Consul General Hisao Yamaguchi speaks to returning JETs.
Twenty-three recent participants of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme were welcomed back to Toronto by the Consul General of Japan Hisao Yamaguchi with a reception at his official residence on December 2. The evening opened with a welcome toast by Deputy Consul General Masaaki Takada, as well as speeches from JET Alumni Chair Amy Schindler and recent JET returnee Kim Nishiyama. Consul General Yamaguchi spoke on the "Experiences of Modern Japan and its Foreign Policy Challenges", and expressed hope that the newly returned JETs found their experiences in Japan to be positive and enriching.
Left photo: Deputy Consul General Masaaki Takada (right) and Mr. Yamaguchi raise a toast to the returning JET. Right photo: Recently returned JETs speak with other guests.
With over 45 guests in total, the reception provided opportunity for former JETs who had finished their contract in Japan this past July, to meet each other and trade experiences. They were also able to acquaint themselves with representatives of local Japan-related organisations, including the JET Alumni Association (JETAA), the Association of Japanese Culture, the Association of Japanese Canadian Businesses and Professionals (Shinkikai), and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, as well as professors of Japanese from the University of Toronto, York University and University of Waterloo.
The guests enjoy a buffet dinner.