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Japan Today
20-07-2025
- General
- Japan Today
Understanding teacher transfers in Japan from a parent's perspective
By Kerri King When we first moved to Japan and enrolled our child in elementary school, I had no idea about 教職員人事異動 (kyoshokuin jinji ido), the nationwide system of teacher transfers. I expected to get to know the teaching staff over many years and maybe even see the same faces until graduation, as is common back in New Zealand. So, when my child's beloved teacher (along with what felt like half the faculty) suddenly disappeared at the end of the school year, I was confused and, honestly, a little emotional. I've since learned that this isn't unusual at all. It's part of a long-standing system in Japan where teachers are regularly rotated between schools. For foreign parents who are used to seeing the same staff year after year, this can be a surprising and sometimes difficult adjustment. What Are Teacher Transfers & Why Do They Happen? Image: iStock: paylessimages In Japan, public school teachers are employed by the local Board of Education rather than individual schools. This means that teachers aren't permanently attached to one school but are seen as part of the wider prefectural system. Every few years (typically every three to five), they're reassigned to a different school within the region or city. Unlike in some other countries, these transfers don't usually happen because a teacher has performed poorly or done something wrong. Instead, they're part of a planned rotation system designed to support teacher growth and benefit the school system as a whole. The idea behind the transfers is to help teachers develop professionally and keep things fair across schools. By changing schools and grade levels, teachers gain new experiences, stay motivated and bring fresh ideas to different classrooms. For students, it means being exposed to a variety of teaching styles. Although there's some debate about how effective the system always is in practice, it's a normal part of school life in Japan. How Teacher Transfers Happen Image: iStock: Fast&Slow One of the most difficult parts of teacher transfers in Japan, especially for parents, is the timing. Unlike in many other countries where staffing updates are shared well in advance, Japanese schools tend to announce teacher changes just days before the school year ends in March. Even the teachers themselves often don't find out about their new assignments until late in the school year. Once the transfers are confirmed, a short notice or letter is usually sent home with students. On the last day of school, during the shuryo-shiki (closing ceremony), there's often a farewell segment where teachers who are leaving give short speeches and are presented with flowers. Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
Japan Today
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Kinbato: A Japanese Paloma cocktail recipe
By Lauren Shannon Say hello to the Kinbato, our refreshing original Japanese cocktail recipe inspired by the tropical flavors of Okinawa. For this, we're putting a Japanese twist on the classic Paloma cocktail. With Japan's humid summer in full swing, this light, zesty cocktail is perfect for Japanese-style outdoor BBQs or winding down after a day in the sun. Let us bring a little Okinawan sunshine to your glass with this Japanese Paloma cocktail recipe — you're going to love it! The Inspiration A couple of kinbato doves, also known as Emerald Dove For this creation, we are getting our inspiration from a well-known drink in Central America: the Paloma. Many people think that the tequila-based Margarita is the most famous drink in Mexico, but actually, the national Mexican cocktail is the Paloma. This classic drink is also made with a tequila base. Other ingredients include grapefruit juice and a sweet citrusy soda — a refreshing cocktail. The word Paloma means 'dove' in Spanish, so our new version will be named after a beautiful, colorful dove, the Kinbato, which can be found in Japan's southernmost prefecture. For our Kinbato cocktail, we will keep the classic ratios and stay with a citrus-forward summer drink with a strong alcohol kick. Using Shikuwasa Image: iStock: botamochi We are using shikuwasa juice as the citrus element in our recipe. Shikuwasa is an Okinawan lime with a rich citrus flavor and a sour taste. In Japan, it is used like lemon to flavor grilled meat, fish and salad dressings. It can also be used in ice cream, desserts and juice drinks — everything is possible with shikuwasa Shikuwasa can be easily purchased online, especially in bottled juice form. While it's harder to find fresh outside of Okinawa, if you do have access to the real thing, by all means, use it. The fresh flavor is brighter and uniquely more refreshing. Since fresh shikuwasa are pretty small — most about three centimeters in diameter — the best way to juice them is to cut a slice in the skin and squeeze the fruit whole without cutting in half as we often do with lemons or limes. This method not only makes juicing easier but also helps keep seeds out of your juice (and your cocktail). The Sweetness & Spice Image: Lauren Shannon Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
Japan Today
29-05-2025
- Health
- Japan Today
Japanese food additives explained: What you're really eating
By Savvy Tokyo Navigating food labels in Japan can feel like decoding a secret language, even if you've been here for years. Once you finally figure out how to read Japanese food labels, there's still that long list of mysterious ingredients that pop up after the slash mark (／). What even are half of these things? Are they safe? Necessary? For example, why does an onigiri (rice ball) with no filling, literally just a ball of white rice, have so many things after that slash mark? If you've ever found yourself wondering about Japanese food additives, you're not alone. Here's your no-stress, savvy guide to understanding what's actually in that already-made bento box, that family pack of senbei (rice crackers) or even your kid's favorite snack from the convenience store. Before vs After The Slash Image: Shelley Smith To put it as simply as possible, when it comes to Japanese food labeling, keep these key differences in mind: Ingredients before the slash ( / ): Main food components (e.g., flour, sugar, oil) Main food components (e.g., flour, sugar, oil) Ingredients after the slash ( / ): Food additives (食品添加物; shokuhin tenkabutsu) This labeling system is part of Japanese food safety regulations designed to provide clarity when shopping for food products. Learning how to spot and understand additives in Japanese foods can help you make healthier, more informed choices. What Are Food Additives For? Image: iStock: Yuto photogra Food additives are substances added to foods for various reasons, including: Preservation Texture Color Flavor In Japan, the list of approved additives includes both natural and synthetic ones. Some are totally harmless — or even helpful — while others raise eyebrows. Are Additives in Japanese Foods Safe? The short answer is mostly yes, at least in the quantities allowed. Japan has fairly strict food safety laws and a list of approved food additives managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. However, those who are more health-conscious may try to avoid artificial additives. Common Japanese Food Additives Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
Japan Today
05-05-2025
- General
- Japan Today
Learn how to join a community garden in Japan
By Melanie Barnes Since moving to Tokyo last year, I have missed growing vegetables, a hobby I used to love. Living on the third floor in a small apartment means I can have a couple of pots of herbs on my balcony, but there is no space for a proper vegetable garden. That all changed earlier this year, when some friends invited me to join them in renting a plot in a community garden nearby! I love gardening because it helps me connect with nature, release stress and learn some practical skills. I also love the pleasure of eating freshly picked food. The veggies I grow are so much tastier and crisper than the ones I buy in the supermarket. As climate change continues to alter our world, there has been a resurgence of interest in urban gardening. It's one way to live a more sustainable life and to learn skills that previous generations took for granted. Community gardens, also known as allotments, are an excellent option for people who don't have space to grow food at their own house. How My Community Garden Works Accessing The Garden Size & Price Perfect For Beginners Nature School For Kids Finding Your Community Garden Tips For Non-Japanese Speakers How My Community Garden Works The community garden I'm involved in is located on a small, privately owned farm in Kunitachi, western Tokyo. The farmer has divided the farm into about 40 separate lots. My family shares a plot with two other families. Sharing a plot is great because we split up the workload, which means that I can take a few days off if I need to! Even more importantly, we share whatever we grow, which means that I don't have to worry about what to cook with 16 eggplants when they all ripen in the same week. During summer, when the veggies ripen quickly, it's necessary to visit at least two or three times a week to pick the quickly ripening vegetables. However, during the change of season, the workload drops significantly, and we may only need to visit two or three times a month. Right now, we are close to harvesting beans, radishes, eggplants, onions, potatoes, lettuce, capsicum and cucumber. We also have tomatoes and corn on the way. Despite sharing, the amount of vegetables we harvest each week is more than enough. It has replaced about half of the vegetables we used to buy. Accessing The Garden Members can access the garden at any time of the day, which is great. This means I can visit when it suits me, either early in the morning before it gets too hot or late in the afternoon. Importantly, during these times, the garden is rarely busy, which allows for some well-deserved quality time for myself and my family. Size & Price Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
