In this Senpai Spotlight, Jonathan Lucas (Shizuoka, 2016-2019), MICE Promotions Specialist & IGLTA 2024 Coordinator, Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau , explains how he got his start in the tourism industry.

USJETAA has partnered with the prestigious University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (UPenn GSE) to offer scholarship opportunities to our JET alumni.

Collecting goshuin can be viewed as a modern-day personal pilgrimage throughout Japan, whether religious or sentimental. But goshuin represent more than just a mark or seal: they represent each individual spiritual connection between traditional pilgrimages and deities, and the bond between spiritual seekers to higher powers.

Learn more about goshuin in this article written by JET alum and professor Chloe Holm (Ehime, 2022-2023).

June’s Photo of the Month comes to us from JETAA Hawaii.

In June, we will read the short piece 夏釣日記 (Summer Fishing Journal) by essayist and fishing journalist Sato Koseki.

In May of 2024, Japan Society of Boston got to know Sarah Curtis (Kochi, 2018-2019) as she discussed learning local dialects, exploring local cuisine and more!

Kelsey Lechner (Tochigi, 2015-2017)

Human trafficking is a global problem, and it is usually incredibly difficult to tackle due to its underground nature. It is often termed “slavery” or “modern slavery” and may include forced labor, sexual exploitation, servitude, and even organ removal. This crime impacts virtually every country in the world, including Japan and the United States. While both countries have some policies in place to prevent and prosecute human trafficking crimes and protect victims, these policies and their implementation could be greatly strengthened. Furthermore, increased cooperation between Japan and the United States on the international stage could help tackle the problem in the Asian region more effectively.

JETs on Japan: May, 2024

USJETAA invites all JETAA chapters and/or sub-chapters in the US to apply for a small grant (typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,500) to support an innovative event or program that furthers US-Japan relations at the grassroots level. We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis through October 1, 2024.