Celesté Holmes-Tate says she’s always trying to figure out what she wants to do. She’s certainly done a lot. Celesté has, among other things, organized Black History Month events, obtained a Master’s degree in Japan, and served as a college lecturer. And, oh yeah, she was an ALT in the JET Program for six years in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

This October, Japan Society of Boston featured Aiya Perrine (Akita, 2022-2024), in their JSB meets JET Alumni series.

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.