We Are Tomodachi Japan and Russia Edition 2017

17/20

17With colleagues at the Toyama International Center.At an event celebrating 25 years of friendship and cooperation between Toyama Prefecture and Russia, held in Vladivostok in July 2017.At Far Eastern Federal University (my alma mater) planting cherry blossom trees, a gift from the Toyama-Vladivostok Friendship Association.About the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) ProgrammeThe Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme began in 1987 with the goal of promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other nations, and is now one of the world’s largest international exchange programs. JET participants are placed in every region of Japan and work in one of three positions: assistant language teachers (ALTs), coordinators for international relations (CIRs), or sports exchange advisors (SEAs). In 2016, the JET Programme welcomed 4,952 participants, and currently there are approximately 62,000 alumni from 65 countries living in all parts of the world. The JET Programme official websitehttp://jetprogramme.org/en/the trees were being properly watered. I worry about them in the strong, cold winds of Vladivostok, but I’m looking forward to picnicking under their blossoms in another ten years. I'm not sure what my future holds right now, but my time in Toyama has really energized me, and hope to use both my language skills and accumulated experience and knowledge to deepen Japan-Russia relations, wherever I end up.Toyama CityToyama Pref.Osaka City