JJETAA Newsletter 2013-14

JJETAA NEWS Volume 7

From the Ambassador

Inside this issue:

From the Ambassador

1

JJETAA Executive 2013-14

1

President’s Message

2

Ichi go Ichi e 一期一 会: A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

2

Pictorial Year in Review (1)

3

Beach Cleanup

4

Who is Mieko Araki?

4

Picnic by the Poui

5

Japan Awareness Workshop

6

Jamaican in Japan

6,9

A Dream Come True

7,8

The Land of Socks and Slippers

9

Pictorial Year in Review (2)

10

The 4H’s in Japan

11

After the JET Programme

12

Then… Now

12

Events for 2014-15  Beach Clean-up Activity (TBD)

March 2013-February 2014

On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I take great pleasure in congratulating the Jamaica JET Alumni Association (JJETAA) for a very productive 2013 year. You have been playing an instrumental role in the promotion of Japan in Jamaica. I wish to encourage you to continue your efforts in promoting a stronger relationship between our countries especially by way of cultural and educational activities.

In 2013, you have undertaken several projects to transfer knowledge and skills honed in Japan to the Jamaican people.

You have become goodwill ambassadors by going to schools to present the Japanese culture, being involved in the beach clean-up activity, and preparing new JETs for Japan.

Your assistance towards the Embassy’s cultural events was also highly appreciated.

I am aware that there are challenges due to your work schedule

have also expanded network among international friends, visited a variety of places, more places which broadened your understanding of cultural diversity and grew professionally. With such experiences, some of you have expressed that you are more confident, tolerant and open-minded.

Ambassador Yasuo Takase

and family life. Despite this, I am grateful to you for bringing up your strength, determination and expertise to continue sharing your experience in Japan with your thoughtful planning and vision.

Since the JET Programme was introduced in Jamaica in 2000, over 200 Jamaicans have participated. Many of you have immersed yourselves in the Japanese culture and were able to find similarities while coping with the differences as well. You

My heartfelt appreciation and best wishes for continued success to you all.

JJETAA Executive 2013-14

 Activity to commemorate 50th Anniversary of Jamaica & Japan Diplomatic Relations & Friendship (TBD)

The JJETAA Executive approved at the Annual General Meeting in March 2013

President

Sheril Morgan

 Japan Awareness Workshop (January)

Vice President

Roxanne Seaton-Chambers

Public Relations Officer Treasurer Secretary

Nadya Forbes Marsha Dennie Maria Robinson-Mutidjo

 Annual General Meeting (March)

This year is a very special time in the history of JapanJamaica relationship, as it is the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations and Friendship as well as JapanCARICOM Friendship Year.

The Embassy of Japan in Jamaica continues to strengthen Japan-Jamaica relationship t h ro ug h com memo ra tiv e events of this year-long celebration towards our longlasting friendship.

To this end, we would appreciate your continued support.

Position

Name

Top L-R: Sheril Morgan, Roxanne Seaton-Chambers, Nadya Forbes; Bottom L-R: Marsha Dennie, Maria RobinsonMutidjo

2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan and even as we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of the important role that the Jamaica JET Alumni Association plays in fostering cultural exchanges at the grassroots level. Our activities over this financial year were embarked on with a view to sharing Japanese culture among Jamaicans and to strengthening the bonds of friendships between both countries.

participants learning about Japanese culture, geography, transportation, food, industries among other things. There was also a lively Q & A session and chopsticks competition at the end of the presentation. We thank the St. Aloysius family for hosting this event.

We had four major projects for the 2013-2014 financial year.

Our Beach Cleanup activity was a follow-on to the ‘Umi no Hi’ Cleanup which took place in July of the previous year. However, this year’s participation was in commemoration of International Coastal Cleanup Day which took place on September 21.

The JJETAA group was one of 56 groups which cleaned-up over 90 sites across Jamaica. Among our objectives were to increase environmental awareness and to introduce the Japanese garbage classification system among participants.

The Association also undertook a number of initiatives with the Embassy of Japan including the Calendar Exhibition and the 2014 JET screening and interviews. Our collaborative activities with the Embassy have increased this year with members participating in a Smart Energy lecture and symposium in February. In the first week of March, members will be involved in a week of celebrations including the main event, the Japanese festival or ‘Nihon Matsuri. These events will continue throughout the month of March and indeed throughout the year.

One of the things that members often recount that they enjoyed while in Japan was the Ohanami parties with friends and colleagues held under blooming sakura trees. This year the Association decided to hold our version of the Ohanami or what we called ‘Picnic by the Poui’, in October. This picnic was held by the pink poui tree planted by the Association at the Hope Gardens. Friends, Affiliate members and JJETAA members socialized, played games and ate sumptuous food. Participants, who did not know about these Japanese traditions, also got the opportunity to learn about the Japanese sakura and the custom of Ohanami.

The Japan Awareness Workshop has been a staple within the yearly activities of the JJETAA. This year the workshop was hosted by the St. Aloysius Primary School and teachers and students from 4 primary schools within the Region 1 Kingston area attended the event. The workshop was interactive with

This year’s newsletter will once again recap our activities for the past year, highlight interesting people and events and preview upcoming happenings. The electronic version will be circulated to the membership and hard copies will be mailed to intended recipients including the Embassy of Japan, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and schools that participated in the Awareness Workshop.

The initiatives taken on by the Association could only be realized through the voluntary efforts of dedicated Alumni Members who continue to keep the spirit of volunteerism ablaze.

A big thank you to all who have served throughout the years and who continue to serve; the Association is richer for your participation. As we continue to grow as an Association we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the Embassy of Japan, attempting new initiatives with a broader volunteer base and maintaining our objective of fostering cultural awareness and exchange.

I take this opportunity in wishing you all the best in your endeavours and I look forward to working with you throughout this financial year.

Sheril Morgan

ICHI GO ICHI E 一期一会: A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY Before going to Japan in 2007, I knew nothing about Kyushu let alone Kagoshima. I searched the internet but could only find a little information about the place that I was going to live for a year. I learnt Nadya Forbes about the active volcano Sakurajima and the “Last True Samurai” Saigo Takamori but I never expected to have such an amazing experience and I never thought that, half way across the world, I would find my second home. ...

...My entire experience on the JET Programme can be summarized in four simple words: 一期一会. The four years I spent in Japan were some of the most significant years of my life; years Editor’s Note: I would not To read the rest of this article go to http://jetwit.com/ trade for any- wordpress/2013/07/08/kyodo-news-rural-jet-alumnseries-nadya-dee-kagoshima/ The article was excerpted thing in this from an article by Nadya Forbes, who was an ALT in world. ...

Kagoshima. It was published in the Kyodo News “Rural JET Alumni” series.

This newsletter is made possible through the kind support of the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)

3

PICTORIAL YEAR IN REVIEW (1) 1

2

4

3

6 5

7

8

1 - Presentation on Japan at Knox College 2 & 3 - Reception for JET Returnees 4 - 2013 Annual General Meeting 5 - Dinner Party with Representatives from the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) 6 - Nihon Matsuri Launch 7 - Calendar Exhibition 8 - Emperor’s Birthday Celebration

See more photos on page 10

4

BEACH CLEANUP For the 2nd consecutive year, the Association cleaned the The opportunity was used to explain the Japanese garPort Royal Beach. The cleanup took place on 21 Septem- bage separation system and to support Jamaica’s plastic ber 2013, in combottle recycling efforts. memoration of InThe group was one of 56 ternational Coastal groups that cleaned up Cleanup Day. Acover 90 sites islandwide. tivities to mark this The JJETAA group collectday were orgaed 21.5 bags of garbage nized by the Jamaitotaling 322.5 pounds. ca Environment Trust (JET). The Data on the quantity of activity, which ingarbage collected was volved the collecsubmitted to JET and a tion of data on the National Report was progarbage removed duced and submitted to from the beach, the Ocean Conservancy was part of an inin Washington DC, USA. ternational effort to educate and imSee page 10 for more phoprove waste mantos. agement practices and policy.

The JJETAA group consisted of 35 persons - affiliate members, high school students, friends of JJETAA and JJETAA members.

Contributed by Marsha Dennie JJETAA Treasurer

WHO IS MIEKO ARAKI? Mieko Araki, who has been living in Jamaica since October 2013, is a Researcher/Advisor at the Embassy of Japan. She is from Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture (the home of Toyota’s Headquarters), however her parents are from Niigata Prefecture. We will allow her to tell you more about herself.

As a Researcher/Advisor, I promote cultural and educational exchange between Jamaica and Japan and implement public relations projects.

Prior to coming to Jamaica, I lived in Los Angeles and worked at the University of Southern California. Prior to that, I lived in Liberia and worked for an international organization and worked at a consulting firm in Japan.

The most rewarding aspect of my life in Jamaica is working with you - Jamaicans! I hold a Master’s in Public Diplomacy and in pursuing this programme I studied how to promote better relations between Japan and other countries. With this background, I feel super lucky to hold a position that gives me the opportunity to act as a public diplomacy officer.

One of the challenges I have experienced adjusting to life to life in Jamaica has been not being able to adequately satisfy my appetite for mushrooms due to the high cost and limited variety. I have however grown to love some Jamaican foods - festivals, jerk chicken (sold on a road near to PriceSmart), and soup with yam.

In my free time, I hang out with my friends, read books , practice kimono skills. I’d like to start taking dance lessons. My favourite day of the week is Friday- as I get the chance to do whatever I like without worrying about the following day.

Finally, I want to share that I love hot springs, so after visiting Bath (in St Thomas), I know it will be my favourite place in Jamaica.

Hajimemashite! Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

5

PICNIC BY THE POUI It wasn’t a cherry blossom tree, it was a Poui Tree; it wasn’t Spring, so the tree wasn’t blooming; the tree was still not big enough to sit under it, so we sat beside it, and usual traditional Japanese dishes were replaced with lots of Jamaican fare…… nevertheless our “Picnic Under the Poui” celebrated at Hope Gardens on October 26, 2013 was a tremendous success, and one of the finest examples of cultural exchange between Jamaica and Japan.

The Poui Tree planted in Hope Gardens two years ago by the JJETAA, represents a Jamaican adaptation of the Japanese tradition, “Hanami” (flower-watching) which holds a fond place in the hearts of many JET Alumni. The short but spectacular Cherry Blossom season during Spring time in Japan, marks a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, celebrate nature’s blessings, and share, fun, food and a bit of frivolity with one’s fellow flower-gazing friends. It was with this in mind, that the Alumni planted its first Poui tree, seeing it not only as an opportunity to further beautify the environs of Hope Gardens, but also to promote awareness of this beautiful Japanese tradition, albeit with a slightly Jamaican twist.

friends were more than willing to join us in sharing insights into that and various other aspects of their culture. We were pleased not only at the large turn out of university students, but to see their level of interest and enthusiasm in all things Japanese, even to the point of sporting in their midst, a Japanese ‘anime’ character dressed in full costume!

The relaxed and friendly atmosphere also provided a perfect setting for welcoming Mieko Araki-san, the Embassy’s Researcher/Advisor who had recently arrived in Jamaica, and to extend our traditional warm Jamaican hospitality to her.

The sun having set, the food demolished, and the Alumni effectively trounced by our invitees in an energetic game of Charades it was regrettably all too soon time to pack up our picnic baskets and bid so-long to the Poui Tree. But we said our sayonaras and parted company, content with the knowledge that while nature continues to nurture our Poui-cum-Cherry Blossom tree, so too the Jamaican JET Alumni will continue to nurture the very treasured Jamaica-Japan relationship, constantly seekOn a pleasant, almost spring-like day, members and ing new and creative ways to pursue our mantra of fosfriends of the Alumni, along with students of the Japanese tering awareness and cultural exchange between the clubs from the University of Technology and the Universi- two countries. ty of the West Indies, and representatives of the Japanese Embassy and Japanese community gathered around the We look forward to many more Jamaican-style hanamis Poui for an afternoon filled with fun, food and laughter under the Poui Tree - A delightful celebration of nature interspersed with wonderful cross-cultural exchanges. and of friendship!

The University students were enthused to learn about the Japanese tradition of hanami and the important socioContributed by Janet Crick cultural role it plays in that country, while our Japanese JJETAA Member

6

JAPAN AWARENESS WORKSHOP The presentation, which lasted for about an hour, was followed by a Q & A review session and chopsticks competition. The Embassy of Japan provided each school with a Japanese calendar and material with information about Japan. Also, those who got correct answers in the Q & A session as well as the winners of the chopsticks competition were given small tokens.

The Japan Awareness Workshop has been a staple within the yearly activities of the JJETAA. This year we were hosted by the St. Aloysius Primary School in Downtown Kingston. Invitations were sent to six schools including the host, with a request for one teacher accompanied by four students. With only four schools attending the event; the host school was afforded the opportunity to have additional students participate.

The workshop was very interactive with participants asking and answering questions throughout the session. Information was shared on Japanese culture, education system, geography, transportation, food, fashion, industries and architecture. They were also given information about 2014 events to mark the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan.

The feedback received was very encouraging and the Association hopes to continue to make this an annual event.

Contributed by Sheril Morgan JJETAA President

Jamaican in Japan Japan, “Land of the Rising Sun,” home to the majestic have come a long way since then and the support I have Mount Fuji, the beautiful spring time Cherry Blossoms, and received from the JET Programme has been unwavering. the art of Origami. This country could easily be one of the most The JET Pogramme gave me beautiful in the world, whether it the opportunity to explore the is in the busy city of Tokyo or in country and the many things it the rural areas surrounded by has to offer. All my experiencpeaceful rivers, lush greenery es to this point have been vivand breath taking landscape. id examples of first hand cultural exchange, which is one My dream to come to this counof the most important objectry was made possible when I tives of the JET Programme. It was accepted to be a Teacher on has also been a tremendous the JET Programme. I have only joy teaching in the Japanese been in Japan for 7 months but public school system where I this journey that I embarked on help to mould the minds of has been amazing up to this very young ones through a fun and day. I began my journey in August 2013, sparsely equipped with a few Japanese sentences and etiquette, however I cont’d on page 9

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

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A DREAM COME TRUE JET was a dream come true, for I had long dreamed of going to Japan. As a child my mother's diary showed pictures of verdant, wellmanicured Japanese gardens and women with jet black hair wearing intricately woven kimonos. I held that image in my head for a long time, as I wanted to visit that place.

In high school I saw an interview on TV with a young lady who had been selected to go on the ‘Programme’; I told myself that I would do the Ayesha Constable dressed as a warri- same. or for the re-enactment of the famous Kawanakajima battle

And so 5 years later, JET was a dream come true. But the reality was better than I had dreamt and nothing could have fully prepared me for the fullness of my experience on the JET Programme.

Though employed as Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) our experiences are not limited to the classroom. My most positive experiences on the Programme therefore ranged from coaching a student to win the prefectural English Speech Contest to climbing Mt. Fuji. I was fortunate to have been placed in the picturesque Yamanashiken, home of Mt. Fuji and renowned for its spectacular vistas of rolling grape vineyards and peach orchards.

Yamanashi offered me a plethora of opportunities to get involved and make the best of the JET experience.

I loved my students. I managed to build strong relationships with them and it was not long before I grew from ‘Ayesha from Jamaica’ to Ayesha-sensei, friend and confidant. I enjoyed watching them grow from shy students, who were reluctant to say a word in English, to brave boys and girls who would approach me and initiate a conversation. I loved listening to them talk about their dreams of traveling the world, much as I had dreamt of visiting Japan. We had lunch together, they invited me to their club activities and to participate in the school festival and we sat and talked for hours after school. It was in these sessions that they grew to value ‘practical English’.

I still have days when I miss them. I wonder if they were able to fulfill those dreams. For me the most satisfying thing is that through JET I was able to touch their lives.

I not only taught them English, I was also was motivator, mentor, friend and dance instructor.

Along with my main job as an ALT in a senior high school in Kofu, I was the Secretary for the local association of ALTs and Editor of our weekly magazine, I played football/soccer with a team of foreigners and Japanese called the ‘Yamamamas’, volunteered at the prefectural cultural center and attended Japanese classes there. I lived intensely as an ALT, making the most of every opportunity offered to me. In so doing I met many foreigners and locals in my hometown. The friendships I built with the people in my community and other JETs from all over the world were the richest part of my experience. They were the people who checked up on me when I wasn't feeling well and the ones who invited me into their homes for dinner and accompanied me on trips all across Japan and other places in South East Asia. These friendships have survived distance and time and we remain close friends to this day. Thanks to JET I now have close friends on every continent and get birthday messages in every language each year.

With elementary school students at the Yamanashi Prefectural Cultural Centre after a lesson on world cultures

My experiences were so vast, very life changing and so memorable that it is hard to name just a few. My fondest memories are related to both in school and outside of school experiences. During my first week I was introduced to a student and was asked to be her coach for the prefectural English Speech Competition to be held in October, 2 months away.

cont’d on page 8

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A DREAM COME TRUE (cont’d) cont’d from page 7

She was a good student and we practiced hard so I was not surprised when she won but I was definitely overcome with joy. It was the first time that my school had won the competition and so the entire school community celebrated. It was a good note on which to start and it set the tone for my first year in Japan. We didn't have the same luck in the second year but I had played a part in etching my school’s name in history. Participating in sports day was a big highlight as riding on the euphoria of Usian Bolt’s achievements in Beijing I was expected to be as fast as him. Luckily for me I won the race and saved my country's reputation. Dancing with my ichi-nensei class at school festival was a wonderful experience. We did a simple routine, which we practiced for several weeks prior to the event. I used my few minutes in the spotlight to do a few simple moves to loud cheers and thunderous applause from the audience - I am Jamaican, I could do no wrong.

Thanks to technology I have been able to stay in touch with some students and teachers. Occasionally I get messages with updates on their lives and studies.

My supervisor sends me a New Year card each year and my students send me birthday messages via Facebook. My Japanese friends have sent me care packages of my favorite Japanese snacks pocky, karintou and mochi. In 2012 I returned to Japan to visit my friends, dropped in at the school where I taught and visited some of my favorite spots in the area where I lived. I got a hero's welcome from my former students and Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) and I was forced to admit that I missed Japan terribly.

am today. The exposure it granted, especially as it was my first time leaving Jamaica, the sense of confidence that I developed, my ability to interact with people from any walk of life and the recognition of the vastness of the world on which we live, are all a result of my time on JET. Thanks to JET I grew to fully appreciate the fact that we are not confined to any one place but that the world is truly our 'oyster' and we can impact the world in so many ways. It is for that reason that I am an unofficial JET recruiter at my school, always encouraging students to apply for the programme, if they want to be truly changed.

As per the famous quote ‘Every Situation Is Different (ESID)’ mine was indeed different to that of many of the ALTs I knew. I was actively involved in my school and community while pursuing my personal aims. I had to learn how to juggle my responsibilities, and so effective time management became a critical skill. As a tutor for undergraduate students I am now using all the skills I had acquired as an ALT, - student engagement and teaching. Planning, public speaking, accepting challenges and leadership were all skills I honed while on JET.

Immediately after JET I started graduate school at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. In my second year I applied for a graduate scholarship. I remember entering the room to find several prominent professors seated at the table looking at me expectantly. I wore a smile and a look of confidence. I waited for the nerves, none came. The interview was a conversation punctuated with laughter. They commended me at the end for my maturity and my 'presence'. I remember thinking then that all that was as a result of my time in Japan; the confidence, the ability to engage strangers in that way and the way in which I was comfortable in my own skin - I was a product of all my experiences on JET.

The day I said goodbye to my school was a sad one. Truth be told, by the time April rolled around I was no longer sure that I even wanted to leave JET. But having already submitted my forms declaring my intention not to re-contract I had no choice but to follow through. That morning as the students filed into the gymnasium I was filled with a sense of fulfillment and fear, and a huge lump formed in my throat. I did my 6-minute goodbye speech in Japanese, because I didn’t think I could have conveyed the depth of my gratitude and all the other emotions in English. The speech itself was an indication of how far I had come and how much I had grown. When I ended, a hush fell over the gymnasium before they burst into rapturous applause which was enough to confirm that they had gotten the full essence of my goodbye. I had thanked them for everything; for the opportunity, for their friendship, for their support, for accepting my tutelage, for embracing me and my Jamaican-ness, for celebrating me and for changing my life. Thanks to JET for that once in a lifetime opportunity.

I credit the JET Programme for moulding me into who I

Ayesha Constable was an ALT in Yamanashi from 2007-2009

9

THE LAND OF SOCKS AND SLIPPERS It was the sunny Sunday afternoon of July 28, 2013 when I arrived with the latest group of JET Programme participants in Tokyo, Japan. It was my first time in Japan; or Asia for that matter, and I was quite enthusiastic.

Enthusiastic because I hadn’t heard much about Japan before I signed up for the JET Programme so I earnestly, with the Christine Corniffe help of my sister, researched as much as I could about the country and now I was here and looking forward to what would be next.

Additionally, during the two days of travelling it took me to get here, I did think why on earth I was travelling so far to an unknown country, so now what next. Arriving at immigration the officer asked my name. “I am Christine Corniffe,” I said, then handed him my Jamaican passport. ...

...It was weird to see people taking off their good, stylish shoes and wearing socks and slippers at work and in school. ….

Christine in socks and slippers

Editor’s Note: To read the rest of this article go to http:// www.city.miyakonojo.miyazaki.jp/mkj/MAIA/web% 20mianews/79/(E)MIAnews-79PDF.pdf. The article was excerpted from an article by Christine Corniffe, who is currently an ALT at the Izumigaoka High and Junior High School in Miyakonojo in Miyazaki-ken. It was published in the Miyakonojo International Association (MIA) newsletter. After its publication, it was highlighted by a major newspaper, which use the article to urge Japanese people to maintain their culture of hospitality and not take it for granted.

Jamaican in Japan (cont’d) cont’d from page 6

interactive learning environment. Before coming to Japan as a Teacher, I was an Energy Audit Manager for a small Renewable Energy Company in Jamaica. The transition from teaching adults about energy conservation to teaching English to three elementary schools and one Junior High School was a daunting one for me, but one that I enjoy immensely. This transition however, has not been my biggest challenge. My biggest challenge has been overcoming the language barrier, which I still have not been able to completely break through as yet. There are a few persons in Japan who are able to speak conversational English, but my advice to anyone that wants to come to Japan is to start learning Japanese before -hand. It will make your life and your experiences that much easier and more fulfilling, otherwise you will find it a bit harder to get around.

The Japanese people are generally very friendly and helpful, especially with foreigners and they will lend you a helping hand even if it means going out of their way.

Once while taking the bus I got confused and thought I was lost. I expressed my concern to the bus driver using the Google translate app on my phone and the little Japanese I could remember from my studies. After figuring out what was wrong he proceeded to assist me in finding my destination. He went as far as getting off the bus to point me in the right direction. I have had a few more “nearly lost” experiences and perhaps more than my fair share of embarrassing situations, but when you are surrounded by wonderful people and you have the support you need, most of these things roll off your back and into the “great story” pile.

Brandon Virgo is an ALT at the Nishiyama High School in Sendai City in Kagoshima-ken.

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PICTORIAL YEAR IN REVIEW (2)

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The 4H’s in Japan Living in a foreign country normally means that you need to adjust to a new way of life (or culture). I spent 5 years in Nagasaki and experienced the typical 4 H's of cultural adjustment.

The 4 H's of Cultural Adjustment (1) The Honeymoon Stage (2) The Hostility Stage (3) The Humour Stage (4) The Home Stage

Initial fascination, excitement, open-mindedness & an active interest in learning about new sights, people and surroundings - I can handle anything!

Culture shock: Irritation, hostility, critical about differences in culture, stress & homesickness - Sayonara novelty!

Increased familiarity with Japanese culture (its logic and values), finding humour & perspective - Gradual adjustment!

Viewing Japan as a second home, appreciation of certain aspects of Japanese culture and starting to critique other cultures - Adaptation & biculturalism!

In August 2007, as soon as I arrived in that small rural Nagasaki town, my Primary school teachers put me to work immediately. Those first 3 weeks, I drafted a mini curriculum for the year, planned lessons for September and made the accompanying instructional materials. Eager beaver for sure! From that August onwards, I was invited to fireworks festivals, sports days, shrine festivals, weddings and seasonal (kisetsu) events in and out of the community & joined the teacher's team in dragonboat racing. A Japanese teacher even hosted a small party for my husband, all he had to do was to sing a 'few' reggae songs. Clearly, I experienced the typical wide eyed 'honeymoon' phase.

Then something started to bother me (dun dun dun ... enter the 'hostility' stage). The first term I ignored it, but it really irritated me: As a trained teacher with many years of teaching experience it really, really annoyed me to no end that my JHS Japanese teacher refused to let me help with planning, teaching or checking work. In my second year, I had one of those eureka moments and I chose a different way. I started collating all the activity handouts for each grade level and put them in protective sheets in 3-inch binders. This became an ongoing project for the rest of my time there. Interestingly, for the next 3 years, each Japanese teacher used those binders weekly to plan for their lessons. Out of this experience, my philosophy (motto) for living in Japan was born.  Work around it! - 「Hitotsu ga dame demo, hoka ni kitto kaiketsu no michi ga aru 一つがだめでも、ほかにきっと解決の道がある。」

I enjoyed my time at my primary schools immensely even though I was the butt of many jokes at the beginning because of my very bad pronunciation and misuse of words. However, in the midst of all this 'humour', I noticed that my colleagues' English gradually improved as they painstakingly took the time to research, teach and include me in many school and cultural activities. In turn my Japanese became more fluent and I started to grasp the rudiments better.

During my time in Japan, I was a cultural ambassador, tour guide, historian, liaison, workshop organiser, coordinator, event planner, content writer, translator, interviewer, adult English conversation teacher, conference presenter, university guest lecturer, volunteer and community member/supporter. My gradual understanding of the unspoken and the obvious nuances of Japanese life (i.e. cultural attitudes & observances) helped to quantify my experiences and responsibilities while in that quiet town which became 'home' away from home. As a result, I was able to interact positively with my colleagues, community members, fellow ALTs and other Japanese people. My husband also saw Japan as a second 'home' and volunteered his vocal talent, lending support to fundraising concerts for the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

I strongly believe that if a person is open-minded, has a sense of humour and is interested in learning new things then, the stages of cultural adjustment will only make him/her a more rounded and positive individual. For me, five years was time well spent learning, teaching and sharing.

Reference: Trifonovitch, Gregory J. (1977). Culture Learning/Culture Teaching. Educational Perspectives, 16, 4, pp 18-22. University of Illinois: Study Abroad Office. (2010). Stages of Cultural Adjustment. Sourced on 11 Feb 2014.

Wendy-Ann Brown was an ALT in Nagasaki from 2007-2012 All material copyrighted © 2014 JJETAA

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AFTER THE JET PROGRAMME After leaving the JET Programme participants go on to assume positions of influence in various spheres around the world. We credit JET and Japan with changing our lives and transforming us personally and professionally. With this experience and influence we are able to give the world a different and firsthand understanding of Japan and its people. For many of us the warmth and hospitality extended to us by our neighbors was what helped us get through the days when we felt homesick.

Former JETs continue to bridge the gap between Japan and the rest of the world by encouraging foreigners to visit Japan. Many through their work are forging partnerships between their companies and Japan-based organizations.

Contributed by Ayesha Constable JJETAA Member

THEN … NOW

THEN: Some JJETAA Members share information on where they lived, the type of school (s) at which they served as ALT, and the years spent in Japan.

NAME Nadya Forbes

Ayesha Maragh

Symerna Blake

NOW: They also share information on where they live, where they

work and their current profession.

THEN

NOW

* Hioki City, Kagoshima * Senior, Technical and Agricultural High Schools * 5 years * Mishima and Shimizu, Shizuoka * Elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools * 5 years * Tamamura, Gunma * Junior High School * 2 years

* Kingston * Public sector organization * Research Officer Writer * Kingston * Regional organization * Regional Programme Coordinator * Kingston * Public sector organization * Marketing Officer

Shawn Aarons

* Kochi City, Kochi * Senior High School * 2 years

* St Catherine * Public sector organization * Principal

Dana-Leigh Anderson

* Shiroishi, Miyagi * Elementary and Junior High School * 1 year

Fay Samuels

* Nanto City, Toyama * Senior High Schools * 3 years

Janet Crick

* Nobeoka City, Miyazaki * Junior High Schools * 2 years

Marsha Dennie

* Sakaiminato City, Tottori * Senior High School * 3 years

* Kingston * Diplomatic organization * Programme Coordinator * St Thomas * Public sector organization * Economist * St Andrew * Private sector organization * Small Business Owner/Culinary Tourism Entrepreneur * Kingston * Public sector organization * Corporate & Inter-Agency Affairs Coordinator

Kay Dunkley

* Osaka City, Osaka * Elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools * 3 years

* Kingston * Public sector organization * Senior Lecturer

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http://www.facebook.com/JamaicaJETAlumniAssociation

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http://jamjetaa.blogspot.com/

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http://jamjeta@gmail.com

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P. O. Box 5447, Kingston 6, Jamaica

Thanks to all who supported JJETAA over the year.