We Are Tomodachi Autumn / Winter 2017

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35everyone is so kind: people whom I have met and gotten to know at international exchange events, for example, prepared lunch for my son for his elementary school sports day event, and when I had to move apartments, even offered their help. There are three CIRs in Hamada City: one from China, one from the United States, and myself. We are currently planning an international exchange festival and hope to make it an entertaining event by introducing popular foods and presenting songs and dances from each of our countries. I love Hamada’s green mountains, blue sea, and the warm hearts of its people. I hope to remain in Japan once I finish my term as a CIR, and help deepen ties between Vietnam and Japan by introducing Japanese culture to Vietnam, and Vietnam’s charms to Japan. From here on, I hope to take on new challenges and continue to create and treasure special ties with everyone.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/With colleagues from the Hamada City Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division.Wearing an ao dai, the traditional dress of Vietnamese women, at a public lecture introducing Vietnamese culture.CIRs from the United States, China and Vietnam visiting an elementary school.A small gathering to experience Vietnam’s coffee culture. Nhung introduces Vietnamese culture to the people of Hamada through language and cooking classes. She also administers a Facebook page in Vietnamese that provides information about tourism in Hamada City.Osaka CityShimane Pref.Hamada City