Tokuyama, Yamaguchi

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Tokuyama was one of two cities (the other being Shinnanyo, Yamaguchi) that merged on April 21, 2003 to become Shunan, Yamaguchi. The city had a population of about 150,000 people. About 40 of these people are English teachers for both the JET program and various English schools. Its location along the shinkansen line make for easy access to nearby cities such as Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Hikari holds a sizable beach.

The city has a modest offering of entertainment and dining options. Here is a list of bars/restaurants featuring an English and/or picture menu:

-Ell's Ditch (Irish pub serving up Irish/British food and European brews)(Downtown) -Oghiya (yakitori-ya offering a very comprehensive English menu and plenty of drinks) (Downtown) -WaraWara (izikaya with English/picture menu and plenty of cocktail choices)(Downtown) -Grazie (Italian restaurant with a set menu in English)(Downtown) -Ganesh (Indian restaurant; very popular)(Downtown) -Fracasso (family-style Italian restaurant with unlimited soft-drink bar)(outer Tokuyama) -Sunday's Sun (family-style restaurant offering both the drink bar and Western breakfast)(outer Tokuyama) -Gusto (family-style Japanese restaurant, also with soft-drink bar)(outer Tokuyama) -Mister Donut (outer Tokuyama) -McDonald's (downtown and outer Tokuyama) -Kentucky Fried Chicken (outer Tokuyama and Kudamatsu Mall) -Baskin Robbins (outer Tokuyama) -Dotour Coffee (outer Tokuyama and Kudamatsu Mall)

Another dining option that is popular in Tokuyama are the yatai stands that line the sidewalks around Tokuyama Station after dark. They serve up ramen, gyoza, oden, and other Japanese appetizers as well as beer and sake. The prices are low, and the food is delicious. Just go on in and take a seat. The proprietors will understand your broken Japanese. The best one is next to Shidax, just ask for 'Antonio', perhaps the greatest host in Japan. With his white cap on, he often gets mistaken by foreigners as a Pakistani! He loves Elvis Presley, old movies and studies English from watching them. His ramen is the best hangover cure in the world!

There's also the ready-made food at 7-11, if you are in a hurry. The convenience stores Lawson and Poplar also serve up quick eats. They are easily accessible locations throughout Tokuyama. The stores are also handy for paying your bills.

Coffee fans can enjoy two great shops to get their fix: CoffeeBoy (on PH street, downtown) and CreamCreme (just off of Old Route 2, behind Jean Paul bakery)

Tokuyama has a fair assortment of shopping options. Daiso, the popular 100 Yen chain, has two locations (both outer Tokuyama). Uniqlo offers clothing in sizes and prices that Westerners will appreciate (outer Tokuyama). Tsutaya is a movie/CD rental place with numerous Western offerings (next to Uniqlo). Kintetsu, a modest-sized department store, provides a quality selection of clothing, food, and gift items (downtown). In Kudamatsu (along the #4-5 bus route), you can find Mr. Max (similar to WalMart), Seiyu (which IS WalMart, but more expensive), Thanada Life Create Store (Crate and Barrel-esque store), and SunLive (a modest shopping center).

Entertainment options are fairly limited. The city library offers a modest selection of English books. Live music can be found at a few bars, and the popular Bar Nells offers a nightclub that is very popular with foreigners and Japanese alike. Shidax is a very popular karaoke center (also offers nomihodai or "all you can drink" option). There is also a very modest art museum with regularly changing special exhibits and a cafe. Movix, the largest movie theatre, is located at Kudamatsu Mall (movies cost about 1,900 yen).

The city has a small offering of festivals throughout the year. The most popular is the Christmas Tree Festival, where the city fills the trees along Miyuki Dori with Christmas lights and plays Christmas carols from 6-10 p.m. each night. On December 23-25, food stalls fill the sidewalks, offering grilled meats, beer, cotton candy, candied fruit, and small-scale carnival games.

Popular daytrips from Tokuyama (via shinkansen, local train or highway bus) include: Iwakuni, Hiroshima, Hagi, Fukuoka, and Okayama.

If you're thinking of coming to the area to teach English, do your homework on the school first: S.E.S. (Shunan English School) is one of the biggest in the area. It's a very busy school, although recent years have seen student numbers decline due to competition, quick turnover of teachers and high pricing. The owner, Etsuko Tajima is well known by students and teachers, as being a downright liar and money grabber! It's a steady job though, and you can write up your own colorful reference for her to sign once your contract is over. Y.E.S. (Yamaguchi English School) in downtown Tokuyama. This is one of the easiest jobs you could ever hope for - go in, read a book, have students repeat what you read, and you're done! There are other longer lessons too though. Again, the owner is all about money and cannot be trusted. AEON, NOVA and GEOS, all good schools in their own way, but again, seeing a huge reduction in numbers due to demographic reasons. The English Language business in Japan has been steadily on the decline for over 5 years or so. However, there are still plenty of jobs, and Shunan City (Tokuyama) has everything to offer, with a great location, pretty much 'central' to most of Japan, thanks to the Shinkansen!