Japan Diaries 4: Week 12


Week 12: January 17- 21, 2022

Day 77: January 17, 2022

Monday - Rumoi

Today is my first day of work for this year at Rumoi High School. After three weeks of vacation, I'm back to work. Although the teachers were already reporting since last week, today is the first day for students. 

Winter in Rumoi
Off to work. Check out that snow pile.

Rumoi High School 1/17/22

Although there were already classes today, I didn't have any collaboration workload today. Instead, Motoyama-sensei gave me a task to create a Powerpoint presentation about my winter vacation. 

Rumoi High School in Winter scene - The snow outside is about 10 feet deep

That afternoon, the English Club was canceled due to the unavailability of the club members. Overall, today was a chill day for me. It's a perfect way to start the week. 


Day 78: January 18, 2022

Tuesday - Rumoi

Finally, I have a scheduled collaboration today. 

Research presentation in Rumoi High School


Here's my workload for the day:

1st period - My Winter Vacation @ 3F2 of Motoyama-sensei
6th period - My Winter Vacation @ 2-34 of Motoyama-sensei

Aside from my workload, I also got to witness a research presentation at the gym during the 3rd period.



Back home after the Rumoi English Chat Club

After work, Noboru-san picked me up for the Rumoi English Chat Club. The topic today is about New Year. 

Day 79: January 19, 2022 

Wednesday - Embetsu

Today is my 4th visit to Embetsu Agricultural School. It is also my first school visit for 2022. For this trip, I used my 2-day consecutive Moekko Free Ticket.

Embetsu Agricultural High School 1/19/22


Here's my workload for today:

2nd period - 2nd Conditional @ 3rd year of Sasaki-sensei

Since I only have one class today, I asked permission if I can leave early so that I can go to the post office to mail the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to my wife. Thankfully, I was allowed to do so. 

Embetsu JP Post Office

I headed to Embetsu JP Post Office which was several blocks away from school. To ensure that my important documents would arrive early, I availed of the Express Mail Service (EMS). I paid 1,400 yen for this and was told that the documents would arrive in two weeks. 

Crossed Embetsu Bridge to get to Embetsu Roadside Station

Embetsu Roadside Station

I tried Restaurant Mirakuru's ramen

From there, I walked to Embetsu Michi-no-eki and bought ramen at Restaurant Mirakuru for lunch while waiting for the bus home. I also got the Embetsu Michi-no-eki stamp while waiting for my order. I finished it just as the bus to Rumoi City was about to arrive. 

That night, after video calling my wife, I got in touch with Miyakoshi-sensei for my visit to Teshio tomorrow. She also wanted me to share my Winter Vacation PowerPoint which I gladly obliged. 

Day 80: January 20, 2022

Thursday - Teshio

Today is my 3rd time visiting Teshio High School this school year. For this trip, I used my 2-day consecutive Moekko Free Ticket. 

Teshio High School 1/20/22

Here's my workload for today: 

3rd period - My Winter Vacation @ 1A of Miyakoshi-sensei
5th period - Interview Test @ 3A of Miyakoshi-sensei
6th period - Interview Test @ 3B of Miyakoshi-sensei

In the hallway of Teshio High School going to the faculty room

On my way home, a friend messaged me on LINE that Rumoi High School sent the students and teachers home early because there was a teacher who tested positive for COVID. My JTE Confirmed this and told me that she'd keep me posted. Thank God, I have another visit school tomorrow.

Day 81: January 21, 2022

Friday - Tomamae

Today is my 4th time visiting Tomamae Commercial High School. For this trip, I used my 1-day Moekko Free Ticket. 

The view from the scenic Ororon Road (Route 239)

Tomamae Commercial High School 1/21/22

Here's my workload for today:

2nd period - Future Plans, English Composition @ Elective Class of Hasegawa-sensei
3rd period - Pronunciation Drills @ 2nd year of Hasegawa-sensei

Tomamae Public Hall during winter

Inside the Tomamae Public Hall

I got an update with regard to the Covid case in Rumoi High School. Now, there are 2 teachers and a student who tested positive for the disease. I was also told that the teachers would be informed about the work setup for Monday. Before going home, Guy helped me transfer money using the bank. I spent a bit of time waiting for the next bus at the Kouminkan or Tomamae Public Hall.

English sessions with Mr. Toshi

When I got home, I spent time chatting with my family and also tutoring Mr. Toshi English before calling it a day, wrapping up my 12th workweek here in Japan as an ALT for the JET Programme. See you this weekend!

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Location: Rumoi, Hokkaido, Japan

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