JJETAA Newsletter 2012-13

JJETAA NEWS Volume 6

Inside this issue:

From the Ambassador

1

Why join JJETAA?

1

A Decade of Giving Back

2

JJETAA Executive 2012-13

2

Pictorial Year in Review

3

Poster Competition

4

Beach Clean-up Activity

5

Who is Hiromoto Oyama?

5

Our Scrapbook Living in Japan

6,7

My Life in Japan

8

The Happiest Period of my Life

9

Things you Didn’t Know About Ai Irisawa-Coney

10

Bonenkai

11

Because of JET

12

Events for 2013-14  Celebration of Marine Day (July)  Celebration of the Day for the Aged (September)  Picnic at the Poui (October )  Japan Awareness Workshop (January)  Annual General Meeting (March)

April 2012-February 2013

10th Anniversary Special Edition

From the Ambassador Congratulations to the Jamaica JET Alumni Association (JJETAA) on the achievements you made during the last year. On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I wish you all JJETAA members and supporters a successful 2013.

knowledge with fellow Jamaicans. What pleases me is that JJETAA members are enthusiastic about promoting cultural exchange between the two countries even after several years have passed since their return home.

I arrived in Jamaica on November 5, 2012 as the 7th Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica. For the past few months since my arrival, I have had extensive discussions with many Jamaican people including Ministers, business leaders and government officials. Every day, I am learning about Jamaica and thinking about how Japan and Jamaica can strengthen their relationship to become indispensable partners.

In particular, the Embassy is impressed with JJETAA’s commitment to the education of Jamaican youths. The poster competition which JJETAA organized last November was my first involvement in JJETAA’s activities as Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica. I participated in the Award Ceremony of the poster competition in which some Jamaican students proudly received prizes for their original posters. I am grateful that JJETAA is providing Jamaican youths with the opportunities to learn about Japan in the manner that children are encouraged to make the connection between Japan and Jamaica.

The JET Programme is one of the schemes which our Embassy will continue to promote. Since the JET Programme started in Jamaica in 2000, it has become the flagship of cultural exchange between Japan and Jamaica. As the number of applicants has increased significantly, the selection process has become extremely rigorous and competitive. This year, we received over 400 applications from among which, about 20 Jamaicans will get a chance to take up the role as a JET. Currently, approximately 70 Jamaican JETs are teaching at schools throughout Japan. I am informed that Jamaican JETs are doing well in adjusting to Japanese work and living environments and helping Japanese students to learn English.

Ambassador Yasuo Takase

The JET Programme has a great impact on its participants who experience a new life in Japan. I believe, however, that the JET Programme has become so successful because of its ability to positively impact not only the participants, but many more people both in Japan and the home countries of JETs. In Japan, not only students and teachers but also whole communities learn from JETs about their cultures and languages. Likewise, in their home countries, the families of JETs also learn about Japan through their eyes.

Last year marked the tenth anniversary of the Jamaica JET Alumni Association.

Since its inception in 2002, the JJETAA has played a key role in increasing the awareness of Japanese culture among Jamaican people by sharing their experience and

JJETAA is definitely one of our indispensable partners in achieving our goal of enhancing mutual understanding and cooperative relationships between Japan and Jamaica.

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

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.

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A Decade of Giving Back This year marks the 10th year of the Jamaica JET Alumni Association (JJETAA) and it has been a rewarding and challenging journey. The dedicated core of the Association continues to go beyond the call of duty to ensure that giving back to Jamaica and Japan through intangible and tangible ways is always present in the forefront of our decision-making. JJETAA continues to President, JJETAA share with young and old, Jamaicans and foreigners, professionals and students, with a view to enrich the relationship between Jamaica and Japan.

For the year 2012-2013 we were very hands-on and active as we believe that through personal interaction persons can benefit more from what we have to offer. It was our pleasure to share with the students and staff of Glenmuir High School in the form of a Practical Japanese Cooking session (Photo #1) in April. The History Club among others in the school participated in the session. Special thanks to the Embassy of Japan and Chef Eguchi for their invaluable contribution to a great experience.

The summer of 2012 was a wonderful time spent with the then new JETs. The orientation session (Photo #2) and the farewell event (Photo #3) in July were a wonderful opportunity for the Alumni to share and provide useful information to the new Assistant Language Teachers and cultural ambassadors prior to their departure.

The Beach Clean-up to celebrate Japan’s Marine Day (Umi no Hi) in July was a thrilling experience for the JETs, Embassy officials and residents of Port Royal. The team cleaned up the beach and shared tips on how to separate garbage into burna-

JJETAA Executive 2012-13 The following members were elected at the JJETAA Executive at the Annual General Meeting in March 2012

Position

Name

President

Shawn Aarons

Vice President

Sheril Morgan

Secretary

Roxanne Seaton-Chambers

Public Relations Officer (PRO)

Nadya Forbes

Treasurer

Marsha Dennie

ble and non-burnable piles. The experience was so successful that the Association has added this activity to its list of annual activities. Our major project this year was a Poster Competition which culminated in a successful Award Ceremony (Photo #4) in November. Again, it was an opportunity to reach out to students and teachers as well as to specialists in tertiary institutions. This was a great success and the students at the 5 schools that participated in the activity Wolmer’s Boys School, St George’s College, Knox College, Haile Selassie High School and Ascot High School - must be commended for the outstanding posters that were submitted.

Our relationship with the Embassy of Japan continued through our participation in a number of activities, including the Ikebana Floral Extravaganza (Photos #5, #6, #7) in November. It was truly an experience with a difference and the association was well represented. The experience continued with meeting the new Ambassador (Photo #8) later that month and sharing in the celebration of the Emperor’s Birthday in December.

The Annual Calendar Exhibition (Photo #9) in January, which was organized by the Embassy, was a success and as usual the JJETAA played an active role in the execution of the day’s activities. This was followed up by representation on the interview panels in February to select the JETs for 2013. We hope that this year another batch of exceptional Jamaicans will represent the island and continue the legacy of professionalism and cross-cultural ambassadorship.

As we continue to evolve as a group, our core function remains giving back through sharing our experiences with children and adults in Jamaica. I wish you all the best in the year ahead.

Shawn Aarons Top L-R: Nadya Forbes and Marsha Dennie Bottom L-R: Roxanne SeatonChambers, Shawn Aarons and Sheril Morgan

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PICTORIAL YEAR IN REVIEW 2

1

4 3

6 7

5

8

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This newsletter is made possible through the kind support of CLAIR

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POSTER COMPETITION “JAMAICA AND JAPAN, ISLANDS OF NATURAL BEAUTY” The first of its kind for the Association, the poster competition was organized against the backdrop of Jamaica and Japan being countries that are known for their natural beauty and art forms.

The theme of the Competition, “Jamaica and Japan, islands of natural beauty” was borne out of this backdrop and the culminating event, the Awards Ceremony, was held on 30 November 2012. The competition was targeted at high school students and was used as a medium for the creative expression of their knowledge about the natural beauty of both Jamaica and Japan.

Preparations for the competition began in September 2012 with the development and dissemination of guidelines to selected high schools in Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and Clarendon.

Twenty four entries were received from five high schools by the deadline, 16 November 2012.

Seventeen entries were received from Knox College with the others from St George’s College, Wolmer’s Boys School, and Haile Selassie and Ascot High Schools. The entries were divided into two categories: 1st to 3rd forms and 4th to 6th forms, and awards were presented for the top three entries in these two categories.

Each awardee was presented with a plaque and gift certificates while all entrants received certificates of participation.

The hard work and diligence that went into creating the posters were evident in the entries received. This view was supported by the four judges - Ms. Reiko Nagase (Japanese Artist); Mr. Matthew McCarthy and Ms. Monique Lyn (Students at the Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts); and Mrs. Monique Barnett-Davidson (National Gallery of Jamaica), who judged the entries on originality, content and visual appearance.

Attendees at the Awards Ceremony included Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica and other representatives from the Embassy of Japan; Chairman of the Jamaica Public Service Company; Members of the Nihon Jin Kai; judges, teachers; students; and Alumni and Associate members of the Association.

Ambassador Yasuo Takase brought greetings and Mr. Hirai Hisatsugu (Chairman of JPS) delivered an informative PowerPoint presentation on beautiful sceneries throughout Japan.

Those in attendance agreed that the Awards Ceremony was indeed a fitting culminating event to celebrate the efforts of all those involved in the activity.

Contributed by Sheril Morgan Vice President, JJETAA

WINNING ENTRIES JUNIOR CATEGORY 1ST - 3RD FORM 1.

Ackeliah Thompson Knox College

2.

Dylan Reid Knox College

3.

Williams Prendergast George’s College

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place SENIOR CATEGORY 4TH - 6TH FORM 1.

Craigrie Rhooms Wolmer’s Boys

2.

Omari Davis Wolmer’s Boys

3.

Don Mills Knox College

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

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BEACH CLEAN-UP ACTIVITY Marine Day, which is also referred to as ‘Ocean Day’ or ‘Sea Day’, is a Japanese national holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday in July. The purpose of Marine Day is to appreciate the benefits of the sea, to pray for the prosperity of the country and consider the importance of the ocean to the island nation.

at a beach in Port Royal on 15 July 2012. Participants in the activity included members of the Alumni, representatives from the Embassy of Japan, newly selected JETs and members of the local community where the beach was located. The opportunity was used to educate the newly selected JETs about the Japanese garbage separation system.

To celebrate this Japanese national holiday and increase environmental awareness, the Alumni engaged in a Beach Clean-up Activity

Contributed by Marsha Dennie Treasurer, JJETAA

WHO IS HIROMOTO OYAMA? Hiromoto Oyama, who has been living in Jamaica since September 2012, is First Secretary in the Embassy of Japan. He is from Aomori Prefecture, which is located in the northern edge of Honshu (main island). We will allow him to tell you more about himself.

As First Secretary I am in charge of Economic Affairs, Public Diplomacy and the Economic Development Program. Before coming to Jamaica, I was Consulate General of Japan in Denver, Colorado in the USA. As I had been posted to four other countries in the past (USA - San Francisco and Denver, Malaysia, Zimbabwe and Thailand), all of which are different from Japan, I did not really find it challenging to adjust to life here in Jamaica. Wherever I go, I try to take in local customs and culture and not complain or compare them with Japan. Rather, I enjoy the differences and new experiences. Probably the biggest challenge I have faced so far is understanding the Jamaican accent. I am sure however that soon I will become accustomed to it.

There are many things I like about Jamaica, but the best thing that makes my life in Jamaica comfortable is the very kind and friendly people, like ex-JETs. One love! Then, of course, I like the amazingly beautiful nature of Jamaica-from misty Blue

Mountain to Sun baked white sand beaches of Lime Cay. I like the Jamaican culture, not just reggae music, but also unique traditions such as the Maroon Festival, offers me wonderful excitement.

There are many places in Jamaica I like. I enjoyed a wonderful hiking experience to the Blue Mountain and I liked Whitefield Hall where we stayed the day before the hike. I have been to Lime Cay several times. The most memorable visit was when I stayed overnight on New Year’s Eve. I watched the fireworks over Kingston in the midnight and the New Year’s Day sunrise was very beautiful.

When I am not exploring this beautiful country, I read books, play music while singing along and playing my guitar, cook and have parties with friends. I love jerk chicken and pork with festival or bammy. I also liked the seafood that I had in Port Royal.

While I have come to like every day of the week since I have been here, I especially like Fridays as I look forward to the weekends and to planning a trip or a party.

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OUR SCRAPBOOK - LIVING IN JAPAN Last July, 19 invigorated Ambassadors of the rock jetted off to Japan to take up posts as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.

Since our arrival in Japan, we’ve taken the country by storm – diving head first into the culture and sharing ours with no reservation. The journey hasn’t always been smooth as cultural shock often gets the better of us. But being here more than six months, the place grows on you, albeit slowly, and the sting of difference gradually soothes itself into acceptance.

In this preview of our scrapbook, we celebrate the things about Japan and Jamaica that made us realize that both countries aren’t so different after all. Here is a pictorial of some of the experiences six of us have had so far.

Michael Waite, Ishikawa Prefecture

Sharing jerk chicken (Japanese style) with friends. And yes, that’s a bottle of Red Stripe Beer in the bottom left corner

Being taught how to play the drum for my town’s festival

Larisa Mcbean, Okayama Prefecture

Getting in samurai-mode with a Japanese Teacher of English at Okayama Castle . Battle cry anyone?

Trying out the regal look at the Okayama Castle. I hope the Imperial family is still taking applications

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

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OUR SCRAPBOOK - LIVING IN JAPAN Sheena Wright, Hyogo Prefecture

Sheena and Nickesha Welsh, Hyogo Prefecture

Teaching our Japanese friend how to make pumpkin soup for International Day. The soup was a hit.

Modeling a yukata at the Shiso City International Friendship Association International Day Fighting off samurai at Kakegawa Castle - they were really good!

At the World Heritage site at Shirakawa-go checking out the Gassho Zukuri

Kimmisha Thomas, Shizuoka Prefecture

Modeling wedding kimonos which cost a reported 짜1 million (about J$1 million) each

Kevoy Smith, Shizuoka

Pointing at Mt Fuji - it is the highest mountain peak in Japan at 3376m

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My Life in Japan early so we can sit and talk about One Piece, Pokemon and other manga and anime, all in English! Even though we are just a mid-level school, we have some students that have a great command of the English Language. Don’t get me wrong, things are not perfect, but compared to most I have a great setup at work.

With a friend on Day 1 of the orientation session in Tokyo

I have been in Japan for almost seven months and all I can say is, “lawd but di place cowl!” But on a serious note, you don’t need me to tell you how much this country is a land of contrast. Whether it is passing the small shrine in the mountains on my way to Costco, or melting in the near unbearable heat in summer to freezing the next week, Japan is a country that seems to go from one extreme to the next. I have the pleasure of living in Gunma, the land of cabbage, konyaku and kara kaze (wind so strong it pushes me out into the road). The experiences I’ve had here are all wonderful; from losing my key and having two old men help me break into my apartment or the first time I slipped and fell on ice and my students laughed at me.

While thinking about my experiences thus far for this article, I realized that I have not had a single truly negative experience in Japan.

I teach at only one school - Isesaki High School. It’s a brief 3- minute walk from home. I have 19 classes each week for which I plan the classes, set the exams and determine the pace. The teachers are friendly and the students are great – except for one or two – but even them I love. I’ve not had a single moment where I have felt stressed at work. I have one student in particular who persistently calls me ‘ashi nagai’ (long legs) and another who comes to international club

Outside of work is almost as great. I meet other ALTs for dinner around once a week. I volunteer to help with international projects organized jointly by our Prefec Tokyo Game Show

In layers of clothes on a snowy day

tural Council and local JETs and travel a bit. I went to Nagano to see the snow monkeys relax in the hot springs and ran in terror when a small scuffle happened a little too close for comfort. I also went to Saitama a few times to link with some other Jamaican JETs and to Tokyo for the Tokyo Game Show (a huge annual video game convention) and to hang out with some friends. My last sojourn was in the dead of winter, and I can only think now that I was possessed since I went to Hokkaido to spend a few days with my best friend. Hokkaido! In the dead of winter!

All in all, I’ve been going at my own pace, enjoying my time here and trying to do my best at work and in the wider community of Gunma. I’m having a great time and I’m happy. I thank God I was selected to be a part of this programme.

The giant gundam is lit up for Christmas in Odaiba

Fireworks at a festival Kay-Ann Barrett has been working in Gunma Prefecture as an ALT since July 2012.

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The Happiest Period of my Life I spent 4 years and 8 months in Japan. I arrived there in November of 2006 and finished my contract in August 2011. I refer to this period as the happiest period of my life not that it was without challenges or that my life before was not happy but because of the enormous wealth of new experiences that it afforded me. Opportunities and experiences which I feel are quite special and which I will possibly never go through again.

I now recall one of my most memorable experiences. I had worked at a high school for almost three years when the Board of Education decided to switch me around with another Assistant Language Teacher (ALT). I was devastated to say the least. I had made so many friends there and I loved the school’s atmosphere but just like that they said I had to go. I started my job at my new school and was busy trying to make new friends when one of my Japanese Teachers of English (JTE) invited me to a party with some other teachers. At the end of the evening he said to me that he wanted to take me to a reggae bar. When we got there, I was very surprised to see Japanese reggae sound systems players. These guys all had their own sound systems and they played popular dancehall music. One guy had even been to Jamaica and had spent six months travelling around the island and did various recording tracks for his sound system. This was the beginning of a great friendship. I was subsequently introduced to several of the big players of reggae music in Amami Oshima and the reggae bar Jungle Base became my second home. In fact, it was my

weekly hangout spot. I was no longer sad. It’s like God smiled down on me and decided to give me a family instead of just random friends.

mired their love for the music and their sincere appreciation for foundation reggae music.

The owner of Jungle Base had a sound system named ‘Coral Sound’ and a reggae band named ‘Jungle Session Band’. On the sound system’s eighth anniversary they had a big celebration showcasing acts from

This group of people became my family and I went on to share many other great memories with them. When they found out that I would be returning to Jamaica they wanted to do something big before I left. They organized the first reggae festival the island had ever seen. It was a huge success and it helped to cement the Jamaican culture and reggae music on Amami Oshima.

Tokyo and other parts of Japan. It was great to be in a hall full of people who loved reggae music and who were genuinely happy to get together and just have fun. The main act ‘Tuff Session Band’ was awesome. They had a rich and unique sound incorporating the violin as part of the live reggae music. On the second day of their tour they had a beach party and barbeque with live performances and a sound systems player. I was impressed by one guy who played vinyl only. He had a collection of over 2000 reggae records starting from as far back as Studio One. I truly ad-

It was thrilling to be a part of history on a small island (Amami Oshima) that many people in Japan and the world do not know much about. It was wonderful to be treated like a superstar and even more to feel genuine love from people, in that, although we were from different cultures we were united as one people through music.

We sometimes do not realize the effect of music, more so reggae music. Life in Japan taught me to love and appreciate my culture a lot more.

I pay tribute to all the reggae artists, sound systems DJs, reggae bands and the great family at Jungle Base. They are forever in my heart. Love and Blessings!

Nadine Thompson was an ALT Teacher in Kagoshima Prefecture from 2006-2011. She is currently pursuing a MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom.

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Things you didn't know about Ai Irisawa-Coney You probably recognize her from her delightful Japanese recipes in the Gleaner or you know her as Chihiro Irisawa’s sister.

However, who is this dynamic and energetic person, who is from Osaka in Japan but has been living in Jamaica for almost 6 years? Before we allow her to share about her pursuits here in Jamaica, allow us to divulge that she is married to Mark Coney with whom she has a 5-weekold son named Dante Taiga Coney.

Q: Why did you move to Jamaica?

A: I used to own an independent record label in London, England, where I had lived almost fifteen years before moving to Jamaica.

The record label’s primary business was to license/re-issue Lovers Rock Reggae & Roots Rock Reggae and it conveniently required me to be back and forth between the UK and Jamaica at one point. I basically fell in love with the place on my first visit. I was loving the place so much that when the driver was taking me to the Norman Manley Airport to board my flight back to London, I was literally crying and gasping. And after few round trips, I made the easiest decision, which was to pack my staff and move to Jamaica. Jamaica has that energy and attraction to change someone’s life like that, I think.

Q: What do you like most about living in Jamaica?

A: I get up every morning and just feel happy when I’m here. That’s because the weather is great which makes living easier. I think good weather has a positive affect on people. And I consider it as one of the reasons why Jamaican people are so charming too.

Q: Tell us about the articles you have been writing in the Gleaner.

Also tell us about the other projects you are involved in?

A: I’ve been writing a column called “Cooking Japanese in Jamaica” in the Gleaner’s Food & Lifestyle supplement. The series has been going on since last February and is published every other Thursday. Ap-

parently, it has been a great success. I receive a lot of positive feedback from readers on how much they enjoy reading my columns and look forward to it. Editors at the Gleaner have told me that the series has attracted quite a number of followers.

I started this project because of the many empty promises that I had made to my friends that I’d teach them how to cook Japanese food. After a while my friends started complaining that I never made time to teach them. So I decided to share my recipes and thought that the newspaper might be the perfect medium to reach other people besides my friends. I contacted the Gleaner about my articles and they were approved instantly for publication.

The series is all about showcasing Japanese home recipes and explaining how to cook them using ingredients which are widely available in Jamaica. And trust me, there are so many things you can do to create great Japanese food here in Jamaica.

Currently, I am working on expanding the “Japanese Food Project”. I have a brilliant project manager who is helping me to plan and execute the project. The project will involve Japanese cooking seminars, Japanese food parties, and possibly a TV show.

In addition, I have been working on quite a few projects which include my own graphic design company; an artiste management company which manages D Major, one of the most talented Jamaican singers; Kingston Rock, at party that used to take place at Pulse; and a lot more.

Q: What is your favourite Jamaican place? Why? A: It used to be head to head between Negril and Treasure Beach. At one point, I was going to Negril almost every month. And I love the tranquility of Treasure Beach. But since I gave birth to my baby boy in January of this year, our home has been my favourite place in Jamaica.

Q: What are your favourite Jamaican foods?

A: Steam doctor fish beats ackee & salt fi sh b y a sl igh t m ar gin.

Q: Is there any other information that you would like to share?

A: Like I mentioned earlier, I am working on promoting Japanese food via cooking seminars at schools and at hotels. My project manager and I are hoping to organise Japanese food party and a TV show by the end of this year. So if anyone is interested in getting involved, please do get in touch with me at ai@axisja.com.

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Bonenkai The JETTAA Alumni and friends ended the year with a bang at a Bonenkai at the Fuji Japan Express at Northside Plaza in Liguanea on 8 December. The delicious food and the potpourri of Jamaican and Japanese music during the karaoke session made it an exciting night!

All material copyrighted Š 2013 JJETAA

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Because of JET ...

Members of the JJETAA share their reflections on being a part of the JET Programme.

Marsha Dennie

Sauna Maragh

...I was able to expand my network of international friends, visit more places, broaden my understanding of different cultures and grow professionally.

Osaka Prefecture 2005-2008

...I am more self-confident, tolerant, openminded and more culturally aware.

Nadine Thompson

...I have acquired skills which have enriched both my personal and professional life. ...I attained TESOL certification, and had the opportunity to follow in my mother's footstep by working as a teacher of high school students. ...I now eat raw fish and can communicate (albeit in a limited way) in the Japanese language. ‌I have spent 3 of the most interesting and rewarding years of my life in Japan and have wonderful memories to last me a lifetime.

Tottori Prefecture 2002-2005

...I became interested in the area of Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL). Before working in Japan I had been a teacher.

The JET Programme widened my view of the scope of teaching thus I am now pursuing a MA that has TESOL as one of its components. ...I had the chance to travel to other parts of Asia and the world.

This has given me a broader understanding of cultural diversity. In the future I hope to do some studies or work in the field of intercultural communication.

Kagoshima Prefecture 2006-2011

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P. O. Box 5447, Kingston 6, Jamaica Thanks to all who supported JJETAA over the year.