Below are JET alumni representing different fields, companies and groups ready to connect with you! This directory will be available until September 1st, 2021. Members are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
If you would like to be listed, please check our information page.
Here are some of the industries represented by our J-Link members:
International Exchange/International Education, Language Services (Translation / Interpretation), Higher Education Administration, Entrepreneur, U.S. – Japan Nonprofit, Government/Foreign Service, Business / Corporation, Media, Cultural Groups and more!
Note: Those National J-Link Members with an ( * ) after their JETAA chapter, attended the Industry Networking Happy Hour on 9/26.
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Brain & Spine Clinics is a unique integrative practice with a focus on pain management by optimizing function through cutting-edge treatment options to include Chiropractic, Cold Laser, Non-Surgical Decompression, physical therapeutic exercise and Clinical Neuroscience-based Rehabilitation and Clinical Functional Nutrition.
The Bellingham Sister Cities Association (BSCA) is a part of this international organization promoting “person-to-person” activities between countries around the world. Bellingham has four sister cities; all are port cities located around the Pacific Rim including the City of Tateyama in Chiba Prefecture.
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An international member of society and life-long learner that has a fervor for sharing and promoting international exchange and understanding. Currently living in the Midwest as an English teacher and artist.
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GPI US is an international education company that works to empower today’s youth to thrive in a global society through a variety of workshops and activities. Tyler is planning on moving to Hawaii in 2021 and would be happy to connect with anyone there or looking to move/work/visit/do business there!
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Alana is currently working as a speech language pathologist to special needs preschoolers and making “Miss Alana” videos to help them practice communicating at home. She also loves performing in plays, musicals, and voice overs. During her time in Japan, Alana developed a love for performing enka music which continues to to this day.
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The Hyogo Business & Cultural Center is an overseas office of the Hyogo prefectural government based in Seattle. The center promotes the sister-state relationship between Hyogo and Washington through cultural, educational, and business exchange. This includes, for example, Japanese cultural events, collaboration with local entities, and a Japanese speech & skit contest.
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Liz Bigler has been teaching English to Japanese people since she was a participant on the JET Program in 1990 (Fukui). The owner of Bigler ESL, based in Atlanta, she is now offering private and group sessions to Japanese and other speakers of English. Completely online, Bigler ESL can help English speakers around the world! http://www.BiglerESL.com
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Phylicia went to Akita on an exchange program, and after JET, she stayed in Sapporo for 4 more years as an instructor and translator. She lived in Japan for 9 years in total. She is a board member of the Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association and chair for JETAA Portland.
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Sheila is a writer with experience in journalism, communications and grant writing. Currently working in the health care industry.
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The Ashinaga Foundation is one of the largest NPO/NGOs in Japan. We provide educational and emotional support to young people who have experienced the loss of one or both parents. In 2001, Ashinaga expanded beyond its domestic activities and now supports a global community of young people with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa through the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) leadership program.
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The Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) promotes social justice, and the well-being and empowerment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and other underserved communities – including immigrants, refugees and American-born – by developing, providing and advocating for innovative community-based multilingual and multicultural services.
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Laurasian Institution is a not-for-profit educational organization, specializing in meaningful, high-quality, exchange and education programs driven by their curricular design. The institution was founded in 1990 and has been honored to operate programs sponsored by both the U.S. Department of State and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Zack Davisson is a writer, editor, lecturer, scholar and translator, known for his his works on Japanese folklore and ghosts as well as translating the works of Shigeru Mizuki, Matsumoto Leiji, and Satoshi Kon.
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I live in Tacoma, and I work in the Curatorial Department of the Tacoma Art Museum. I have been an admirer of Japanese woodblock prints for twenty years and received a masters of arts degree in art history from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, with a focus in twentieth century Japanese art.
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The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center fosters globally minded leaders of integrity in the spirit of Maureen and Mike Mansfield. We partner with students, educators, community members and institutions around the world in order to promote dialogue and a global exchange of perspectives, ideas, and solutions. Randi’s currently works as the International Program Coordinator at the Mansfield Center.
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Zara is Out in Tech’s first womxn/femme non-binary leader on the Chicago Leadership Team. Out in Tech is a global non-profit that unites the LGBTQ+ tech community worldwide. As a multicultural Wonder Woman and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) Strategist, Zara has enjoyed over a decade of empowering communities with her/their intersectional and holistic approach to Human Resources, business operations, learning and organizational development initiatives with the key ingredient of equitable design and impact.
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Emily was a Hokkaido JET from 1993-1996. She is an experienced career counselor and coach, with 15 years of experience, both at universities and in private practice. She holds an M.A. in counseling, with an emphasis on career development. She spent her first few post-JET years without a career path, and aims to ease that burden for others who have lived overseas. In addition to her degrees, Emily is a Myers-Briggs Master Practitioner, and is certified in the Strong Interest Inventory career assessment and the StrengthsFinder assessment. She calls Denver home, but is delighted to work with clients all over the world.
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I write books to mine my experiences for insights that might also be helpful for others.
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Densho collects and preserves video oral histories documenting Japanese American history with an emphasis on the World War II incarceration. Our website provides a free digital archive of nearly 2000 hours of interviews, 60,000 historical photos and documents, along with curricula examining democratic principles and civil liberties. Geoff currently serves as the Deputy Director and has over 15 years of experience developing technology and information management strategies for a variety of for-profit and non-profit ventures, ranging from small think-tanks and startups to the Department of State.
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Kyle is a Major Gifts Fundraiser for the National Park Foundation, which seeks to preserve and enhance our nations cultural, historic and natural treasures and is the official charitable partner of the National Park Service, which seeks to He engages philanthropists and connect them with programs that can maximize their impact in the world. Kyle is happy to speak with people who are in learning more about fundraising.
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Melissa is an international education management professional with 5+ years of experience in intercultural competence training, program design and management, and nonprofit operations. Originally from the Oregon coast, she now calls Monterey, California home and works for a Bay Area-based nonprofit that facilitates social impact leadership training in Asia and Silicon Valley.
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Rod Gottula grew up in Shepherd, Montana. His four years on the JET Program fueled his passion for helping young people experience the wonders of other cultures and the beauty of everyday folks in different lands after his return to Montana. His hobbies include reading, writing, struggling to play the guitar, and occasionally karaoke. Rod and his wife, Rie constantly nag their two children to study more and make the most of their bilingual and multicultural opportunities. Double! Not Half. is dedicated to their journey. Currently Rod is currently a Vice Principal at West Billings High School.
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One-on-one career coaching, leadership development and career skills inventory development. Take ALL that you’ve achieved, all that you offer and make it resonate with the right audiences!
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Ms. Amelia Hagen is the Entrepreneurship and Business Development Manager at Swiss IM&H in Lucerne, Switzerland. In this capacity, she works on creating and curating entrepreneurial initiatives, developing online curriculum, and connecting others virtually and in person to promote collaboration.
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Izumi is a science communicator specializing in astronomy. Her passion to help people engage with science has led her to work in journalism, informal education, and public relations. to the public. She is currently the Assistant Outreach Coordinator for the IAU/NAOJ Office for Astronomy Outreach in Mitaka, Japan.
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Mr. Ryan Hata is currently the Events Program Manager at The Jerome A. Chazen Institute part of Columbia University’s Business School. He currently manages the visiting scholars program, which includes the Lulu Chow Wang Senior Visiting Scholars program. He also runs high profile speaker events such as the Sir Gordon Wu Forum and the Nand and Jeet Khemka Forum.
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H2D Architecture + Design is a full service architecture and design firm founded in 2006 by Heidi Helgeson. The firm’s mission is to work as a team with our clients, listening and developing their objectives and visions into beautiful architecture. Whether we are working on a small remodel, new custom home, addition, multi-family dwelling, or a small commercial space, our focus is on architectural detail, budget feasibility, and incorporating environmentally friendly materials and methods.
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Kirsten holds 20 years of experience in strategic storytelling, individual coaching, and leadership training. From Fortune 500 CEOs to Mary J. Blige to students who survived the great tsunami in Japan, Kirsten thrives on working with people at the intersection of leadership, empathy, healing, and humor. She designs and executes storytelling strategies and leadership trainings using improv comedy and nonviolent communication.
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Michael works for the Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage, which is a branch of the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle. Some of his duties include coordinating the Consular Office’s Facebook account and school outreach program.
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Supporting individuals, organizations, and communities on their journey to dismantle systemic racism and patriarchy.
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Michelle Kato is an Emergency Management Specialist who helps people before, during and after disasters in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and the 271 Tribal Nations. Michelle enjoys volunteering with the American Red Cross in her spare time.
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3-year ALT that used my JET experience to turn it into an awesome career in technology. Andrew is currently a Senior Program Manager – Workplace Analytics (Microsoft Office 365) at Microsoft.
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Japan taught me how important community is. I moved back to Idaho in August 2020 to get my Masters in Public Administration at Boise State University. I am so inspired to see how JET alumni are transforming their JET experience into change in their own communities.
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Founder and President of ALL-STAR K.K., Eric works with Sports, Outdoor, and Sustainable/Environmental Fashion brands for Market Entry to Japan, and Headhunting.
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Real Estate and Property Management. Currently Julia works as Real Estate Agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and is also a Real Estate Appraiser Trainee (looking for a supervisor!)
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Kelsey worked as a CIR/PA in Tochigi Prefecture after college, and then at Human Rights Now in Tokyo. She later moved to Bangladesh to teach at the Asian University for Women and plans to pursue a career in international educational development to improve access to higher education for marginalized communities.
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I’ve been the assistant manager at the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center (HBCC) since 2019. HBCC is committed to the continued development of the sister-state relationship between Washington State and Hyogo Prefecture by promoting governmental, business, cultural, and educational collaboration between the two regions. We build connections between Washington and Hyogo by supporting Japanese language education, offering cultural workshops, assisting student and teacher exchanges, providing business development services, and supporting sister-city relationships between Washington and Hyogo cities.
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Entrepreneur, on the metaphysical side. Kat crafts intention specific tools such as candles, soaps, anointing oils, perfumes, curios, and more for people to use in their lives to help them direct and focus their energy on a specific purpose. Kat does it all – from design, production, and marketing; loving the grand adventure that is the creative process. She is also a massage therapist, with a focus on Bowenwork and Pranic Healing.
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Boston Intercultural offers coaching, translation, and marketing services, primarily for Japan-related businesses and individuals. We translate not just words, but also culture and design to effectively serve our target audience.
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I’m Christina McQueen: a creative professional with a passion for storytelling! In terms of my life’s work, there is nothing more important to me than telling stories and helping people find the right words to tell theirs. So, here I am; determined to create and find diverse, compelling narratives for audiences across the world.
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Authentic servant leader with 20+ years of excellence in change management and educational programming . Meet organizational goals through keen strategic thinking, team engagement, and contagious vision. Strategist ready to serve in a position that requires innovative transformation and strong fiscal growth. Able to provide operations, leadership and project management skills that translate into broader performance excellence. Global citizen who has proven success in serving diverse populations and quickly understanding organizational needs to ensure a high performance culture.
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I hold a M.Ed. in bilingual education, PhD. in anthropology, and a number of other certifications related to both education and cyber security (CySA+). I am seeking opportunities in the research and training space.
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Serving as Prefectural Advisor for the JET Program in Okinawa led Grant to a career in the government/nonprofit sector; first in Hawaii local government, then briefly to the East-West Center, and now back to JET as a JET Program Coordinator at the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles. He continues to seek opportunities to leverage his experience towards meaningful results in public service.
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Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is based in Beppu, Kyushu island, southern Japan, and is one of the top international private institutions in Japan. With almost half of its faculty and student body comprised of foreign nationals from all over the world, APU has a truly international campus environment. My role as Accreditation Coordinator is to help APU secure international quality accreditation and certifications, including AACSB, AMBA, and TedQual. This position allows me to work in both English and Japanese. I am also able to liaise with people around the world regarding higher education and quality assurance processes.
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A firm believer in the positive impact of grassroots exchange, she continues to support citizen diplomacy in her current role as the Senior Specialist for Cultural Affairs, Sister Cities and Public Outreach at the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle. She is responsible for creating cultural and educational programing content and has a special interest in Japanese armor and furoshiki tying techniques.
Iaido is the art of drawing, cutting from the draw and re-sheathing a Japanese long sword. Through a series of stylized scenarios (kata) originating from techniques used by the Samurai, students of Iaido train their bodies and minds by learning extremely precise maneuvers, while simultaneously increasing concentration and focus. Lynn studies Iaido at the Musokai Dojo, which is a school of Japanese Swordsmanship in the style and tradition of Muso Shinden-ryu.
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How to Japanese is a site about learning Japanese and translation. Daniel also writes for the Japan Times and works as International Programs Manager at the Institute of Real Estate Management.
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Kurtis works as a California State Auditor for California’s independent state government oversight agency.
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Jeremy belongs to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) -Local 15 ,which is the union behind entertainment! Jeremy works most strongly in technological, theatrical, and educational environments.
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Starbucks is the world’s largest premium coffee chain with approximately 30,000 stores globally. Our mission is: To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. Patrick currently works as a Product Developer for Starbucks.
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After my years on JET I worked for three years as a study abroad administrator and then moved back to Kyoto to help with my husband’s business. I began studying Sogetsu ikebana while on JET and now teach ikebana workshops at the Kinse Ryokan Inn.
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Jackson is a J-E localization specialist for The Pokémon Company International.
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Murasaki Studio, LLC is my independent design consulting practice, where I offer user experience, web, and graphic design services. My availability is intermittent, but I particularly love doing nonprofit- and Japan-affiliated work.
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The Seventh Wave is a 501(c)(3) arts and literary nonprofit that invites writers, artists, activists, and creators to take part in a conversation surrounding the most pressing social issues of our times. We publish two digital issues per year, each tied to an in-person artist residency on both coasts. We are deeply rooted in the belief that genuine dialogue has the potential to shift cultural paradigms and discourses over time.
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After JET I worked as a Regional Personnel Coordinator for a private company in Japan. Now with The Laurasian Institution, I manage international programs of grassroots academic exchange designed to expand understanding of different cultures.
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Having worked in a variety of jobs after returning from Japan as well as from her experiences on the JET Program, Jessica has learned the importance of being flexible. She has worked in the industries of veterinary medicine, data collection and Japanese government at both the Prefectural and National level. Since September 2019, she has been the Media & Outreach Assistant at the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle. This is her fourth year as the Transitions Coordinator. If you are wondering what steps to take next, she might have some helpful suggestions.
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As an ALT I taught Pre-K through junior high 3rd years in rural Japan at 8 different schools. Returning to Alaska I was a substitute for the Anchorage School District (ASD) for 3 years for K-12. I worked for the Kuspuk School District in rural Alaska for 3 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade and returned to Anchorage where I have taught 1st grade for 4 years and am currently teaching 4th grade for the Anchorage School District’s Japanese Immersion Program as the partner teaching English and math while my partner teaches Japanese, Social Studies and Science.
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Hi, I’m Stevie and I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of semiconductor technology and electronic hardware. I am excited about building elegant products which leverage breakthrough technologies and serve the needs of underserved markets and social impact causes. Avid surfer and outrigger canoeing enthusiast and the Principal/CEO of ScriptSift!
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I have been involved with JETAA Alaska for the last 5 years, although it has only been an official chapter for 4 years. I became the president in 2019 and love seeing our chapter grow. I am also a People Department Assistant at DOWL, an engineering consulting firm.
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I am a book publisher who has been publishing books about Japan for 15 years. Bruce co-founded Chin Music Press to bring more contemporary writing on Japan to the US. He also teaches an online feature writing course at the University of New Orleans.
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Denise is a Japanese art enthusiast: she studied kimono for 3 and a half years under a certified sensei, specializes in kasudama origami, makes kimekomi and is an avid singer. Denise is interested in culture exchange especially with travel and food. If you want to learn more about Japanese arts or some karaoke recommendations, please reach out!
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Hello! I’m Alexander Schloss. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and currently work in the field as a Crisis Social Worker at one of the only crisis centers in my city.
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Helping clients get the maximum benefit from technology in their daily lives: choosing electronics to meet their needs; installation and setup of new tech; learning to use software; etc. Kathe is a Technology Consultant and the owner of Schmaing Technology Consultants in Missoula, Montana.
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Established in 1956, National University of Natural Medicine is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical university in North America and a leader in natural medicine education and evidence-based research. Rabia belives that life is all about learning. In this particular stage of her life she wants to dive right in and explore.
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Jennifer’s JET-inspired dedication to intercultural exchange persists in her career focused on Japanese pop culture. She builds bonds between Japan and English-speaking readers through her writing and editing role at Anime News Network. Building on industry expertise, Jennifer edits translated manga and light novels as she eagerly expands her localization skills in the games industry.
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I’ve worked in communications at the University of Washington in various departments for the past 17 years.
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JETRO is a non-profit Japanese governmental organization underneath the Ministry of Economy. JETRO’s mission is to promote mutual economic relations between Japan and the rest of the world. We are tasked with assisting American companies who are considering the Japanese market. Andy is currently working as a Business Development Representative in the New York office of JETRO USA.
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Bahia Simons-Lane is the Executive Director of the U.S. Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme Alumni Association. USJETAA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization that serves as a resource for and about the JETAA network and alumni in the United States. It facilitates cooperation and communication among the 19 JETAA chapters and with the business and academic communities, governments of Japan and the United States, U.S.-Japan-related organizations, and the global Japanese community.
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LA-based multilingual (English-Japanese-Spanish) with an interest in US-Japan relations, live interpretation, graduate programs, and international education.
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Currently working in public school sector. Expanding education in Asia, specifically Japan. Working on several projects to introduce Japanese culture into the community.
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Building on her JET experience, Amanda was able to utilize Japanese language on a daily basis and gain further translation and interpretation experience in a Japanese government setting, before moving on to the entertainment industry. She currently uses her Japanese language skills in the area of product development and to help formulate business strategy.
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Established in 1907 to serve as an alumni association to Japanese pioneers who immigrated from Kumamoto Prefecture. Our goal is to teach about the past, serve the present and assist future generations to learn about Kumamoto and our unique relationship with Japan. If you are interested, we welcome you!
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Since 2017, I work as the JET Program Coordinator and Educational Affairs Specialist at the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle.
Started in Fall 2017 by alumni of Taiko Kai at the University of Washington, Dekoboko Taiko shares its love of taiko, or Japanese drumming, to audiences in the Pacific Northwest.
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Alisa has over ten years of experience serving in the Cultural Affairs Section as the JET Program Coordinator at the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston.
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The Sister Cities Council of Tacoma advances Tacoma as a global city and promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation through citizen diplomacy – one individual, one community at a time – for the benefit of Tacoma and its sister cities. To accomplish its mission, The Sister Cities Council of Tacoma develops programs in the areas of cultural arts and tourism, global education, government relations, and international business. I currently serve as the Secretary for the Kitakyushu Committee, and the Tacoma Sister Cities International Film Festival Chair.
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Rob Uy, Principal of RSU Consulting, and formerly one of Amazon.com’s first Career Ambassadors, is a sought-after career coach who quickly and effectively establishes productive relationships built on mutual trust and respect. As a result, his clients experience an immediate boost in their personal and professional confidence, career direction and marketability. Rob inspires his clients to ‘find their voice’, tell their story effectively, and experience a genuine and revitalized perspective on who they are and where they want to go.
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I was in Ishikawa from 2015-2017 and then returned to the US to get my Master’s in International and Intercultural Communications. I’m now working for the State of Colorado and hoping to work my way back to a more internationally-focused career.
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Seattle University is the largest private university in the pacific northwest. I direct the International Student Center and international students from overseas make up about 10% of our campus population.
The Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee (MPPC or MPC) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) group that organizes the annual pilgrimage to the Minidoka National Historic Site located in southeastern Idaho. This national park is one of the American concentration camps that was in operation during WWII for persons of Japanese ancestry forced off the west coast of the United States. Minidoka was home to about 9,000 individuals from Washington, Oregon and Alaska. The pilgrimage is an intergenerational opportunity to hear the stories from survivors about this important chapter of American history. Scholarships are available, please visit the Minidoka Pilgrimage website to learn more.
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I’ve done a lot of technical translation and interpreting for Nintendo and am reawakening to my skills as a project manager there.
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I specialize in international community exchange and outreach in addition to global communications. I am also passionate about photography as well as studying intersectionality and serving mixed-race Asian minorities.
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City of Kobe’s Seattle branch office supports business relations between the US and Kobe, particularly for Japan market entry, business and office establishment in Kobe, and development of the US-Kobe startup ecosystem.
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I’m a Curriculum Designer and Instructor at Stanford’s Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE). I also serve on the Board of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW) and am a researcher of the Japanese diaspora to the Americas.
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My name is Emily Yocom, and I am a recent returnee of the JET Program (2019-2020). I was a CIR in the Tokushima Prefectural Government in Tokushima Prefecture, where I worked with the International Sports Exchange Division to translate and interpret for foreign sports teams in preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. I returned from JET last month and have been seeking employment in the US-Japan nonprofit and international education sectors, preferably allowing me to return to Japan in the near future. I am interested in networking with former JETs who have made a career in these sectors.
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International Business Protocol Liaison, Port of Seattle: Karin serves as an advisor for the Port of Seattle in protocol matters related to international delegations of business leaders, dignitaries, and government officials in order to facilitate positive business relationships. She manages interactions with Seattle’s sister port relationships, including the Port of Kobe, where she worked as a CIR in the City of Kobe’s Mayor’s Office for three years.
[T-YEAR] indicates the J-Link Member was hired, decided to continue to pursue an advanced degree or started their own business as a result of attending a Transitions event in the year indicated!