Okay, I'm going to try to put a picture here. This is me with the third-year (9th grade) students, and their teachers, at Kamiichiki Junior High School.

The signs say "Kamiichiki Chuugakkou Taiiku Taikai," which translates to Kamiichiki Junior High Sports Meet.

In the Japanese school year, there are four major events. These are the Entrance Ceremony (for the new students) in April, the Sports Day in late September or October, the Culture Festival (talent show) in November, and Graduation in March. I've been privileged to observe, and occasionally take part in, these events for the past few years. I've been somewhat ambivalent about them so far this year, because it's the last time I'll be going through them.

Recently I found out that I won't be able to go to the Culture Festivals, due to the schools scheduling them on the same day that I have to go to the JET mid-year conference. I'm trying to get around this somehow. I was kind of hoping to participate this year.... In any case, it's not looking too good right now. Despite the fact that I'd much rather watch a talent show than go to a boring business meeting, my supervisors are saying that it's more important that I go to the conference. Hmmmm.

Rob