Homecoming for JET Programme Participants
A reception was held at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan on Oct. 18 to welcome back former participants on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme who just recently returned from Japan. About 80 guests attended, consisting of former JETs, representatives from the Japanese Canadian and Japanese business communities, and others.
Returning JETs pose with Consul General of Japan Eiji Yamamoto (far right).
JET is a program implemented through the coordination of the Government of Japan and regional governments across the country. Overseas diplomatic missions, mostly in English-speaking countries, implement the recruitment, and those chosen are hired on by regional governments as special service public employees. Participants work in the Japanese public school system as Assistant Language Teachers in English or in regional government offices as Coordinators for International Relations.
The contract with the JET Programme is for one year, but is renewable for up to five years. In addition to their regular duties, they are expected to participate in various international exchange activities. As a result, they contribute greatly to the promotion of internationalization in Japan.
Consul General Yamamoto gives welcoming remarks.
The Consul General of Japan in Toronto, Mr. Eiji Yamamoto, congratulated the former JETs for the completion of their tenure. He also expressed his appreciation for their contribution to English language education and other international exchange activities in Japan. As well, he expressed hope that their experiences in Japan will be put to good use in their respective future careers.
Mr. Jayson Young gives remarks representing the returnees.
Following Mr. Yamamoto, Mr. Jayson Young, who until July was working as a JET at Kochi Prefectural Reihoku High School in the town of Motoyama, gave remarks representing other returning participants. He said the knowledge and experiences gained as a JET are widely applicable and transferable as the applicants assimilate back into life in Canada. He expressed hope of working to further strengthen Japan-Canada relations.
Mr. Gary Kawaguchi, President of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, gives a toast.
The President of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Mr. Gary Kawaguchi whose son is currently in Japan on the JET Programme, toasted the participants for their accomplishments. Afterwards, the returnees mingled with Japanese business people, members of the Japanese Canadian community, as well as other former JETs who are now successfully working in a wide variety of fields.
Many alumni of the programme, due to their profound knowledge of Japan, are often working and making great contributions at local Japanese businesses. The recent returnees had lots of opportunity to hear such success stories from members of the Japanese business community as well as JET alumni.
Above and Below: Guests enjoy each other’s company.
