Aug 17

JET ROI: Japan Times article – “JETs Press to Keep Program Intact”

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JETAA issued a press release following the JETAA USA National Conference in New York this past weekend, and the Japan Times has responded with a Kyodo News article titled “JETs Press to Keep Program Intact.”

Here’s the link:  http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100817a8.html

*Thanks to JETAA Hawaii’s Krystle Hara for sharing the article with JetWit.


Aug 16

Japanese press coverage of the JETAA USA National Conference

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The JETAA USA National Conference (which brings together officers from the 19 U.S. JET Alumni Association chapters) was held this past weekend in New York City (Aug 12-15).  Much of the conference discussion surrounded the potential cuts and/or changes to JET and JETAA.  One of JETAA’s primary challenges has been not only communicating all the positive and beneficial activities and efforts of JET alumni on behalf of Japan, but getting it communicated in Japanese to the Japanese media so that more Japanese citizens are aware of all the value JET alums bring to Japan, it’s foreign relations and its economy.

As a result, it’s encouraging to see an article in Japanese today from Kyodo News today about the JETAA USA National Conference that has been picked up by several Japanese publications:

*Thanks to Noriko Furuhata, JET Liaison at the Consulate General of Japan in New York, for sharing the links with JetWit.

Reader extra credit:  Post an English summary of the article in the comments section below!


Aug 16

JET ROI: “Because of JET……”

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JETAA NY Webmaster and tech/social media guru Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken, 2003-06) got the ball rolling with a video series called “Because of JET…..“ in which he uploaded short video clips of JET alumni sharing some good things that they experienced and witnessed as a result of participating in JET.  The first few videos were taken at the JETAA National Conference this past weekend in New York.

Here’s the link to see all the videos so far:  http://becauseofjet.tumblr.com/

  • Send your own video testimonial to webmaster@jetaany.org to have it included and let people know about some of the positive effects of JET that they might not otherwise be aware of.
  • If you can say your piece in Japanese that would be particularly helpful, according to Matt Gillam of CLAIR NY.
  • Additionally, you can post your own “Because of JET…” testimony in written form by posting in the comments section here or in this other post on JetWit:  http://jetwit.com/wordpress/2010/07/04/jet-roi-because-of-jet/
  • Written testimony in Japanese is also potentially very helpful.

Here’s one of the videos:


Aug 11

JET ROI: Japan Times runs AP article about JET

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Better late than never.

For some reason Japan Times just ran the AP article about JET…..nearly 2 weeks after it initially appeared in the Washington Post, LA Times, etc.  And it’s the first article in the online edition for the moment:  http://www.japantimes.co.jp (Here’s a more permanent link to the article:  http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100811f1.html)

While the additional attention from the article is welcome, it actually does not do a great job of giving readers a way to determine which side of the debate to support.  For a better sense of why the JET Program and JETAA are no-brainers in terms of the return on investment for Japanese taxpayers, read here:  http://jetwit.com/wordpress/2010/07/29/jet-roi-washington-post-and-atlanta-journal-constitution-run-ap-article-on-jet/

Also read some of the comments to Jim Gannon’s “Chopping Block” article:  http://jetwit.com/wordpress/2010/07/03/jet-roi-jet-program-on-the-chopping-block-by-james-gannon/
And of course read any and all of the JET ROI (Return on Investment) posts:  http://jetwit.com/wordpress/category/jet-roi/


Aug 7

JET ROI: JALT Hokkaido blog comments on Japan Times article

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A recent post on the JALT Hokkaido blog (which is the official blog for JALT Hokkaido) makes some good points in response to the recent Japan Times article titled “Ex-students don’t want JET grounded.”

The Japan Times has just come out with an article “Ex-students don’t want JET grounded.” JET has been around since 1987, and its stable of ALTs has been on the decline since an peak in the early 2000’s. The article briefly lists some pros and cons of JET, and pretty much says the Government Revitalization unit has added the JET program to its list of possible budget cuts.

I don’t know. The article states that since JET began “over 50,000 young foreigners with few, if any, teaching credentials have come to Japan and partied for a year at taxpayer expense. They have usually enjoyed their stay, but their effectiveness in improving the English language ability of their students was never quantitatively measured and, given Japanese students’ performances on international English tests, is questionable at best”. Gee, if the original and long-standing goal has been internationalization, not English improvement, what’s the major beef? Yeah, one look at the Big Daikon web site forum shows a lot of immaturity from JET ALTs, and JET itself does not mandate an ALT must have teaching credentials, but let’s be fair here. Unless JET requires them, they will get more people without such qualifications. A source I know at JET says that there has been an increase in the professional credentials as of late, but it’s a small and slowly growing figure.

Also, if there has been no quantitative measurement of English from Japanese students as a result of any JET ALT participation, how can anyone say either way whether any language venture has been accomplished?  You can’t! ALTs and JTEs (Japanese teachers of English) have a mixed bag of relationships. Sometimes they get along famously, sometimes not, and there is a lot of gray area in between. Perhaps what JET needs to succeed is to train the ALTs further in how to deal with JTEs, and get the JTEs in on this training. Wouldn’t hurt to require more Japanese language ability from the ALTs, either.

Click here to read the full post.


Aug 7

JET ROI: Recent JET-relevant media coverage from Kyodo News Service

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JetWit received a request to post job opening from Kyodo News Service (that has already been sent to the JetWit Jobs Google Group and will likely be posted over the weekend on JetWit) to fill a position previously held by a JET alum.  In the email exchange, I asked if Kyodo had been covering the possible cuts to JET and JETAA, and the woman there was kind enough to send me links to the below articles from recent months.  I thought it might be helpful to share them all in one post.

The Mainichi Daily News:

Japan Today:


Jul 31

JET ROI: “100 English Dreams” – a JET project by Christiana Aretta

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I received an email today from Christiana Aretta (Okayama-ken, Mimasaka City, 2004-07), currently a Washington, D.C.-based photographer, letting me know about a terrific project she just completed that is just one of many creative examples of the the positive influence of JETs and the JET Program:

“Since I read Jim Gannon’s post about JET on the chopping block, I’ve been putting together a project called 100 English Dreams based on my students’ experiences with English and my photographs of them. I initially planned this project as a book but decided to put it together as a website to show support for the JET Programme. I’ve just finished it today…..I’d like [this project] to be used in a way that garners support for JET and perhaps a deeper consideration for its budget.”

Here’s the website for 100 English Dreams:  www.storiography.com/english-dreams If you ever question the value of JET or are concerned about its ongoing existence, this well-conceived site is very much worth a look.

It’s also a reminder that the JET and JET alumni community is made up of wonderful and talented people.  And much of Japan’s Return on Investment from JET will come in unique and previously unanticipated forms such as what Christiana has created.  Many seeds have been planted as a result of JET.  Many have already blossomed (even if you haven’t heard about them) and many, many more will continue to do so.

–Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)


Jul 30

WIT Life #112: DC JET sendoff

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WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.

Although my current business trip prevented me from attending the JET sendoff party in New York last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to catch the one here on my last night in DC.  It was sponsored by the Embassy of Japan and held at the Ambassador’s Old Residence located on Embassy Row, and I was able to get an invite thanks to my friend Gina Anderson from JETAA DC (leftmost of the lovely group of JET alums on the right).

The event, scheduled from 6:30-8, was packed to the gills when I arrived a little before 7.  After the walk over from my hotel I wanted nothing more than a cold beer, but Read More


Jul 29

JET ROI: Japan Times, Washington Post, LA Times and others run AP article on JET

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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.


Jul 27

JET ROI: MOFA State Secretary Mr. Koichi Takemasa’s comments upon meeting with JETAA members

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) State Secretary Mr. Koichi Takemasa recently met with a group of JET alumni in New York to learn first hand about JET and the JET Alumni Association.  Following the meeting, State Secretary Takemasa posted comments regarding the meeting on both the MoFA website as well as on his own blog.  Below is a translation of key comments from the posts. (Special thanks to Kumi Mastsumoto of the Consulate for her help in obtaining the translations):

1.  MOFA Website Comments

From the official report of State Secretary Takemasa’s visit to the United States on MoFA’s website.  (Full link here:  http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/annai/honsho/fuku/takemasa/usa_10/gaiyo.html):

2. (6) 日米人物・文化交流
特にこれまでのJET出身者が米国内で対日理解や日米交流の発展に果たしている役割について積極的な評価を共有。

English translation of the last sentence of Section 2, Paragraph (6): “We both positively recognized that JET returners have contributed to promoting understanding of Japan in the US and fostering people to people exchange between the two countries.”

2.  Personal Blog of Koichi Takemasa

Here is what Secretary of State Takemasa wrote about his meeting with JETAA members on his personal blog (link to post:  http://takemasa.asablo.jp/blog/2010/07/17/5237531):

その後、JETの経験者で作られるJETAAのNY支部の皆さんと意見交換。 JET通じて得たもの、帰国後それを伝えていること、また、新しいJETメンバーの選考や送り出しに協力をしていること。そして、事業仕分けで総務所所管のクレアが対象になったことで、JET制度そのものの存続に危機感を持っていること、などを聞く。

“I had a meeting with the members of JET Alumni Association in New York .  There, I heard comments about how much they learned from the JET experience, how they have been sharing their experience to others after they came back and how they have been cooperating in the screening and training process of the new JETs.  Referring to the fact CLAIR (JLGC) under Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications was put on the chopping block, they showed their strong concern in the future of JET program.”


Jul 27

JET ROI: Japan Times article on debate over JET Program

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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.”

The Japan Times just ran an article worth reading on the debate over the value of the JET Programme in the face of potential budget cuts titled “Ex-students don’t want JET grounded:  Eric Johnston and Kanako Nakamura ask ‘children of JET’ whether the program deserves to be on the chopping block.” (Here’s the URL:  http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20100727zg.html)

The article does a nice job of highlighting the main schools of thought in the public discussion about the JET Programme (and by association, the JET Alumni Association).  But it also falls into the “he said/she said” trap by laying out anti-JET arguments that miss the bigger picture or are based on false assumptions.  That said, hearing these is helpful to understanding how JET is perceived by many people, including Japanese taxpayers.

The article is also the first I’ve seen (there may be others) that attempts to give voice to one of the primary constituents of the JET Programme:  students in Japan.

In attempting to analyze this situation, the first thing to be aware of is that JET has a dual purpose:

  1. Teach English and promote “internationalization” in Japan.
  2. Help Japan promote positive foreign relations, diplomacy, business and cultural exchange and outreach with the rest of the world.

1.  English Teaching

With regard to English teaching and “internationalization” in Japan, the article is correct that it’s a difficult thing to quantify.  However, making English test scores by Japanese students a basis for evaluating the benefit of JET is comparing apples and oranges.  JET never had the mandate to improve test scores.  If anything, we were there to teach “living English” which doesn’t get tested for.  And also to inspire students to connect with English and gain valuable experience interacting with people from other cultures.

In that vein, perhaps a more important aspect to track and focus on is the number of students who went on to gain greater proficiency in English or travel and work abroad over the past 22 years, giving Japan a stronger, more internationally-savvy workforce.  Japan doesn’t need every student to become proficient in English.  Just some percentage that will help lift Japan’s abilities over time and perhaps even become a source of more fluent-speaking English teachers over time.

I talk to a lot of JET alums, and I hear so many stories of students who have kept in touch, of students who have gone on to great achievements as a result of their access to JETs.  And also many JETs who have maintained relationships with their towns, have helped continued exchanges and given back to their communities in a variety of ways.  Just because you don’t hear all of the stories doesn’t mean they’re not happening, because they most certainly are.  (The most visible example, perhaps, is Anthony Bianchi (Aichi-ken, 1987-89) who is now a city councilman in Inuyama-shi, Aichi-ken where he previously taught on JET.)

2.  Foreign Relations and JET Alumni

On the second count, there’s not really a counter argument to even make.  JET alumni have provided (and continue to provide) a huge return on Japan’s initial investment in them as JETs.  JET alumni have written books about Japan and work for many Japanese companies and organizations, including Japanese Consulates and Japan-America socieites.  JET alumni are major feeders into Japan-oriented academic fields.  JET alumni invest in Japan and start Japan-related (and Japan-located) businesses.  And many JET alumni are now in major government and policy positions in their countries.

As an alumni organization, the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) is young at only 22 years old.  As the community matures, the value, influence and impact of JET alumni for Japan will continue to grow at an increasing rate as more and more JET alumni become experts and are established in their fields.

Additionally, with a population of over 50,000 worldwide, JET alumni help provide a sort of substitute ex-pat community that Japan has lacked in comparison to the United States and other countries.  Contrary to the assertion in the Japan Times article that JET alums are taking away jobs from Japanese people, JETs are providing huge economic benefits to Japan.  For example, after 9/11 when getting work visas became harder for ex-pats in the U.S., Japanese staffing agencies began seeking out more JET alums to fill positions, as they were the best alternative option to filling roles in Japanese offices in the U.S.  Additionally, JET alums constantly find themselves in facilitating roles, helping their companies navigate cross-cultural communication issues.  Bi-culturalism can be an extremely valuable skill.

JETAA is also perhaps the cheapest and most efficient and effective public relations arm the Japanese government could hope to have.  JETAA chapters everywhere are constantly organizing cultural outreach events and providing volunteers for Japan Days, Japan-related festivals and other cross-cultural events like the Japanamania event JETAA New York does with the local Big Brother/Big Sister chapter.  For a good sense of JETAA chapter activities around the globe, just read a few of the “JETAA Chapter Beat“ posts by Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08).  I saw a comment posted on a blog cynically suggesting that if Japan really wanted PR, it would hire a PR firm to place ads in the New York Times.  Believe me, a PR firm cannot produce the kind of grassroots positive publicity and loyalty that the JET Alumni Association continues to provide.

What I’ve written above is a small summary, the tip of the iceberg, of the kinds of things going on.  Thanks to JET and JETAA, Japan has an army of committed ex-pats around the world (including in Japan) who feel a strong connection to Japan and care deeply about the country and the people.  To cut this goodwill off at the roots would do far more harm to Japan than any benefit resulting from saving a few dollars.

To learn more, get in touch with your local JETAA chapter, read various posts on JetWit.com or do your own research.  (I’m always happy to use JetWit as a platform for reaching out to JET alums and gathering stories, anecdotes and other hard to gather information.)

I’m sure I’ve overlooked a number of additional good points and examples.  Please feel free to make them in the comments section below.


Jul 20

JET ROI: Hawaii News Now interviews Hawaii JET alums about possible budget cuts to JET and JETAA

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Here’s a link to two short interviews with JET alums Kelsey Soma Turek (current JETAA Hawaii President) and Darryl Toma (JETAA Hawaii Vice-President) regarding the possibility of budget cuts to JET and JETAA that appeared on the TV show Hawaii News Now:  http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12805830

Additionally, here’s a post about the interviews by Kelsey on the JETAA Hawaii website:  http://jetaahawaii.org/2010/07/16/hawaii-takes-action-on-possible-jet-program-cuts/

Note: I believe the videos will only be available on the HNN site for another week or so.


Jul 16

JET ROI: JET Program Alums, Allies Mount Petition Campaign

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By JQ Magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.

Since 1987, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program has hired over 50,000 native English speakers to work at Japanese public schools, enriching ties between nations. Now, Tokyo’s new ruling political party has JET in its crosshairs in the wake of its effort to slash public spending to reduce its ballooning public debt. In a hearing last May, an 11-person panel of the Democratic Party of Japan ruled unanimously for a comprehensive examination of the program to decide whether it should be scaled back or cut entirely.

JET, an initiative of the Japanese government and run by three of its national ministries, has an annual budget of over $400 million. It was launched with the intentions of increasing grassroots internationalization in Japan, primarily through introducing foreigners to Japanese youth as schoolteachers across the country contracted for a minimum of one year. While the program does not require applicants to be licensed teachers (successful candidates team teach with the host school’s own native Japanese English instructor), they are expected to have an interest in Japan and a desire to integrate themselves in their new communities as cultural ambassadors.

Read the rest of the article here.


Jul 11

JET ROI: Top Ten “Best of JQ” Articles That Support Our Cause

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Wondering how JET alums give back to the community and make new connections with Japan after their work on the program is over? JQ Magazine Editor Justin Tedaldi (Kobe-shi CIR, 2001-02) has compiled a list of ten relevant articles from the past two years that exemplify the dedication of our members.

2010 May/June – Bruce Feiler interview (an author who’s probably the biggest “JET celebrity” out there. Wrote his first book about his JET experiences) by Justin Tedaldi

2010 January/February – Aaron Woolfolk interview (JET alum, first African American to direct a feature film in Japan) by Lyle Sylvander

2010 January/February – Peace Corps profile (talks with those who joined Peace Corps after the positive experience they had on JET) by Marea Pariser

2009 Fall – International Visitor Leadership Program interpreting (shows how JETs can become invaluable interpreters to continue grassroots internationalization at home) by Stacy Smith

2008 Summer – Ambassador Nishimiya interview (boosts visibility of new Japanese officials to our readers; demonstrates strong relationships between JETAA chapters and local government) by Anne Koller

2009 Spring – Hikaru Utada interview (probably the longest English-language interview with Utada out there. It was even translated into Japanese by a resourceful fan) by Justin Tedaldi

2009 Spring – JETAANY Author Showcase (names four notable JET alum authors and also stands as a unique event organized by JETAANY) by Gina Anderson and Justin Tedaldi

2009 Spring – President Sakurai of Japan Society interview (this piece examines JET’s relationship with non-profit cultural centers and  is included in Japan Society media kits) by Justin Tedaldi

2008 Fall – Anthony Bianchi interview (JET done good in Japan) by Michael Glazer

2008 Summer – George Rose interview (JET done good at home) by Stacy Smith

Comments are welcome. Spread the word!


Jul 9

JET ROI: JET alum Toby Weymiller building eco-friendly kissaten/cafe in Hokkaido

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JET Return on Investment (ROI) is a new 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.”

Hokkaido-ken JET alum Toby Weymiller has returned to Japan and spent the last year building an eco-friendly kissaten/cafe (built with natural, sustainable materials) in the area where he worked on JET.  And on top of that, he’s been documenting the whole process on his blog “Bomber & Maiko & Toby.”  (Bomber is his cat, fyi.) (Update:  I previously had heard it was a bed and breakfast but just learned that it’s in fact a kissaten/cafe.)

Here’s the link:  http://maikotobybomber.blogspot.com/

(Thanks to JETAA International Vice-Chair for letting me know about this.)


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