Reception for Returning JET Program Participants

On October 25, Consulate General of Japan in Houston hosted a reception at the residence for JET participants who returned to Texas and Oklahoma this year.
 
This annual reception welcomes JET Program participants returning to Texas and Oklahoma after completing their terms in Japan and provides an opportunity for networking with the local Japanese community.
 
To begin the reception, Consul General Naganuma thanked the returnees for their significant contributions to English language education and as ambassadors of goodwill from the United States in their respective assignment areas. He then touched on the history of the JET Program, relating the story of its inception in 1987 via the efforts of relevant officials with vision and noting that the program has continued expansion since, with more than 80,000 people having participated in the program to date. He concluded by expressing his hope that the returnees would use the experience gained through the JET Program will continue to serve as a bridge between Japan and the United States.
 
Ms. Taylor Campbell, President of JETAA Texoma (the Texas and Oklahoma chapter of the JET Program Alumni Association) gave remarks and a toast welcoming the returnees as the newest members of JETAA.
 
The seven returnees then spoke about their memories of Japan and their future goals and careers. Afterwards, current JETAA members encouraged the returnees by introducing JETAA's activities and their own career paths after returning from Japan.