The last week has pretty much been spent in Miyazaki city.  Last Saturday I went surfing with one of my colleagues, Masa Sensei, and afterwards had the pleasure of sharing lunch with his wife's family. 

Before lunch with Aika's family

Aika's (Masa's wife) family were a lot of fun and showed me an amazing level of hospitality that the Japanese are famous for. 

Aika's father getting stuck into some quality Shochu

Last night I had the pleasure of hosting Watanabe Ryoji, a young man from Tokyo who works for the Tokyo Sports Federation.  Ryoji is a mad sportsmen and is currently cycling all over Kyushu spreading the good word while representing the federation.  I met Ryoji in Miyazaki City this week during the final orientation for the JET program. 

Ryouji san sporting his groups apparell

Over the last few weeks Japan has been marking the 65th anniversary of the horrific end to WWII with various services/public announcements/TV documentaries etc.  Ryoji's group have taken advantage of this rather bleak time to spread their positive message which in a nut shell is 'No War' (see T-shirt). 
Before Ryoji decided to cycle around Kyushu, he participated in a 1500km peace run with a group of joggers (the oldest being 74) running from Tokyo to Nagasaki via Hiroshima.  You can see the groups website here, although it's all in Japanese, the links down the right hand side are for photos of the run.  It was great to meet Ryoji and listen to him talk about something which he is so passionate about over some home made yakisoba and a couple of beers, he's quite a character!

Ryouji and myself.

Yesterday I also enjoyed lunch with three of the English teachers at Iino Koko.

Shiiba sensei, me, Masa Sensei and Goto Sensei

Goto Sensei enjoying a veritable sushi feast!