JET Streams – Issue #59 (Spring 2025)
CLAIR Corner (Articles and updates from CLAIR)
Beyond JET (Articles from former JETs)
Welcome to the 2025 Spring Edition of JET Streams!
Department of JET Programme Management, CLAIR
Thank you for always reading JET Streams!
This is the Department of JET Programme Management.
In Tokyo, with the arrival of spring, warm days continue, and the city is beginning to bloom with colorful flowers. 🌸
In this edition, we are delighted to share information on the JET Programme career support that CLAIR has been providing throughout the last fiscal year (April 2024 to March 2025), including the JET Programme Career Fair held in February 2025.
We also have a special feature introducing the Local Vitalization Cooperator programme from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As some of you may know, foreign nationals can also work as Local Vitalization Cooperators. We also feature an article by a JET alumni who is currently active in regional development as a Local Vitalization Cooperator. If you’re interested, be sure to check it out!
There are also lots of other interesting stories from Former JETs, including their experiences on the JET Programme and how it has led them to their current careers.
As always, we hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as we did. If you too would like to share your story, please check for more information at the links below:
See you again for the summer edition of JET Streams!
JET Programme Career Support
Career Support Offered Exclusively to Current and Former JETs
The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) provides career support exclusively for JET Programme participants and alumni to help them gain valuable resources to move forward in their careers.
Throughout the 2024 fiscal year (April 2024 to March 2025), CLAIR held the following events, both online and in-person. Many of these events are also open to former JET Programme participants. If you are interested in switching careers or learning more about job hunting in Japan, please check out the links below for more information and consider participating next time.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Local Vitalization Cooperators and JET Programme
Those who experienced JET shine in local areas
There are certain experiences unique to Japan’s localities that can’t be experienced in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, like breathtaking natural landscapes, traditional culture and close-knit local communities. However, these rural areas face a rapidly declining and aging population, making it difficult to secure people who can help sustain local communities and daily life. The Local Vitalization Cooperators programme addresses this challenge by encouraging individuals from urban areas to relocate to these communities, contribute to local revitalization efforts, and ultimately settle there.
Rather than going through the national government, Local Vitalization Cooperators are recruited directly by local governments based on their specific needs. Those selected for the programme must reside in the area and collaborate with local government officials and residents to carry out community-building initiatives. The tenure lasts between one to three years, with the expectation that participants will continue living in the community afterward. Their activities vary widely and may include developing specialty products using local agricultural goods, promoting regional attractions, engaging in community support such as checking in on elderly residents, and working in agriculture, forestry, or fisheries—all of which contribute to maintaining and strengthening local communities.
At first glance, the JET Programme and the Local Vitalization Cooperators programme may seem unrelated. However, many aspects of the latter align with the skills, knowledge, and experiences that JET participants bring. For instance, as inbound tourism to Japan continues to grow, rural areas increasingly need individuals capable of providing information in foreign languages and planning guided tours for international visitors. Additionally, foreign cooperators contribute to initiatives such as developing and marketing products for overseas consumers and supporting local foreigner communities. As of 2024, there were 162 foreign nationals serving as Local Vitalization Cooperators, 18 of whom were JET alumni.
【Example】JET Alumni Who Became Local Vitalization Cooperators
Thomas Whitehead (The United Kingdom)
- ALT (2018-2023) Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima City
- Local Vitalization Cooperator (2024.7-) Yamagata Prefecture, Nagai City
- Work Duties: In Nagai City, which boasts the highest production of competition-grade Kendama in Japan, Thomas leverages the Kendama skills he developed as an ALT while engaging with Japanese culture. His duties focus on revitalizing the local community and fostering connections with people both in Japan and abroad.
Bethany Johnson (Canada)
- ALT (2017-2021) Tokushima Prefecture, Sanagochi Village
- Local Vitalization Cooperator (2021.11～) Tokushima Prefecture
- Work duties: Bethany uncovers the unique charms of western Tokushima Prefecture and promotes them to an international audience. Also, leveraging her experience as an ALT, she also provides interpretation services at tourism events.
To support local governments in recruiting foreign nationals—including former JET participants—as Local Vitalization Cooperators, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) provides financial assistance to prefectures. This funding covers expenses related to site visits for prospective applicants, matching events, and support services for foreign cooperators. Furthermore, starting in fiscal year 2025, JET alumni will have the opportunity to transition directly into the Local Vitalization Cooperators programme in the same region where they previously worked as JET participants. This programme is ideal for those who wish to live in nature-rich rural areas and contribute to local revitalization by leveraging their language skills and unique perspectives. If you are interested, please visit the Local Vitalization Cooperators website for more details.
Local Vitalization Cooperators
Tokushima over Tokyo
Why I stayed, and my love for the countryside
Rice harvest with the locals in Sanagochi
The JET Program truly is a bridge between the projected Japan and the real Japan, going beyond Tokyo’s neon lights and Kyoto’s ancient temples to get at the heart of what the unromanticized, everyday Japan really looks like. I’m so thankful to have been introduced to one such place through JET—Tokushima prefecture on Shikoku Island. Despite my decade-long love for Japan, Tokushima and Shikoku were never even on my radar. But I was immediately charmed by my mountain placement in Sanagochi Village, and ended up staying for four years. Once those years were up, I knew I wanted to stay in Tokushima.
There are so many reasons why I decided to stay after JET, why I didn’t want to go to Tokyo or the bigger cities where more work is available. But the biggest reason is this: I love Tokushima. I thought, how could I ever find all I had in Tokushima anywhere else in Japan, even in the world? But for a foreigner living in Japan, it’s very difficult to find a job in the countryside, and even more so to find something outside the realm of English teaching, so we walk a fine line. My timing was perfect, though, and I was blessed beyond measure to find my current job working in tourism as a part of the Regional Revitalization Coordinator, where at last I can do exactly what I want to do. It’s my job, and my pleasure, to project the largely unknown beauty and culture of Tokushima to the world.
Promoting Tokushima at the London World Travel Market
In the course of eight years, I’ve had so many amazing experiences that have only deepened my love for Tokushima, and especially when I first arrived, I jumped at the chance to attend all the local festivals and events and try as many things as I could. Walking the first three temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, participating in the exhilarating Awa Odori dance festival, gazing down at the Naruto Whirlpools, and crossing the swaying Vine Bridge of Iya Valley–these are all things that those who know about Tokushima have likely heard of. But I always wanted to go deeper—exploring unknown mountains, swimming in waterfall pools, picking bancha tea in the mountains, hiking a mossy forest, or scaling the heights of Okawara to see blooming landscapes of hydrangeas. Endless adventures brought me closer to the heart of what makes Tokushima unique—its beautiful nature, but also its wonderful community. As the locals often tell me, “I was born here, but you know more about Tokushima than I do!”
Community is another main reason why I wanted to stay in Tokushima. The kindness and hospitality here is the beating heart of most of the folks I’ve met, and something I experience in unlikely places. I love taking evening walks in the countryside, and often the locals take note of me: farmers driving past and stopping to hand me a bag of shiitake mushrooms or mandarin oranges. Villagers welcoming me into their homes and teaching me to make Japanese dishes, all the while excitedly explaining the nuances of Japanese food. They’re always thrilled to hear I love the “weird” flavours of sour umeboshi or sweet red bean paste. Even though my family is far away in Canada, the family I’ve built here in Tokushima has also become precious to me.
Holding an exhibition for my photos
I enjoy photography and making videos and other media, so this love naturally translated into me writing and photographing Tokushima’s local culture, traditions and the events. The locals always give me so much support in this! There’s a dire lack of content and information for Tokushima in English, so this, and my itch to explore, led me to create “Hidden Tokushima” on social media to introduce and highlight the culture and lesser-known gems of Nishi-Awa, where I now live. My job includes content creation, video and photo editing, introducing local activities, events, and sightseeing spots. In addition, as one of the only foreigners in the area, I handle the majority of English-related requests, such as tourism pamphlet/product translations, interpretation for tours, and the writing of articles. Access to information in English is vital, and harder to come by than you’d think, so as the number of foreign visitors to Japan increases, I’ve been feeling more keenly how important it is to provide easy access to information through social media and our tourism website.
On the job, shooting fall colours for promotion photos
Tokushima’s friendly mascot, Sudachi-kun
My goal is to draw in adventurous travellers who aren’t afraid of the inconveniences of the countryside, but want to experience the warm hospitality and the rich beauty Tokushima has to offer. Through online experience reservation, it’s become much easier to try unique local activities like farmstays, and find information about spots off the beaten path, so it’s a shame that the vast majority of tourists to Japan end up experiencing only Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. With the aging population in Nishi-Awa and the risk of traditional culture vanishing, tourism is more important than ever before, serving to revitalise the area and restore the sparkle to the unique culture of mountain life. I hope to do all I can to contribute and give back to this wonderful place that has truly become home to me.
Community and Togetherness in Miemachi
How Teaching Fosters Lifelong Bonds Through Language and Laughter
Miemachi is a small village located in the southern part of Bungo Ono, Oita Prefecture. A charming town dotted with small rice fields and nestled in the mountains, this quiet village feels timeless with its winding roads and warm-hearted people. I called Miemachi home for almost five years, and it embodied the spirit of community like I had never experienced before. Each week on Wednesday night, a group of us would file into a room at the local city office to host our Eikaiwa (English Conversation Class).
Promotional Poster for Our Eikaiwa
Teaching the Eikaiwa became an integral part of my routine, allowing me to form lifelong bonds with many of the older residents in the community. Most of the attendees were retirees, eager to brush up on their English so they could communicate with their grandchildren who lived abroad or simply to keep their minds sharp. But what made the Eikaiwa special was the sense of community and fun that came with our interactions. The lessons were always filled with laughter, stories, and the occasional debate about English phrases. Oftentimes, discussion leaders would prepare planned activities, but these would often evolve in unexpected and even more exciting directions.
One of the highlights of our year was the annual Christmas party. The group of obasan and ojisan would come together to throw a celebration that was a unique mix of Japanese and Western traditions. We would decorate a small classroom, and everyone would contribute a dish, from sushi to homemade cakes. But what truly stole the show every year was the amateur band—a group of students well into their 70s and 80s. They brought a full sound setup, complete with guitars, tambourines, a harmonica, and a drum set. Kachan, our celebrity drummer, was a woman in her 70s at the time. With drumsticks that felt like an extension of her hands, she always exuded a bright, energetic demeanor that made me feel safe to be myself. The band played a string of classics, from Simon & Garfunkel such as “Take Me Home, Country Road” and “Scarborough Fair” to Christmas carols like “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells.” The enthusiasm of the band made up for a few off-key moments, and by the end of the night, everyone was either clapping along or singing.
One of my most memorable lessons happened during one of our more casual conversations. We were practicing hypothetical situations, and I asked the group, “What would you do if you won the lottery?” The answers started innocently enough—one woman said she would buy a house in the city, another said she would travel the world. Then, one of the more mischievous women chimed in, “If I won the lottery, I’d divorce my husband!” The room erupted in laughter, and soon, the rest of the women chimed in with their own agreement. “Me too!” one said. “Finally, some peace and freedom!” another added. The conversation then took a deeper turn, as we discussed the socio-economic challenges faced by women in Japan. Two women pointed out how difficult it had been to find work after having children in the 1980s. While they acknowledged that progress had been made, they noted there was still more to be done.
The women ended our time together by offering me heartfelt advice on love and family. They stressed the importance of maintaining personal hobbies and interests separate from a partner and always prioritising self-care. The class felt like a therapeutic and honest space, free from any pretence. The camaraderie and trust in the room made it clear that this was a safe and supportive environment.
Aso san sitting by the kotatsu
It was these women who later helped me pack and move to a new city after my time on JET. One of them, Aso-san, was born in Miyazaki Prefecture but spent many years living and working in Tokyo for a well-known fashion house. Even in her 80s, she always took care to look her best, ensuring her hair and makeup were done and that she was impeccably dressed. Although I spoke very little Japanese, a simple Ohayō gozaimasu was enough for her to invite me in for tea after work. She eagerly shared photos from her albums, proudly showcasing a life well lived—filled with travels to Hong Kong, Seoul, Macau, and Taiwan.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that these same women were the ones who rushed to my apartment in April 2016, after a massive earthquake devastated parts of Kumamoto and Ōita. I had only just arrived in Japan and had never met them before, yet they knew a foreigner had recently moved to their town. Without hesitation, they showed up at my door with food, emergency supplies, and their contact information, reassuring me that I could reach out to them at any time. They treated me as if they had known me all my life.
Living and teaching in a small village like Miemachi may not be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of life in Japan, but it was one of the most incredibly fulfilling experiences of my life. The Eikaiwa wasn’t just a place to learn English—it was a space where community thrived, laughter echoed, and the best of humanity flourished. I wouldn’t trade these experiences or the friendships I made for anything, and I will forever be grateful to those people for all the love and support they gave me during my time in Japan.
Starting from a Blank Canvas
How Art became a gateway to connecting with the local community
Moving places is not easy. Neither is starting over a new life from scratch, just like a blank canvas.
Art has long been part of my upbringing – from writing, to designing posters to even playing music as a DJ at a local college radio station in my hometown of Montreal. I met great friends and cherished great memories together. That was why when I made the big jump to Japan, I then came with a lot of anxiety on me but also eagerness to see what was possible. I didn’t realize that over the years, during my time as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) on the JET Program, art had soon evolved into the gateway to a very supportive community.
When I moved to Shiogama City in Miyagi Prefecture in 2016, on my to-do list was to search for a community where I could belong to avoid feeling isolated and homesick. So, I reached out to several of my senior friends in the program and they introduced me to the Shiogama Sugimura Museum of Art, an art museum and revitalized community space in the heart of Shiogama’s historical neighborhood. The museum is dedicated to still life painter Jun Sugimura, a native of Tokyo born in the 20th century who also happened to move to Miyagi – and Shiogama – during his youth and went on to pursue a successful artistic career later on in his life.
Facade of the museum, nearby Shiogama’s historical Motomachi neighborhood
I would visit the museum after school, and discover a cafe within the museum called Danwashitsu, where I would drop by after work to have a coffee break before going home. Having enjoyed fun, friendly, and lively conversations with the cafe’s owner, baristas, and even museum staff about art, culture and living in Japan, we all quickly got along with each other very well and even became good friends. Ever since I would visit the museum and the cafe almost everyday to say hi, making it part of my routine after a day of teaching.
Running an art workshop as a member of JUNBI Supporters, the museum’s volunteer activity group
After spending a lot of time there, I was invited by both the museum and my seniors to join the museum’s volunteer group, JUNBI Supporters. Soon after joining, fellow volunteers and I would meet occasionally on a monthly basis in the evenings or weekend over coffee and snacks not only to collaboratively work on translating the museum’s website for English-speaking and international visitors, but also enjoy having conversations and activities about art together.
One time during a meeting, some of my students I taught – both elementary and junior high – passing by the museum on their walk home after school saw me through the window and were excited to see me there, saying “Hello!” with excited and enthusiastic voices. Everyone at the meeting joined me in smiling, smiling and waving back at them upon seeing the commotion. I cracked up in laughter at first, shedding a small tear. But at that moment, I felt happy and thankful to be here. That was when I witnessed the spirit of community and support for each other at its best, and in a sense, found my home in Shiogama.
The turning point came in 2021 when one of the museum’s curators reached out and invited me to work on a collaborative community art project. It was to recreate and piece together lost memories of a once well-known cultural and historical space in the city called Syogarou. I got the rare opportunity to work alongside other established artists, historians, and local folk to do field work and create our own original artworks. I was so nervous because of the language barrier, but I was deeply moved by everyone’s kindness and support. The cafe owner even joined me to help out translate my work to reach a wider audience.
Mixed-media printed artwork I made in 2021
Gaining inspiration from reading and checking my students’ notebooks and worksheets at school, I ended up making an artwork of my research patterned from a student’s self-study notebook. It was successfully displayed in a public space in downtown Shiogama for several weeks. I was deeply humbled to see everyone at the museum, local folk, fellow teachers and my students I had once taught, all who saw my creative potential beyond the confines of the classroom.
So many doors have since opened since – having held several art events, workshops, and exhibitions of my own. By the time my tenure as a JET finished in 2022, and teaching altogether as an ALT for the city by 2024, I was so speechless at the amount of Thank You letters and messages I’ve gotten from my students and teachers, I had no idea that I wasn’t just supporting the community I taught, I was so humbled to become a part of it. I kept these letters and displayed them on the walls of my own art studio I have since been renting, to remind me of how I made it so far thanks to everyone.
My artwork showcased in Shiogama City’s downtown area in 2021
As I learned firsthand from my conversations with the people around me, I deeply understood and was moved at how resilient this community has been long after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, how they’ve tried hard to start over and rebuild, and how the people here find creative ways to express themselves through art. I had long wanted to support them and help them in their rebuilding as part of my gratitude for their kindness in welcoming me in 2016 from scratch. Being here in Shiogama, at the heart of art and creativity, is an experience I deeply cherish and am always deeply grateful to be a part of.
If there is one thing that I took home from being part of the JET Program, it’s the fact that while starting off with a blank canvas and zero can be daunting, there is a great masterpiece waiting to be drawn – figuratively speaking – if you make the effort to find what you need to make it happen. There are sincere people who will be there to support you, but that can only happen only if you gain the courage to look around, reach out, and not give up. If you find the right resources that work for you, you can make something great. I don’t know if this saying exists anywhere, but I learned that no matter where you go, I believe that if you spend time to love the community you are in, the community will love you back tenfold and will support your growth.
Learn to find yours, love it, and no doubt the community will mutually give back this great feeling.
That is indeed one unique and colorful work of art from a blank canvas that you can call your own, look back and be proud of. I am sure that this way, you are guaranteed to never feel alone.
- Social Media:
- instagram.com/notes.sdla
- Syogarou Project (With the Shiogama Sugimura Jun Museum of Art):
- space-reimagined.pdf
I Didn’t Plan For This
Self-Rediscovery Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic through the JET Programme
Pre-JET
I thought I knew enough about myself.
The sheer joy on a student’s face when they’ve written their name in hiragana for the first time. The almost palpable excitement as they assemble their own kyaraben. The tears shed when they say goodbye to host families that have loved and cared for them.
They’re the reason we do what we do.
It’s tough work but it’s worth it.
“I’m on the verge of a burnout, but I’ll be okay,” I told myself.
Japan’s around the corner.
“Waterwheel Frozen in Time” — Shirakawa-go, with traditional thatched houses of 300 years and counting
My first time in Japan was a ten-month long exchange programme in Mie as a uni student. By the time I got used to things, time was up and back to Tassie I went – a contained whirlwind of emotions, an intermingling of relief and great longing. My second visit, a three-week teacher exchange programme in Aichi, flipped a switch in me. I started to seriously consider going back to Japan again for work, eyeing the JET Programme which I knew about from my teens.
“It’ll be a good gap year or two. I’ll return to teaching after.”
It’s all I’ve ever known.
I’ll retire a teacher, I was so sure of this.
Then the pandemic hit, plunging Melbourne into a lockdown – the first of many.
As the already blurred lines between the personal and work started to slowly but surely disappear, I was forced to look inside and ask myself a series of uncomfortable questions about my life decisions.
Within months, I submitted my letter of resignation with my JET application some weeks following.
I didn’t expect to be a statistic (about one in five graduate teachers in Australia leave the profession within their first five years of teaching), but there I was.
I didn’t plan for this.
But plan I tried, even with multiple scheduling delays as the pandemic continued its worldwide onslaught, even with Melbourne stuck in its sixth lockdown.
I left in the dead of night, luggage in tow and a folder full of required documents in multiple copies – travel permits, negative COVID-19 test results, signed pledges.
There were no big farewells, just quiet hugs and whispered words – “Be safe. Look after yourself”.
The Aussie cohort of 76 people met up at Sydney Airport (us Victorians had the shaggiest hair of the lot to no one’s surprise) and away we went.
During JET
After snaking queues, more testing, and even more waiting upon touching down at Haneda Airport, we were shuttled to hotel rooms for our two-week quarantine, joining other arrivals from Canada, the Philippines and the U.S. By week two of not leaving the quarters, monitored temperature checks and testing, I was going stir-crazy and was immensely envious of friends and family back home (Melbourne’s final lockdown ended 3 days after the start of my quarantine – 262 days in total) but I toughed it out.
“I’ve done my time – 256 days of it! And an additional 7 here! What’s 7 more to go?” I thought, wryly.
November 1st, 2021 couldn’t come soon enough. The group bound for Gifu left Shinagawa Station by bullet train and arrived at Gifu-Hashima Station. The air was oppressively hot and heavy with humidity – far from ideal weather to be wearing a suit. I hadn’t expected autumn to feel this way and I certainly didn’t think I’d stay here for long, given my absolute hatred for intense heat.
“Fireflies of Wicker Binds” — Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River, a local tradition for over 1,300 years
I started work at the Tourism Promotion Division of the Gifu Prefectural Government Office, where I disseminated tourism information for the English-speaking audience on social media platforms (the Go Gifu Facebook and Instagram accounts, the official Gifu English language Tourism Website – Visit Gifu), in addition to completing editing, translation, interpreting tasks – all connected to showcasing Gifu’s very best for tourism. I was a complete novice: no prior work experience or interest in social media, marketing, and promotion especially in this field. Despite this, I was keen to learn. My supervisor, colleagues and superiors were quick and very kind in showing me the ropes and all things Gifu. My predecessor, who left giant shoes to be filled, had thankfully also left a solid foundation of work, countless resources, and priceless practical advice – “find a way to utilise your strengths to get the most out of work.”
I trawled through all manner of material, learning all I could about Gifu’s grand outdoors, timeless tradition and living culture. So much fascinated me – the derring-do of Japan’s most decisive battle in Sekigahara, the all-night dancing at the Gujo Odori, the resilient ‘yui’ connection of Shirakawa-go. With every onsite business trip, it didn’t take long for me to be captivated by all that Gifu has to offer. From the stunning, soaring heights of the Hida mountains, the rich vastness of the Nobi Plains, to the pristine clarity of the Nagara River, there was so much natural beauty to be discovered. I was touched by the warmth and friendliness of the locals, eager to share and show their centuries-old art of traditional craftmaking and way of life lived in tandem with the environment. The closeness to nature and the slow pace of life afforded me time and space to grieve, rest and eventually, heal.
“Autumn Waltzes on Cosmos” — Imamine, en route to Nishi Gifu Station
As I grew into my role, however, I was completely unsurprised at finding my first year particularly challenging as I navigated transitions to an industry hit worst by the pandemic. Sales meetings were still mostly online, at the mercy of unstable internet connection and full of reminders that “your mic’s on mute”, mentally catapulting me back to months of remote teaching from the year before. Travel curbs were still in place, with many enquiries addressing Japan’s closed borders and compulsory group travel. It wasn’t until the end of my first year that Japan fully opened up to the world, and work in the local travel and tourism industry finally resumed in earnest. Workload increased dramatically but my division was prepared. We immediately hit the ground running at full speed.
Even though education and tourism had seemed like chalk and cheese on the surface, I realised there were many areas of overlap. Showcasing to potential visitors what was worth seeing and doing, highlighting new tourism destinations to travel agents – these examples contain elements of teaching. Various transferable skills from my previous job proved a huge asset. From promoting Japanese as an elective subject, co-organising and facilitating sister school visits between Australia and Japan, communicating amicably with families during Parent Teacher Interviews, and even the art of keeping calm when things go awry – everything helped. Nothing was wasted. Later on, I even had the occasional opportunity to teach the local children about Australia in culture-exchange lessons, treasured reminders of one of the many things I enjoyed about my previous profession – helping people learn.
“Broke a Leg!” — Another thing I didn’t plan for long before – reaching the semifinals and finals of the NHK Nodojiman Singing Competition in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, broadcasted nationwide.
As I uncovered all I had to know about Gifu and tourism, I also unearthed parts of myself I had unknowingly buried. Nature documentaries and books, the Serengeti – childhood dreams and memories were reignited. A bee aloft a water lily, a ladybird flitting about lotus leaves while a jumping spider lies in wait. As a young girl, I would watch and relish these moments as I took photos in the family garden for what felt like a welcomed eternity. These memories came back to me, untouched after so long. Seeing the beauty of the photos I sift through and curate at work, and that of photographer friends deeply moved me. I wanted to be the one to take those beautiful pictures, to show others the wonders that I see – as tiny as they may sometimes be. I took the plunge, learnt to use a proper camera, and started bringing it along with me almost wherever I went. I laugh as I recall telling a friend years before, “Yea nah, can’t be stuffed lugging around a DSLR. My smartphone will do”. I didn’t plan for this too, clearly.
In the final months leading up to the end of my close-to-three year contract, I knew I wasn’t ready to leave. I strongly felt there was still plenty of unfinished work left to be done, especially with Gifu’s travel and tourism showing signs of recovery. I wanted so much to stay on but I knew I had to be realistic in considering different uncertainties. Having to move, look for a new job, renew my visa, and so much more at the same time was very overwhelming, but I was buoyed by the much-needed support from my former teammates, friends, family, and even JET through events like career fairs, networking events and SDC. Simultaneous change was just a little easier to handle this time around. It was much better than when I traded an old life, left in one of the longest cumulative lockdowns in the world, for a new one.
Post-JET
It’s been over half a year since I’ve finished JET. While it was quite the journey to get to where I am now (as it often tends to be with life), I’m very happy to report that I’m still in travel and tourism, helping to promote Gifu’s finest in a different capacity with a new position.
Being in Gifu has helped me to reconnect with nature, with people, with myself.
I don’t think it was mere coincidence I ended up here. I’m very thankful to God for this and so much more.
Applying for JET brought about incredible changes in my life – many of them, for the better.
I am truly grateful.
Here’s to taking chances and holding plans loosely.
The heat wasn’t enough to keep me away after all.
I’m home.
“Gifu’s Tenacious Tourism Team” — Super thankful for this amazing group of people! Last day of work at the Tourism Promotion Division, Gifu Prefectural Government Office, 31st July 2024.
A Japanese Garden in the Desert
Connecting Japan and Arizona Through Tradition and Tranquility
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix’s largest waterfall
Sumo wrestling in the garden
After spending four years in snowy, rural Akita-ken with the JET Program, I returned home to the Arizona desert and resumed my work in nutrition education, much like I had been doing before leaving for Japan. However, I felt unfulfilled and often found myself longing for a job that connected me to Japan. I missed the culture and wanted a way to integrate that part of my life to the life I was living now. But finding a job that involved Japanese culture felt like a long-shot, especially since my Japanese skills were far from perfect. After spending several years back in the U.S. and navigating the challenges of the pandemic, I began searching more seriously. Then one day, I came across a job posting for the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix.
I didn’t know much about the garden then, but it turned out to be my dream work environment. I joined the team as an Executive Assistant, supporting the garden’s Director. I was amazed to learn that there was a cultural institution doing all of the things that I find inspiring and love: promoting authentic Japanese cultural workshops and curating a beautiful green space, right in the heart of Phoenix. The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, also known as Rohoen (鷺鳳園), was established as a Sister City project with Himeji Japan in the late 80’s. It took a lot of work from a lot of different people to make the dream a reality, and it has grown slowly and steadily since then. In the last five years since the pandemic, Phoenix has grown tremendously, and so has the amount of visitors to the garden.
A reunion with a student from Yuzawa
In addition to being a relaxing place to stroll and unwind, the garden has a lot of programs and events that involve Japanese craftsmen and artists. We regularly host ikebana, bonsai, and chanoyu workshops and experiences. We also have several big events throughout the year where people can come and learn and participate in Japanese culture, like otsukimi (moon viewing) and our annual Haru celebration. Just a couple of months ago, we hosted a sumo wrestling event in the garden—likely the first-ever sumo event in Arizona!
Even though the work I do is mostly admin in nature, I still get to interact with Japanese culture on a daily basis, speak to my coworkers in Japanese, and help shape the programs and offerings we have. I’ve even had the opportunity to start leading workshops and classes myself in shinrinyoku (forest bathing) and kokeshi (wooden doll) making, two passions of mine. A few months ago I had a full circle moment at our Otsukimi festival, when I met one of my former students from Akita! She was doing an exchange program with ASU and came to the garden to volunteer with another group of Japanese students. I couldn’t believe that a student from rural Yuzawa was here in the US continuing to study English. It reaffirmed how small the world can be and how every connection we make is valuable. I love that my work at the garden allows me to cultivate a meaningful connection between Japan and my home state of Arizona.
Kasuga lantern at dawn
Our garden is often referred to as a hidden gem and may seem unusual to find in the middle of a desert. It’s probably the greenest place you’ll find in Phoenix, with a large waterfall, koi pond and four acres of land to stroll. While most of the plant material is not native to Japan, we use plants that are desert adapted and can survive our extreme 115 degree plus summers. All of the plants are pruned and maintained using traditional Japanese gardening techniques. Our gardeners travel to Japan to work at Japanese gardens and continue to keep the art of gardening alive. One of the highlights of our garden are our meticulously pruned pine trees. While we don’t have Japanese black pines, our Aleppo pines are shaped using the same methods. Our garden curator, who learned this skill from his mentors, explains that it can take up to 10 years of observation and practice before one is trusted to prune a pine independently. I feel incredibly grateful that my work at the garden allows me to continuously learn about and help preserve these beautiful traditions—art forms that have been passed down through generations and deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
Working at the garden has allowed me to pursue my passion for Japanese culture while finding a sense of belonging. Japanese gardens and sister city connections can be found in many places around the world—does your city have one? If you’re a JET alum looking to stay connected to Japan, I encourage you to explore these opportunities. You might be surprised at what you discover!
