By Ryan Hata
My name is Ryan Hata and I was an ALT on JET from 2014-2017 in Tottori-ken teaching at Aoya High School. As a fourth-generation Japanese American (father’s side) and fifth-generation Chinese American (mother’s side) born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, my heritage mainly consisted of food and celebrating larger events related to my ethnic cultures. For example, I ...READ MORE »
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?
Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture from 2005-2006.
What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program?
I had done a high school exchange program in Chiba Prefecture, and then studied abroad at ICU in Tokyo during my junior year of college, so I knew Japan and the Kanto Region well. I definitely wanted ...READ MORE »
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?
2016-2017, I was in Ibaraki-ken, in Toride, the bottom/back heel of the Ibaraki pig.
What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program?
I had a desire to experience Japan, not as a visitor, because my brother had been living there for about four years at the time. Having ...READ MORE »
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?
I lived on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Sakata City in Yamagata Prefecture from 2017-2020.
What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program?
I feel like this is a long story. I got my BA in Japanese at the University of Mount Union, and the JET Program ...READ MORE »
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?
Nishiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture. 2005-2008.
What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program?
I majored in Japanese literature in college, and when I finished, I wanted an extended period of time to live in Japan to solidify my language skills and experience the culture.
What are some of the things your ...READ MORE »
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?
I stayed in Miyagi Prefecture (Tohoku/Northeast region) in the town of Karakuwa, located on a peninsula on the outskirts of Kesennuma City, from 8/2009 to 8/2011.
What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program?
During my time at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) I started taking classes on East Asian history, ...READ MORE »
Mombusho English Fellow (MEF) Program Reunion (MEF is the predecessor of JET) March 19-20, 2022. Richard Mei (MEF, Tokushima-ken, 1981-1982) became the U.S. Consul-General in Osaka last summer and he’d like to host this at the Consul-General residence. Interested? Contact Tim Cook (MEF, Yamaguchi-ken, 1981-1983); professor of English, Iryo Sosei University, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima-ken at cook015@gmail.com.
Inside Japan Tours – Ultimate ...READ MORE »
As part of our partnership with the Japan Society Boston, we are sharing excerpts of interviews with JET alumni on our social media and blog. We will work our way down Japan and share interviews with participants from all 47 prefectures!
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?
I lived and taught in Odate City, Akita-ken from 2006-2010
What sparked ...READ MORE »
JETAA Chapter Elections Many chapters hold their annual elections this time of year. If you want to get involved, find your chapter here and check their website for more info. Mombusho English Fellow (MEF) Program Reunion (MEF is the predecessor of JET) Message from Tim Cook (MEF, Yamaguchi-ken, 1981-1983; professor of English, Iryo Sosei University, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima-ken): It’s great that former JETs have USJETAA to keep everyone ...READ MORE »
As part of our partnership with the Japan Society Boston, we are sharing excerpts of interviews with JET alumni on our social media and blog. We will work our way down Japan and share interviews with participants from all 47 prefectures!
Episode 3: Iwate
Interview with Doug Sikora.
Where were you in Japan as a JET and when?
Iwate-Ken, Ofunato-shi, Sakari-cho. August 1st, 1992 – ...READ MORE »
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