JJETA NEWS V O L U M E
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Message from Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Greater awareness of 2 Japan Promoted
New Members Join JJETA
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The President’s Two Cents Worth
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Bou Nen Kai 2007
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Why Join JJETA
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Upcoming Dates & Events
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How to Make Tempura
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Allow me to take this opportunity to commend the members of the Jamaica Jet Alumni Association (JJETAA) for the significant role you are playing in the promotion of Japan and its rich culture in Jamaica. I am indeed pleased to see that you are fostering good relations with the Embassy and the Japanese community. Since the establishment of the Alumni, you have been working assiduously to build mutual understanding between Japan and Jamaica through a number of cultural activities. Last year, for instance, you have taken the initiative to go into primary schools and share the Japanese experience with the children who are now studying about Japan as part of their
curriculum. Another highlight of the year was the photo exhi-
Masahiro Obata Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica
bition where students could see and feel Japan through pictures. I also should like to thank you for the assistance in the preparation and selection process of
the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET). To date, 120 Jamaicans have benefited from the programme. Currently there are 40 JETs working alongside their Japanese counterparts as Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) as well as grass root ambassadors for Jamaica. Through your help, you have furnished these ALTs with the necessary guidelines for their living in Japan. I am aware of some of the challenges you are facing in keeping the Alumni going, and I hope you will overcome these with your zeal and my Embassy is committed to support your effort in this regard. I wish the Alumni success in every activity as you continue to build strong ties between Jamaica in Japan.
New Members Join the JJETA Family Executive Members Kay Dunkley President C. Hannalori Weller Treasurer Sheril Morgan Secretary
Dear Members, Thank you for inviting me to your Bou nen kai held at Cocoro Japanese restaurant last December. It was great fun for us Japanese to talk with Jamaicans who really understand Japan. For although Japanese cars are popular here, Japan per se is not very well known in Jamaica. That’s why our Embassy with its lack of manpower, heavily relies on your support in introducing Japan and its culture to all Jamaicans. For this, I am truly grateful. I really would like to do something in return.
If you think of any good ideas on how the Embassy can further support JJETAA, please send me an e-mail. At m.shimote@cwjamaica.com.
something brown. 2.What is your favourite Jamaican meal ? Roasted yam & salt fish. Simple but tasty like Onigiri & Umeboshi. 3.Where is your favourite spot in Jamaica? The Mountain view from the back garden of Strawberry Hill 4.How long you have been in Jamaica ? 21 months.
Mr. Yoshimoto and his son
Other Important Stuff… 1.What is your favourite colour ? I don’t know why but I often wear
5.Where did you live before? Nagasaki, Tokyo, Chiba, Kalamazoo (Michigan), Baghdad, London, Sydney. Welcome to the family!