Author Archive

Nijikai board of education

By • Dec 26th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog, Uncategorized


Bounenkai

By • Dec 26th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

This years end of the year party. These are my bosses.



Pakkun

By • Dec 5th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

I recently met a celebrity in Japan.



Special visit

By • Dec 5th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

My mom recently visited me. Here are some of the highlights:



Ginzan onsen

By • Dec 5th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

I went to ginzan Onsen with my mom. Every Japanese agrees that it’s as traditional an Onsen as it gets. Breathtaking, truly.



Fujio history tour

By • Aug 9th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

I went on an historical tour of Fujio (a part of Kakuda) and got to see and hear about the area’s history. Very interesting.



Zao blueberries

By • Aug 9th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

I went to Zao and ate at the Tamagosha (egg restaurant). I ordered oyakodon and a bowl of ice cream. Afterwards, I went blueberry picking before going to an onsen to relax. Onsens, of course, are Japanese bath houses.



Saying goodbye

By • Aug 9th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

The Wing departed for Tokyo. All of Kakuda was impressed by the Wing this year.



Long lost host sister

By • Aug 9th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog


The Wing at Schools

By • Aug 9th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

The Wing went to several schools including Kakuda Junior High School and Kakuda High School. At the junior high school the students played Dodgebee (dodgeball with a frisbee) and made onigiri (rice balls) with the school children. And at the High School the group engaged in some language exchange.



Wing at Zao

By • Aug 9th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

It was really unfortunate for this years wing that Zao was barely visible due to thick fog. It did prove to be a relaxing day though which I believe everyone enjoyed.



Wing Welcome Party

By • Aug 9th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

Kakuda hosted this year’s wing by throwing a Welcome Party at the always popular Schinken Factory. The restaurant is known for its German style cuisine and beer. Several years ago it won a prestigious award for one of its beers. The Wing gave its speeches and was warmly received our Japanese hosts.



Curry stand

By • Aug 9th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at a Thai Curry stand that my friend was running. We sold Curry near Kakuda station as part of a larger volunteer fundraising effort. The goal behind the funding is to raise money to prepare for a future natural disaster.



Field Day

By • Aug 9th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

Kakuda had its Field Days for the Elementary Schools recently. It has quite a large amount of community involvemnt. And it was neat to see Grandparents and adults participating in the same activities as the children.



Zao

By • May 30th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

I went to Zao recently. I had a picnic at the Heartland Dairy Pasture before going mountain climbing. I finished the day off with a trip to an onsen. Japan has its share of bears. There are signs like this warning tourists of bears all over the countryside.



Giants baseball game

By • May 30th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

I was lucky enough to be invited by my friend to the Eagles-Giants baseball game. The Giants are by far and away the most famous baseball team in Japan and are somewhat akin to the Yankees. The local Eagles lost 10-4, but it was a lot of fun



Cherry blossoms

By • Apr 21st, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

After a brief visit back home to Greenfield, I was delighted to have made it back in time to see the cherry blossoms.



Yokokura Elementary School Graduation

By • Mar 19th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

Today was the elementary School’s graduation.



Junior High School Graduation

By • Mar 19th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

Last weekend was Kakuda Junior High School’s graduation. A joyful day, nonetheless one full of tears.



Yokokura Ema

By • Mar 6th, 2013 • Category: Kakuda Blog

2013 is the year of the snake or hebi. This is a picture of an ema or picture scroll placed at shrines. On the back of the plaque you are supposed to write your wishes.