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Another successful GFG event with my coworkers. We went to the Sanuki Toyohama Chōsa matsuri and we have a blast. I've never been to a festival before you know what it was the best thing ever. I encourage anyone and everyone to visit a festival. It'll blow your mind!





  

Hello everyone, Benson here. How was everyone’s October? I hope it was filled with fun activities and autumn joy. As we have moved into November, what are your thoughts on the month? Do you all have goals you want to accomplish in November? What are some things that you like to do in November? What are some things you like about the month of November?

One of the best parts of November for me is the return of long, cozy evenings. As the days grow shorter and the sun sets earlier, I find myself looking forward to settling in at home. While that is true for me regardless of any season, I think there is something comforting in arriving back home in the dark. The early darkness gives me a perfect excuse to switch on soft lighting that fills the room with warmth or just simply sit in darkness contemplating my fantastic choices. These early evenings provide a peaceful atmosphere to relax with a good book or movie. There's something comforting about the way November invites us to slow down and reflect. The crisp, cool air outside makes staying in feel like a reward, a chance to embrace the quiet moments of the season. I hope everyone finds time to slow down this month and enjoy November! Take care, see you all next time.


  

Hello Everyone Welcome to November!! It's Bear Sensei bringing you another blog just for you!



This past weekend I had the opportunity to spend time recharging my batteries. So I took a joyride and visited Mizubenogakko Bamboo Park in Yoshinogawa, Tokushima. Seeing so many bamboo trees in one place made me ponder how precious life is as it took a long time for those trees to grow. The park is a beautiful escape from life's worries so if you want to enjoy a beautiful place filled with longing make sure to visit this beautiful park.






  

This weekend I ended up going to the Suiha Highlands in Shikokuchuo! It consists of a number of trails in the mountains, and during the right time you can see many flowers. However, I went during the fall season, which means there were no flowers to my unplanned disappointment. But the mountainous view and beautiful sight of the city from above was wonderful. There wasn't many people so I was free to explore without feeling like I was bothering anyone. I'm sure this area gets a lot of onlookers during the summer and spring season. Definitely with the trip if you're in the area!


  

I've been taking some walks that are kind of close to night time. It's oddly calming. I decided to visit Munakata Shrine again while it was raining. some of the reflections and lights look cool. I going to take more walks around nightime and see what other neat places I can find.  

For Godzilla Day, I decided to revisiting the original 1954 Godzilla movie, a timeless classic that laid the foundation for all kaiju films. This first Godzilla isn’t just a monster movie; it’s a powerful reflection on the devastating impacts of nuclear war, resonating even today as we grapple with technological advancements that bring about both progress and peril. The haunting soundtrack by Akira Ifukube amplifies the eerie atmosphere, making every scene feel both epic and tragic.

Watching Godzilla stirs up great nostalgia for me. I remember Sunday afternoons spent with my younger brother and father, diving into tokusatsu films. Those afternoons were filled with excitement and a little bit of awe as we watched these incredible creatures come to life on screen. The charm and thrill of Godzilla and other Japanese monster movies remind me of simpler times, and it’s amazing to see how these themes still strike a chord today.  

Last weekend my friends and I attended a kimono party in Niihama! The event was held for foreigners in the city who wanted to try on the traditional clothing of Japan. There were people from over 7 different countries, and everyone looked amazing! It was my first time trying on kimono- it was fun, but kimonos are definitely not the most comfortable thing to wear. Have you worn kimono before?  

Me and some friends did a workshop in Marugame where we got to make our own uchiwa! It was super cool! We got to choose a design and help in assembling it, which was really interesting! I would highly recommend it to anyone in Marugame!
  

While shopping recently in a local convenience store, I noticed a shelf with some everyday items like socks, t-shirts, etc. On the shelf there was also a small, squared shaped pouch that said on the package that it was an Eco Backpack.

The backpack is 30x41cm in size and is folded into a small pouch that you can carry anywhere. Once you remove it from the pouch it unfolds and becomes a backpack. It is made of strong, polyester materiel, has a capacity of 20 liters, and very convenient when you are traveling or even shopping. I love it!
  

When I was in college, one year some of my friends decided to do a group costume for Halloween. They decided to dress up as a deck of cards! It was really fun to see them all.





One of my friends, just to be funny, went as a "birthday card" instead of a "playing card."



Did you dress up for Halloween this year? What kind of costumes do you like?  

Since Halloween is almost upon us, my students and I have been doing a few Halloween crafts to build up our excitement for this joyous occasion. My students loved doing the crafts and'll have plenty more to do.



  

During Halloween, I always made my costumes. But I would go shopping for accessories or general things. A lot of stores sell costumes, of course. Some Halloween stores don't have the copyright for licensed characters. When you go shopping for costumes, you may find some familiar faces with different names. It can get really funny and creative!

  

Hello everyone, Benson here. Welcome to the end of October! How was everyone’s October? How did you spend your month? Did you achieve all that you wanted to? Are any of you looking forward to November? I hope everybody is doing well!

There’s something serene about taking a walk in the early evening in October. The air is crisp, and the golden hour casts a soft glow over everything. As the sun begins to set earlier, these walks offer a chance to unwind after a busy day and enjoy the fresh air. The world seems quieter, and you can hear the rustle of the wind through the trees or the occasional crunch of leaves underfoot. These walks are a great way to clear your mind and take in the beauty of the season without the distractions of daily life. As we move closer to November, I hope everyone had a chance to reflect and enjoy the month of October. Take care, see you next time.


  

Hello Everyone I'm Bear Sensei! Bringing you another blog just for you!


Japan has many myths, legends, historical figures, and landmarks. As always it is an extreme pleasure to have the opportunity to visit these places and how fortunate I am to see them with my own eyes. The pictures that you see me post do not make it justice. I cannot emphasize enough that you'd have to be there yourself to experience this Marvelous country full of life and hidden GEMS. Just take a look at the picture below. Isn't it fascinating?































  

This weekend, I had the chance to explore Hiroshima’s Motomachi Public Housing Complex—a monumental piece of post-war architecture and a symbol of Japan’s resilience. Built in the 1970s, Motomachi was envisioned as a “city within a city,” offering not only housing but a true community space with schools, shops, and recreational areas. Wandering through its vast concrete corridors, I could sense the ambition of that era, a time when building upward represented hope and progress.

Though years of wear have softened its once-vibrant energy, the ongoing revitalization efforts bring a sense of renewal. With modern updates and green spaces, the complex is re-emerging as a lively part of Hiroshima, reconnecting with the community it once served. Seeing Motomachi today, I was reminded of how cities, much like people, grow and adapt, carrying forward their history while opening up to new possibilities.



  

I've been making many trips to Matsuyama. Last time I went, I wanted to take my time going through the Castle again. While there I encountered this cute cat hanging out by a nearby shrine. They were pretty friendly and curious. I always melt a little bit inside when I see a cat. I grew up with cats and black cats or tuxedo cats are my favorite.  

Music has a remarkable ability to shape our moods. A soaring melody can lift our spirits, while soothing instruments can relax us. Whether it's the driving rhythm of a rock anthem or the gentle caress of a classical piece, music has the power to transport us to different emotional landscapes. It's a universal language that speaks to the depths of our being, reminding us that we are not alone in our feelings.  

Me and my friends recently went to Marugame to do a fan workshop! We picked out our designs, glued them onto the frame of the fan, cut out the shape, glued a border on and voila- our very own uchiwa was ready to take home and admire forever! I'm too scared to use it for real because I don't want it to get damaged...

After, we had to try the famous Marugame chicken. It comes in two styles, young chicken which is more tender and old chicken which is a bit tougher. It was some of the best chicken I've had while in Japan- I need more!   

This ice cream from the Kanonji coin museum was incredible. It was seasonal grape with vanilla. Absolutely incredible, I’ll definitely be back.   

Me and some friends recently went hiking near Mt. Ishizuchi at a place called Kamegamori. It was super beautiful and really cool, however, the drive up the mountain was terrifying! I loved it, but I don't think I will do it again.