JET Alum-Owned Businesses

There is a level of trust and shared commonalities amongst JET alumni.
We believe JETs want to support each other, including supporting JET-owned businesses.

Consulting Services
-Sekiwake Sponsor-

  • PinPath, LLC provides bespoke project management, grants management, program development, and strategic management consulting services to non-profits, universities, government agencies and private companies - in particular those operating in the US-Japan space. PinPath also provides these services for the development and implementation of programs that promote social entrepreneurs.

    PinPath, LLC empowers global stewards to imagine and enact uniquely human solutions to uniquely human problems. PinPath envisions a world in which everyone can interact successfully and respectfully and take responsible action toward sustainability, collective wellbeing, and a higher quality of life for all.

  • PinPath, LLC was founded in 2019 by Danielle Reed (Miyagi, 2011-2014), a certified project management professional with 15+ years of experience working in U.S.-Japan relations across multiple sectors.

    Prior to JET, Danielle worked at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC and S&R Foundation. Her volunteer roles include past JETAADC Board of Directors and current Board of CIE-US. Danielle is also am alumna of the Tomodachi Leadership Program.

Tour Operator
-Ozeki Sponsor-

  • We are a specialist travel company who make 100% carbon-offset, semi-custom ‘cultural adventure’ package vacations in Japan, South Korea, and SE Asia. We are B Corp certified and aim to help every traveler see the highlights of each destination the right way and Get Beneath the Surface as well. We were founded by two Bristolians who taught English in Japan in the late 90’s and have grown the company to over 200 staff on 4 continents. We make the process of planning and taking unique vacations to our countries easy, as our travel consultants have all lived, worked, and traveled extensively in-destination, we provide extensively detailed travel documents, and we have a 24/7 customer experience team in-region to assist throughout your trip. If you’d like your special trip taken care of by the experts, give us a call!

  • The North American office of InsideJapan Tours was started as a solo-operation in Mat Eccles' (Yamanashi, 2002-2005) basement and has grown to over 40 staff, based out of their Broomfield, CO office. The company is now majority-owned by Blanford Capitol (UK), but with easily over half of the US staff being JET alumni, we think of this business as JET-fueled.

Consulting Services
--Sekiwake Sponsor-

  • Saskia Rock designs tailored training programs, consulting, and coaching services to help global professionals confidently navigate Japan’s unique business culture. Her mission is to bridge cultural gaps, strengthen cross-cultural communication, and foster leadership development within organizations with Japanese DNA.

    She is especially passionate about empowering women, supporting them in discovering their strengths and building careers that are both sustainable and personally fulfilling. Whether working with Japanese colleagues or leading diverse teams, Saskia provides the tools and insights needed to thrive across cultures.

  • Saskia Rock is a proud JET alum (Ishikawa, 1997) and founder of Saskia Rock Consulting, where she supports individuals and organizations navigating Japan-related work and culture. She also serves as Managing Director at Japan Consulting Office, advising global clients on HR strategy, business efficiency, and cross-cultural leadership.

    Through both roles, she blends mindfulness, practical HR expertise, and a deep love for Japan to help bridge cultures and build more inclusive workplaces. Saskia is thrilled to support USJETAA and connect with fellow JETs who are making an impact around the world.

Japanese Language App
-Sekiwake Sponsor-

  • Nihongo is more than just a Japanese dictionary for iPhone and iPad—it’s an essential tool for anyone serious about self-study. With features like integrated flashcards automatically generated from words you look up, whether through text or your camera, it’s designed to streamline your learning experience. It even includes a Safari integration, so you can look up words on webpages without leaving the browser, making it incredibly versatile for learners at any stage.

    Nihongo Lessons, the sister app to Nihongo, is perfect for those aiming for fluency in Japanese—not just tourists. Built on the renowned Japanese Level Up learning system, the app introduces 10 new words or grammar points daily, all presented in new sentences that only use previously learned content. With professional voice acting and Japanese-language explanations beyond the beginner level, it provides an immersive and structured path to mastering vocabulary and grammar.

  • Nihongo was created by Chris Vasselli, a JET spouse who lived in Hyogo Prefecture from 2012 to 2014. While his partner was teaching English, Chris immersed himself in Japanese language studies at a school in Osaka. Their evenings were spent in deep conversations about Japanese, linguistics, and the challenges of learning a new language, sharing insights from both the student and teacher perspectives. These discussions, combined with their mutual love for Japan, inspired the creation of Nihongo. Since 2018, Chris has devoted himself to Nihongo full-time, helping learners worldwide deepen their connection to the language.

If you are a JET who would like to sponsor and support the work USJETAA does for our JET community through your company,
become a JET Alum-Owned Business Sponsor.
See our sponsorship levels here.

Education Programs
-Ozeki Sponsor-

  • Created by JETs for JETs, these programs form a full pathway of support before, during, and after your time in Japan. Whether you’re preparing to depart, navigating your first year, or exploring what’s next, our programs meet you where you are—offering personal reflection, mentorship, mock interviews, and tailored preparation.

    Through gamified lessons, optional graduate credit, and travel immersion tracks in Japan (Cultural Discovery, Language Immersion, and Education Immersion), participants build skills and confidence in a fun, interactive way. At the heart of it all is community: you’ll always have supportive people alongside you—learning, reflecting, and thriving together. With both online events and live in-person meetups, you’re part of a nationwide cohort that grows with you at every stage of the JET journey.

  • My name is Marti Deyo, and my years on JET were truly transformational. From 2004–2009, I served in Aomori Prefecture—first as an Assistant Language Teacher across elementary, junior high, high school, college, and adult classes, and later as a Prefectural Advisor. Those experiences lit a fire in me—not only to teach and connect, but to support others in building adaptability, community, and purpose.

    We created JetPrep, JetThrive, and JetNext because we saw how many JETs arrived eager and ready to learn, yet sometimes without the tools to reflect, normalize challenges, or map their goals. These programs exist to meet participants at every step along the way—helping them prepare, thrive, and carry their JET experience forward into what comes next.

    We can’t wait to journey with you!

Networking Organization
-Sekiwake Sponsor-

  • Founded by Tracy Gopal, Third Arrow Strategies is a governance firm dedicated to transforming governance – from form to substance – creating high-performing boards with diverse, skills-based, and global talent. She also founded and leads the Japan Board Diversity Network (JBDN), the largest global network of current and aspiring board directors for Japan. She is an active recruiter for Japan boards, known for placing highly skilled, global-minded board directors.

  • Tracy Gopal is a proud JET alum (Shiga, 1992)!  While she only stayed one year and built her career in the United States, she stayed connected to Japan through working on Japan-related projects, serving on the board of the Japan Society of Northern California, and watching a lot of Japanese dramas! Since founding her company, she has daily contact with Japan and a reason to continue to study Japanese and talk about Japan every day!

  • Website: Third Arrow Strategies | Japan Board Diversity Network (JBDN)

Teaching Resources
-Sekiwake Sponsor-

  • Eigo Ganbare is your go-to platform for taking lessons to the next level — filled with resources for fun classroom activities, whether low-tech or high-tech. From pen pal projects to English Club opportunities, students can spark creativity, strengthen their English skills, and build global connections in the classroom.

    Supporting this, ALTinginJapan provides a space for ALTs to connect, share team-teaching strategies, exchange advice, and learn from each other’s experiences — helping to strengthen the ALT community across Japan.

    Together, these platforms empower teachers to discover fresh ideas, connect with peers, and communicate across cultures.

  • Founded by Annette Lee (Hyogo 2004–2005), Eigo Ganbare is a great example of how JET alumni continue to build on their experiences after the program and pay it forward. We love that Annette has chosen to help future JETs in the classroom through her own years of experience.

  • Website: https://en.eigoganbare.com/