Guest writer

Bridge to the future

Japan exchange benefits U.S.

At the end of July, an accomplished group of recent college graduates departed for Japan. Their journey will change their lives and make the world bright.

I serve the states of Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee as Consul General of Japan.

That is why I am so pleased to congratulate all of the young leaders--including those who have graduated from Arkansas' leading universities--on joining the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program.

Since JET's establishment 30 years ago, more than 62,000 people from around the world have lived and worked across Japan, teaching English and coordinating international exchange initiatives. Of these, more than half have come from the U.S.

These impressive numbers provide a strong track record. However, the real value of JET is measured among all the people this program touches and the lifetime opportunities it creates for alumni.


In today's interconnected world, universities and employers seek out graduate students, doctoral students, and employees who have multilingual and cross-cultural skills.

However, it can be difficult for young people to build these assets. Only about 1 percent of undergraduate students a year are able to study abroad, according to the Association of International Educators.

With its competitive salary and excellent benefits, JET gives recent college graduates a significant opportunity to experience Japan and broaden their worldview during a formative time of life.

What's more, since their assignments last between one and five years, JET participants have ample time to live among Japanese people and experience everyday Japanese life in a way simply unavailable to tourists.

I look forward to when these young leaders return to their home states and communities.

With enriched international experience and language skills, they can make a difference locally and in the world as future diplomats, entrepreneurs, community leaders, artists, and more.

Many American JET alumni have already gone on to shape government and politics, academia, education, and private industry.

JET truly is a wonderful adventure--an opportunity to positively impact the lives of its participants as they in turn touch the lives of people in Japan and America.

And yet, here in this part of the U.S., JET seems to be somewhat of a well-kept secret.

I am eager to work with local leaders across my five-state jurisdiction to raise JET's profile and attract more qualified applicants.

Applicants are not required to speak Japanese or have any specialized field of study as a prerequisite. Instead, they need only possess a bright and curious mind and the urge to travel.

When JET participants from this region return home, they will strengthen the bridge between the people of Japan and this community.

Most will resettle in this five-state region, where approximately 440 Japanese-owned companies employ more than 110,000 people, and 18 local cities are sister cities with Japanese municipalities. This includes an active and fruitful relationship between Hot Springs and Hanamaki City.

To state it simply and without exaggeration: JET participants will become our future.

I wish to congratulate these energetic, ambitious young people who will soon travel to Japan. I hope more young leaders will join them in years to come.

To learn more about JET, visit jetprogramusa.org.

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As Consul General of Japan, Masami Kinefuchi is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the friendship between the citizens of Arkansas and Japan.

Editorial on 08/04/2016

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