Weekend 125: March 23 – 24, 2024
Day 873: March 23, 2024
Monday – Rumoi
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| It's a sunny day today here in Rumoi City |
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| Breakfast for today: salted egg with tomato salad |
Today's weather forecast promised a sunny day, and indeed, the sun's warmth has caused a considerable melt of the snow outside. Our plans for a road trip have been set aside as we're scheduled to dine with my supervisor, JTE Matsuda-sensei, and his family at 5 PM in Katsumiya.
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| Kai is all dressed up and ready to go! |
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| COOP |
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| We bought our favorite snack |
Around 4 PM, we made a trip to COOP for some grocery shopping, also grabbing a cake for Matsuda-sensei. With time to spare, we returned home to drop off the groceries before heading to Katsumiya.
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| We drove to Katsumiya in the Kaiuncho District of Rumoi to meet up with Matsuda-sensei and his family |
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| ダイニング かつみ家 |
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| It's my first time here |
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| Katsumiya's menu as displayed on the wall |
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| This chicken dish is probably my favorite dish here |
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| With my friend, Matsuda-sensei, and his beautiful family |
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| The room we got has a padded area. Perfect for kids. |
We arrived at Katsumiya around 4:40 PM and found parking beside Hotel New White House, coincidentally the same spot where Matsuda-sensei and his family had parked shortly after. A short walk brought us to the restaurant, where a private room had already been reserved for us, complete with a padded space for the kids. The food was satisfying, if simple. Over dinner, we enjoyed lively conversations with Matsuda-sensei and his wife, talking about family, work, and plans for the coming school year at Rumoi High School, which I’m genuinely looking forward to.
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| Time to say goodbye. |
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| We had an amazing afternoon. Thanks to Matsuda-sensei and his family. |
We parted ways around 8 PM and headed home soon after. With an early commitment the next day, we turned in early. Spending quality time with my JTE and his family was truly fulfilling, and I look forward to more moments like this.
Day 874: March 24, 2024
Sunday – Rumoi
We woke up early today so that we could cook some dishes for our lunch date with Teacher Kanda at her home. She invited us to yakiniku.
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| My wife cooked pancit... |
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| ...afritada |
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| We also made gimbap |
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| Here's what we'd bring to Teacher Kanda's place today |
My wife cooked pancit, afritada, and gimbap. We also bought some drinks at Seicomart.
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| Bonding time with Teacher Kanda |
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| Teacher Kanda served high-grade meat from Koraikan |
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| Thank you, Teacher Kanda. We'd have plenty of takoyakis from this |
We drove to Teacher Kanda’s house and arrived around 1 PM, already excited for the afternoon ahead. She had prepared high-quality meat from Koraikan, and the spread felt like a true feast that made us feel warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated. We spent hours bonding with Teacher Kanda until around 4 PM, sharing stories, laughter, and unhurried conversation. Before we left, she kindly sent us off with tako legs (octopus) and extra yakiniku meat, a gesture that left us both touched and grateful.
When we got home, it was still early, so we slowed down and enjoyed a quiet, meaningful time bonding and playing with Kai. I even managed to unwind with an episode of the Netflix crime documentary Homicide New York before ending the day.
Overall, the week felt deeply fulfilling. It gave us the chance to reconnect with friends and reminded me of an important part of my role as an ALT, not just teaching in the classroom, but serving as a cultural ambassador through shared meals, conversations, and genuine human connection.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 125
10 Things to Do in Rumoi City
10 More Things to Do in Rumoi City
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
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