Greg Hadley — or professor Gregory Hadley, as he's known in academic circles — is on his way home to Niigata. He has just completed the weekend JALT conference at Tokyo's National Olympic Center.

"I go to the conference every year, this time seeking to recruit a new teacher for Niigata University. There's a lot of talent out there, and it's a good place to scout. Yes, I made contact with several highly qualified people. Now it's a case of following them up."

Hadley, who teaches American and U.K. cultural studies at Niigata University of International and Information Studies, says he normally spends his free time gardening and cooking meals for his Japanese wife.