As 2015 draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the kind of year it has been. I find it interesting that Japan has a custom of “forget the year parties” in December. Perhaps there are some things which are better forgotten, but I wish to remember the wonderful things which have happened in JAMBO and express my deep appreciation for your support.

2015 has been a banner year for JAMBO. We continue to hold around 7 events per month on average. This year, we have linked up with LVC (Language Volunteer Co-Talk) and hold a monthly event for language learning and talking about volunteerism. And we are one of the main event organizers (and now managers) for JAPAN Day Trips meetup (with 2,400 members). This has added a large foreign contingent to our hiking events.

Finally, having become an officially registered NPO in the United States, we are now building the foundation for getting donations and setting up JAMBO like groups in the U.S., and, later, in other countries as well.

Japan will always be our home, thanks to the wonderful support we have here, but now you can feel as if you are a part of something bigger, and can look forward to more opportunities coming your way.

May you all have a very fun-filled holiday season!