Q&A
Q: When does the reunion start?
A: The reunion starts with a kick-off dinner on Sunday, October 11th. Please see the schedule for details.
Q: Why did you change the format of the reunion?
A: We have had to change the training location from Katsuura to dojos in Tokyo. The number of registered participants was insufficient to pay for the Katsuura venue. The good news is that this has meant that the overall training costs has reduced. We are now asking all attendees to budget 20,000 yen for training fees and 8,000 yen for the opening dinner. Please see the schedule for details.
Q: How long will I be in Japan?
A: We expect that most people will arrive on Sunday, October 11 and depart the day after the demonstration on Sunday, October 18th. Some people may stay for the Honbu events on Sunday, October 18th and depart on Monday, October 19th. Please see the schedule for details.
Q: What are the main events?
A: The reunion will include the kick-off dinner, several classes taught by senior Japanese instructors and the All Japan Demonstration on Saturday, October 17th.
Q: What will the reunion cost me?
A: Please budget ¥8,000 for the kick-off dinner and about ¥20,000 for all the classes. Demonstration fees and Tokyo meals and accommodation costs are separate. It is expected that the complete trip will cost approximately ¥100,000 plus airfare and any extras in Tokyo. The pricing details are provided here.
Q: I live in Japan. Can I come for part of the reunion?
A: Of course! The pricing details can be seen here.
Q: When do we pay?
A: The cost of the kick off dinner and all of the classes will be paid at the venue upon arrival.
Q: What is not included in the reunion fees?
A: Airfare, Tokyo accommodation and non-event related meals and transportation costs are not included in the reunion fees. The All Japan Demo, demo party and honbu training fees are organized by the honbu dojo and are not included.
Q: Awesome! How do I sign up?
A: Please start your registration at the registration page on this site. You will be asked to provide attendance details because some venues and dojos have limited participation. Sign up soon!
Q: Where can I stay in Tokyo and what are the costs?
A: Accommodation in Tokyo is the responsibility of the participant. Here are some ideas:
- An RYA supporter (and the person who arranged our kick off dinner at Andy's!) has a few AirBNB furnished apartments in Shibuya for short term use (here and here).
- There are also several Toyoko Inn hotels in Tokyo that are between ¥7,000 and ¥10,000 per night. .
Q: What should I bring?
A: You should bring your dogi for training and casual slacks, a dress shirt, jacket and tie for the official demonstration party. There are washing machines at the gasshuku center however, if possible, it would be a good idea to bring more than one dogi. Don't forget your camera!
Q: Are there any hidden costs?
A: We have tried to anticipate all reunion activity costs. Depending upon the amount of drinking that is going on we may ask for a few thousand yen for the welcome party at Andy's.
Q: Will I have time for sightseeing or visiting other dojos?
A: Thursday afternoon and Friday are designated free time and can be used for sightseeing. You will have to check with other dojos for class times.
Q: Where is the kick-off dinner being held?
A: The kick-off dinner is being held at Shin-Hinomoto (commonly referred to as "Andy's Izakaya") in Yurakucho. Andy has graciously offered to open the izakaya on the Sunday so that we can have our party there. More information about Andy and Shin-Hinomoto can be found on this website.
Q: How many people are coming?
A: We expect a minimum of 20 participants.