In FY23, Sasakawa USA continued its partnership with the US Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme Alumni Association (USJETAA) in offering a competitive mini-grant program vis-à-vis the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) chapters and sub-chapters within the United States. Through this initiative, funded by Sasakawa USA and administered by USJETAA, small grants were awarded to JETAA chapters and sub-chapters to co-host innovative activities that engaged JET alumni and sought to promote a better understanding on U.S.-Japan relations in their communities. In its seventh year of the program—which follows the Japanese fiscal year from April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023—Sasakawa USA and USJETAA awarded a total of three grants to JETAA chapters. These chapters were Japanese Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of Washington, D.C. (JETAADC), Japanese Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of Northern California & Nevada (JETAANC), and Japanese Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of Southern California (JETAASC).

Using the remaining funds, USJETAA, in consultation with Sasakawa USA, heavily assisted two smaller chapters lacking in resources and funding to host similar events. These chapters were Japanese Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of the Rocky Mountains (JETAARM) and Japanese Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of Florida (JETAAFL). USJETAA created, planned, and executed these events, while local chapters provided on the ground logistical support. USJETAA’s support and encouragement resulted in the successful execution of both events and helped both chapters to re-engage with their members and the local community after suffering from low participation rates post-COVID. USJETAA’s support with these events also served as a model for how to conduct events in the future.

All chapter grant activities focused on professional development within the U.S.-Japan context and were predominately aimed at supporting young professionals entering the job market post-JET.

The selected proposals were:

*Denotes JET alumnus

JET Alumni Association of Washington, D.C. (JETAADC)

“Mentorship Program”

Program dates: August – December 2023
Location: Washington, D.C.

The JETAADC ran a fourth year of its Mentorship program, which matches recently returning JETs (mentees) with established JET Alumni (mentors) and facilitates the next generation of U.S.-Japan leadership entering the workforce post-JET. Mentors and mentees participated in virtual and/or in-person monthly meetings, to include alumni panels on U.S.-Japan careers, resume workshops, and various networking events. Although smaller than previous years’ programs, the quality of the program significantly improved, as mentees understanding of opportunities in the U.S.-Japan space increased a notable 75%. JETAADC hopes to continue its Mentorship Program, whose success has helped to foster future leaders in the U.S.-Japan community, and whose program has served as a model for other chapters.

JET Alumni Association of Northern California & Nevada (JETAANC)

“Continuing Your Personal & Professional Journey in U.S.-Japan Relations”

Program date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
Location: Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA

JETAANC held a panel discussion and networking session as a part of the 2023 JETAA USA National Conference. The event brought together recently returned JETs and JET chapter leaders to explore pathways to maintain engagement in U.S.-Japan relations, to increase JETAA chapter leader’s awareness of JET returners’ interests, and to maximize the potential for recent JET returnees to pursue professional, academic and personal opportunities to continue their engagement in U.S.-Japan relations by making them aware of the support available to them. Panelists included Karen Kelley, Senior Foreign Service Officer (ret.), US Department of State; Scott Pulizzi*, Associate Professor & Program Chair, International Development Programs, Middlebury Institute of International Studies; Winnie Yung-Chung Heh, Career Advisor, Interpretation, Translation, and Localization Programs, Middlebury Institute of International Studies; Takeshi Yamagishi, General Manager, Quick USA; and Jessyca Livingston*, Executive Director, USJETAA. The event was moderated by Cerell Rivera*, Chief of Staff, Growth, Performance and Operations, LinkedIn.

JET Alumni Association of Southern California (JETAASC)

“Annual Career Seminar & Networking Event”

Program date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Location: Japan House, Hollywood, CA

JETAASC hosted a career panel discussion for recently returned and mid-career JET alumni, to provide them with networking opportunities and information on how to approach job hunting both generally and in their respective fields. The panelists included Rebecca Guttentag*, Japanese-English Localization Specialist, Riot Games; Tim Harmes*, Award-winning Film Producer, Harmes Way Films; and Takeshi Yamagishi, General Manager, Quick USA. The event was moderated by Charles Lin*, Lawyer, Procopio. During the break between the panel discussion and the networking portion of the event, there was a taiko drum performance. The latter half of the event thus kicked off with a lively start, as participants were able to connect with a variety of JET and non-JET professionals in attendance. This event served to assist JETAASC in reinvigorating their chapter member engagement which had been heavily impacted by COVID.

JET Alumni Association Rocky Mountain (JETAARM)

“Career Compass”

Program date: Monday, January 22, 2024
Location: Chamber of Commerce, downtown Denver, CO

USJETAA, in coordination with JETAARM, held an in-person panelist discussion and networking professional development event. The event attracted 42 participants, which included recently returned and established JET alumni. Panelists included Emily Frank*, Career Coach, Career Catalyst; Jennifer Basco*, Career Coach, Silver Sparrow Coaching; and Takeshi Yamagishi, General Manager, Quick USA. The event was moderated by Claudine Locascio, Executive Director, Japan America Society of Colorado. Read more about the event on the USJETAA website here.

JET Alumni Association Florida (JETAAFL)

“Career Compass”

Program Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Location: virtual (USJETAA hosted)

USJETAA, in coordination with JETAAFL, held a virtual professional development event. The event attracted 31 participants, including current JETs, recently returning JETs, and the general public. The event panelists included, Tsehay Wright*, Career Counselor, Georgia State University; Cori Hallock*, Founding Director, Japan America Society of Miami/South Florida; and Takeshi Yamagishi, General Manager, Quick USA. It was moderated by Jessyca Livingston*, Executive Director, USJETAA. Read more about the event on the USJETAA website here.

You can read more about the chapter grant program on the USJETAA website.