Oct 19

New idea: Permanent JET email addresses?

Local Government, Return on JET-vestment Add Comment (2)

It’s not an entirely new idea.  I remember it being vaguely discussed at a JETAA International Conference about 5 or so years ago.

But what if everyone who goes on JET were to be given a name@JET.Prefecture.com email address that could be forwarded to whatever email you want?  Basically the same way that universities offer name@alumni.university.edu addresses to everyone.  And what if alumni could go online and sign up for an address as well?

In addition to giving everyone a lifelong way to stay connected with JET, it would also give the prefectures and local governments a lifelong way to stay connected with JETs who worked in their prefecture as well as an easy way to identify everyone by prefecture or locality.  This notion is important to the future of JET because prefectures and local governments currently do not have a good way to reach their JET alumni for the sake of “Return on JET-vestment” which is in turn needed to encourage prefectures to choose JETs over alternative ALT options.

(Actually, prefectures can reach their alumni through the 47 JET alum prefecture groups on LinkedIn.  Though as of yet these groups still only represent a fraction of the total alumni out there.)

From a JET perspective, it might also be nice to list one’s JET address on your resume and be able to use it for other Japan-related communications.

I’m sure there are logistical issues that would need to be addressed.  But I just wanted to put the idea out there as something to consider for the future.

Oct 18

JET Prefecture Round-up 10.19.11

JET Prefecture Round-up, Uncategorized Comments Off on JET Prefecture Round-up 10.19.11

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Emily Lemmon, (Hyogo-ken, Shiso-shi, 2009-present), PSG volunteer, organizer of Hyogo-ken’s PEPY Ride, student of Shorinji Kempo, and editor of the Hyogo Times, gives a little taste of what JETs are doing around Japan.  To submit items for future JET Prefecture Round-up posts, e-mail Emily at jetinfogather [at] gmail.com.

Events by Region

Tohoku Region

Akita

• The Akita Halloween Dance Party will be October 29th!

Fukushima

•  Halloween SHINE is October 22nd in Aizu Wakamatsu City.
• The 2011 International Festival Aizu is October 29th!
• Fukushima ALTs are doing a Home Visit Program in Aizu on November 5th.

Kantou Region

Chiba

• Chiba JETs are prepping for the Tokyo Yamathon 2011.

Chubu Region

Shizuoka

• Shizuoka JETs are attending TWI’s Halloween Party on October 28th.
• Shizuoka JETs are invited to the 2011 Halloween Party on October 30th.

Nagano

• October 22nd is the Pasta and Poker night in Komagane, Nagano!
• October 23rd is the International Picnic at Alps Park in Matsumoto.
• Nagano NagaYes presents The Ninja Games on November 12th in Togakushi!
• Nagano JETs are invited to enjoy a Taiko (Japanese drums) workshop for beginners, a visit to a rare bonsai garden and a tea ceremony on November 12th in Okaya City.
• November 26th is the Nagano AJET Thanksgiving Dinner and Charity Auction in Ina!
• The National JET Christian Fellowship held its Fall Retreat on October 7th-10th in Nagano-ken.

Kansai Region

Nara

• The Nara AJET Halloween Party will be at the Wormwood Café on October 29th.

Hyogo

• Himeji Haunted Halloween Party is October 28th!
• The Tajima Halloween Party will be October 29th in Yabu.
• Hyogonians get their “JETs on Jitenshas” on in the Fall PEPY Ride in Himeji November 19th.
• Hyogo will host the Awaji ALT Football Tournament on Awajishima Friday 18th – Sunday 20th November.
• A Very Shiso Thanksgiving will be held in Shiso on November 26th.

Osaka

•  Block 6 & 7 Amemura Spook-tacular Halloween Party is presented by Osaka AJET in Shinsaibashi on October 29th.
• RISE – an Art and Music Charity Event for the Tohoku Earthquake will be November 13th and 14th in Shinsaibashi.

Chugoku Region

Tottori

• Tottori JETs go on the Mt. Mitoku Walk in Matsuzaki on October 23rd.

Shikoku Region

• Shikoku Field Day will be held in Shikoku Saburo no Sato, in Mima City, Tokushima on November 26th and 27th.

Ehime

• October 23rd is the Matsuyama Orphanage Visit.
• Ehime JETs are climbing Mt. Ishizuchi on November 5th!
• November 12th is the Ehime AJET Dinner in Matsuyama.

Kochi

• Kochi JETs are getting artsy at Mouth to Mouth: a meeting of makings on October 23rd in Kochi City.
• Kochi-JETs are helping with Halloween Party in an abandoned school building on October 28th.
• There is a Chorus and Gospel Concert October 28th and 29th in Kochi City, and JETs are invited both to enjoy it, or take part in workshops.
• There will be a Halloween party for kids at Kochi Misono Tenshien at midday on October 29th, and JETs will be helping out!
• The Hirome Halloween Party is October 29th in Hirome.
• The Third Board Game Night will be November 12th-13th in Yusuhara.
• Kochi JETs are invited to Tea Ceremony on November 23rd in Takajo-machi.

Kyushu Region

•  The 1st Annual “Together Alone” Fall Bike Trip will pass through Oita, Miyazaki, and Kumamoto prefectures October 22nd and 23rd. The group is going to bike from Taketa down to Mt. Aso, then stay at a beautiful campground/log cabin place in Kumamoto prefecture. On the second day they’ll bike to Takachiho and then back to Taketa.

Oita

• October 22nd, Oita International Plaza hosts its monthly Japanese Conversation Circle!
• The Annual Oita AJET Sumo Trip is coming up on Saturday, November 26th!

Kumamoto

•  The Tamana Halloween Party will be October 29th in Nankan, Tamana-gun!

Miyazaki

• There will be a Halloween party in Miyakonojo on October 29th at Dreci!

Kagoshima

• The Ibusuki Onsen Festival is October 22nd to 23rd!
• Dragonboat Halloween is October 29th in Nejime.
• Kagoshima JETs are dancing in the Ohara Matsuri on November 3rd.

Oct 17

Media coverage of various JETAA chapter fundraising efforts – all in one place!

Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, JETAA Chapters, JETs in the News Add Comment (1)

Thanks to JETAA USA Country Representative Jessyca Wilcox for gathering this information in connection with an upcoming announcement regarding the JETAA USA Fund:

Oct 17

Justin’s Japan: Interview with the English Dub Cast of ‘Dragon Ball Z’ at New York Comic Con

Events, Interview/Profile, Justin's Japan Comments Off on Justin’s Japan: Interview with the English Dub Cast of ‘Dragon Ball Z’ at New York Comic Con

One down, six to go: Voice actors Christopher Sabat, Justin Cook, and Sean Schemmel of 'Dragon Ball Z.' (Justin Tedaldi)

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his page here for related stories.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of its English-language debut, Dragon Ball Z is coming to Blu-ray for the first time in America. The November release of Dragon Ball Z Level 1.1 contains the first 17 episodes of the anime series that dominated Japan’s pop culture scene in the 1990s and later, the rest of the world. This newly remastered collection restores the original, director-approved color scheme and 4:3 aspect ratio in stunning 1080p HD, and each volume will include rare never-before-seen special features.

In this exclusive interview conducted at New York Comic Con/Anime Festival (where I also talked with Stan Lee), I spoke with three of the English dub cast members: Christopher Sabat (Vegeta/Piccolo/Yamcha/voice director), Justin Cook (Raditz/Super Buu/ADR engineer), and Sean Schemmel (Goku/King Kai/Nail) about the release, their favorite Dragon Ball memories, and the proper context for discussing one’s favorite cartoon crush.

Regarding your approach to the characters’ voices, how much of the original Japanese voice work did you watch? For the voices you replaced, how much of that did you take into consideration?

Chris: At the start, a lot of consideration was taken to the original voices, and when I say original voices, I mean the Canadian cast [whose English dub work aired from 1996-98], because at the time [Dragon Ball’s North American producers] FUNimation had decided for a multitude of reasons that it was just physically impossible for them to record in Canada any longer. It was difficult to keep the actors consistent on the roles, because a lot of the Canadian actors were cast in other things, and sometimes it would make their job difficult. In fact, they had to recast Goku several times in Canada; they didn’t want to do that anymore. And it also made more sense to be closer to the parent company, so they moved it all down to Fort Worth.

We tried to take a lot of care at the beginning to match the Canadian cast, only because we didn’t want it to be too much of a shock, and when I say “we” I guess I mean the people who hired me—they didn’t want it to be too much of a shock to the American culture when they changed out these voices. And to be honest, when we first started recording this, we didn’t really have access to the Japanese versions of the show; we were dubbing off the Spanish version of Dragon Ball Z. So if we ever listened to the original language on the tape, it was like (speaks in a rapid mock Spanish): “Goku! Dragon Ball Zeta!” [Goku’s wife] Chi-Chi’s name was Milk.

We were just trying to keep it consistent to the first 68 episodes, and it wasn’t until later that we were redubbing the show that we actually started getting in the real Japanese versions of the show and had the technology to be able to quickly preview the Japanese files. We didn’t even have digital files yet, and sometimes we didn’t even get all the original materials that had the Japanese track on it; sometimes we were lucky if it had any sound on the tape at all…the [original] Japanese wasn’t an option.

Have you been to Japan before? If not, what would you want to do there?

Sean: I have plenty ideas about what I want to do in Japan. I have not been to Japan; I really want to go. My goal is to become a background character in an anime, so I can say this (with mock surprise): “Nani?!” (what) and that’s it. I want it to be one line, to be a Japanese seiyū [voice actor]. Give me something longer than that (in a gruff voice): “Ware ware…” (we) something, but just one line; that’s my goal. And, to meet  Masako Nozawa [the original voice of Goku] and maybe, if I were lucky, [Dragon Ball creator] Akira Toriyama, but that’s probably never going to happen.

If you met Toriyama-sensei, what would you ask him?

Sean: I would just thank him, because when you think about it, here’s this guy that draws this comic book, there’s this massive explosion—that I’m on the periphery of, if you think about it—[that] radically changed my life forever. So I’d be extraordinarily grateful to that guy.

Read the complete story here.

Oct 17

JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Peelander-Yellow of Alien Punk Band Peelander-Z

Anecdote Article, JQ Magazine, Music Comments Off on JQ Magazine: JQ&A with Peelander-Yellow of Alien Punk Band Peelander-Z

Peelander-Yellow, center: "I don't care about Band!!!!! We never 'play' music!!!!! We just want to 'play' with youuuuuu!!!!! Come to see our show then check it yourself!!!!!!!!" (Whitney Lee)

By Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) and Vlad Baranenko (Saitama-ken, 2000-02) for JQ magazine.

Psychedelic, seizure inducing, and fantastically successful in their ability to cause absolute sensory overload during their intergalactic performances, Peelander-Z is back. The colorful Japanese punk group hailing from the Z area of Planet Peelander returns to New York City (where it formed in 1998) for their latest tour behind their new album Super DX Hitz.

Those yearning for their Peelander-Z fix will have the opportunity to experience all the colorful mayhem at the Bowery Poetry Club on Oct. 22. In this exclusive interview, we interrogate Peelander-Yellow to reveal the deepest secrets of their cosmic travel, their mastery of the chaos theory, and what the future holds for the ongoing kaiju saga.

Tell us about Peelander-Z’s Super DX Hitz album.

You can hear our all Hitz songs and understand Peelander-Z world!!!!!!!

28 happy songs and 5 Karaoke DVD!!!!

Get it for your Mom, because your Mom wants dance with youuuuuuuuuu and Peelander-Z!!!

How do you come up with the themes for your songs?

All ideas come from my sweet yellow brain when I eat medium rare S.T.E.A.K., Tacos, Ice Cream~~~~~!!!!!

What inspired you to form the band?

I don’t care about Band!!!!!

We never “play” music!!!!!

We just want to “play” with youuuuuu!!!!!

Come to see our show then check it yourself!!!!!!!!

Who is Peelander-Yellow and what’s his story?

I’m not Peelander-Red!

I’m not Peelander-Green!

I’m not Peelander-Pink!

I’m not Peelander-Black!

Yes, I’m Peelander-Yellow for youuuuuuuu!!!!!!

I was born from Banana on Planet Peelander!!!!!

That’s why I love it!!!!!

Please bring it for meeeeeee!!!!!

Read More

Oct 17

The Rice Cooker Chronicles: “Nattode” by Justin Tedaldi

Anecdote Article, Article/Journalism, Cultural Outreach, Food & Drink, JQ Magazine, Rice Cooker Chronicles, Travel/Tourism, Writers Japanese food, natto Add Comment (1)

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The Rice Cooker Chronicles is a series of essays by JETs and JET alumni on the theme of cooking/eating and being alone in Japan. The brain-child of JETwit founder  Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, Kariya-shi, 1992-94) (and inspired by the book Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant), this series is curated by L.M. Zoller (CIR Ishikawa-ken, Anamizu, 2009-11), the editor of The Ishikawa JET Kitchen: Cooking in Japan Without a Fight. A writer and translator for The Art of Japan: Kanazawa and Discover Kanazawa, ze also writes I’ll Make It Myself!, a blog about food culture in Japan.

New submissions always welcome.  E-mail us at jetwit [at] jetwit.com.

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“Nattode”

By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Visit his Examiner.com page for related Japanese culture stories.

I’m at a restaurant that bleeds sophistication. Seated across from me is a stunning member of the opposite sex, joining me for the sole purpose of sampling the house’s signature dish, a personal favorite of mine.

Tender music swells in the background. The lighting is perfect, with the glow of candlelight on the table framing my partner’s irresistible charms as a celebrated bon vivant holds court four tables over. Spirits are high, and we’re high on spirits. The mood is ripe.

I snap my fingers to cue the waiter, who gracefully sets two silver trays before us. “Enjoy,” he says dryly. I look him straight in the eye and grin, signaling as I have many times before that I fully intend to.

It’s time. Gloved hands raise the lids, revealing…a small pair of Styrofoam trays with thin sheets of plastic on top. My date is puzzled.

Read More

Oct 17

NHK coverage of JETAA Heartland film festival fundraiser from March 2011

Cultural Outreach, Earthquake Tsunami, Events, Film, Fundraising, JETAA Chapters, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment Comments Off on NHK coverage of JETAA Heartland film festival fundraiser from March 2011

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Here’s a link to coverage (including video) of JETAA Heartland’s Japanese Film Festival fundraiser for Japan earthquake/tsunami relief back in March 2011.  The video features an interview with JETAA Heartland President Warren McAllen!

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/lifestyle/japanese-film-festival-at-johnson-county-cc-to-raise-money-for-victims-of-earthquake-and-tsunami

Here’s the video and article:

By: Beth Vaughn

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – Two and a half weeks have passed since an earthquake struck Japan, triggering a huge tusnami that has killed more than 10,000 people. Another estimated 18,000 people are still missing.

Though time has passed, the disaster is still at the forefront of many minds in the Heartland.

All proceeds from the Greater Kansas City Japanese Film Festival Sunday afternoon at Johnson County Community College went directly to agencies working in the Japanese relief effort.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program Alumni Association and the Heart of America Japan-America Society are putting on the event.

The film festival was planned even before the quake shook Japan. The original purpose was to promote Japanese flims in the Heartland and to grow a greater understanding of Japanese culture.

This year’s films include Chocolate Underground, Harimaya Bridge and Red Beard.

JETAA also plans to send volunteers to Japan in the coming months to help rebuild areas that now face devastation.

Oct 17

JNTO seeks to offer 10,000 free tickets to Japan to help jumpstart tourism

Japan Trends, Travel/Tourism Comments Off on JNTO seeks to offer 10,000 free tickets to Japan to help jumpstart tourism

Still pending final approval by the Diet, but pretty amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to visit Japan.  Seems like it’s modeled on the MOFA Return to Tohoku program that 20 Tohoku area JET alumni have participated in.

Here’s a link to the article:  http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/10-000-free-round-trip-tickets-japan-134142507.html

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Japan, this may be your chance.

In a desperate attempt to lure tourists back to a country plagued by radiation fears and constant earthquakes, the Japan Tourism Agency’s proposed an unprecedented campaign – 10,000 free roundtrip tickets.

The catch is, you need to publicize your trip on blogs and social media sites.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan has dropped drastically, since a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami triggered a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Power plant in March. Nearly 20,000 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 80,000 remain displaced because of radiation concerns. In the first three months following the triple disasters, the number of foreign visitors to Japan was cut in half, compared with the same time in 2010. The strong Japanese currency has made matters worse.

The tourism agency says it plans to open a website to solicit applicants interested in the free tickets. Would- be visitors will have to detail in writing their travel plans in Japan, and explain what they hope to get out of the trip. Successful applicants would pay for their own accommodation and meals. They would also be required to write a review their travel experiences, and post it online.

“We are hoping to get highly influential blogger-types, and others who can spread the word that Japan is a safe place to visit,” said Kazuyoshi Sato, with the agency.

The agency has requested more than a billion yen to pay for the tourism blitz. If lawmakers approve the funding, Sato says visitors could begin signing up as early as next April.

Oct 16

Embassy of Japan in the UK Webmagazine (October 2011)

Cultural Outreach, Events Comments Off on Embassy of Japan in the UK Webmagazine (October 2011)

Embassy of Japan in the UK Webmagazine round-up via Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London as is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields.

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Featured Article:
Exclusive interview with Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt MP

Other articles this month:

Tsunami Appeal: exhibition by British artists
Rescuing Archaeology and Culture: assessing the impact of the March 2011 disaster on cultural heritage
Films at the Embassy of Japan: My Secret Cache
JAPAN-UK Events Calendar
Great Grand Master of the Urasenke School of Tea visits the UK
Dr Nicole Rousmaniere honoured for her promotion of Japan and its arts in the UK
UK students brew sake in Tohoku
A sporting spectacle in Wales
25 years of JET: looking back and looking forward
Geoffrey Bownas – the man I knew
Embassy honour for Japanese students
The mystery organiser behind the Quakebook project

Subscribe:

To subscribe to the Embassy of Japan in the UK webmagazine, please email webmagazine@ld.mofa.go.jp with the subject ‘subscribe’.

Oct 16

Job: Postings from Idealist.org

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Postings from Idealist.org

Via idealist.org. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for any of these positions, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Assistant Director, Patron Member Programs
Posted by: Asia Society
Location: New York, New York, United States
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/HgMDfwgNwZ5P/

English Language (ESL) & Leadership Instructor (Haiti)
Posted by: Haitian Education and Leadership Program (HELP)
Location: New York, New York, United States
Salary: HELP offers round-trip airfare to Haiti, housing, living stipend, and medical insurance.
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/JF8m2nzHHjjd/

BHSEC Admissions Assistant
Posted by: Bard High School Early College, Manhattan
Location: New York, New York, United States
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/8Hjs5W4F24w4/
(Great and original school – At least one jet has worked there)

Career Training USA Admissions Coordinator
Posted by: InterExchange, Inc.
Location: New York, New York, United States
Salary: Low 30s
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/hP3xC63CH23p/

Oct 16

Job: Japanese Translator (LA)

Jobs Add Comment (1)

Via JET alum John Ellis-Guardiola. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Japanese Translator (LA)

Job Details:

JAM, Inc is a music management company located in W. Hollywood. We are in need of someone that is bilingual for translation on a Japanese project that will start immediately and last 3 – 9 months. Ideally, they would be an intern and interested in the music/entertainment experience. I believe a decent percentage of the work could be done via email.
Read More

Oct 16

Job: Japanese Global Media Analyst / Research Analyst (NY)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Japanese Global Media Analyst / Research Analyst (NY)

Via JET alum Lyle Sylvander. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Japanese Global Media Analyst / Research Analyst (NY)

Job Details:

Coverago is actively recruiting Global Media Analysts for target markets, including Japan. Global Media Analysts lead our media monitoring efforts, provide in depth business and financial research, and assume primary coverage responsibility for a select portfolio of companies and topics.
Read More

Oct 16

Job: Production Associate / Japanese Translator (Rockville, MD)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Production Associate / Japanese Translator (Rockville, MD)

Via JET alum Clara Solomon. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Production Associate / Japanese Translator

Job Details:

Responsibilities:

– Daily translation of Japanese language development materials into English
– Translation of feedback from English into Japanese.
– Facilitates communication between teams in Japan and Rockville.
– Capable of playing and providing feedback on gameplay on both Japanese and English language builds.
– Able to read and translate bug reports from Japanese to English (and vice versa).
– Will assist in major aspects of game publishing such as submissions.
Read More

Oct 16

Job: Japanese Speaking Senior Account/Account Manager (SF Area)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Japanese Speaking Senior Account/Account Manager (SF Area)

Via Peter Weber, JET Coordinator at the Consulate in SF. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London but is interested in hearing about any Japan-related opportunities across the globe.

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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***

Job Position: Japanese speaking Senior Accountant/Accounting Manager

Job Details:

Nelson & Associates is currently looking for a stand-alone Sr. Accountant/Accounting Manager for a unique and growing organization in Napa. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated hands-on experience with day to day accounting as well as analysis, reporting and forecasting. QuickBooks experience is a plus but not mandatory.
Read More

Oct 15

Return to Tohoku: Alma Jennings goes back to Iwaki City in Fukushima

Article/Journalism, Earthquake Tsunami, Japan Local, Japan Society Round-up, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment, Travel/Tourism, Volunteer, Writers Comments Off on Return to Tohoku: Alma Jennings goes back to Iwaki City in Fukushima

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Thanks to JET alum Christy Jones of the Japan Society in New York for letting JETwit know about fellow JET alum and Japan Society colleague Alma Jennings (Fukushima-ken, Iwaki-shi) who has written about her return to Iwaki City in Fukushima where she went to volunteer and reconnect with old friends and colleagues.

Here’s a link to Alma’s writing on the Japan Society website:  http://www.japansociety.org/page/earthquake/updates_from_japan

Here’s the intro from the Japan Society website:

“Like many young Americans interested in Japan, Alma Jennings, a Development Assistant at Japan Society, participated in the JET Programme and lived and taught English in Iwaki City on the southern coast of Fukushima Prefecture between 2008 and 2010. In September 2011, Alma returned to Iwaki City to visit her friends, former colleagues and students. She also went to the Iwaki City Volunteer Center to volunteer. Here is the first-part of a three-part series on her experience.

CLICK HERE to read more Return to Tohoku posts by other JET alums.