JETs Come Home to Warm Welcome
Canadians having recently returned from participating on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme were welcomed back to Toronto by the Deputy Consul-General of Japan Nobuaki Yamamoto (above, left) with a reception on Nov. 20 in the Sakura Room of the Consulate-General of Japan.
Fifty people, including returning JETs, members of the JET Alumni Association, representatives from Toronto's Japanese community, as well as distinguished persons from business and education, gathered to celebrate the safe return of Canadians promoting internationalization in Japan.
"Few Canadians have had an opportunity to become as integral a part of Japanese society as JET alumni," said Mr. Yamamoto in a speech addressing the guests. "They possess a rare perspective on Japan. The Government of Japan therefore places great importance on their continued activities to promote cross-cultural understanding between Japan and Canada."
With Ms. Marcia Iwasaki, Toronto's JET Programme Co-ordinator (above right photo; right) emceeing, the returning JET participants were invited to take part in the activities of the JETAA by Ms. Natalie Bay (above left photo), the association's co-chair. Mr. Stephen Ranahan (above right photo; left), who just returned from working five years on the programme, also took to the podium on behalf of the returning JETs to express appreciation for this warm welcome home.
The formal part of the evening came to a close when Japan Information Centre Director Masaya Otsuka (phot below; right) raised a toast to the returning JETs.
In Japan, JET participants work in the public school system as Assistant Language Teachers in English language education or in public offices as Coordinators for International Relations. During their stay in Japan, JETs have the opportunity to experience Japanese culture first-hand, as well as to enhance mutual understanding between Japan and their home countries. Currently, there are over 4,400 JET participants from around the world in Japan, of which approximately 480 are Canadian.
