For the majority of JETs, their time in Japan lives on through fond memories: bowing on instinct, deciphering kanji-packed paperwork, and forming friendships over cups of green tea and numerous omiyage snacks. But for Nichole Mayfield, the experience didn’t end with a plane ride home.

This September, Japan Society of Boston featured Steven Horowitz (Aichi, 1992-1994), in their JSB meets JET Alumni series.

“The days and months are travellers of eternity, just like the years that come and go. For those who pass their lives afloat on boats, or face old age leading horses tight by the bridle, their journeying is life, their journeying is home.”

-Matsuo Basho, Oku no Hosomichi, Translated by Tim Chilcott (The Narrow Road to the Deep North, 2004)

This August, Japan Society of Boston featured Annelise Wilp (Saitama, 2018-2020), in their JSB meets JET Alumni series.

If Tuan Do’s parents had their way, he would have become a doctor. Instead, Tuan parlayed a passion for languages into an international career — including a stint on the JET Program and positions in the United Nations that have taken him to Jordan, Switzerland, and Vietnam over the last 24 years. 

This July, Japan Society of Boston featured Justin Randall (Hokkaido, 2019-2024), in their JSB meets JET Alumni series.

This profile of JET alumnus Harry Hill highlights how his early experiences in Japan laid the groundwork for a dynamic career bridging U.S.-Japan relations. From interpreting for local officials to launching successful businesses, Hill turned his time on JET into a lifelong mission. His story highlights the power of building meaningful relationships, embracing challenges, and seeing one's outsider status as a strength.

This June, Japan Society of Boston featured Chelsie Blackwell (Kyoto, 2019-2020), in their JSB meets JET Alumni series.