Overview

Since the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program was founded in 1987, nearly 40,000 Americans have worked in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. Upon their return to the United States, these alumni have contributed their in-depth and nuanced understanding of Japan to enhance cross-cultural understanding and strengthen U.S.-Japan bilateral relations in their personal and professional lives.

In order to support U.S. JET alumni and to encourage their continued involvement in U.S.-Japan relations, Sasakawa USA is pleased to partner with the U.S. Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme Alumni Association (USJETAA) to offer three programs:

1. JETAA Chapter Grant Program
2. Speaker Series
3. JETs on Japan Publication Series.

Sasakawa’s partnership with USJETAA began in 2016, thus marking 2026 as the 10^th iteration of this partnership.

Grant Programs

1. JETAA Chapter Grant Program

The first program is the JETAA Chapter Grants, a competitive mini-grant program vis-à-vis the 19 JET Alumni Associations (JETAA) chapters and sub-chapters within the United States, to assist local chapters host activities to further U.S.-Japan relations at the grassroots level.

2. Speaker Series

The second program is the Speaker Series, designed to leverage Sasakawa USA’s and USJETAA’s network of high-level U.S.-Japan experts, and bring them speak at major events and conferences.

3. JETs on Japan Publication Series

The third program is the JETs on Japan Publication Series, which features selected articles of JET alumni perspectives on U.S.-Japan relations.