JJETAA Newsletter 2018-19

JJETAA NEWS April 2018 - March 2019

Message from the Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica

Inside this Issue Message from the Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica

1

The JET Programme

1

President’s Message

2

Beach Cleanup 2018

3

JJETAA Visits St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College

4

Introducing Haruna Higa

4

Picnic by the Poui

5

Appleton Estate Rum Tour

6

My Testimonial about Japan

7

Pictorial Highlights

8-9

JJETAA’s 13th Annual General Meeting

10

Test your Knowledge

11

About JETAA-1

12

About JJETAA

12

Calendar of Events 2019-20  Post-Orientation JET Mixer (June)

 Beach Clean-up Activity

blends the two cultures, never losing the important aspects of either. This capability is rare and a pleasure to be a part of.

Ambassador Mr Hiromasa Yamazaki

It is a great pleasure to commend the Jamaica JET Alumni Association (JJETAA) for its remarkable achievements in 2018. The contributions of the JJETAA in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan has strengthened that relationship, developing it into a bridge to connect and transport the different ideas, language and practices of our respective countries.

JJETAA has extended warm support continuously through several avenues, the JET Programme being one. Your contribution to the JET process stretches from beginning to

end and further. From promotion of the programme, to preparation of selected candidates and even to welcoming returning JETs, your assistance is evident in every step of the way.

I commend your efforts to give back to your communities while promoting inter-cultural understanding.

The reinvention of the Japanese hanami under the poui and the contributions and active involvement in various cultural events are brilliant ways to not only ignite, but to fan the flames of interest in Japan. The association so effortlessly

There is no doubt in my mind that the JJETAA will continue in their esteemed role as cultural ambassadors and guides for the foreseeable future and beyond. As borders become more and more blurred and as globalization becomes more evident and inevitable, JJETAA stands at the front line, having already made a home for Japanese culture in Jamaica.

The Embassy of Japan in Jamaica stands by you and all that you represent. We are more than honoured to offer you our support.

I am looking forward to the association prospering and the different ways in which it will keep our cultures united.

May the new possibilities of a new year come to pass.

Thank you very much. Arigatou Gozaimashita.

(September)

 Essay Competition (September -November)

 Picnic by the Poui (November)

 JET Sensitization Session (February )

 Annual General Meeting (March)

The JET Programme The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme started in 1987 by the Japanese Government with the aim to improve foreign language education and promote international exchange at the local level, by recruiting young people from abroad and appointing them as teachers at municipalities and public or private schools.

Embassy of Japan website - JET Programme https://www.jamaica.emb-japan.go.jp/ itpr_en/jet_programme.html JET Programme Official Website http://jetprogramme.org/en/

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JJETAA NEWS

President’s Message

“...it would not be possible without the tireless efforts of the dedicated members.”

year we took on the mammoth task of cleaning the Go -Kart track at the Norman Manley International Airport.

We were pleased with the number of persons who joined us and we want to once again thank our friends from the Embassy of Japan, the UWI Japanese Club, The Association of Jamaica Monbukagakusho Scholars (AJMS), as well as students Sheena Jarrett from Dunoon Technical High nother successful JJETAA School. year under the belt!

The weather was in our favour this year and we were I continue to be amazed and able to host our friends and proud that we are able to family at the annual picnic by accomplish so many things as the poui in November. While a small association. the numbers were fewer this year, the atmosphere of famiOf course, it would not be ly and camaraderie prevailed. possible without the tireless efforts of the dedicated memOur promotional visit to St bers.

Joseph’s Teachers’ College in October revealed that there お疲れ様でした is a need for more workshops (Otsukaresama deshita!) of such nature. It was clear that there is genuine interest As usual, we started our year in Japanese culture, and sharby lending support to the ing our experiences proves to Embassy of Japan with the potential participants that it is orientation of newly recruited possible to live, work and JET participants in June. It is thrive in a country so differso rewarding to be able to ent from ours. pay it forward and share our experiences as former JETs, We were equally pleased to and to also offer helpful tips see the impact of the essay on how to prepare for life on competition from the previthe JET Programme. We were ous year continued to be felt, also blessed with the oppor- as the students and teachers tunity to connect with newly subsequently expressed interreturned ex-JETs as well as est in entering another comour new cultural officer, Ms. petition of that nature.

Haruna Higa, at our special Social in May. There was the Our end of year party in Despirit of fun, family and cember continues to be a friendship that we have come highly anticipated event. IThis to expect from gatherings of year it provided a great opthis nature. portunity for us to touch base

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“...there is genuine interest in Japanese culture, and sharing our experiences proves to potential participants that it is possible to live, work and thrive in a country so different from ours.”

“...it has been a great pleasure serving as President of this amazing organization for the past two years.”

Our staple activities continue to be executed successfully.

The annual beach clean-up remains a huge draw for members and friends. This

The year 2019 saw us expanding our scope by adding another fun/cultural activity to our calendar: a tour of the Appleton Rum Estate. In addition to JJETAA members, family and friends from the Embassy of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency embarked on a road trip to St. Elizabeth where we were treated to the taste and smell of Jamaica’s signature rum, while listening to the story of its birth and subsequent international acclaim.

The highly anticipated Japan Day continues to grow in significance and we were satisfied that we got the opportunity to take part in this event, which was held in February. There was a huge turnout this year, as interest in Japanese culture continues to grow in Jamaica. I want to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers who manned our booth and shared valuable information with the patrons. I am confident that they left with a growing desire to experience Japanese culture first-hand.

In closing, I want to say that it has been a great pleasure serving as President of this amazing organization for the past two years. I have learnt so much from this experience: working with the executive committee, planning the different events and chairing our monthly meetings. I look forward to continue serving as a regular member and I offer my best wishes to the new executive team. I know that under the leadership of our new President, Marsha Dennie, JJETAA will continue to grow and thrive.

with other members who 頑張ってください (Ganbatte were unable to participate in Kudasai!) our regular meetings and as a bonus, we got to enjoy our favourite tastes from Japan once more.

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JJETAA NEWS

Beach Cleanup 2018 September 15, 2018 found our “...we pulled up our sleeves, and in true “ganbattemasu” spirit, tackled the task at hand with an extra dose of energy and determination”

“...we were pleased that among the 34 strong were a few children whose parents seized the moment for a valuable lesson on the importance of protecting and preserving our environment, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”

Alumni Association heading to the beach! It was not your average beach day however, as we traded flip flops and swimsuits for gloves and masks as we engaged in our annual collaboration with the Jamaican Environment Trust (JET) for a beach cleanup on International Coastal Cleanup Day.

Some 34 persons comprised our team, which tackled a new site this time- the Palisadoes Go Kart Track. While many hands usually make light work - or so the saying goes - we were admittedly daunted initially by the dense collection of garbage that littered the sand and mangroves in the area.

Nevertheless, we pulled up our sleeves, and in true “ganbattemasu” spirit, tackled the task at hand with an extra dose of energy and determination. Representatives of the Embassy of Japan, JICA, the Associa-

tion of Jamaica Monbukagakusho Scholars (AJMS), the UWI Japanese Club, Dunoon Technical High School and other friends joined our happy throng. And we were pleased that among the 34 strong were a few children whose parents seized the moment for a valuable lesson on the importance of protecting and preserving our environment, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.

annual calendar, 2018 marking the 7th consecutive year the JJETAA has participated in the activity.

Light banter, camaraderie and great team work buoyed our spirits as we worked, and impossible though it first seemed, we gradually made a dent, toting away some 27 bags of general garbage and plastic bottles weighing some 590 pounds in total.

The Beach Cleanup has become a fixed feature on our

 34 persons  27 bags  590 pounds

Contributed by Janet Crick, JJETAA Member

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JJETAA NEWS

JJETAA Visits St Joseph’s Teachers’ College While these students have several more years to go before they are eligible to embark on the JET Programme, many of them showed marked interest in the Programme.

“...many of them showed marked interest in the Programme.”

Accessed from STJC website

On October 22, 2018, JJETAA, represented by Sheena Jarrett (President) and Janette Fuller (Secretary), visited St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College on a sensitisation mission.

First, second and third year students gathered in the Auditorium to learn about the JET Programme by listening to and participating in the presentation by the team.

JJETAA’s team left St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College confident that, in a few years, a number of participants in the JET Programme will be some of the students who actively participated in its sensitisation session.

JJETAA thanks Dr. Gwendolyn Melhado (Principal) and Mrs. Deborah Francis (VicePrincipal) for making this visit possible and looks forward to other visits.

Contributed by Janette Fuller JJETAA Secretary

Introducing Haruna Higa

“I had missed living in a country with a warm climate and having access to the beach and so I am happy I am now living in Jamaica.“

Haruna Higa, who has been living in Jamaica since February 2018, is a Cultural Officer/Researcher at the Embassy of Japan. She is from Okinawa, Japan. Haruna serves as a liaison between the Embassy and JJETAA. We will allow her to tell you more about herself.

I left my hometown, Okinawa, a tropical island, 10 years ago, and since then I had been living in countries with cold temperatures. I had missed living in a country with a warm climate and having access to the beach and so I am happy I am now living in Jaefore coming to Jamaica, I maica.

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was living in the USA, where I pursued a Master’s Degree in International Development. During my period of study, I also lived in Italy and Ecuador. Upon completion of my study, I returned to Japan, and worked as an Asylum Seekers Support staff at the Refugee Assistance Headquarters in Tokyo.

One of the places I love to visit is Ocho Rios, because it’s close to Kingston and the beaches are very beautiful.

My most favourite Jamaican food is jerk chicken.

One of the challenges of living in Jamaica is driving. I had obtained my driver’s license 10 years ago but I hadn’t

been driving prior to coming to Jamaica. I was scared to death to go on the road in the beginning, but I practised a lot in early mornings and weekends when there weren’t many cars on the road. Now, my driving skills are much better. My next goal is to be able to drive on the highway!

In my free time, I like to go to the beach, cook Okinawan foods, eat out with my friends, exercise, listen to the live music and dance.

Hajimemashite! Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

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JJETAA NEWS

Picnic by the Poui

Our “The picnic was very special this year, as we used it as a forum to officially welcome our newest returnees…”

highly anticipated “Pcinic by the Poui” was held on Saturday November 10, 2018. A total of 27 persons, gathered by the Annuals Gazebo at The Hope Botanical Gardens. We were unable to have our picnic by our poui tree due to construction on the property; however we enjoyed the new surroundings, as they provided the perfect backdrop for the afternoon’s activities.

The weather was in our favour, after thwarting our attempts last year, so we were grateful to finally be able to continue our beloved tradition of hosting family and friends from UWI Japanese Club, Embassy of Japan, Ikebana International, and students from Dunoon Technical High School. The picnic was very special this year, as we used it as a forum to officially welcome our newest returnees, who had ex-

“We took the opportunity to reminisce on our favourite things about spring time in Japan...”

pressed interest in joining the alumni. While we had hoped for more, we were pleased to celebrate five newly returned former JET participants.

The celebrations were officially opened with prayer, and special welcome was extended to our faithful affiliates and the new returnees. Once again, we shared the history of the picnic and the significance of our poui tree, which was planted in 2011 as homage to the hanami tradition we experienced in Japan. We took the opportunity to reminisce on our favourite things about spring time in Japan and we were treated to a delectable mélange of Japanese and Jamaican dishes.

Our festivities lacked the flair of music and varied games as well as the strong presence of our Japanese friends, but the spirit of unity and camaraderie nevertheless prevailed. As we shared our connection to

Japan and the Japanese culture, the feeling of nostalgia was palpable throughout the afternoon.

Our guests of honour were presented with a celebratory cake and were officially welcomed to the Association. They expressed their gratitude for the special welcome and the support received from the “older” JJETAA members and reaffirmed their commitment to becoming active participants in JJETAA’s activities.

As the sun set on our day, we took our customary group pictures and exchanged gratitude for an afternoon well-spent. We look forward to another wonderful afternoon of fun, family and friendship next year.

Contributed by Sheena Jarrett JJETAA President

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JJETAA NEWS

Appleton Estate Rum Tour After a few turns here and there, we arrived at the Appleton Estate and soon settled in for their complimentary blend of rum cocktail. It was just enough to keep us walking steadily as we moved from movie theatre, to the traditional method of juicing cane with the help of a donkey, to the boiling house, tasting molasses, biting into sugar cane and posing for selfies and group shots in between. Then ultimately, we all sat down to experience the highlight of the tour - a rum appreciation session. Goblets with different types of rum proved to be most pleasing to the sensory organs of sight, smell Proud of her native routes, and taste.

Karen Coleman guided us along the way through Man- With still very steady gait we chester and beyond, high- ventured nearby to a restaulighting notable landmarks rant, Sala’s at the Estate, including a village for the where, after what could have hearing impaired, Pepper been a shorter waiting time, Factory and even a Duppy we consumed meals ranging Church; all this while an end- from Jamaican-styled less array of greenery and steamed fish to stew peas scenic landscape greeted us with pigstail. from all around.

Bubbling “...along the way through Manahester and beyond...an endless array of greenery and scenic landscape greeted us from all around.”

“Goblets with different types of rum proved to be most pleasing to the sensory organs of sight, smell and taste.”

with excitement and anticipation of even a hint of the sensation of feeling imbued by pure Appleton Jamaican Rum, a team of like minds boarded our chartered bus and went south from Kingston to St. Elizabeth on a beautiful Saturday in January (26th). An inevitable stop made at Juici Beef’s rest stop to address the early morning yearning for breakfast, then another quick stop to grab a bite of roas’ yam and ‘saltfish’ for a few seated at the front of the bus ensured that our intestines were well prepped for the good stuff that lay await at Appleton Estate.

After a minor delay to summon a wanderer among the group back to the bus, the return leg of the journey began and eventually ended with pleasantries and strengthened bonds among members and supporters of the Jamaica Japan Exchange & Teaching Alumni Association.

Contributed by Sauna Maragh, JJETAA Member

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JJETAA NEWS

My Testmonial about Japan · okonomiyaki (savoury pancake style meal with noodles, cabbage and various toppings) in Hiroshima · soup curry in Sapporo (curry flavoured soup with vegetables and meat)

“...every time I think of Japan, I think of it as a second home.””

· green tea pastries and beverages in Kyoto and

I

thought coming back to Jamaica would make Japan a 3 year dream; something that hadn’t really happened and was far out of my reach.

To my surprise, I found that I could recall memories and feelings vividly, even those from my 1st day of arriving in Tokyo and figuring out how to take the train in Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest train stations in the world.

“JET changes your life, it opens your mind and shows your more of how the world is what it could become.”

It hasn’t been long since I returned home, but every time I think of Japan, I think of it as a second home. I made a whole new life there; forged lifelong friendships, got to know the quirks of many of my students and ended up placing dozens of little ones in my heart forever. I was able to experience a full year of events 3 times:

· ramen in a little picturesque town called Onomichi.

I learned how to make noodles from scratch, danced in an annual summer festival, saw humongous ice sculptures (one of which was a realistic somewhat life-size Eren from Attack on Titans) and rode horses with my students just to name a few. I was also able to show many people a positive image of Jamaica.

· firework festivals in the summer · the turning of the leaves in the autumn · Christmas lights in elaborate shapes and sizes in winter and · cherry blossom picnics in spring.

I ate the special dishes known for each area:

Japan is much more than anime, robot restaurants and harajuku girls as the media has popularized. There is a normalcy to the country that we Jamaicans can relate to, in my opinion. But, at the same time, don’t underestimate the unique cultural practices that make Japan a truly rare treasure. From playing ‘stucky pully’ (onigokko) with the kids to vending machines everywhere with cold and/or hot beverages (but never snacks… huh… weird), to sushi being delivered to your table by toy bullet trains and back to everyone loving fried chicken (KFC is especially popular on Christmas Day). It is a world of familiar and new combined.

It is my wish for more and more Jamaicans to experience this. As cliché as it may sound, JET changes your life., it opens your mind and shows you more of how the world is and what it could become.

Though I had some challenges (let’s be honest, no matter where you are, challenges and obstacles are a guaranteed part of life), the positives far outnumbered them. If I somehow found myself back in 2014, I still would not hesitate to once again submit my application for the possibility of an adventure of a lifetime.

Contributed by Robyn Guthrie JJETAA Member

I travelled not only inside Japan, but also to nearby countries. Learning more about how other people lived made me appreciate not only their lifestyle, but the one I was privileged to have.

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JJETAA NEWS

Pictorial Highlights Reception in honour of the visit of a Delegation of the Tottori Prefecture in Japan, Japanese Ambassador’s Residence, Kingston, 19 October 2018.

二兎を追う者は一兎 をも得ず。- Ni usagi wo ou mono wa ichi usagi wo mo ezu - “One who chases after two hares won’t catch even one.” - If you try to do two things at once, you will fail at both.

10 students and their teachers from 2 cities in Japan (Yonago and Tottori) visited Jamaica in October as a part of a student exchange programme between Westmoreland-based schools and Japan.

Japanese Emperor’s Birthday Reception, Japanese Ambassador’s Residence, Kingston, 5 December 2018.

The Japanese Emperor’s Birthday is one of the most important holidays for Japanese citizens and is celebrated on 23 December. It is a time for Japanese citizens to have fun and express their patriotism.

猿も木から落 ちる。- Saru mo ki kara ochiru “Even monkeys fall from trees.”

- Everybody makes mistakes

Farewell Reception in honour of the 18th Cohort of Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, Japanese Ambassador’s Residence, Kingston, 12 July 2018.

A total of 34 persons left for Japan to be Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japanese schools.

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JJETAA NEWS

Pictorial Highlights JJETAA Social, Hotel Four Seasons, Kingston, 19 May 2018 虎穴に入らずんば 虎子を得ず。 Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu - “If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub.” - Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The Social was a fun-filled and interactive networking event, which involved JJETAA Members, representatives from the Embassy of Japan, affiliate associations (AJMS, UWI Japanese Club), studets from Dunoon Technical and friends of JJETAA.

Japan Day, Knutsford Court Hotel, Kingston, 2 February 2019 Japan Day was hosted by the Embassy of Japan. The event included fun activities such as martial arts demonstrations, music and dance performances, calligraphy, etc. Beautiful Japanese calendars were exhibited and also issued to early visitors.

Bonenkai, Sora, Japanese Sky Cuisine, Kingston, 8 December 2018. 一石二鳥 Isseki nichō “One stone, two birds .”Killing two birds with one stone.

At the 2018 Bonenkai (End of Year Party), 15 JJETAA Members (and 2 children) enjoyed delectable Japanese food and animated conversation in an awesome environment .

JJETAA Monthly Meeting, Knutsford Court Hotel, Kingston, 25 January 2019 JJETAA’s monthly meetings are held on the last Friday of each month starting at 5:30pm.

JJETAA NEWS

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JJETAA’s 13th Annual General Meeting The “...expressed gratitude to outgoing members of the Executive for their service and stellar leadership...”

“...the new Executive will focus on strengthening the Association’s relationship with its Affiliate Members…”

13th Annual General Meeting of the Jamaica JET Alumni Association (JJETAA) was held on March 16, 2019 at the Courtleigh Hotel & Suites in Kingston under the theme: Strengthening Ties: Enriching Lives.

Sheena Jarrett, President of JJETAA, in her presentation, cited JJETAA’s accomplishments over the year. This was complemented by presentation from the Embassy of Japan and the affiliate organizations in attendance: the UWI Japanese Club, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency Alumni Association of Jamaica.

Janet Crick, former President of JJETAA, echoing the sentiment of JJETAA members, expressed gratitude to outgoing members of the Executive for their service and stellar leadership during the 2018-19 financial year.

New JJETAA Executive: From L to R: Tereka Brown - Treasurer, Marsha Dennie - President, Rochelle Robinson-Lindsay - Secretary, Janette Fuller - Vice President, Fay Samuels - Public Relations Officer A highlight of the meeting was the selection of the new Executive. In addition to implementing a slate of projects and activities during the financial year, the new Executive will focus on strengthening the Association’s relationship with its Affiliate Members by lending its support to their activities and implementing joint projects.

JJETAA will also seek to increase its visibility because,

although JJETAA has accomplished much over the years, it is not widely known in the wider community.

Contributed by Janette Fuller JJETAA Secretary

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JJETAA NEWS

Test your Knowledge Check these out!

Jamaipanese - a blog by a Kirk Brown (current Jamaican JET in Shimane prefecture http://jamaipanese.com/

Japanese e-learningsponsored by the Japan Foundation https://minato-jf.jp/

JET Streams - CLAIR publication - international forum for JET alumni to share their activities and experiences https:// www.jetaainternational. org/jet-streams

AJET Connect - National AJET publication created by the Englishspeaking community in Japan and has engaging content about what the ex-pat community is doing, loving and thinking https://ajet.net/ajetconnect/

Across

Down

2. Former JJETAA & JETAA-I President

1. Japanese theatre form that involves puppets

6. Made from fermented soybeans

3. Japanese for skewered chicken

7. Venue for 2020 Olympics 9. Monthly meeting day for JJETAA

4. Tree planted by JJETAA at Hope Gardens 5. Noodles made from buckwheat flour

11. Writing used for non-Japanese words 12. Japanese for freshwater eel

8. Popularly called "Japan's Kitchen" 9. Largest number of Jamaican JETs sent to

15. Attacked by atomic bomb during WWII

Japan to date

16. JJETAA's first President 17. Number of years JET Programme has been

10. Rice formed into a ball or triangle and wrapped in seaweed

in Jamaica 19. City famous for its beef

13. Japanese comic books 14. 'T' in JET 18. Westmoreland's Japanese sister See response on page 14

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JJETAA NEWS

About JETAA-I Executive Committee

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17 countries

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19 Country Representatives Over 50 chapters and subchapters

Like us

@JamaicaJETAlumniAssociation Follow us

jamaica_jet_alumni

The JET Alumni Association International (JETAA-I) comprises the global community of former participants in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme and their JET Alumni Association chapters.

JETAA-I is served by two Executive Officers who are elected by the Executive Committee to oversee support activities for chapters and members along with the various information-exchange activities that form the core of JETAA-I's services.

The Executive Officers for the 2019-20 term are:  Chair - Ashlie O'Neill (Sydney)  Vice Chair - Nathalie Ng (Singapore) The President of JJETAA serves as the Country Representative on the Executive Committee of JETAA-I. JETAA-I Website - https:// www.jetaainternational.org/ JETAA-I Facebook page - https:// www.facebook.com/JETAAInternational/

About JJETAA The Jamaica Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association (JJETAA) was established in 2002. Individuals who have completed at least one year in the JET Programme are automatically recognized as Full Members of JJETAA.

Individuals who have worked in the education sector in Japan, have studied in Japan, or any person, club or society who/which has an affiliation with Japan and/or with Japanese culture and who/which expresses a genuine interest to share in the Association’s activities are eligible to join the Association as Associate (or Affiliate) Members.

Contact us

jamjeta@gmail.com

Visit these sites to read our annual newsletter and about Life after JET

Down: 1. Bunraku, 3. Yakitori, 4. Poui, 5. Soba, 8. Osaka, 9. Forty, 10. Onigiri, 13. Manga, 14. Teaching, 18. Tottori Across: 2. Kay Dunkley, 6. Miso, 7. Tokyo, 9. Friday, 11. Katakana, 12. Unagi, 15. Nagasaki, 16. Shawn Aarons, 17. Nineteen, 19. Kobe.

Test your Knowledge - Answers