Author Archives: samonsado

Today there was a small festival in Aikawa. Since the local and prefectural governments are pushing for UN recognition of Sado, there are a lot of historical themed events. This was highlighting the history of Aikawa in particular. All the old buildings were open for visitors and there was traditional dancing and drumming. Aikawa wasContinue reading “Aikawa Festival”

I took the opportunity to visit the city of Niigata on the “mainland” yesterday. I hadn’t been before except for in transit on the way to Sado. I had been warned that we are getting close to the time of year when the ferries may be cancelled due to sea conditions and you can getContinue reading “Niigata”

With some of the time off I had this week, I took the opportunity to explore some of the island. I drove to the Onogame on the northern tip of the island. The drive there took about an hour and followed this stunning coastal road through several small fishing villages and farming communities. The OnogameContinue reading “Exploring Sado and First Day of Teaching”

I’ve finally made it to Sado! So far everything has been going well. The people are very friendly. Both the administrators at the Board of Education and my fellow JETs are glad to see me. I believe the program has been in disarray somewhat on account of the travel restrictions stemming from Covid 19 andContinue reading “Sado”

Hello, everyone. Sorry I haven’t really posted anything in the last 2 weeks. Frankly, I haven’t had anything to say, I’ve just been sitting here in my hotel room watching some training videos and attending some zoom meetings. That will all change tomorrow when I will leave the hotel and travel to Niigata. Tomorrow morning,Continue reading “Final Day of Quarantine and Traveling”

Today, I had a chance to speak with my employers at the local board of education for the very first time. I learned some important information, such as where exactly on Sado I will live and where I will teach. The city government of Sado actually comprises the entire 330 square mile island, so whenContinue reading “Aikawa”

After 17 hours, 2 planes, and a charter bus, I have finally arrived in my hotel room in Narita. I woke up this morning to an earthquake alarm on my phone, followed by some shaking. It appears a magnitude 5 earthquake struck the Tokyo area. In any case, I will quarantining here for the nextContinue reading “Quarantine”

Hello friends, family, and anyone who stumbled on here from Google. As some of you know, I am moving to Sado, Japan to participate in the JET Program. Sado is a small island in the Sea of Japan, about 25 miles off the coast from the port city of Niigata. Sado appears to have aContinue reading “First Post”