:: 30th August 2006

Details of the next WaJET event are up in the Events section. Just click on the dates in September.

WaJET: Sexier than the average Goldfish.

The Imaginatively titled Useful Stuff page now has a collection of stuff which some may find somewhat useful, Including introductions from your Regional Advisors and a detailed article on how to get a Japanese licence. If any one has a lesson plan or worksheet that they would like to share, we would be happy to host it there.

:: 20th July 2006

The Great Maximus Decimus Meridius (Mac) has finished his little Tajima Ultimate Tournament Album. Check it out here.

The July Edition of "What's up WaJET" is also now available for download. If you don't have .doc reading software, you can find an open source application here.

:: 14th July2006
Tis the season to be.....WET

Typhoon Season! Woo!

Yes indeed, it's that time of year again, Mothra is flying about, and we march through the torrent only to be told on arrival that the school is closed for the day. The majority of Typhoons either effectively miss Kansai or weaken substantially by the time they reach Wakayama. Even so, it pays to keep some things in mind as there's always the one that feels it must be different, and hits us full force.

Surf's up!*

*Be informed. Know WHEN and WHERE the typhoon will hit, so you know when you MUST BE INDOORS. If you have a bilingual TV, watch NHK News at 7pm and 10pm. There are a number of internet sites that track typhoon progress as well; one of our favorites is from the Tokyo Broadcasting System Weather Page.

*Register with your embassy. Most embassies will send out travel warnings or other tips to their citizens if a typhoon is looking bad. It also never hurts for them to know where in Japan you live just in case they need to help you... that's why they're here!

*Wind-proof your windows. If the typhoon is looking to pack some pretty intense winds, it never hurts to prepare for the physical damage. Use duct tape and make X's on your windows to minimize the chance of shattering, trim down tree branches near doors and windows, and close all your curtains. While it is usually not necessary to board up your windows, if you see your neighbours doing it... you probably should too.

*Keep a supply kit. Being that Japan is prone other natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis), it never hurts to keep supplies for a worst-case scenario. The usual rule of thumb is to keep enough supplies for 3 days. Some things to include would be a small amount of cash, prescription meds, a first aid kit, bedding, clothing, bottled water, canned goods with a can opener, radio, flashlight, batteries, car keys, maps.

And even more bottled water.

*Store documents well. Keep your Passport, Alien Registration Card, Insurance Card, and other important documents in a safe, dry, and easily accessible place. Make photocopies of the above, as well as the pages of your passport containing your Visas and details and give them to your supervisor.

*Know your meeting places. Your neighborhood should have a designated meeting spot for post-natural disasters (especially in tsunami prone areas). Find out where this is and make sure you know how to get there! If you live in a town or city with more than one JET, it might be a good idea to have your own meeting spot so you can offer each other moral support in case the worst happens.

*Really paranoid? If you just don't feel safe riding out the typhoon in your small town, use your vacation time and head to a big city! While this is un-necessary in most cases, do it if it'll give you peace of mind.

BUT MOST OF ALL...
*Stay Calm. Typhoons are a part of life in Japan, and as strange as it may seem now, you will get used to them. Just use your best judgement. Before you know it, typhoon season will be over, and you'll have one or two coffee table stories to tell!

*WaJET accept no responsibility for any injuries suffered by those who choose to engage the Typhoon inspired waves. WaJET offer moral support to those who choose to show Mothra what they really think of him.

:: 14th July 2006
Welcome to the new online home for WAJET! This site will serve as the homebase for your friendly, neighborhood WAJET captains, Jenny Decker and Tawnee Brilla.

We've given the website a fresh, new look, and will be incorporating some fun and useful stuff as the year progresses. While under construction, please check out the 2004 website for other tidbits of information.