In February, we will be reading オカルト (Occult) by translator and essayist Kishimoto Sachiko that takes a look at Japan’s fascination with the occult and the supernatural.

In January, Japan Society of Boston featured Rachel Eio (Osaka, 1997-1998). In her JSB meets JET Alumni series, Rachel shares about her love for Kansai's lively culture, even mastering Osaka-ben, and brought the spirit of Japan to her U.S. classroom through a sister-school program.

For Aaron Woolfolk (Kochi, 1992-1993), it was one particular teacher who helped get it all started. “My second grade teacher in elementary school — she was Japanese American — and she would introduce elements of Japan into our lessons,” Woolfolk said. “She would tell us, ‘This is where my family is from.’”

From there, Aaron joined the JET Program and went on to become an award-winning writer, director and producer.

In December, Japan Society of Boston featured Lillian Rowlatt (Niigata 2003-2005), in their JSB meets JET Alumni series, Lillian discusses how JET allowed her to more deeply explore her Japanese heritage. ⁠
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Post-JET, Lillian went on to co-found Kokoro Care, which delivers locally (Japanese) made products to your door which showcase Japan’s unique regions and seasonal ingredients. ⁠
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USJETAA is offering subsidized, one-on-one career coaching sessions with experienced JET alumni career coaches. Availability is limited to USJETAA members, and appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit one coaching session per registrant. $25 for a one-hour session.

Alexander Boylston (Shiga, 2018-2021)

“We have airplanes which fly three times faster than sound. We have television cameras that are orbiting Mars. But we have the same tired and inadequate mass transportation between our towns and cities that we had 30 years ago.”

So lamented a U.S. president as he signed into law a landmark piece of legislation to lay the groundwork for a revitalization of the passenger rail network in the United States¹.

This JETs on Japan article examines why Japan and the US diverged so noticeably in their transportation infrastructure.

JETs on Japan: January, 2025

USJETAA is seeking a passionate and creative Social Media Coordinator to become a part our small team. This role includes  managing and creating content for our social media channels, designing graphics, and working with JETAA chapters to amplify event promotions. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about digital engagement and community building.

Jennifer Jakubowski (Hokkaido, 1995-1997)

By a multitude of measures, Japan and the United States are among the most polar-opposite cultures on the planet. Japanese society dates back millennia; the United States, by comparison, is but a teenager.  Japan embodies one of the most homogeneous populations in the world; the United States is the quintessential melting pot. The axis on which Japanese society rotates is one of group-based mentality and behavior; the United States foremost fosters and rewards individualism. Hierarchy has a long and prominent role in Japan; competition and meritocracy have largely driven the American narrative. Such contrasts represent a mere glimpse of the fuller picture.

JETs on Japan: December, 2024