JJETAA Newsletter 2012

JJETAA NEWS Volume 5, Issue 1

Inside this issue: From the Ambassador

1

Why join JJETAA?

1

Message from the President

2, 9

Who is Kaori Saito?

2

Japan Awareness Workshop

3

Pictorial Year in Review

3

Unforgettable Memories

4-5

Let’s meet Kirk Brown!

6-7

Japanese Calendar Event

7

Reiki: The Simple Healing Art

8,10

Tree Planting Ceremony

9

JETAA-I Executive

9

JETAA-I Meeting 2011 Because of JET

11-12 12

JJETAA Executive President - Shawn Aarons Vice President - Sheril Morgan Secretary - Roxanne SeatonChambers Treasurer - Marsha Dennie

Events for 2012-13  Poster Competition (TBD)  School Visit (November)  JICA Jamaica-Japan Cultural Festival (November)  Japan Awareness Workshop (January)  Annual General Meeting ( March)

April 2011-February 2012

February 2012

From the Ambassador turn from Japan. I am also confident to tell anybody that you left many smiley children in Japan who would fondly remember their encounters with Jamaican English teachers.

On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I congratulate the Jamaica JET Alumni Association (JJETAA) on the successful year 2011. I am pleased to see the JJETAA grow year by year to become a significant organization with which the Embassy shares the goal of strengthening the relationship between Jamaica and Japan.

Since the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme was introduced to Jamaica in 2000, we have helped the selection of approximately 190 Jamaicans to work as Assistant Language Teachers in Japan. Despite the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of last March, twenty Jamaicans left for Japan in July last year to start serving their roles. We were deeply concerned about Jamaican JET participants in Japan when the Earthquake occurred and were relieved to learn that none of them were injured by the massive disaster. I deeply appreciate the sympathy and support that the JET participants and JJETAA members delivered through us for the affected people in Japan.

Since its inception in 2002, JJETAA has played a key role in increasing the awareness of Japanese culture and society among Jamaican people. In this sense, every Jamaican who has joined the JET Programme represents a Cultural Ambassador both during his/her time in Japan and after returning back to Jamaica. The effects of JJETAA’s activities are indeed evidenced in the sharp increase in the number of the applications for the JET Programme which exceeded 300 for the past two years. I believe that

Ambassador Hiroshi Yamaguchi

the enthusiasm and hard work of the JJETAA members are significantly contributing to the increasing popularity of the JET Programme in Jamaica.

I understand that it is not easy for foreigners to live and especially work in Japan, the final destination of the Oriental civilization, where the culture and the ways of living including the language, among so many others, are so distinctive. It must also be challenging to teach English to Japanese school children who barely know English words. I am convinced that Jamaican JETs do so well in adjusting to life and work environments in Japan because of their warm, engaging and adaptable personalities. The overall trend that most Jamaican JETs opt to stay in the job for multiple years implies that the experience is also rewarding for them. I am extremely happy to see the smiles and hear the stories of those who re-

I am grateful for JJETAA’s involvement in the selection process of the JET Programme and in the orientation sessions for successful applicants. The accumulated knowledge and experience as past JETs enable the selection of the most suitable individuals and ensures a smooth transition of the new JETs from Jamaica to Japan.

JJETAA’s overall activities are being expanded well beyond the JET Programme, which include newly added programmes such as the tree planting ceremony and cooking session in October last year, in addition to those implemented continuously such as the Japanese Awareness Workshop and school visits.

The Embassy is also grateful for the valuable assistance at the Calendar Exhibition in January this year when some of JJETAA members acted as MCs to entertain the general public and ensure the smooth exercise of this Embassysponsored activity.

The Embassy promises to continue to provide any necessary support to further promote the JJETAA’s activities and expand its membership and network. Once more, I extend my sincerest gratitude for your commitment, hard work and support for the Embassy. I wish you a successful 2012.

Why join JJETAA?  To share the Japanese culture and way of life with the Jamaican people.  To assist the Embassy of Japan to promote the JET Programme.  To reminisce and share stories with persons who have had similar experiences to yours.

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Message from the President A Japanese proverb I like says ‘chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru’. In Jamaica we say ‘one one coco full basket’. The dedicated members of the Alumni contributed well to the successful completion of stated activities this year. From conception to implementation of projects we have been focused and dedicated to ‘fostering awareness and cultural exchange between JamaiShawn Aarons ca and Japan. A big thank you to all Jamaican JETs locally and overseas who have contributed ideas, time and other resources to make the efforts of the JJETAA worthwhile.

on board in 2012. As we continue our close relations with the Embassy of Japan, we were happy to share with all stakeholders at the Farewell Ceremony for the 2011 JETs; collaborated on the annual Calendar Event, and the Paper Screenings and Interviews for prospective JETs for the 2012 group. We wish them all the best.

Our continued relationship with the Embassy of Japan and other Japan-related groups is gathering momentum. This year we had our Tree Planting Ceremony, participated in the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Cultural Event, shared with the executive members of the Japanese Club at UWI, and making strides to have the UTECH Japanese group

The JJETAA was featured on the Jenny Jenny Show (HITZ 92 FM) on January 9, 2012. I shared information about experience on the JET Programme and how it can be another source of employment for tertiary graduates who are willing to share our culture and give back to Jamaica by sharing about the Japanese culture and lifestyle. (cont’d on page 9)

JJETAA continues to share similarities and differences of Jamaica and Japan with students at the primary and secondary levels. This year we focused on four primary schools in Portmore to improve teaching methodology about Japan. At the secondary level, we did a practical cooking lesson to enrich learning experience of students and teachers of Home Economics as they prepare for the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) and Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) exams. This was led by the Ambassador of Japan’s chef, Mr Eguchi.

Who is Kaori Saito?

Kaori Saito, who has been living in Jamaica since September 2011, is a Cultural Officer in the Embassy of Japan.

She is from Koshigaya City in Saitama. To give us a chance to learn about her, Kaori shares about her job, the challenges she has faced since being in Jamaica, her favorite Jamaica things and about her future dreams.

As Cultural Officer I promote cultural and educational exchange between Jamaica and Japan. This includes planning and staging cultural events, coordinating the JET Programme and the Monbukagakusho Scholarship Programme, and various forms of public relations. The favourite part of my job is visiting schools to share about Japan.

try because people are so friendly (I don’t mind being called ‘Miss Chin’ on the street). In my free time I go to the beach and climb mountains. When I stay in town, I enjoy activities such as shopping, exercising, eating, and meeting friends.

My favourite Jamaican things:  Place - Frenchman’s Cove – because I can swim both in the ocean and river.

As I had lived overseas (in Cambo Food - steamed fish with okra. dia and Australia) since I graduatDay of the week - Saturday – ed from the university, I could because I feel free. I also enmake the transition to life in Jajoy the weekdays as my work maica fairly easily. The biggest gives me a sense of responsibilchallenge was, however, to start to I love the Jamaican people and natural ity and fulfillment. drive a car after being “paper driv- beauty of the country. I never imager” (Japanese English term to deined Jamaica has such a rich and beauscribe someone who has a license tiful natural environment. I feel so In 5 years, no matter where I am, I but never drives) for ten years. lucky to be able to see both the moun- will be happy with my loving husband Another challenge was to get used tain and ocean from the Embassy of- and children while continuing my to the loud music after midnight. fice. I don’t feel so lonely in this coun- career.

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On 20 January, JJETAA staged its annual Japan Teacher Awareness Workshop at Bridgeport Primary School in Portmore. The event was used to share methodology on teaching about Japan to primary school students. Three neighboring schools participated in the fun-filled workshop: Port Henderson Primary, Greater Portmore Primary and Gregory Park Primary. Seven teachers and 14 students participated in the workshop.

They were exposed to the Japanese language and culture through games, songs and highlights of the similarities and differences between Jamaica and Japan through photographs and personal stories, which were shared by the two JJETAA presenters.

The interactive session was wellreceived by students and teachers, who asked questions, made comment and shared their knowledge of Japan.

Pictorial Year in Review 1

2

1. JET Farewell Function at the Ambassadors Residence in July 2011 2. Tree Planting Ceremony at the Hope Botanical gardens in October 2011

3

4

3. Practical Cooking Session at Dunoon Technical High School in November 2011 4. Japanese Calendar Exhibition at the Sovereign Centre in January 2012

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Unforgettable Memories skin and your own culture, you take everything for granted, never thinking of yourself as being particularly amazing, or even remotely surprising. Yet probably among the first Japanese words I learnt were “sugoi” (amazing) and “bikurishita” (surprised!), as this was the reaction I often got as I meandered through the streets of my new hometown and negotiated the hallways of the schools in which I taught.

Janet Crick (Miyazaki, 2002-2004)

My first thought when I was given the news that I had been accepted to the JET Programme was “Oh no, what have I done!?!” Not only did my friends and family think I was a little crazy to want to venture halfway around the world on a cultural exchange programme, but many times in the months of frantic preparations before leaving Jamaica, even I thought I was a little crazy! But the pull of my cross cultural curiousity engrained in me by my parents since childhood made it too hard to refuse the challenge. Having spent three years running an international intercultural exchange programme in Jamaica and fostering the seeds of intercultural tolerance in the lives of others, I knew it was now my turn to take the plunge.

I had lived and worked abroad before, but never as an intercultural exchange participant, and I had never been to Asia, so moving to Nobeoka City, a small rural town in the North of Miyazaki-Ken was definitely uncharted waters, and a new and exciting challenge for me.

While the city of Nobeoka was accustomed to hosting JET participants from different parts of the world, as the first black JET and the first Jamaican JET in this small town, I definitely made an impression! Growing up in your own

My assignment to the Nobeoka Board of Education, which had jurisdiction over all the schools in Nobeoka City as well as several schools in the surrounding smaller towns, meant that I was not based in any one school, but split my time across twelve different schools - some just 5 minutes from home, and others so far away, I had to start my journey a day in advance and overnight at a Ryokan. A daunting challenge at first, I soon got used to my nomadic life, a different school, a different set of teachers and a new sea of high school faces to greet me at my school of the day. Yet even though my daily routine was never the same, one thing remained constant – the enthusiasm and excitement with which I was greeted at every school, the eagerness to learn about me, about Jamaica and about our traditions and culture. Two years and about a hundred self-introductions later, I had probably danced more Reggae in my dance demonstrations than in my entire lifetime in Jamaica! But what a great way to break the ice with my students! There was always at least one student brave enough to dance along with me, and on a good day, I would get all the students and the teachers doing “the wacky dip” along with me!

The JET Pro-

gramme afforded me a true opportunity for intercultural exchange. Among my most memorable and rewarding moments was setting up a Jamaican booth at the Miyazaki International Festival.

The Festival attracts over 20,000 visitors over a two-day period, and being the only Jamaican in the entire prefecture, it was a tall order. But it was precisely for moments like this that I had embarked on the adventure of an exchange programme. This was my opportunity to display my culture on a grand scale to thousands of people, and I knew what I had to do. Undaunted by the fact that I scarcely spoke twenty words of Japanese, I set about the task of enlisting Japanese importers to donate supplies of Jamaican products for exhibition and for giveaway. A kaleidoscopic blend of colorful posters of Jamaican scenery provided the right backdrop for samples of spicy and hot pepper sauces, tasty Jamaican jerk pork, ackee and saltfish, accompanied by delicious fruit juices and tantalizing reggae music. It was a wonderful success!

As much as I enjoyed sharing my Jamaican culture with others, I equally enjoyed immersing myself into my fascinating host culture. I was awed by the sense of discipline and the order which surrounded me, the sacred respect and reverence for Japanese traditions and rituals, and the pride with which these were nurtured and carefully passed down from one generation to another to ensure the preservation of a unique and special culture. I wasted no time falling headlong into this culture – studying Japanese so that I could communicate better, learning Ikebana and taiko drumming and soaking up whatever else I

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Unforgettable Memories (cont’d)

could of traditional Japanese life along the way. My host community eagerly matched my enthusiasm. Scarcely a week went by when a teacher, a student, a friend wasn’t introducing me to a Japanese dish, inviting me to a traditional festival, or exposing me to some other interesting snippet of Japanese culture. Joining my students on field trips to pick green tea leaves, and on expeditions to collect sea urchins and picking “kakis” with fellow JETs in the Mayor’s orchard became a part of my almost fairy-tale life in Japan. And of course, how could my Japanese experience be complete until I had fulfilled my dream of wearing a kimono! The opportunity would not arise until almost the very end of my stay in Japan while on a homestay. It was a wonderful weekend spent with my Japanese host family and host community who treated me to a culturally rich feast of Japanese tea ceremonies, kudo and karate demonstrations in exchange for samples of Jamaican cuisine and renditions of traditional Jamaican folk songs served up by my fellow Jamaican JET and I. And on the last day - the icing on the cake - I donned a beautiful kimono, smiling my way through the entire 90 minute dressing ritual, my host mother patiently and dutifully snapping pictures at every stage of the complex dressing procedure. It was a thrilling moment, and for me, the pinnacle of my Japanese intercultural experience.

My parting from Japan was bitter-

sweet. While happy to return to my family and friends and the familiarity of Western customs, I missed the familiar, chirpy greetings of “Hellooo Janeto-san!” from my students as I cycled through the streets of Nobeoka, and laughing with my Japanese adult students as I taught them how to make Jamaican food and then watched them eat it with chopsticks! Of course my ties with Japan and the bonds of friendship I had established could and would not easily be severed.

The visit of two Japanese friends to Jamaica bearing my favourite Japanese treats a year later brought back many great memories. And the frequent surprise packages from Japan, e-mails and birthday cards were proof that I had not been forgotten. A few years later, when I joined the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat as a foreign policy officer, I was pleased to learn I had been given the responsibility of desk officer for Japan. Six years after leaving Japan, I had the privilege to return, this time on a business trip, accompanying Ministers of Government and Senior officials from 14 Caribbean Countries for high level talks with the Japanese Government. As I prepared for the trip, I felt a natural tinge of excitement at the thought of returning to Japan.

Yet nothing prepared me for the rush I felt when I was once again surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of a past life. For a giddy two days I felt

strangely as if I had come “home”, sliding easily back into my bowing routine, simultaneously surprising and delighting my Japanese counterparts (as well as myself!) when I stumbled out a sentence or two in my somewhat rusty Japanese.

I confirmed then what I had known all along – my JET experience in Japan would always be an integral and unforgettable part of me; the delicate threads of Japanese culture intricately and inextricable interwoven into the fabric of a cross-cultural garment with which I am proud to cloak myself. My diverse experiences as I navigated my way through this somewhat complex culture, and the acceptance I received along the way reinforced what I already knew - no matter how far away from home we roam and how far apart our lives and our cultures may seem, an open mind and a willingness to share with and learn about others can somehow magically strip away the differences, revealing that at our very core, we are all the same.

It is this oneness that brought me to tears as I saw the devastation wrought on my fellow Japanese “brothers and sisters” by the earthquake and tsunami in Eastern Japan in March 2011.

And it is that oneness which reassures me that the stoicism of the Japanese people which I have come to admire and understand so well, will cause them to rise above this tragedy. To them I offer a heartfelt “Ganbatte Kudasai!”

To read past editions of this annual newsletter - www.issuu.com/JJETAA

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Let’s meet Kirk Brown!

Kelroy Kirk Brown is twenty-something Jamaican technology aficionado, Japanese enthusiast and ‘Jamaipanese’ blog site creator. We had a chat with this multi-faceted Jamaican and this is what we found out.

Where did you get the idea to start the blog site Jamaipanese.com?

Well, going back to my interest in Japan, as I got deeper and deeper, I decided that hey I’m going to learn Japanese. So I searched high and wide in Jamaica and I found the Language Training Centre which was offering Japanese at the time.

At first the blog was supposed to be an online journal of my studying Japanese. So after each class I normally would write about the things I did, so when I’m revising I could go back and see what I did which day; it would help me to also link-up with other learners of Japanese in Jamaica and around the world and that’s how I started ‘Jamaipanese’

Kirk Brown

What are some of your interests?

I’m a ‘techki’, you could say I’m big on technology, gadgets, websites, things like that. I really enjoy, you know, just hanging out with friends and family, watching anime, simple things like that, trying new things; so that’s me basically.

When did your interest in Japan and Japanese culture begin?

As a teenager, I read a lot. I read a lot of books and anything I could get my hands on to read. World War II was a big interest of mine for a while and I read about the Americans, the Germans and the Japanese. While in Jamaica or in the West, you don’t really learn much about the Japanese part of the whole World War situation, it was very sad though. I was wondering how can a country that has two atomic bombs dropped on them, a few decades later they became the second largest economy in the world. So that sparked an interest and I read more about the culture and history and the people and I’m still exploring up to this day.

Ok, so I know that having such great interest in Japan and Japanese culture, you would have a great desire to visit the country; tell us how did the journey towards this dream of visiting Japan began? How did it start and what are some of the things that you did to achieve this dream, this goal?

Alright, I’m one of those persons who procrastinate a lot and I’m hoping that this recent Japan-trip has cured that. I was thinking here I am, loving Japan, loving anime, loving technology, wanting to go to this place but not putting any plans in place to do so. So I’m saying that, it’s very expensive so it’s not like I’m going to find the money overnight, so why not split up the big figure into smaller figures and work towards that. So I’m working and was saying let me save a little bit every month towards that goal. After a year of saving a hundred US dollars out of my pay every month, I decided to announce the journey to visit Japan on my blog which was met with overwhelming support, so a lot of persons contributed towards my trip. So in all, saving towards the trip, contribution from the readers and earnings from the blog, it took about two, two and a half years and I’ve managed to visit

Japan in September 2011.

Wow, so the journey took two and a half years so it wasn’t an overnight thing, but you strategized and sorted it out and you put your desire out there on your blog and others fed into your dream. I guess that’s a word for others who want to do something that you can actually motivate others to buy into your dream. So you had the opportunity to visit Japan last September, what was your first impression, the first couple hours in Japan what was your first impression?

Definitely, after landing in Tokyo, I realized that I now understand the concept of ‘island time’ as people would say, where Jamaicans or island -people move at a slower rate or more easy going than our Asian or Japanese counterparts. I just felt that I was operating at a speed slower than everybody else and then there was the language barrier. I had traveled before but nowhere as far as or as fascinating as Japan; so hearing strange sounds or strange language all around was very nerve racking at first, but the signs were in English so I found my way around. For the first couple hours, I was making the transition from a 17-hour in all flight from Kingston through New York, through LA to Tokyo. I’m there mentally tired, physically tired and trying to absorb everything. I’m excited, I’m nervous; it’s a mix of emotions.

What were some of the places that you visited and what were some of the things you did during your visit?

I was based mostly in Yokohama. I woke up basically early each morning and went out to explore a different area of Tokyo at first. So I went to museums, being the ‘techki’ I am, I of course when to Akihabara a couple times, stores, shops; then I went down to Nagoya to meet with a Japanese friend of mine for a few days and then he accompanied me to Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. So it was a lot of places to see in three weeks and I managed to pull it off very well. (cont’d on page 7)

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Japanese Calendar Exhibition The Japanese Calendar Exhibition was held this year on the 14 January at the Sovereign Centre in Kingston, Jamaica. The event was sponsored by the Embassy of Japan in partnership with various volunteer persons and groups such as the Jamaica JET Alumni Association, the Jamaica International Cooperation Agency, JICA and the Nishida Gymnastics School. The event started many years ago as a charity affair organized by the Jamaica Japan Society and has blossomed into the now Calendar Exhibition. Each year the occasion gets better in terms of participation and program events and this year was no different. Patrons were feted to a host of offerings including interactive activities such as kanji memorization and writing games, origami craft games and general knowledge quizzes based on short videos about Japan and Japanese culture.

One of the main highlights of the day was the gymnastic presentation by Nishida Gymnastics School which showed off the flexibility, strength and agility of its young team members. There were many ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ as the young gymnasts went thought their routines. Many agreed that their performance was perfect ten!

Let’s meet Kirk Brown! (cont’d) Alright, so it was money well spent?

Definitely money well spent!

What place or what experience left a great impression on you?

Definitely the number one experience while in Japan was while exploring a temple called Todaiji in Nara, I somehow lost my rail-pass that allows me to take the trains in Japan for free. So I’m there losing my mind wondering what am I going to do now and you know it’s like a little bit over a week in Japan and I’ve already lost a very important item. So I was there sitting down telling my Japanese friend what happened and then I heard over the intercom at the temple complex my name being called out- “Kelroy Brown, Jamaica-jin, Japan rail-pass” and I’m wondering why are they calling out my name? So my Japanese friend was getting excited beside me telling me that “hey, hey, hey, they’ve found your rail-pass and it’s the receptionist’s desk.”

So it’s just interesting to know that in a massive temple with thousands of people walking through, somebody could find something for me and return it, something very valuable. I don’t think many countries can boast such honesty.

How has your experience impacted your blog site?

Well, Jamaipanese.com is somewhat popular with other Japan enthusiasts locally and abroad. I’ve met a lot of persons through my blog site from all over the globe, from places as normal as say America to places like Slovenia and Sweden. So since going to Japan, a lot of persons have expressed an interest to go for their goals as well, to visit Japan; so it feels good to inspire other persons and the traffic or visitors to the blog has been growing more and more each month since the visit.

Each time I share a blog post with a story that I experienced there or somewhere I went or so, a lot of persons really gravitate towards that and send me messages and send congratulations and things like that.

Ok, so what’s next for Kirk Brown? Are you planning another trip?

Definitely! Not for the next year or so but that experience of working towards a goal of mine and achieving it has really inspired me in other areas of my life, mainly going to college. So I’ve definitely decided and I’ve done most of the paper work already, so if everything goes as planned I should be at the University of Technology this September.

I’m really looking forward to applying the success from achieving a trip to Japan in the other areas of my life; so first stop is college.

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Reiki: The Simple Healing Art Feeling stressed? Are you in need of a healing touch? Are you tired of repeatedly going to the doctor for the same ailment and would like to try a non-traditional healing methodology?- Well, if you said yes to all those questions, then Reiki may be what you need. Let’s learn more about this alternative healing technique, which originated in Japan in the early 1920s, from Jamaican Reiki Master, Frederic Burnett.

Reiki is form of complementary (alternative) medicine. It is effective on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual or energetic level. It is completely non-invasive and has no known adverse side-effects. Reiki is a complete method, but can be used to complement any treatment type including conventional Western (allopathic) medicine. It is easy to learn, easier yet to practice. It is effective on people, pets, plants, in fact anything you can think of. The only limit to Reiki is the bounds of individual imagination.

Reiki is the channeling of healing, balancing energy through a light, hands-on touch. The system is Japanese in origin and the root word “rei” means soul or universe while “ki” may be translated as energy or personal energy. So Reiki is Universal energy. It is the energy that permeates and connects everything in the Universe. Reiki practitioners have the ability to tap into this field or source and channel the energy to a recipient. That said, there are a multitude of similar practices, ranging from Chi Gung to Therapeutic Touch. The elegance of Reiki is in simplicity. Anyone can learn (First Degree) with minimal effort over a weekend. Thereafter the practitioner can treat them-self and others. There are other tools taught in the Second Degree, if the practitioner is so moved. Thirdly there is Master training for those called to teach.

Today Reiki is practiced globally.

Reiki was “discovered” in the current form in the early 1920’s by Mikao Usui on Mount Kurama in Japan. He established a school and treatment centre in Tokyo in 1922.

Usui died in 1926, but his work continued through those he taught.

Among his students was Dr. Chujiro Hyashi, a retired naval surgeon, who had his own clinic. Significantly, in 1935, he treated Hawayo Takata, a Hawaiian-American woman of Japanese descent, who eventual-

ly convinced him to teach her Reiki techniques. Takata became a Reiki Master (teacher) and this is how Reiki came to the west. She initiated twenty-two masters, among them her granddaughter, Phyllis Lei Furumoto, and many western practitioners share this lineage (succession of teachers) today.

There are of course, several lineages, many of which never left Japan. There are some variations in technique between different schools, but the essence of Reiki is always the same. Even beyond Reiki in other forms of energy work, it is the same energy. Energy is all there is.

Mikao Usui Founder of Modern Reiki

Which is exactly why Reiki works. I am continually amazed at how Reiki fits in with so many philosophical models. Even in the sciences, physicists speak of Unified Field Theory and the Zero-Point Field.

Luckily, it has never been a requirement to understand that which can be experienced. We have all had the common cold, and most of us have never seen a virus under the microscope. From experience, however, we can catch a cold when

sharing space with someone who already has one. While the only way to appreciate a Reiki treatment is to experience it, let me share aspects of my world-view on how it works. As hinted at above, human beings are multifaceted. At the most basic level we are physical beings. By basic I mean readily discernible. We all know that we have a physical body. Mental is fairly easy too. I think, therefore I am. Not as obvious is the soul, spirit or energetic being. I use these interchangeably, but as the former can be provocative, let us use energetic being. This is a higher (less discernible) level. Rather than try to explain it, I will leave you to ponder this: who or what hears your thoughts?

I am sure there may be others, but let us consider these three for the moment. These three elements are inextricably combined and related. They exist in the same space and they have an effect, each on the other. For example if I am tired (physical) my thought processes may be muddled (mental).

Similarly if I am tired (physical) I may hear an inspirational speech, my spirit is lifted (energetic) and suddenly I feel like I can walk a hundred miles. You get the picture. In his book “Soul Mind and Body Medicine” (which I highly recommend) Dr. Zhi Gang Sha expands on this idea and establishes a hierarchy of mind over body, and energetic being over mind. A simple example of this is a person who makes a miraculous recovery from illness in spite of a bleak prognosis. Despite the limitations of the treatment received (physical) the patient makes a full recovery because they believe they are going to get better (mental). Similarly the energetic being will exert a greater effect on the mind and body. This is why faith healing works. Treating the energetic part of us can be done in a systematic way,

by Reiki (and similar energy work).

Reiki restores balance to the energetic being and there is an inevitable healing effect on mind and body. (cont’d on

page 10)

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Tree Planting Ceremony The skies held up and we were grateful for the clouds that provided a covering shade as members of the Jamaica JET Alumni Association (JJETAA), representatives from the Forestry Department, teachers and students from three primary schools (Mico Practicing Primary and Junior High, Mona Heights Primary, and Excelsior Primary), Executives from the University of the West Indies Japanese Club and staff of the Hope Botanical Gardens gathered on the grounds of the Hope Botanical Gardens to participate in a Tree Planting Ceremony, which took place on the 7 October 2011, a day designated as National Tree Planting Day in Jamaica.

The ceremony got off to a fine start at around 10:10am with welcome and opening remarks by Carey Reid, followed by greetings from JJETAA President Shawn Aarons and then greetings from the representative of the Embassy of Japan, Kaori Saito. Attendees were given a short expose on the Japanese Sakura by the Sheril Morgan and this was followed by the tree planting activity led by Kaori Saito and Shawn Aarons with the assistance of some of the students.

During the ceremony, a cheque was presented by Marsha Dennie on behalf of JJETAA to Robert Lalor, Chief Executive Officer of the Nature Preservation Foundation to assist with the

restoration project at Hope Gardens.

Two trees, a Pink Poui (Tabebuia rosea) and a Yellow Poui (Tabebuia seratifolia), were planted and a special plant, Queen Flower, was donated to the Hope Botanical Gardens.

The Pink Poui was selected because of its similarity to the Sakura, in that it ranges from white to various shades of pink and is used as a guide for university students, as its blossoming signals the start of end-of-year examinations.

After the tree planting activities, participants were ushered to the rotunda on the grounds where they were refreshed with light snacks and treated to a short video about Japan.

Many commented on the beauty of the gardens and we were reassured that the trees were in good hands. A big ‘otsukaresama deshita’ goes out all the JJETAA members who gave of their time and energy in making this event a big success.

Contributed by the Vice President, JJETAA, Sheril Morgan

Message from the President (cont’d) It was an opportunity to speak to current school and tertiary students who were able to get valuable information on the work of JJETAA in Jamaica and how to become and Assistant Language Teacher in Japan.

As we continue to evolve as a group, our core functions remain on track, that is, we will continue to give back through sharing our experiences with children and adults in Jamaica. The JJETAA will continue to celebrate what it has and apply the quote by Albert Schweitzer ‘do something wonderful and hope people will imitate it’. I wish you all the best in the year ahead.

JETAA-I Executive The following members were elected at the International Meeting in October 2011 in Japan.

Position

Name

Country

President

Shree Kurlekar

USA

Vice President

Barbara Gill

Scotland

Christiane Hayato

Brazil

Sol Fergus

New Zealand

Public Relations Officer (PRO)

Kay Dunkley

Jamaica

Nicky Furniss

South Africa

Webmaster

Kevin Mitchell

USA

Secretary

http://www.facebook.com/jamaica.jetaa

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Reiki: The Simple Healing Art (cont’d) What does balance have to do with anything? That is a very good question. The idea of health (on a physical level) and wellness in general can be expressed as the elements of body, mind and energetic self being in harmony, each in balance itself and with the other elements. Exercise is good for the body, but overexertion leads to fatigue and injury.

There needs to be a balance. It is good to keep the mind active, but thinking too much leads to mental dullness and boredom. There needs to be a balance. Imbalance at any level disturbs the harmony of the system, which is in a constant state of ebb and flow anyway, and at the physical or basic level, as illness or dis-ease. So the physical condition of illnesses is a result of an imbalance at some level, manifest at the physical level. There are entire systems, such as Oriental (Chinese) medicine and Ayurveda (Indian) that have developed based on the exploration of these complex relationships. The main drawback of Western or allopathic medicine, in my opinion, is a self-imposed limit to the physical level with a small measure of the mind-body relationship, as a fundamental basis. In fairness, this in itself is very complex, and Western medicine has proved hugely beneficial.

What can you expect from a Reiki treatment? In general, a full treatment by one practitioner lasts an hour to an hour and a half. The time is reduced if more than one practitioner is involved. As part of the exchange there is a fee. You will get a brief explanation by the practitioner, particularly if it is your first treatment, and you may be asked if there are any particular areas of concern. The treatment is usually given on a table similar to a massage table, but any comfortable chair or couch may be used. You will be asked to remove your shoes, but otherwise you remain fully clothed, unless this compromises your comfort. So you can remove jackets, ties, belts, jewelry and empty your pockets to facilitate your comfort. You will be asked to close your eyes and these may be covered with a tissue etc. to help

keep out the light. The practitioner will then place their hands on you, usually starting with the face and head, followed by the torso. Each hand position is maintained for three to five minutes, but this can vary. You may then be asked to turn over and lie on your stomach so that your back can also be treated. The knees, ankles and feet may also be treated. You will probably feel some warmth or tingling. If there is any pain or discomfort feel free to communicate this to the practitioner. In general the experience is a very relaxing one and recipients often sleep through parts of it. Since it is personal, your experience is yours alone, and you will only know after you do it. Also each treatment will be a slightly different experience. This is so for the practitioner as well as the recipient.

The bottom line is that it is your choice. Results may be dramatic, and they may not be. In general, newer imbalances (trauma) are more easily reversed than longer term (chronic) conditions. There is only one way to find out for sure‌ Practitioners are guided by five general precepts. These are:

Just for today, release all anger.

Be free of worry.

Show gratitude (or be humble) Be diligent in all your undertakings (often specifically work) Be compassionate to others In conclusion, I will address one concern that people often have, which is the matter of religion. Ergo, I chose to use the word energetic being, rather than soul or spirit. Reiki is not a religion. It need not even be spiritual practice, though like anything else in life, it can be.

If you are a Christian with concerns, please visit www.christianreiki.org and in general, the Reiki Association o f J a m a i c a w e b s i t e , www.reikijamaica.com, for more information about practitioners and classes. The local association was revitalized in 2008 and is open to all certified Reiki practitioners, regardless of lineage. I hope you have found this useful in part or in whole. If not, just let it go. In either case, my Reiki blessing to you.

At the onset, people always want to know how many treatments are required. Maybe one. Maybe twenty. Maybe a lifetime. Or longer. We all have a wonderful body with phenomenal recuperative ability, and nobody really heals anybody else. Your natural ability to heal yourself can be facilitated by others. That facilitator can be a surgeon, a naturopathic healer, a pharmacist, an Ayurvedic doctor, a nutritionist, a Reiki practitioner, a nurse‌ Anyone you choose.

Frederic Burnett is a Reiki Master of the Usui Shiki Ryoho system. He came to Reiki in 2005 in response to a newspaper advertisement and attained mastery in 2009. He has an interest in wellness and is president of the Reiki Association of Jamaica. He may be contacted on 1 (876) 361-1872 or fredayard@hotmail.com

This newsletter is made possible through the kind support of CLAIR

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JETAA-I MEETING 2011 The President, Shawn Aarons, represented the JJETAA at the JETAA-I Meeting in Tokyo in October. His report of the meeting ensues.

The JETAA International Meeting was held from October 21-23, 2011 in Tokyo. The participants were from 12 countries, 2 Japanese ministries (MEXT - Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, MOFA - Ministry of Foreign Affairs) as well as representatives from The Japan Foundation, CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations), AJET (Association of JETs), The American Consulate in Japan, NHK, and Japan Shinbun (newspaper).

MOFA

IM (International Meeting) in Scotland in 2010. The recommendation was to encourage applicants and current JETs to be trained in TESL/TOFL. Additionally, a new clause is in the contract which requires JETs to participate in Alumni activities once they complete the JET Programme.

CLAIR Mr Narita from CLAIR in his report asked the Alumni to use its reach to share the news that it was ‘OK’ to visit Japan.

He said that ‘since the disaster, tourism figures have been down considerably and many of the local bodies cannot support the cost of a JET. This has led to many BOE not requesting JETs for the 2011 financial year. The most areas affected are the smaller communities especially those in the Tohoku region.’ He said 1700 new JETs started in 2011 including a JET to Ogasawa Island which is 1000 km from Tokyo or 26 hours by ship. He stressed that the need for internationalization still exists especially in small communities or remote islands.

The Director General of Public Diplomacy, Department of MOFA – Mr Murata – outlined the role its government has been playing in the JET Programme to date. He described the events concerning the 25th year symposium held in October 2011. As part of the cele- From L to R: Kay Dunkley (Jamaica) - JETAA-1 PRO; bration he said that ‘to date Representative from the Jamaican Embassy in Japan; Shawn Aarons (Jamaica) over 25 ex-JETs have visited their former schools of Board of Education in the Tohoku Region that was damaged by the Mr Narita continued by informing the meeting that this year tsunami in March 2011.’ He expressed his happiness that the CLAIR gave grants which allowed current JETs to be trained JETAA was working in tandem with the Government of Japan to and certified in Teaching English. Sympathy and condolence improve the programme. He said MOFA would be meeting with were expressed for the 2 Americans who lost their lives in the MEXT to discuss the future of the JET Programme. In the same tsunami. breadth MOFA has acted on one recommendation made at the Recovery Japan Projects

Recommendations

The Country Representatives showcased their projects used to raise funds or awareness for the disaster ravished Tohoku regions. Paul Yoo shared his project (Volunteer Akita) and showed how small groups on the ground can be effective in times of disaster.

1. JETAA-I should be involved in the planning and or execution of Renewers’ Conference.

2. More collaborations between AJET and JETAA-I. 3. CLAIR/MOFA should share survey results from respective BOEs (Boards of Education) or Contracting Organisations with JETAA-I so that chapters can be kept up-to-date with requirements from these organizations.

The Country Representatives volunteered to work in one of the hardest hit areas (Rikuzentakata). Current JETs and Alumni made the 8-hour From L to R: President of JJETAA, Shawn Aarons; President of JETAA-I, Shree Kurlekar (USA) bus ride from Tokyo on 21 October; Decisions worked all day Saturday and returned on Sunday. The damage to the area was beyond belief! Being 1. Stronger connection between JETAA-I and AJET there and seeing the effects of the earthquake and tsunami first - Before JET: JETAA will be involved in recruitment, hand led some people to tears. After 7 months it still looked so selection and orientation fresh with mangled cars, homes, obliterated buildings, decimated During JET: AJET will provide counseling , coordinaschools and fields and above all, sad eyes revealing the loss of tion and communication more than 1500 confirmed lives and over 300 still missing. It was hard work cleaning through the rubbles but it was worth the - After JET: JETAA will perform alumni functions effort. (cont’d on page 12)

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JETAA-I Meeting 2011 (cont’d) Decisions (cont’d)

Recommended Actions for JJETAA

2. Country Reports are now due in January each year. Template is available on the website.

3. TEFL Certification and Japanese Language ability will be given priority in the selection process – since all primary school students must do English from the fifth grade. It takes a different skill set to teach English beyond conversation.

4. The pay structure will be modified to reflect a starting point (1st year) and for each subsequent year in the programme incremental increases will be applied.

5. JETs can now be accepted in April to replace non-performing JETs or those who have to leave due to extenuating circumstances.

1. Increase network with other country representatives and chapters.

2. Ensure there is succession planning for the chapter.

3. Visit AJET website and connect with Lisa Cross – a Jamaican.

4. Share the work of JJETAA with service clubs like: KIWANIS, LIONS. 5. Have a register at the pre-departure orientation function – contact new JETS at least monthly.

6. Prior to interviews, have applicants present sample lesson plans in order to ensure that they are aware that they are going to teach in Japan.

7. Encourage JETs to submit short articles starting with, “Because of JET…”

Because of JET ...

In response to a recommendation emanating from the JETAA-I Meeting in October 2011, members of the JJETAA share their thoughts on participating in the JET Programme.

Shawn Aarons

The first time on a Bullet train My first time to see solid rain Practising to speak with foreigners I've never met Was all Because of JET. Because of JET I can appreciate sushi Confidently use my hashi Savor the taste of onigiri Above all maintain friendship with

Sheril Morgan

...I got the opportunity to live and work in a country far different from mine, to form new friendships, to learn the language, practice new hobbies, try new foods, discover new ways of doing things, meet different people from various parts of the world among a myriad of other wonderful experiences.

Audley Green ... my horizon has broadened even further.

people from Kochi.

Because of JET, this too I know From university to shougakko There are many kanji to learn Imagine a foreigner with so much more to discern?

But I did and make Jamaica proud Now on the JET Progamme our name can soar with the clouds.

Because of JET I've learn to volunteer, give back Money we may not have, but experiences we don't lack Returning JETs can use this mantra: now that I'm back I'm gonna help to fill the cracks.

Because of JET my life is better!

Ayesha Constable

...my long held dream became a reality. I had the privilege of calling the beautiful Nippon home for two years- I had the opportunity to experience first-hand the mystique and allure of Japan. From climbing Mt. Fuji to donning a kimono, I experienced the best of what Japan has to offer. The experience also allowed me the chance to hone my ‘basic’ Japanese speaking capabilities. More importantly however I was afforded the opportunity of meeting some amazing people from Japan and many other countries around the world thereby creating my international network of lifelong friends. JET offered me exposure, personal growth and a treasure trove of beautiful memories that I will forever cherish.

Thanks to all who supported JJETAA over the year.