2021 JET Program Welcome Back Reception & Alumni Reunion

On Friday, November 5th, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles hosted a virtual Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Welcome Back Reception & Alumni Reunion. This event celebrated JET program participants who recently completed their time in Japan, and also honored the accomplishments of all alumni and their efforts to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations at the grassroots level.

 Approximately 70 guests attended the event virtually via Zoom, including JET alumni from years past and members of the Japanese / Japanese-American community in both Southern California and Arizona. 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.

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 Akira 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 35 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/