From 21-22 May 2026, 138 Prefectural Advisors (PAs) from across Japan gathered in Tokyo for the 2026-2027 fiscal year's 1st PA Conference.

PAs play crucial roles in the daily operation of the JET Programme, encouraging mutual understanding between JET Programme participants and their contracting organisations, among many other duties.

This year, PAs learned how to support LGBTQ+ participants as well as the cultural context behind how mental health is understood in Japan. Attendees also enaged in networking and information exchange sessions, gathering valuble insight from their colleagues into the support systems found across local governments.

Additionally, current PAs from Tochigi Prefecture, Kobe City, and Kitakyushu City contributed case study presentations, which were highly rated by attendees.

The 2nd PA Conference will take place in the fall. We will work to ensure that this next conference is a fruitful one for all PAs!