Hello everyone!

Last Friday we had our Nagano Orientation for all 26 of the new teachers already here. With the help of all the block leaders, and two other guys who just lingered around, I have to say it was a success!

After a day of skills development training all the teachers headed of to Zenkoji temple with local high school students on a scavenger hunt. I don't know how much history everyone learned, but everyone definitely discovered the many delicious flavors of ice cream found at Zenkoji. It was a hot day.

Thanks everyone for your hard work and making this years orientation such a success. I am looking forward to seeing all of you again at Matsumoto Conference or even better at Suwa-Ina's NagaYes!

The day really would not have been possible if it was not for the help of our local Nagano mascot - Arukuma! His words of wisdom will provide endless years of inspiration to all the new teachers.

Arukuma is not an official JET or even a teacher, but his likeness to Sorin is unparallel. That's why we keep him around.