Feb 20

The JETAA-sphere Podcast: Ep 7 – Monica Yuki, Jessyca Livingston & James Gannon discuss the JETAA USA Board of Advisors and 3.11

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From JETwit Media, it’s the 6th episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast!

Three members of the JETAA USA Board of AdvisorsMonica Yuki (Saitama-ken, 2002-04)Jessyca Livingston, formerly Wilcox (Hokkaido, 2003-06) and James Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94) join Steven Horowitz(Aichi-ken, 1992-94) and special co-host Matt Gillamof CLAIR NY (aka the Japan Local Government Center) to talk about the JETAA USA Board of Advisors–what it is, who’s on it, and how the tragedy of 3/11 became the catalyst for the creation of a Board of Advisors for JETAA USA.

Monica Yuki (Saitama-ken, 2002-04)
Jessyca Livingston (Hokkaido, 2003-06)

James Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94)

Show Links:

Other JETs/JET alumni mentioned in this episode:

  • Paul Yoo (Akita-ken, 2009-2012), Founder of Volunteer Akita and currently living in Ventura, California (working at Patagonia HQ)
  • Ryan Hart (Chiba-ken, 1998-99), former JETAA USA Country Rep, former PNW JETAA President
  • Mark Frey (Kumamoto-ken, 2002-06), former JETAA USA Country Rep, former JETAA Northern California President & Newsletter Editor
  • Cheryl Hou (Toyama-ken, 2005-08), former JETAA USA Country Rep, former PNW JETAA President
  • Shree Junk (Shiga-ken, 2005-07), former JETAA USA Country Rep, former JETAA NY Vice-President
  • Kelly Nixon, former JETAA NY Treasurer
  • Shannan Spisak, former JETAA USA Country Rep, former JETAANY President
  • Shannon Quinn, former JETAA USA Country Rep, former PNW JETAA President
  • Grant Minagawa, JETAA Southern California Social Chair
  • Lisa Gappa-Norris (MEF Gunma-ken, 1982-83)

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at jetwit@jetwit.com

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  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET

Feb 14

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From JETwit Media, it’s the 6th episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast!

Ryan Hata (Tottori-ken, 2014-17) joins Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) to talk about the many hats he wears in the JETAA-sphere–from AJET to JETwit to JETAANY to JETAA International–and his passion for helping JETs find work opportunities and connect with each other and helping the JET alum community continue to grow stronger.

JETWit.com
JETAANY Discussion Forums | JETAANY.org
Official Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association (JETAA) - Home |  Facebook
JET Alumni Association of New York (JETAANY) - Home | Facebook

Show Links:

Other JETs/JET alumni mentioned in this episode:

About the JETAA-sphere Co-Hosts:

  • Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) is the founder of JETwit.com, a member of the JETAA USA Board of Advisors, and a long-time active member of JETAA New York and now JETAA DC.
  • Joe Moore (Saga-ken, 2010-13) is a member of the Board of Directors for both JETAA Southern California and JETAA New York and a former Co-President of JETAA Southern California. 
  • Zach Piper (Kochi-ken, 2001-04) is a member of the Board of Directors for JETAA New York and a long-time active member of JETAA New York.
  • Note: All three of them have full-time jobs outside of this. This isn’t how they make a living or put food on the table.

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at stevenwaseda@gmail.com

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  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET

Feb 11
JETAA Rocky Mountain Chapter

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From JETwit Media, it’s the 5th episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast!

Former JETAA Rocky Mountain chapter president Adam Lisbon (Kobe-shi, 2004-07) joins Zach Piper (Kochi-ken, 2001-04) and Steven Horowitz(Aichi-ken, 1992-94) to talk about JETAA Rocky Mountain, his work as Japanese & Korean Studies Librarian at the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado’s Japanese-American history, and JET days of yore.

Show Links:

About the JETAA-sphere Co-Hosts:

  • Steven Horowitz is the founder of JETwit.com, a member of the JETAA USA Board of Advisors, and a long-time active member of JETAA New York and now JETAA DC.
  • Joe Moore is a member of the Board of Directors for both JETAA Southern California and JETAA New York and a former Co-President of JETAA Southern California. 
  • Zach Piper is a member of the Board of Directors for JETAA New York and a long-time active member of JETAA New York.
  • Note: All three of them have full-time jobs outside of this. This isn’t how they make a living or put food on the table.

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at jetwit@jetwit.com

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  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET

Feb 4

The JETAA-sphere Podcast: Ep 3, Part 1 – Matt Gillam (CLAIR) and Bahia Simons-Lane (USJETAA)

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2019 Japan-Texas Leadership Symposium in San Antonio, TX ...
Matt Gillam, looking serious but probably cracking a self-deprecating joke

From JETwit Media, it’s the 3rd episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast!

Matthew Gillam of CLAIR NY (aka the Japan Local Government Center) and Bahia Simons-Lane (Gunma-ken, 2005-07), Director of USJETAA join Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) and Joe Moore (Saga-ken, 2010-13) about what CLAIR and USJETAA are, what they do, how they support JETAA USA, and how they each ended up in their current roles. (Don’t worry. It’s more fun than it sounds.)

Episode 12: Interview with Bahia Simons-Lane (Numata-shi ...
Bahia Simons-Lane in her JET days!

The JETAA-sphere Podcast is (finally) available on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, and anywhere else you might download podcasts from.

To listen to other podcasts by JETs and JET alumni, check out the JETAA Podcast Roundup by  Scot Maupin (Hokkaido, 2005-09).

Show Links:

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at jetwit@jetwit.com

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  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET

Jan 24

The JETAA-sphere Podcast: Episode 2 – Mari Rueter, JETAA Alaska President

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JETAA Alaska | Facebook

From JETwit Media, it’s the second episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast!

In Episode 002 of the JETAA-sphere, JETAA Alaska President Mari Rueter (Tokushima-ken, 2009-14) visits the Lower 48 to educate co-hosts Zachary Piper (Kochi-ken, 2001-04)Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94), and Joe Moore III (Saga-ken, 2010-13) about the JET alum community and how they survive and thrive in the wilds of Alaska.

The JETAA-sphere Podcast is (or soon should be) availabe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, and anywhere else you might download podcasts from.

To listen to other podcasts by JETs and JET alumni, check out the JETAA Podcast Roundup by  Scot Maupin (Hokkaido, 2005-09).

Relevant Links from Episode 2:

About the Co-Hosts:

  • Steven Horowitz is the founder of JETwit.com, a member of the JETAA USA Board of Advisors, and a long-time active member of JETAA New York and now JETAA DC.
  • Joe Moore is a member of the Board of Directors for both JETAA Southern California and JETAA New York and a former Co-President of JETAA Southern California. 
  • Zach Piper is a member of the Board of Directors for JETAA New York and a long-time active member of JETAA New York.
  • Note: All three of them have full-time jobs outside of this. This isn’t how they make a living or put food on the table.

Credits

  • Intro/Ending narration by Rose Horowitz (COJ)*
  • Art/Design by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06)
  • Podcast hosting on Transistor courtesy of Percival Constantine (Kagoshima-ken, 2008-13)

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

  • Email Steven Horowitz at jetwit@jetwit.com

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  • The JETAA-sphere Podcast is a production of JETwit.com, with special thanks to USJETAA and CLAIR for their support.
  • *COJ = Child of JET


Jan 21

From JETwit Media Productions, it’s the first ever episode of the JETAA-sphere Podcast! In Ep01, Zachary Piper (Kochi-ken, 2001-04), Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94), and Joe Moore III (Saga-ken, 2010-13) have a frank (and not always entirely accurate) conversation about what the heck JETAA is, why it exists, what its components are, and how they work.

The JETAA-sphere Podcast is availabe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, and anywhere else you might download podcasts from.

To listen to other podcasts by JETs and JET alumni, check out the JETAA Podcast Roundup by  Scot Maupin (Hokkaido, 2005-09).


Jan 20
Japan PM Kishida gets Biden's "strong" commitment on Senkaku defense

In advance of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s Friday virtual meeting with President Joe Biden, the US-Japan community has issued a letter to the government of Japan urging it to relax its border restrictions in order to allow foreign students and scholars as well as family members abroad to enter Japan.

“Members of the US-Japan Network for the Future initiated this petition to call on the Japanese government to expand the range of foreign visitors allowed to enter Japan subject to vaccine, testing, and quarantine requirements. The petition will be delivered to representatives of the Japanese government in Washington, DC, and in Tokyo. We encourage Japan scholars, experts, and others involved in student exchange, regardless of nationality, to sign the petition.”

https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/calling-on-japan-to-open-to-foreign-students-and-scholars.html

Over 100 scholars, educators, policy practitioners, and bridge builders of the US-Japan community have signed the letter, a number of whom are JET alumni:

Paige Cottingham-Streater | JUSFC
  • Paige Cottingham Streater, Executive Director, Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (Also co-founder and Board Chair of US JETAA, and one of the original founders of the JET Alumni Association back in 1988!)
Jim Gannon (@JimGGannon) / Twitter
  • James Gannon, Senior Fellow, Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA) (Also Vice-Director of US JETAA and a member of the JETAA USA Board of Advisors)
The Asia Group | Michael Green - The Asia Group
  • Michael Green, Director of Asian Studies and Chair in Modern and Contemporary Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy, Georgetown University; Senior Vice President for Asia and Japan Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies (Michael was a Monbusho English Fellow (MEF) which was like the beta version of the JET Program.)
Drake University on Twitter: "Associate Professor of Political Science Mary  McCarthy was in South Korea in June as part of the Bridging the Divide  program. Attendees met with Korean policymakers, politicians, academics,
  • Mary M. McCarthy, Professor of Politics and International Relations, Department of Political Science, Drake University
Anand Rao | SUNY Geneseo
  • Anand Rao, Assistant Professor of Political Science & International Relations, State University of New York at Geneseo
FSI | Shorenstein APARC - Benjamin Self
  • Benjamin Self, Vice President, The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
  • Note: There may be other JET alumni among the signatories. If you identify one, you can email jetwit@jetwit.com.
Leonard J. Schoppa, Jr. · Conference on Cultural and Educational  Interchange (CULCON)
  • Leonard Schoppa, Professor, Department of Politics, University of Virginia; Senior Advisor, US-Japan Network for the Future
  • Ryan Shaffer, President of Japan-America Society of Washington DC
GAVIN H. WHITELAW | Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies
  • Gavin Whitelaw, Executive Director of the Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies, Harvard University
Bahia Simons-Lane - Numata, Gunma (2005-2007)
  • Bahia Simons-Lane, Director, US JETAA and former President of JETAA Florida


Jan 18

Hi, and welcome to the new podcast space here on JETwit.com. I’m Scot Maupin (Hokkaido, 2005-09), a JET alum/podcaster, and every month I’ll serve you up a list of podcasts with new episodes by myself and other JET Alumni/podcasters. I will also be featuring some episodes from month to month with more detailed write-ups.

But for now, let me start by just introducing myself (Is your 自己紹介 still etched into your brain?) and presenting a full list of podcasts I have (so far) and a bit about them. If you’d like to be added to this list, or let me know something to change, then please still use this form to let us know about it and we’ll add you to the subscriptions we monitor.

AIGA Design Podcasts

by Lee-Sean Huang (Oita ’03-06)

How is design changing as a discipline and profession? What are the current landscapes and future horizons of innovation? ​What are the opportunities for the design community? AIGA’s Lee-Sean Huang explores these questions and more with creative practitioners and​ business​ leaders​ to deepen the impact of design across all disciplines on business, society, and our collective future.

Asian American Podcasters Assn Podcast

Lee Uehara (Chiba ’93-95)

The official podcast of the Asian American Podcasters Association.

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EFT Tapping Like a Mother

Lee Uehara (Chiba ’93-95)

EFT Tapping Like a Mother is where you’ll meet your EFT fairy godmothers, Lee Uehara and Collette Schildkraut. Lee and Collette will help you navigate the ocean of crappy emotions and blocks that a getting in your way of a fantastic life.

How to Japanese Podcast

Daniel Morales (Fukushima ’05-08)

Everyone learning Japanese needs a senpai – this podcast is your digital senpai. Join Daniel from HowToJapanese.com and guests to learn what strategies have been effective for them as they study, live, and work in Japan and using Japanese.

House of Lee NYC

Lee Uehara (Chiba ’93-95)

Lee and her guests will share life’s random DIYs, hacks, tips and how-tos for resourceful living. A former teacher, Lee breaks it down and keeps it real. With New York City as home base, you’ll get Lee’s latest fun spots to explore in town

Japan On Film

Percival Constantine (Kagoshima ’08-13)

The top podcast for discussion of Japanese movies.

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Krewe of Japan

Doug Tassin (Fukushima ’07-10)

Krewe of Japan is a weekly podcast co-hosted by Doug Tassin that takes listeners on audio journeys through Japanese culture. With our hosts as your guide, and the help of guest experts, Japanese natives, and ex-pats, understanding Japan is now easier than ever before.

Now and Zen Japan

Andrew Hankinson

Insightful conversations with Japan experts focused on business and culture, with stories of success & failure and lessons learned. Entertaining and educational, discover first-hand what it’s like to live, work, and experience the most fascinating country in the world. Direct from Tokyo, this is the Now and Zen Podcast!

PractiMama Parenting

Lee Uehara (Chiba ’93-95)

The PractiMama NYC Show is where your host, Lee, keeps it real with practical tips for resourceful parenting – because honestly, who has time for anything else?!

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Reinventing Professionals

Ari Kaplan (Hyogo ’93-94)

This podcast hosted by Ari Kaplan is designed to offer ideas, guidance, and perspectives on how to effectively navigate a perpetually shifting professional landscape, with a unique focus on the legal industry and the technology that is driving its evolution.

Season by Season

Alexis Agliano Sanborn (Shimane ’09 – 11)

Join Alexis and Kit, lifelong friends who now live on opposite coasts, as they explore poetry, music, and sound on a journey through the rhythm of nature expressed by the seasons.

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The Perfect Show

Scot Maupin (Hokkaido ’05-09)

The Perfect Show is a podcast where host Scot Maupin catalogs the perfect things in life, one by one. Each episode he examines something that he or someone else thinks is perfect.

USLawEssentials Law & Language

Stephen Horowitz (Aichi ’92-94)

The USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast helps non-native English-speaking lawyers and law students improve their English and better understand US law and American legal culture. Many of these short episodes are tied to a legal news event or case in the United States. Others include interviews with multilingual lawyers (including a number of JET alumni.) The shows are hosted by attorneys experienced teaching US law and legal English to students and lawyers from around the world.

Upper West Side Corner Talk

Lee Uehara (Chiba ’93-95)

Welcome to the Upper West Side (UWS, NYC) Corner Talk podcast with your host, Lee Uehara. You know, it’s news that you’d get from a friend or neighbor – at the corner.

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よっぱれ英会話 English Nomikai

Emmalee Manes (Toyama ’16-19)

In this eikaiwa podcast targeted to Japanese English-learners, Emmalee Manes talks to fellow JET alumni, current JETs, and Japanese English teachers and friends about cultural differences between Japan and their home countries (all while sharing some drinks!)


Oct 22

Celebration of JET Alumni – October 28

October 28 at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
Japan time: October 29 at 9 AM JT

Register free to get the access link:
https://usjetaa.wildapricot.org/event-4528144

In the lead up to next year’s 35th anniversary of the JET Program, join USJETAA for a creative program celebrating JET through the success of the alumni. Highlighting the contributions of JETs to the U.S.-Japan community, this variety show brings together the diverse community of JET alumni with snapshots into their experiences with arts, culture, research, and more!



Jul 14

JETAA‎‎‎‏‏‎​ Podcast Beat is a weekly round-up of current JET and JET alumni podcasts and podcast appearances compiled by Emmalee Manes (Toyama-ken, 2016-19)

Do you have a podcast or did you recently appear in a podcast? Help us share it with the community by filling out this form.

Welcome to the first-ever JETAA Podcast Beat post! I hope the beat will be a great way for everyone to stay updated on JET alumni as well as current JET involvement in podcasts. If you have the chance, please enjoy listening to one of these recent episodes this week!

よっぱれい英会話 English Nomikai Podcast

In this eikaiwa podcast targeted to Japanese English-learners, Emmalee Manes (Toyama-ken, 2016-19) talks to fellow JET alumni, current JETs, and Japanese English teachers and friends about cultural differences between Japan and their home countries (all while sharing some drinks!)

BONUS: POWER HOUR II with Joe, James, and Caralynn

このエピソードでは、EmmaleeとJoeとJamesとCaralynnは、一時間で60杯のショットを飲みます。その時間で色々のトピック話して、段々酔っ払いになっています。

Instagram: @yoppareikaiwa

Krewe of Japan

Krewe of Japan is a weekly podcast co-hosted by Doug Tassin (Fukushima-ken, 2007-10) that takes listeners on audio journeys through Japanese culture. With our hosts as your guide, and the help of guest experts, Japanese natives, and ex-pats, understanding Japan is now easier than ever before.

20. Season 1 Recap

Just like that, Season 1 comes to a close! Nigel, Jenn, & Doug peel back the curtain and reflect on all the behind-the-scenes effort & challenges that went into launching, continuing, and finishing the inaugural season of Krewe of Japan!

They discuss their favorite episodes, re-visit bloopers (#DougThings), read out some listener feedback, & tease what’s to come! Don’t miss out on this fun stroll down memory lane and help re-live the first season (of hopefully many) of the Krewe of Japan Podcast. See you in August for Season 2!

Mata kondo ne!

USLawEssentials Law & Language

The USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast, co-hosted by Stephen Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94) helps non-native English speaking lawyers and law students improve their English and better understand US law and American legal culture. Many of these short episodes are tied to a legal news event or case in the United States. Others include interviews with multilingual lawyers (including a number of JET alumni.) The shows are hosted by attorneys experienced teaching US law and legal English to students and lawyers from around the world.

10. The Multilingual Professional: Rebecca Chen

This episode of the USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast continues our series of interviews with multilingual lawyers — but this time with multilingual paralegal Rebecca Chen (Akita-ken, 2014-17). Stephen Horowitz is our interviewer and he talks to Rebecca about the important roles paralegals play in law firms. Rebecca offers a great inside perspective on her work with a prominent immigration law firm and how a team of legal professionals helps diverse clients from around the world achieve their immigration goals. And you probably have goals, too – such as learning legal English!


Jun 18

Episode 8 of the USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast an interview with Scott Alprin (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-95) of Alprin Law Office, P.C. Scott is trademark and intellectual property attorney who speaks Japanese and works with many international clients. He discusses his career path and shares insights on law and practicing as an IP attorney.

JET alum Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94), in collaboration with Daniel Edelson of USLawEssentials.com, recently launched “USLawEssentials: Law & Language,” a legal English podcast intended for foreign lawyers, law students, and LLM students as well as other non-native English speakers who want an enjoyable way to improve their legal English. The podcast episodes cover a variety of topics including legal news events and discussions of recent cases as well as interviews with multilingual lawyers. The discussions use accessible language with helpful explanations along the way.


Jun 11

Posted by: Doug Tassin (Fukushima-Ken ALT, 2007-2010 & Krewe of Japan Podcast Co-Host)

This week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast

JET Program acceptance letters have gone out & short-listers are on the edge of their seats waiting to find out their placements. Nigel, Jennifer, & Doug talk about the months-long emotional roller coaster of preparing to relocate to a new country (for JET or any program). Departing JETAA Mid-South President Megan DeVille stops by to talk about her pre-departure JET experiences, from interviews to arriving at a tiny regional airport in Aomori Prefecture. She also talks about life after JET and how to keep Japan in your life despite returning to your home country.

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!


Feb 6

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We recently learned about the National Association for Black Engagement with Asia (NABEA) which seeks to connect Black Asia specialists in both the public and private sectors. They also hope to increase the representation of Black Americans engaging with Asia. Through their programming, they work towards building a mutually beneficial economic, political, social, and cultural relationship between Black America and the Indo-Pacific region.

There seems to be a natural connection between the JET alumni community and NABEA. And in fact, we’re currently aware of four JET alumni who are also members of NABEA:

According to Fisher, “NABEA is an important and growing community of Black Americans who are specialists actively engaged in Asia. Their publicly accessible and searchable database of Black, Indo-Asia experts is a great addition to the continued work of increasing representation and inclusion in the U.S.-Japan community specifically, and the Indo-Asia region more broadly.”

If you are interested in joining NABEA, go to their website for more info: http://usnabea.org/

And if you’re already a member, feel free to post in the comments section below and let everyone know!


Jan 25

Click image to read article

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Shukan NY Seikatsu. Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.

Since forming in 1987, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) has become one of the world’s largest international exchange programs, with nearly 65,000 people from 65 countries selected to promote English language learning and teaching in Japan. To commemorate its first three decades, the JET Alumni Association of New York (JETAANY) is hosting an equally ambitious event.

“The main purpose of the JETAANY Gala is to celebrate 30 years of the JET Programme and all we hope it will become,” said JETAANY events chair Andy Shartzer. “JET has helped the grassroots community abroad, and our alumni chapters explore how we can continue its message. Our goal is also to establish JETAANY as a greater presence in the U.S.-Japan community.”

The sold-out gala, which will be held at Brooklyn’s Dumbo Loft on February 3rd, will feature multiple generations of JET participants and community members with ties to Japan, along with a taiko performance, an awards ceremony, and a prize drawing. Donations are from local companies and organizations including publisher Vertical, Inc., Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center, and the venerable Japan Society of New York.

“Since its inception 30 years ago, the JET Programme has been a unique and outstanding facilitator of grassroots exchange between the U.S. and Japan,” said JETAANY president Wendy Ikemoto. “As one of the largest and most active alumni chapters in the U.S., we’re honored by the overwhelming response received.”

According to Shartzer, JETAANY plans to host similar events in the future, and is delighted to form new partnerships. For sponsorship and donation proposals, email Wendy at president@jetaany.org. For more information on JETAANY, visit http://jetaany.org.


Dec 23

JQ Magazine: Book Review — ‘The JET Program and the US-Japan Relationship: Goodwill Goldmine’

“While focused solely on the American experience, the outline of the history and intention behind the JET Program’s creation is a fascinating and illuminating one. One hopes that this book will be the start of the conversation and academic study on JET’s other accomplishments and help complete the picture of a fallible but venerable institution.” (Lexington Books)

 

 

By Eden Law (Fukushima-ken, 2010-11) for JQ magazine. Eden is the current JETAA New South Wales President (in Sydney, Australia) and Australian JET Alumni Association Country Representative, and handles the social media/website side for JETAA International as Webmaster. He also runs the Life After JET podcast.

Note: Spelling is always problematic when dealing with international differences. I shall be spellingProgramthe way it is referred to in the book and the title, to avoid inconsistencies. Apologies, especially to any fellow Australians reading this. However, Ill be keeping my quixotically placedus andrs.

Created in 1987, The JET Program has brought tens of thousands of young people from around the world to work, live and experience life in Japan. An international exchange program of a diplomatic nature, its aims were to improve global perceptions towards Japan and to internationalised Japanese local communities, all through the format of teaching and improving English skills in schools. Since then, articles and papers about the effectiveness of JET has focused primarily on its impact (or lack thereof) on the level of English language ability on the student population, leading to questions about the feasibility of maintaining the high costs of the program. At least once, the program came close to termination: In 2010, a Japanese government budget review panel called for the discontinuation of JET, before the subsequent administration of Shinzo Abe saved it, setting the agenda for expanding numbers in the lead-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

More positive literature exists, of course: David L. McConnell’s Importing Diversity: Inside Japan’s JET Program, published in 2000, is the most well-known example, written by an academic who was once a JET participant. Seventeen years on, Emily T. Metzgar (Shimaneken, 1993-95), herself also once a JET and now an academic, has penned a follow-up of sorts, entitled The JET Program and the US-Japan Relationship: Goodwill Goldmine, which, as described in its title, confines its evaluation of the program on its international impact in relation to the United States and Japan. The JET Program justifies its restricted focus on this bilateral relationship on its assertion that the program was originally created with the United States in mind as the first target for Japan to improve its international image abroad. Statistically, 50 percent of the total number of participants throughout the program’s history have been sourced from the United States (and in an impeccable sense of timing, the book arrived on the eve of the program’s big 30th anniversary celebrations and JETAA conference in Washington, D.C., featuring Metzgar as one of the headline presenters).

Commentators seeking to put a more positive outlook on the program’s accomplishments have had to look outside of the hoary old topic of education. The JET Program settles on examining how it worked as a “soft power” initiative for Japan’s global image (the topic of how JET fared as an internationalisation agent of Japanese local community is, as Metzgar says, best left “as a promising research topic for an ambitious doctoral student,” though she does comment on these other aims later on). For those wondering, yes, the book argues that JET has been enormously successful in this aspect. Examples are plentiful in The JET Program: recalling the threat of JET’s culling high-profile American JET alumni in organisations such as the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and JCIE/USA defended it by referring to its “soft power” success. In other less fraught periods, the book cites senior members and policymakers of both governments who spoke positively of JET’s contributions to their countries’ relationship, implying acknowledgement of the same thing.

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