Jul 29

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JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a category on JetWit intended to highlight the various economic, diplomatic and other benefits to Japan resulting from its investment in the JET Program.  Why is this important right now?  Because the JET Program and JET Alumni Association may be cut by the Japanese government, as explained in this post by Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) titled “JET Program on the Chopping Block.”

“Does Japan Still Need 23-year old Exchange Program?”

This is the title of a recent article by AP reporter Tomoko Hosaka, which has been picked up by:

The article includes quotes from Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) and Anthony Bianchi (Aichi-ken, 1987-89) as well as a reference to JetWit’s role and a few photos of me (in my JETAA NY “Nihongo wakaru yo!” t-shirt) along with JETAA NY Vice-President Monica Yuki and JETAA USA Country Representative Shree Kurlekar (one of three US Country Reps).

While the article, I think, does more harm than good for JET and JETAA, I believe there are many points and examples not included in the article that could easily counter the non-specific criticisms also cited in the article.  In other words, the case for how JET and JETAA have (and continue to) provide a very significant return on investment (ROI) to Japan is not difficult to make.  It’s just a matter of gathering the examples and making everyone aware of them.

Below are just a few examples based on my own experience, research and conversations.  Please feel free to post additional examples in the comments section:

1.  A significant number of JET alums are now firmly ensconced in political, policy, business, academic, media and other positions in governments, think tanks, universities, Japan-America societies, Japanese companies, etc.  This population is only growing larger, more influential and, as a result, more valuable to Japan.  To cut this off at the roots in order to save a few yen would not make good policy or business sense.

  • Three JET alums have run for Congress this year:
  • Anthony Bianchi is has been serving for several years as a city councilman in Inuyama-shi, Aichi-ken.
  • Professor Michael Auslin is the Asia expert at the American Enterprise Institute in D.C.
  • Roland Kelts wrote Japanamerica, which has contributed to the manga boom in the U.S., and is a professor at Tokyo University and a columnist for The Daily Yomiuri.
  • Aaron Woolfolk wrote, directed and produced the film The Harimaya Bridge, which features Danny Glover, was produced in Shikoku and is based in part on Aaron’s JET experience.
  • George Rose was the interpreter for Hideki Matsui when the New York Yankees won the World Series (the only JET alum with a World Series Ring!)  George is now a consultant serving as the Pacific Rim Advisor to the Yankees as well as Staff Advisor to the Yomiuri Giants and the Yomiuri Shimbun.  He was also one of the first JETAA NY Presidents.
  • Countless JET alums are working for Japanese companies supporting their ability to do business with the rest of the world.  Legions of JETs have become translators and interpreters further facilitating Japan’s ability to communicate with the rest of the world.

And I’m just scratching the surface of examples.  Additionally, it’s worth being aware of the many more accomplishments to come from JETs in the next generation.  The JET Programme essentially takes many of the best and brightest minds from the U.S. and other countries and gets them thinking about, working for and feeling connected to Japan.

2.  Numerous Japanese students have gone on to international studies and other accomplishments as a result of their interaction with JETs.  These former students may likely comprise the next generation of English speakers in Japan.  This is something not measured in test scores.

3.  JET Alumni chapters may be the most cost effective public relations arm Japan hope to have.  A review of JETAA Chapter Beat posts on JetWit gives a quick sense of just some of the grassroots cultural outreach that JET alumni do on behalf of Japan.  And they do it because they care about Japan and appreciate their JET experience.  There’s no amount you could pay to a PR firm to generate this kind of positive, sustained visibility and outreach.  In fact, JET alums devote thousands of volunteer hours (often at the expense of their “real” jobs) to supporting JETAA activities.  Not just the administration and organization of chapter activities, but volunteering in various ways such as for New York de Volunteer, for the Japanese Restaurant Association Japanese Food Festival in Los Angeles and for numerous “Japan Days” and festivals in cities and towns throughout the U.S. and other countries.

4.  With over 52,000 JET alums in the world (and more every year), JET alumni serve as a sort of substitute ex-pat population for Japan.  Something Japan lacks in comparison to other countries.  Case in point:  After 9/11 when U.S. visa restrictions grew stricter, Japanese staffing companies found it harder to find eligible Japanese people to fill positions in the U.S. offices of Japanese companies.  As a result, they sought JET alums, who generally speak at least some Japanese if they’re not fluent, and are much more familiar with Japanese culture and workplaces.

For more examples of JETs and JET alums providing a Return on Investment to Japan, have a look at the JET ROI category on this site.

Have your own example to share?  Please post in the comments section below or email to jetwit@jetwit.com.


4 comments so far...

  • JETAANY in the Washington Post | JETAANY.org Said on July 29th, 2010 at 11:06 am:

    […] Also, check out a response to this article by Steven Horowitz on JetWit.com. Posted July 29, 2010 0 […]

  • Shane Taber Said on July 31st, 2010 at 4:02 am:

    I wonder if there is any statistical data about the predecessor to the JET program, the Monbusho English Fellow (MEF) program which began in the mid 1970s, I believe. MEF alumni would be in their late 40s to late 50s by now, I imagine. During the two years during which I worked for the Nara-ken Prefectural Board of Education (from 1979 – 1981), there were approximately 25 – 35 MEF serving at the prefectural level throughout Japan. There was one MEF per participating prefecture. We made school visits at both the middle and senior high levels, assisted in teacher training, judged endless speech and recitation contests, as well as served as cultural ambassadors of sorts. Most of the MEF were assigned to rural prefectures, working side by side with our Japanese teacher consultant supervisors. Many of us worked in near total isolation from each other – remember, this was pre-Internet and no cell phones so long distance communication was either via snail mail or by the very expensive Japanese telephone system. I think we met once for a mid year conference in Tokyo. I remember, too, organizing, with the help of a Japanese teacher friend, an unofficial MEF weekend get-together in Kyoto in which about half of the MEF were able to attend, most at their own expense.

    An interesting side note: my eldest daughter spent 2008 – 2009 as an ALT assigned to Nara Prefecture’s teacher training center. She was one of nearly 70 ALT in Nara Prefecture alone that year! While she was in Nara, I was able to visit her and also to reconnect not only with dear Japanese English teacher friends from 30 years ago, but also could spend a day with my former supervisor, Mr. Hideo Fujimura, now nearly 80 years old and living in the mountains of Nara in his family’s 300+ year old home. What an odd couple we had been!

    As far as I know, I was the first American ever to work in the Nara Prefectural Board of Education. A recent graduate of a West Coast women’s college, I really stood out in many ways in my traditional nearly all-male Japanese office. I had no predecessor to give me guidance or to pave the way for me. A very limited “instruction manual” was all we got at our MEF orientation in Tokyo. I often felt like I was just making it up as I went along – and most of the time, all seemed to go well. For me, my time working in Nara has proved to be one of the most profoundly satisfying experiences of my teaching career and of my life. And I hope that, even in these most difficult financial times, the powers that be in Japan will continue to see the multitude of benefits the JET program provides and will continue to sustain and support this vital cultural exchange program.

  • JET Programme Update – Still on Chopping Block « Bahia Portfolio Said on July 31st, 2010 at 11:50 am:

    […] really provide a comprehensive description of the program and its concerns (taken directly from this article at […]

  • Paul-Jacques Keene Said on November 12th, 2010 at 10:35 pm:

    Former MEF.
    Hi Shane, and any other out there,
    Is there an alumni resourse for former MEF’s?
    I served in Tokyo in the last MEF group. The next year it became JET.
    I would love to know how and where people are.
    It was a great time. There were only around l30 of us spread around Japan at the time. Since I was stationed in the Hub, so to speak, everyone used to come to Tokyo and crash in Nishi Nippori. I worked in Meguro at Mombusho’s Education Instructional Headquarters. Tokyo Toritsu Kyoiku Ken Ku Jo. From what I understand Mombusho in now MEXT and my building is now longer there.
    I will be going back for the first time since the 1980’s in December. Went on Google Earth to get a peep and nothing is still there. Time flies and knocks everything over.
    Anyway, if there are any people out there in MEF land who are still kicking let me know.

    Also, to anyone out there in Jet or MEF land who can help. I would like to contact someone to find out how to find anyone, who is Still Alive!,who worked in Meguro. Any hints as to who to contact, or how to accomplsh this?
    All former addresses are long gone. But I have names and pictures.

    Thanks and Hello.
    Paul-Jacques Keene

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