Cold snap hits Kitakyushu
As soon as starting off the new year, we had many trainings such as STCW Basic Training (1/8～1/12), tailor-made course as known as SPC (1/10～1/14), FOET course on January 16 and BOSIET course from January 17 to 19. Those who joined the training during this star-off of the new year experienced big chill here in Kitakyushu.
Sarakura-mountain (800m height) had 20cm snow! (Photo taken from the roof of company building)
There have not been snowing often here in Kitakyushu, Tobata area where NSTC is located. But I believe that the severe training situation under big chill would offer the delegates more practical training. It must be very good experience.
In spite of cold climate, we offered sweet red bean soup with mochi (rice cake), as we have kagamibiraki ceremony. It’s a ceremony when the cutting of New Year’s ricecakes. After cutting the rice cakes, we use for cooking some foods such as sweet bean soup or rice crackers.
It must be a pleasant time to rest during sever training. 
It is said that this week will also be more chilly weather. Kitakyushu is not southern islands, as “kita” means “north”, wind brings colder feeling to us.
Please consider your outfit when you go over Kitakyushu for the training. Well, it’s also very hot and humid during the summer time!
（Kenichi, Training Support Section）
