在ヒューストン日本国総領事館

Ladies and Gentlemen: It is my pleasure to welcome you to this lunch reception honoring Japan Exchange and Teaching Program returnees, alumni, supporters and friends.

For more than twenty years now, the JET Program has been bringing young professionals from around the world to Japan to improve foreign-language education and internationalization.At its deepest level, JET is about cultural exchange and human understanding.During their time in Japan, JETs experience the country and culture in a way that no tourist ever could.As vital members of their schools, offices and communities, they not only observe, but also explain and to some degree shape culture.In the process, they serve as human bridges of understanding.For many, this role becomes life-long.

Making the JET Program possible takes much more than just participants, schools and administrators. Back here at home, JET supporters also work hard to keep the program alive and robust.Teachers and community members inform potential JETs about the program and help them learn about Japanese language and culture.Volunteers help with interviews, orientations and information sessions.As we have gathered here today, I thank all of you for these great efforts.

The most profound function of the JET Program is building and nurturing the living bonds between Japan and the rest of the world.All of you here right now are a part of the bond between the United States and Japan.I wholeheartedly thank you for serving in this role and I hope it is one that you will continue.In the future, I look forward to working with many of you on projects great and small.For today, let’s start with some lunch and conversation.

Thank you.