\n<\/div>\n

| <\/p>\n

On Saturday, we said a very sad (temporary) goodbye to one of the teachers who has been with us the longest, Machiko-sensei. Previous Genki students will know what an integral part of the school she was – we can’t imagine a GenkiJACS where Machiko-sensei isn’t busily bustling around on Monday morning getting all the new students sorted into class!<\/p>\n

GenkiJACS Fukuoka staff – with a special appearance by Tokyo school’s Tomoe-sensei! – celebrated the end of summer, as well as Machiko-sensei’s farewell, at Mitsubachi, a beautiful restaurant in Nakasu, located right on one of the canals.<\/p>\n

$\"20140928-p1140961.jpg\"$ <\/p>\n

$\"20140928-img_3090.jpg\"$ <\/p>\n

Teachers and staff had a great evening enjoying delicious food and drinks, before Machiko-sensei got a special surprise from the restaurant managers!<\/p>\n

$\"20140928-p1140968.jpg\"$ <\/p>\n

As well as some gifts from GenkiJACS.<\/p>\n

$\"20140928-p1140972.jpg\"$ <\/p>\n

Before Yuji-sensei and Tetsuya-sensei ended the evening with a special Hakata-style \u4e00\u672c\u7de0\u3081 (\u3044\u3063\u307d\u3093\u3058\u3081, “ippon jime” – hand-clapping to celebrate the conclusion of an event). <\/p>\n

$\"20140928-p1150001.jpg\"$ <\/p>\n

Machiko-sensei is taking an extended leave of absence to travel to London, but it won’t be forever! She promised to be back soon. We’ll miss her dearly while she’s gone!<\/p>\n

In the meantime, Nabe-sensei has taken over overseeing Beginner 2 and above students. <\/p>\n

We’re not saying \u3055\u3088\u3046\u306a\u3089, because we will definitely meet again. See you again soon, Machiko-sensei!<\/p>\n

$\"20140928-p1140847.jpg\"$ <\/p>\n

Check out our Facebook for more photos!<\/p>\n