... I had no cell phone and no internet >_<
New JET
I'm also going to be a new Gunma JET and I'll be living in Yoshii.
I'm from Canada and I have a decent amount saved up from working here so I'm not too worried about not having enough money when I arrive. I just wanted to know if I should rent or buy a car and how easy it is to do this.
Thanks in advance for any advice
Li Shan Ayuen
Hey Li Shan
My name is Daniel and am living in Maebashi city, going on to my second year here.
I have another ID on here, but it has recurring login problems, hence the name altlogin.
OK, cars....
It is a good idea to have a car in gunma, especially if you are not anywhere central. Yoshii does not sound central, so a car would probably be a great help. I don't know anything about renting, but I bought a car within my first few months here and it has been a huge benefit. You just need to think first about how long you intend to stay as you may have trouble selling it before you go home. As for the logistics of buying, I can put you in contact with someone who can take the hassle out of the process and organise everything. I gave him specifications of what was acceptable for me, and he went out and bought the car from auction on behalf, and provides ongoing support.
To do it by yourself is a huge hassle just because of all the red tape involved. Once you are here though, just get in contact with me and I can help you out. You will need to be settled in your apartment first, then get things like proof of parking space etc. It may be a good idea to get enquire about that when you first arrive, as it was a little bit of a run around for me to get that. Depends on the management of your apartment/house.
As for prices, depending on what you want to drive, you can get away with 200000yen. I spent 300000yen on a twelve year old car which had super low mileage. SOunds like a old car but it was specific to what I was after so Im happy. If you wanna drive one of those tiny little yellow plate cars, it gets cheaper. If you want anything newer or sportier the price will go up for that too. Prices depend on what you want, but cheap cars are definately available, sometimes even free....for someones old rustbox.
The other things to keep in mind is the Shaken( safety check sticker) which costs a bunch but lasts a couple of years, and the yearly automobile tax, and the compulsory insurance, and extra insurance....the list goes on, thats why its good to go through me and my friend. He speaks very good English and is very proffessional. I highly recommend him to anyone. If you want to ask anything just send an email, or get in touch after you arrive.
Good Luck,
Daniel
Car Leasing vs. Rental
I was discussing this with one of my friends recently. In the long run both cost about the same, maybe a little in favour of leasing if your car is high maintenance. I think the main difference is if you buy a car, you have to make large lump sum payments like tax, shaken, insurance, maintenance, etc. sometimes every month / year / every 2 years. So, if you're lucky and the car is in good shape you can enjoy some cheap months until the next big bill comes in (and believe me, they can be big! My friend had a tax bill equivelant to 1 months wages). I think with leasing all your costs are divided evenly so you end up paying about 1.5/2man a month. A big advantage with this is that it avoids a big payout of buying a car when you first get here. Departing JETs are normally honest about the car conditions they are selling to incoming JETs, but sometimes they don't know about cars and do not maintain them properly so problems can occur. Either way, doing your homework is recommended, so talk to your predecessor and new supervisor BEFORE you arrive about this!
I didn't want to come over
I didn't want to come over with several thousands of dollars on me (I could lose it or be robbed by yakuza!) or deal with traveler's checks, so I bought over only about 300 USD and my bank card and credit card so that I could withdraw any needed funds directly. My key money wasn't due until November, and my rent and utilities weren't due until after the 20th of August, so the $300 happily tided me over from July 31st to August 20th. But every situation is different, so your landlord might demand upfront $3,000 and your immortal soul. If that happens, you should talk to your BOE and be prepared to beg and grovel.
Some teachers do wear jeans and/or sweatpants to school. I've seen lots of sweatpants and not just from PE teachers. But it's best to arrive wearing your business best and then dress down (or up) to match everyone else. If everyone always wears suits, you can't look like a country bumpkin in jeans. But if everyone's wearing casual clothes, you'll make them look bad if you wear a suit and tie everyday. I think it's a good idea to check with your school and see what other teachers are wearing, and if you have specific questions, ask.
Yo
Nayalan,
Don't worry. Do your best to get what you can and there are people in your area that are really cool. So you are all good.
I came with practically nothing and it was cool. Don't stress about it. Relax and enjoy yourself. Also congrats on getting hired on the program.
PS I will give you 2000 yen if you come out and get some drinks with Me, Josh, and Brigg.
Phill Rocks...
Phill is great and so are all the other JETs. You are so lucky to be in Gunma with people like Phill who will pay you to go out drinking! =)
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-Bahia
ALT Advisor
Gunma Prefecture
sm-bahia at pref.gunma.jp
mobile phone contracts
how do mobile phone contracts work in japan? if i have to sign any kind of extended contract, how does it go if i need to break it?
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for example, if i have to sign a 2 year contract, and i leave after one, do i have to pay some kind of fee? or is it like america, where if i prove that i'm moving out of the country, i can break the contract without a fee?
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(i'm asking because i'm thinking about getting the iphone with softbank, and it looks like they require you to sign a 2 year contract)
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thanks!
byron
Softbank's New Contracts
Softbank's new contracts seem to be for 2 years and yes you will have to pay a fee for breaking your contract (I think). For example, if you get a phone with a 2 year contract you pay the cost of the phone gradually over the next 2 years, but if you leave early, you have to pay the amount you owe for the cost of the phone.
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Most companies used to do a free phone deal (Softbank did when it was Vodafone, but I don't think it does it any more).
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Judith and I will try to put together some kind of post comparing the different companies.
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-Bahia
ALT Advisor
Gunma Prefecture
sm-bahia at pref.gunma.jp
iphone...
The details are surprisingly sketchy at this point regarding the iPhone on Softbank. You're probably correct that they'll require a 2 year contract, and as Bahia said it's true that there is a fee. I'm not sure what softbank charges for breaking contract, but the fees generally aren't as bad as they are in the US. If I break my contract with Docomo I just have to pay about $100 USD. Not too bad.
As for getting the iPhone... I think you're may have a rather tough time. Supplies will be really limited when it comes out, and it's coming out July 11, which (if you're in group A) is right before you guys get here. Getting a cell-phone here isn't too difficult, but unless you're fairly confident in your Japanese it might be hard to understand exactly what you're signing up for. If you add the pain to the pain of finding an iPhone, it just sounds like no fun at all.
Still, it's not impossible! Maybe the iPhone will totally flop here... although with it's low price point (~$217 for the 8gb model) I think that many people are going to be gunning for one. I guess it might really just end up being a matter of priorities. If you want the iPhone, you will eventually get it. If you want a phone quickly though, you might consider other options.
I myself am actually going to give the iPhone a pass. I think it's great, but other handsets are a bit more feature rich here. The GPS on my phone beats the heck out of iPhone GPS. (Not to mention Google maps isn't nearly as good here as it is in the US for directions) Plus the convenience of being able to use my phone as a train pass, pay for things via credit and oh-so-much more make the iPhone's features look more gimmicky here than when compared to phones in the US. It would be really nice to be able to use a real browser on the internet though...
But, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I tried worrying about it before I came too, but it's hard to do the research you need to online. The nice brochures they have at all the au, softbank and docomo offices make comparing phones and plans sooo much easier.
Dictionaries and windowmobile and cellphones and iPhones
The iPhone is cool and all, but Im personally more enamoured of windows-mobile devices ...for those that are interested I have a way to get a fully functional eng_jap jap_eng dictionary with kanji handwriting recognition etc etc and I know how to do it for free on japanese os windows mobile. SO if you come across a kanji you just have to know, write it on your screen and it will come up with meaning, stroke order, readings and more. I have it up and running on a pda, but with a smartphone with WM you can get the gps, the phone, the browser, outlook sync, word and excel, all calendar and note and task operations, and all in one. If you just want a phone with a browser and a music player then the iPhone is good. If you want a phone that is a pocket pc, Softbank and eMobile are the ones to look at for the best handsets that have stylus.(and origami project UMPCs at eMobile)
Anyone that actually wants a pda with all that stuff set up can contact me and I can hook you up. Its not an overnight process but I have it down now.
If you really want an iPhone, sign up on softbank, get a free phone and go on the waiting list for the iphone or vice-verse, so then you're sorted in the mean-time.
Like everyone says, the waiting list will probably be long, especially considering the popularity of ipod touch, even my elementary students know about ipod touch.
A free handset will see you through the iphoneless stage, and you may find you want something else once you see the other options. Search out the softbank homepage which is in english and you can check pricing plans and policies and available handsets. I like the HTC ones, I want them to get in the HTC diamond :P
I got on a half price plan that stays half price forever through AU, but it was a limited time. Its the best deal Ive seen of any plan, but those deals are often just for bigger plans as opposed to the most basic.I might change to softbank and just pay the 10000yen cancellation fee, just so I can get a sexy softbank or emobile handset. Au is pretty good except english service is nearly nonexistent and they have no windowsmobile devices T.T
the cancellation fee is going to vary with the handset you get in on, so it will pay to ask them directly. Take a Japanese speaker with you!!
Getting a Cell Phone
Yeah, even native Japanese speakers get confused about the cell phone explanations at the shop.
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-Bahia
ALT Advisor
Gunma Prefecture
sm-bahia at pref.gunma.jp
Softbank Info
Types of phones and functions: (Japanese)
http://broadband.mb.softbank.jp/mb/product/3G/pdf/lineup_3g.pdf
http://broadband.mb.softbank.jp/mb/product/3G/pdf/spec_3g.pdf
Cancellation Fees:
http://mb.softbank.jp/scripts/english/faq/detail.jsp?oid=537168675
http://mb.softbank.jp/scripts/english/faq/detail.jsp?oid=537168767
If you need more specific information, let me know.
Judith
CIR/PA
Gunma
Isesaki shi is where I'll be!!!
Hi to one and all,
Well the name is Simon, hail from the emerald Ise, for those who don't know what that is, it's Ireland. When I found out that I be going to Isesaki a while back I found this site, but I choose to wait for a forum before I did the whole introduction stuff........
I got to say that trying to find out stuff about Isesaki is nigh impossible, but it looks an interesting enough place. But if anyone wants to give us pointers feel free.
Using the tool that is facebook I found Brooke, she told me Papa Phil be a man to chat to about Isesaki, well she said Phil and I added the Papa part as I hear you been in gunma for a while Phil!!! and supposedly your the man with the knowledge. So Papa Phil!!! would you like to give up some words of wisdom to a freshman and guide me through the Jungle that Isesaki will be...
On a side note I've read the comments about Car's etc, would living in Isesaki require a car, as well it seems like a city, or what about a moped/scouter????
Read all the money comments!! I think ill be fine in that department as well my saving plan is in good order due to the euro kicking the dollar and yen's ass. Put if anyone cares to part with some advice feel free.
Regards Siiimmmm (30 days and counting)
Hi Simon, Welcome to
Hi Simon,
Welcome to Gunma!
You will have good company in Isesaki. The three musketeers are Phill-Ben-Sean. I think Isesaki is the Japanese ''Sheffield''. Bring us good whiskey!
Cynthia
The Sauce
I require HP Sauce.
I don't know what it is.
I've only heard about it.
Ad nauseam
Do this thing that I ask
and I will be happy.
RE: The Sauce
HP Sauce, hmmmm it's an Irish favorite. I guess I could bring it over, but hmmmm ill have extra baggage weight, then dont talk to me about the custom charge and on top of that im sure ill get detained by custom officials who will demand I give it to them as its just so damn popular.
But hmmm I guess I could go to all this trouble for a gift of equal value!! I give you HP Sauce and you give me something better.... sure isn't exchanging gifts all the rage in Japan
You will need a car in Isesaki
I suppose it is doable to live in Isesaki without a car, but I highly recommend one. It is a big city and feels a lot like many cities in the States which are "driving cities". There are some community buses and regular buses, but if you can get a car you will probably be happier.
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-Bahia
ALT Advisor
Gunma Prefecture
sm-bahia at pref.gunma.jp
Isesaki 'A Driving City'
Right so its a ''driving city' ah, hmmmmm well hmmmm maybe a car will be my first acquisition in Japan. But I believe there is a large amount of paper work involved!! Well Im sure if I ask the 3 Isesaki Musketeers they will lead me on the right path....
HP Sauce?
I tasted HP sauce once and I never want to again. Are you sure this is the gift you want from Ireland? I think someone is pulling your leg!
Mmm...
Isn't HP Sauce the "House of Parliament" Sauce? We have that in Canada it's awesome on steak, potatoes, fish, and other things. Tastes similar to A1 Sauce, but I thought it was a Canada only thing, haha..
noone believes me
but seriously, if you are intimidated by the paperwork involved in getting a car,I know the man to help you. Hhas sorted me and a lot of other foreigners in gunma out in that area. He basically does it because he like the opportunity to meet foreigners and keep up his english, and also because he has lived overseas and knows how difficult it can be. Tell us your budget and what you want and we can look into it quick smart.
Driving under the influence of HP Sauce in Isesaki
Hey Simon, Hows it going? My name is Sean (From Fermanagh by the way, your from Kilkenny right?) Anyway, I am in Isesaki also so all I can say is don't stress, it is a great city. Driving makes things easier but I have been on my bike since I got here and it is no problem. I don't know which school you are going to yet but one of the open spots has its apartment near where I live, If you are placed there train station is about 15mins on the bike, plenty of shopping, bars and other entertainment within walking distance ~ 5/10 mins on the bike. The wind gets a bit strong in the winter and that is the only time that you think it is crap not having a car, all other times the weather is usually good and biking is easy because there are no hills anywhere, at all, it is completely flat.
- Jen, HP sauce is awesomeness in a bottle, best sauce ever (I actually had some send out to me as a christmas present) ummm bacon sandwich. So simon is going to be very kind and bring a bottle for everyone in the audience (a bit of Gay Byrne humour for you there)
**edit** ...I have been on
**edit**
...I have been on my bike since I got here and it is no problem "thanks to phill" ...
...The wind gets a bit strong in the winter and that is the only time that you think it is crap not having a car, all other times "I call phill" and biking is easy because there are no hills anywhere, at all, it is completely flat.
ISESAKIの関係人
Siimmm,
Yo what's up!? Hit me up on facebook (phill bennett) and ask any questions you want!
Welcome to Isesaki, this year will be the rebirth of the Isesaki Boi Dynasty!!! If you are down it's gonna be a straight rampage this year!
Isesaki is basically a big city with no "real" center. It's a
great place to go to restaurants and get lost in the side streets and find a cool shrine or park.
More so Gunma is a great place to live because it's a central part of Japan so getting to Tokyo or even the Kansai region is a reasonable option in regards to time and cost.
Our supervisor is cool and you have nothing to worry about once you get here. Any issues or problems that might arise Sean and I got your back.
shane shawn
shane shawn,
i want a bottle of your finest house of parliament.
Hi guys. I'm just saying
Hi guys. I'm just saying hello... My name's John and I'll be working in Itakura starting in August.
Sorry Jen HP is Racist
I set their latest advert as my profile pic (in case you can't read it, it says "not suitable for Koreans") but I will do my best.
shane shawn
two things:
1. you need to decide how your name is pronounced
and
2. you hurt my feelings.
shane shawn sorry
1. I am easy either way, people used to call me Pascal at one point and that didn't bother me either.
2. sorry if feelings hurt, HP is bad company, but make good sauce, I will continue to eat said sauce but curse HP while doing it. Also will procure said sauce for the "feelings hurt" person when back home in August so that said "feelings hurt" person may also curse bad company and forgive said "confused with regards to his name but not his sexuality" person.
3. If further clarification is needed, please hesitate to ask.
Midori-shi ALT
Hi everyone, my name is Peter and I'll be the new ALT taking up residence in Omama-cho, Midori-shi. I'm from the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia and I look forward to meeting you all over a nice meal of cabbages.
Ｗｅｌｃｏｍｅ, Peter!
Welcome to Gunma! I currently live in Niisato-machi (Kiryu) which is right next door to Omama. I will only be around until August 12th, but if you need anything during that time let me know.
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You can email me at laurenbahia at gmail dot com.
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-Bahia
ALT Advisor
Gunma Prefecture
sm-bahia at pref.gunma.jp
Hey Peter! My visiting
Hey Peter! My visiting school this last year was in Omama and I loved it! Midori-shi is actually really close to Kiryu so you can always hang out with Kiryu folk but I really think you'll like Midori city. It's small but the people are fantastic and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. I'm not sure if you're into hiking but if so there's lots of good places. And I know a really wonderful coffee shop too! Real coffee that's not starbucks! Horray
watch this movie it will
::Girl Boss Guerilla:: PINK VIOLENCE
You all need to watch this movie it will show you everything u need to know about this wonderful country. It is one of those golden nuggets of Japanese culture that make you say "i love life".
t-shirt
that's some fabulous 70's fonts and graphics.
i want that on a t-shirt.
that should be our gajet t-shirt.
yo jen and ben
Hells yeah!!!
here is another one. you and ben should come by and watch these movies. they effing rock!
phill n jims
phill n jims....does anyone remember that commercial from the early to late 80s? were you guys born then?
phill...i might be going to ben's on tuesday. i'll ask the man. is it really necessary to do our social chat via gunmajet?
i guess not. my bad. i wont
i guess not. my bad. i wont do it again.
by the way, what are you doing this weekend?!