The 2nd Miyagi St. Baldrick's event took place on March 20th, 2010 at Club Shaft.  Miyagi is proud to be the first location for the event in Japan.  For a week leading up to the event volunteers passed out flyers and collected donations along Ichibancho street in Sendai.  The volunteers attracted lots of attention and got the word out on the street.  A passing stranger even donated 10,000 yen to one of the boxes.  As a result of the publicity the event was very well attended.

Over 150 people came on event night!  And it attracted people from many different walks of life.  The attendees included ALTs, members of the CCAJ (Childhood Cancer Association of Japan), musicians, artists, cancer survivors, media and local people hoping to support the cause. The best thing was that everybody came together for a common cause and had a great time.

The music at the show was amazing and it certainly contributed to the good vibrations.  The event featured Irish music, Scottish bagpipes, Japanese folk, Japanese rock, South American folk and Japanese Reggae.  Seriously, everybody was grooving.

The event had a great group of shavees as well, eleven in all.  The ALT male shavees were: Austin Gardiner, Daniel Jones, Fong Xiong, Mayibuye Magwaza, Mitch Lippencott, Mat Smith and Matt Sime.  The lone ALT female shavee was Moloko Molepo.  The Japanese male shavees were: Tomokazu Sugawara and Mr. Taku.  The lone female Japanese shavee was Yuko Sato.  Two people even shaved their beards: Tristan Graham and Mike Jones.  With all the music, dancing, donations and shaving the event had a carnival like atmosphere.

When the dust settled the event raised 300,000yen for childhood cancer research/support here in Japan.   A significant increase from last year's total.  We could not have done this without the support of dedicated volunteers, event supporters and event sponsors like MAJET.  You have our thanks.  Planning for the 2011 Miyagi St. Baldrick's event is already under way.  We hope to see you there!  Feel free to contact us at: [email protected]

http://www.stbaldricks.org/

http://www.ccaj-found.or.jp/english/

David Boling was a JET back in the beginning stages of the JET Program in the late 1980's.  He is currently running for Congress in the state of Arkansas.  Regardless of whether you agree with his politics or not, its cool to see some former JETs doing big things like this.  Shows that our time here isn't a waste and can be a very useful launching point or step towards where ever we'd like to go next.  Check out his bio section at his website:
http://www.bolingforcongress.com/

Hanami season is just around the corner and that means sitting under the cherry tree blossoms, eating your favorite J-foods like yakitori, karaage, and takoyaki, and some drinking times with friends, and often some random Japanese people as well.  Here is the sakura report (yes, they have one of those):
http://tenki.jp/sakura/expectation
Sendai's predicted bloom
first bloom: April 6th
full bloom: April 11th

Start Time: Friday, April 16, 2010 at 6:30pm
End Time: Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 4:00pm
Location: Sendai-shi Shimin Katsudo Support Center Theater
Street: Hirose Dori (close to Forus)
City/Town: Sendai, Japan

The ALT Art Show is a cultural exchange event organized by ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers)　to showcase their countries and cultures to the citizens of Sendai and Miyagi Prefecture.　

This year marks the 8th ALT Art Show and with it the new theme of COLO(U)RS. The “u” is in parenthesis because the word is spelled “colors” in America, but “colours” in most other countries. This year's art show will celebrate the many colors of art, and the many colours of ourselves!

You are most welcome to come by yourself or bring your family and friends along to join in the fun! On behalf of the ALTs who have helped with this year's ALT Art Show, we look forward to seeing you!

This year's schedule:

Opening Gala April 16 6:30 - 9:00
The Opening Gala will be held on the first night to showcase ALT’s countries and cultures! There will be several performances by ALT artists, and previews of the artwork. ALTs that have provided art for the gallery will also be present, so this a great chance to meet new people, learn about different cultures, and help internationalize Sendai!

-WORKSHOPS-
Saturday:
11:00-11:30 - European Calligraphy
12:00-12:30 - Kokeshi Dolls from Around the World
1:00-1:30 - The Mysteries of Scotland
2:00-2:30 - Is that Karate??
3:00-3:30 - Improv Comedy
4:00-4:30 - I Know You Got Soul: Intro to Breakdance

Sunday:
11:00-11:30 - American Coffee Making
12:00-12:30 - Indigenous Australian Rock Art
1:00-1:30 - Swing Dance for Beginners
2:00-2:30 - 30 Minute Beats
3:00-3:30 - Caribbean Danzaerobics

As some of you may have heard the JLPT will be conducted using a new testing format, as well as a new grading and ranking system.  The new ranking system is as follows:

N1-  Approximately the same level as the current Level 1 test, but designed to measure slightly more advanced abilities.
N2-  Approximately the same level as the current Level 2 test.
N3-  Positioned at a level bridging the current Level 2 and Level 3 tests.(Newly established)
N4-  Approximately the same level as the current Level 3 test.
N5-  Approximately the same level as the current Level 4 test.

For complete details on the new system and guidelines download the file at the bottom.

The summer test this year will be held on Sunday, July 4th, 2010.  The application packet can be picked up in Sendai at Maruzen in the AER building, and Junkudo in Loft or E-beans.  The deadline to apply is April 30th.  For directions on applying please check the following link:
http://www.jees.or.jp/jlpt/en/jlpt_guide_2010_1st_e.html