Alex Quinn's Japan Journal

11/19/2004, Hyogo JET Mid-year Conference day 2, Dinner with Akemi's Co-worker

The second day of the conference was much like the first.  Some teaching tips, of which a few might be useful.  Lots of overblown ranting about exagerated cultural differences.  In the end, they gave us a little speech about things we shouldn't do.

1. Don't drink and drive.  The police will give you a huge fine and you'll be fired.
2. Don't buy or use drugs.  They treat marijuana the same as cocaine or anything else here.  Punishments are a lot more severe than in the US.
3. Don't be late to meetings or anything else.

Sadly, I had been 40 minutes late to the conference that morning due to a very understandable, easy-to-make mistake with the trains.  Fortunately, I had some documentation of my excuse so it was okay.  Nevertheless, I found their speech a little chilling.  Notice how they put lateness in the same box as much more serious offenses.

The main stage of the conference with all of the instructors who led the conference.

The banner over the main stage of the conference.

That night, I met Akemi in Osaka and we had a great dinner with Kuno-san, one of her co-workers, after a walk around Osaka.  Lots of Japanese food in a nice izakaya.  Akemi's co-workers are like good friends.  It's great to see.

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