2019 JET Program Welcome Back Reception

On Tuesday, October 8th, Consul General Akira Muto hosted a Welcome Back Reception for Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program participants who recently completed their time on the program in Japan. Approximately 70 guests attended the event held at the Official Residence of the Consul General including JET alumni from years past and members of the Japanese / Japanese-American community.

It was a lively celebration filled with conversations and new connections as guests reminisced about fun-filled memories and their lives in Japan, but also looked ahead to new opportunities. The night honored JET participants’ efforts to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations at the grassroots level by becoming a part of local communities throughout Japan.

While JET Program participants depart the United States as cultural ambassadors representing America, they return as cultural ambassadors of Japan with a new outlook, as well as customs and traditions they share and pass on to others. As such, Consul General Muto encouraged JET alumni to maintain their connection with Japan by taking part in prefectural associations, sister cities associations, and other Japan-related organizations in the community.

About the JET Program:

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is one of the oldest and largest program of its kind; bringing young people from around the world to live and work in Japan. In its 33 years of history, the JET Program has created over 70,000 alumni from 75 countries, and there are over 5,700 people currently participating in-country. JET participants teach and share their cultures with the people of Japan, and also learn through living in local communities. Learn more about the JET Program at: https://jetprogramusa.org/