JET Streams – Issue #57 (Summer 2024)
CLAIR Corner (Articles and updates from CLAIR)
JETAA(I) (Articles from the JETAA chapters & JETAA-I)
Beyond JET (Articles from former JETs)
Welcome to the 2024 Summer Edition of JET Streams!
Department of JET Programme Management, CLAIR
Thank you for always reading JET Streams! This is the Department of JET Programme Management.
We hope you have had a good summer. In Japan, as October is approaching, the lingering summer heat is gradually giving way to the signs of autumn.
In this issue, we’ve got a lot of exciting articles for you!
There’s the report on the JET Video Contest Awards Ceremony held in July, the National Tax Agency of Japan’s Sake Brewery Tours held earlier this year, an update on KenJETKai’s activities, introductions to the members of JETAA Indonesia and JETAA Jamaica, and stories from four JET alumni about their experiences and activities on the JET Programme both during and after JET.
As always, we hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as we did. If you too would like to share your story, please check for more information at the links below:
- Submission guidelines:
- https://jetprogramme.org/wp-content/MAIN-PAGE/former/jetstreams/main/執筆ガイドライン（英日）.pdf
- JET Streams article proposal form:
- https://forms.office.com/r/51bg1Ab8K1
Wishing you all a wonderful rest of your summer and fall and see you for the next issue!
Discover The Charms of Traditional Industries
National Tax Agency of Japan Promotes Sake through Sake Brewery Tourism
Continuation of previous article, available here
Since 2023, Regional Taxation Bureau of Japan have organized sake brewery tours for ALTs and other foreign residents of Japan. These tours aim to immerse participants in Japanese sake culture and showcase its appeal to a global audience.
One such tour was hosted by the Kanto Shinetsu Regional Taxation Bureau on March 2, 2024. The participants visited Matsuoka Brewery, which was established in 1851 (Kaei 4) and is in Ogawa-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture. Operating under the brand name “Mikadomatsu”, Matsuoka Brewery has upheld the tradition of sake brewing for over 150 years, with a strong emphasis on the quality of water and sake rice.
In addition to learning about the sake production process and equipment, participants on the tour had the opportunity to taste various sakes, enjoy sake paired with Japanese cuisine, and create their own original sake bottle labels using traditional Japanese paper from Ogawa-machi. Alex Pedley, an ALT from Saitama, commented, “I was intrigued by the sake production method and process. The food pairings were excellent, and I gained a better understanding of how to serve sake properly.” Felicia Oriana added, “I enjoyed seeing the passion everyone had for their work and products. It was also exciting to learn about the initiative to designate Japan’s traditional sake brewing as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. I’m very happy to have been a part of this project.”
The participants were briefed on the sake production process and had the chance to try their hand at kai-ire, a technique involved in mixing the fermentation mash with large paddles.
Participants experienced sake tasting.
Participants had the opportunity to create their own original sake bottle labels using traditional Japanese paper.
Another highlight of this program was a sake brewery tour organized by the Takamatsu Regional Taxation Bureau on March 10, 2024.
During this tour, participants visited Nissin Shurui in Tokushima Prefecture. They were briefed on the sake production process and facilities, experienced sake bottling, and enjoyed food pairings. One participant shared, “I wasn’t very familiar with sake before, but this visit was unforgettable. The pairing experience was a new discovery for me; I learned that sake can beautifully complement a variety of flavors.” Another participant said, “I was thrilled to have this experience for the first time. I learned a lot about sake production, and it was a lot of fun.”
Participants learned about the production process and had the chance to experience sake bottling.
- If you’re interested in sake breweries and sake, be sure to check out the following video:
- https://www.nrib.go.jp/English/sake/japanese_sake_essentials.html
(prepared by the National Institute of Sake Research).
These local sake brewery tours and tourism resources will be available again next year in various regions of Japan. Keep an eye out for updates if you’d like to participate!
2024 JET Video Contest Award Ceremony
We at CLAIR are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the 2024 JET Video Contest, celebrated with an award ceremony on July 12th. Initiated in collaboration with JETAA-I, the video contest aimed not only to promote various regions of Japan through the eyes of JET Programme participants but also to maintain and strengthen the bond former JETs around the globe have with Japan.
Over a submission period of several months, we at CLAIR were thrilled to receive nearly 200 outstanding entries (which can be viewed via this link). After a thorough review of each video, a distinguished review committee of professionals was invited to CLAIR to participate in the very difficult task of selecting the top 13 videos and determining their respective prizes. Upon selection, all winners, including three from overseas, were invited on an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan to attend the award ceremony.
The awards ceremony was attended by about 100 people, including current and former JET Programme participants from all over Japan, and other related parties. The event was a huge success. The award ceremony was split into two sections, the ceremony and the reception. During the ceremony, the videos of the 13 winners were played for the audience, and the winners were invited to the stage to receive their certificates and prizes (details of the winning videos and awards can be found here). At the reception, attendees had the opportunity to hear a few words from JETAA-I Chair Laurence Innis as well as the gold prize winner John Jarvis and engage in conversations that will promote the strengthening of the bonds within the JET Programme network. Below, you will find photos capturing the memorable evening.
John Jarvis receiving his gold prize award
The three grand prize winners and their trophies
A group photo of all winners
Reception
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and express our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in the contest. We at CLAIR truly appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to your creations. Your ongoing appreciation of Japan and support for the JET Programme community are invaluable.
For updates on future events, please stay connected with us at CLAIR via JET Streams or follow us on our social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter)
Visiting Local Governments to promote KenJETkai
After the meeting at Wakayama Prefectural Government Office
Do you know about KenJETkai?
KenJETkai is an initiative by JETAA-I that started in 2017. Its aim is to directly connect former and current JET Programme participants with each other as well as with their prefectures, and to create a space where information can be exchanged freely. KenJETkai are Facebook groups, and as of August 2024, 44 of the 47 Japanese prefectures have their own Facebook group. The total number of members has already surpassed 5,000 and is steadily increasing.
So far, the activities of KenJETkai have been focused on interaction between former and current JET Programme participants. To get more input from the local governments, CLAIR supports JETAA-I to promote KenJETkai to get local governments on the Japanese side more involved. In July, JETAA-I chair, Laurence Inniss, and a member of the Board of Advisers, Matthew Gillam, came to Japan and visited six local governments in one week to explain the merits of getting involved in KenJETkai.
Meeting with the Governor of Tottori Prefecture, Shinji Hirai
Accompanied by CLAIR staff, they went to Nagano, Tottori, Fukuoka, Osaka, Wakayama and Tokushima before returning to Tokyo. They found out that prefectures are generally interested in this idea, and that they see JET alumni as a valuable asset that should be utilized. However, often organisational constraints make it difficult to get more involved with KenJETkai, since prefectures usually run information dissemination through their own SNS channels etc. which are strictly regulated. Nonetheless, JETAA-I believes that the network KenJETkai provides can help local governments to stay in touch with their international communities.
Talking to representatives of the prefectures about their needs and ideas was a chance for JETAA-I to gather insightful first-hand information that will hopefully help to better connect local governments with their JET communities. While many prefectures are still looking for ways to maintain relationships with their former JET Programme participants, some prefectures have already started their own projects to create new networks.
Meeting at the Nagano Prefectural Government Office
Nagano Prefecture has recently launched an initiative to connect with JETs all around the world to promote tourism, diversity, and internationalization. They believe that utilising international communities is key to put up a challenge against depopulation and to foster local revitalization. Recognizing the signs of the times, the set up a Discord server where former and currents JET Programme participants can connect with the prefecture and share all kinds of information. KenJETkai certainly has the potential to evolve into a more sophisticated form of network, and JETAA-I is always open to suggestions.
CLAIR will continue to support JETAA-I in their endeavor to strengthen the ties between Japanese local governments and the global JET alumni community. If you want to know more about KenJETkai or become a member, please check out the website of JETAA-I or their Facebook page.
JETAA Jamaica Chapters Members Introduction
Celebrating Sixty Years of Friendship between Jamaica and Japan
Authored by Terrike Brown (President, JETAA Jamaica)
Japan Day 2023
The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan. Although both countries are miles apart, seemingly disconnected by their unique historic and cultural identities, there is a special bond shared between these two nations which remains even stronger today as it did since the establishment of diplomatic relations on March 16,1964.
Beyond economic trade between Jamaica and Japan in the form of Japanese automobiles and Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, both countries’ rich cultural traditions and heritage also resonate deeply among its peoples. For example, anime and manga fans are on the rise in Jamaica with a noticeable increase in the number of cosplay events and activities. Likewise, Jamaican music, food and culture have been embraced through the renowned One Love Jamaica Festival which has become an annual feature on Japan’s entertainment calendar of events held during the summer. This festival provides an immersive experience for many Japanese who may not have the opportunity to visit Jamaica.
JETAA Jamaica
Jamaica-Japan bilateral relations remain anchored in shared values of cultural exchange and mutual cooperation. The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is one such initiative that has been used to promote internationalization at the grassroots level, bringing people together and building bonds of friendship worldwide. Since Jamaica joined the JET Programme in the year 2000, there have been over 400 Jamaican participants. Today, the JET Programme stands as the most successful intercultural exchange programme in Jamaica.
In 2015, Japan’s push for internationalization was strengthened with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to link the parish of Westmoreland in Jamaica and Tottori Prefecture in Japan as sister cities. Since the establishment of this MoU, several Jamaican athletes, including Olympians, have been hosted by the city of Tottori.
JETAA Jamaica Essay Competition
A major benefit of the JET Programme is the transformative impact it has had in building social capital. For example, the outstanding work of the JET Programme Alumni Association of Jamaica (JETAA Jamaica) stands as a promising reminder that people are the driving force behind diplomacy and development. Since its formation in 2002, JETAA Jamaica has been committed to fostering awareness of Japanese culture and society among Jamaicans while building bonds of friendship between Jamaica and Japan. Upon return from Japan, many alumni members have pursued careers in business, education, government, philanthropy and the creative industries. The alumni’s contribution to the development of Jamaica through knowledge transfer, capacity building and volunteerism is an extension of the legacy of the cross-cultural exchange agenda.
Fortunately, JETAA Jamaica is not alone in its endeavor. Affiliates such as the JICA Alumni Association in Jamaica (JAAJ), the Association of Jamaican Monbukagakusho Scholars (AJMS), the University of the West Indies Japanese Language Programme, Ikebana International St Andrew Chapter, AnimeCom and others are also keen on promoting the benefits of Jamaica-Japan bilateral relations. This 60-year relationship, at both the micro and macro level, has resulted in improvements of knowledge, skills, resources and working conditions across a broad range of sectors and issues in both countries. As people travel and learn from each other, best practices and new technologies are adopted while strategic partnerships that benefit the whole of society are created.
JETAA Jamaica and JICA Participate in the Annual Coastal Cleanup 2023
As we navigate the uncertainties of time, our success becomes even more dependent on the relationships we nurture. Building strategic partnerships and bonds of friendship around common principles of cultural exchange, mutual cooperation and economic collaboration will ensure mutually beneficial outcomes as we learn, grow and prosper together. The commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan is a testament that people-centric diplomacy works. We commend both Governments for their unrelenting efforts through their Ministries and diplomatic missions to nurture this beneficial relationship that they have forged over these 60 years.
It is also important to laud the outstanding contribution of the Council for Local Government and International Relations (CLAIR) and JETAA International in ensuring that the JET Programme remains one of the cornerstones of Japan’s grassroots diplomacy. The JET Programme Alumni Association of Jamaica (JETAA Jamaica) is pleased to join in this celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan. The Association stands proudly as a fitting reminder that special bonds of friendship do withstand the test of time.
JETAA Indonesia Chapters Members Introduction
- JETAA Indonesia Instagram Link:
- https://www.instagram.com/jetaa.indonesia?igsh=MXMxbWZtYWphNHdvag==
Photos of JETAA Indonesia Activities
Annual Meeting 2024
Boards and Active Members
Intercultural Webinar 2023
Lunch with Surabaya Consul General and Departing JET 2022
2024 Networking Session in Singapore Can a Cafe Contribute to World Peace?
Building international community in a Kobe suburb, one coffee at a time
“When I am among people of foreign countries and cultures, then I can be myself.” Eri, the operator of a small cafe in suburban Kobe reflects on what she learned studying abroad in Canada. Since moving back to Japan, the foreigners have followed her—all the way to a small, sleepy neighborhood of suburban Kobe. There, a seemingly never-ending bus ride away from the station, among a trackless muddle of aging housing complexes, she has worked with many others, including me, to bring together a vibrant international community. First an English class, then a cafe, and now community events provide a space where all of us can be ourselves too.
Eri (bottom center with yellow flowers) with members of the diverse Tamondai community.
I am, in some ways, a converse of my friend Eri. When I was in college, I found it much easier to be myself among the students from Colombia and France and Japan than I did among my fellow Americans. So, soon, I copied their journeys in reverse, traveling away from the US and arriving as a JET in Kobe in 2019. I was initially disappointed to find that the apartment arranged for me was all the way in a small, sleepy suburban neighborhood a seemingly never-ending bus ride away from the station. But, on that bus is where I made friends with Eri. And amidst that trackless muddle of aging housing complexes, I found an opportunity to experience the dynamic relationship between diversity and community.
“I want to lead a life that contributes to society. I strongly believe that peace is the most important thing,” explains Eri when asked about her activities in her neighborhood.
Tamondai, her home (and mine when I was a JET), is a community that boasts a peculiar demographic mix of young families, elderly ojiichan and obāchan, and perhaps 40 youthful English-speaking foreign JETs. Can such a community come together as one?
The first project Eri and I collaborated on was when I helped teach a community English class she organized for local children. Many JETs joined as volunteer teachers. Next door to the classroom was a cafe. Eri worked there part time at first, but then, she quit her corporate job and started running the cafe full time. “It made my life totally change in a good way,” she says, describing the career change. She was challenged, as the mother of two young children with no previous experience in restaurant management. “Looking back,” she describes, “all I had was passion.”
Some attendees of a career workshop I helped organize and spoke at (over zoom), in front of the community cafe (photo credit: instagram @tcc_holidays).
I now live in Tokyo, carried here by my own passion for the performing arts (which I now teach), but I still value the Tamondai community. A few months ago, I collaborated with them to organize and speak at a career mentoring workshop to help those leaving JET plan their future—a grassroots idea that came out of the needs Eri observed among her friends who were departing JET.
I likewise invited her to speak at an online workshop on original project-building and activism which I taught at a university in Kanto. And I am sure there will be further future collaborations.
I visit the cafe, TCC Holidays, whenever I can. On a recent trip, a current JET laughed at me, confused why I would descend from the shining metropolis of Tokyo and take the excruciatingly long bus ride just to go to a cafe tucked away in a sleepy Kobe suburb.
In this humble cafe, however, hides something you may not find even in a mega-metropolis. Chance to step inside and you may glimpse children doing homework alongside retired folks sipping tea. You may find foreigners of many races learning ikebana, studying Japanese, or fangirl-ing over Taylor Swift. And next to them you may see Japanese college students, mothers, or salarymen, talking or relaxing. Furthermore, you will see each one greets Eri as a dear friend; some even spontaneously help her clear tables. When they interact with each other, such as in a language exchange event I participated in, they treat each other with warmth and mutual respect.
A weekly language exchange in Tamondai (photo credit: instagram @tcc_holidays)
The cafe faces challenges of many kinds. Eri is concerned about what will happen when one of her key collaborators ends her term as a JET and leaves Japan. Furthermore, while the goal of the project is world peace, a cafe in Kobe is obviously insufficient to achieve that by itself.
What it does provide, however, is one more space amidst a world fraying on identity-based lines, in which we can be reminded that, among a group of diverse friends, we too can be free. That is how I feel when I step inside.
Reading today’s news of war clouds gathering on disparate horizons can be disempowering. One remedy I have found for this disempowerment is a cup of coffee in a community cafe and a reminder of the words of the 19th century Persian spiritual leader ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whose vision I believe aligns in part with the one playing out in Tamondai: “peace must first be established among individuals, until it leadeth in the end to peace among nations.”
Insights From a Japan Influencer
How the JET Experience Helps Me Promote Japan
JET participants occupy a unique vantage point, allowing them to immerse themselves in Japan’s diverse regions in ways that go beyond typical tourism. Whether placed in serene island villages or bustling metropolises, the varied placements offer firsthand experiences of authentic Japan, each with its own distinct cultural nuances and challenges. With the support of their contracting organizations, JET participants gain invaluable insights, making it an ideal perspective for content creators seeking unique and inherently captivating viewpoints to share with a global audience.
The video I made introducing Taki Town has attracted over 240,000 views.In my own journey, I found myself stationed in Taki Town, Mie Prefecture—a locale largely unknown to the world including myself when I was first notified. Today, as an influencer (you can find me on Instagram as “YamaTrips”), I owe much of my success to my time there as a JET. My experiences in Taki Town guide me in envisioning what to promote about Japan, understanding the impact I can make, and forming crucial networking connections.
During my four-year tenure as a Coordinator for International Relations in Mie, extensive networking provided me with insights into everything about the region, from its opportunities to its challenges. Among the latter were declining population, limited employment opportunities to attract diverse young talent, barriers to global integration, and traditional working practices that hinder efficiency. However, amidst these challenges, I also discovered countless opportunities.
It was in Mie that I realized the exceptional quality of goods produced in the region—the meticulously cultivated rice, the exquisite brewing of sake, the rearing of Matsusaka cows, and the artisanal reconstructions of Ise Shrine—all imbued with utmost dedication and an unyielding emphasis on quality. Yet, local products often go unappreciated and undersold due to a lack of exposure. Herein lies an opportunity for influencers to play a crucial role—to market these treasures to the world, bridging the gap between producers and consumers and ensuring that their value is recognized and celebrated globally.
As rural Japan faces a decline, with smaller towns and villages disappearing at an alarming rate, the promotion of lesser-known locales becomes increasingly critical. Exploring new opportunities in regional revitalization is essential, especially for local economy, cultural promotion, and population rejuvenation.
The promotional video for Watakano Island has amassed over 520,000 views, received more than 300 comments, and been shared over 150 times.Last November, I revisited Mie, this time as an influencer. Through Instagram Stories and Reels, I shared a glimpse of the authentic beauty and charm of Mie, garnering over 6 million views worldwide. It became apparent, both to me and the locals of Mie, that there’s a global fascination with what Mie has to offer, inspiring and emboldening locals to embrace broader international engagement and opportunities.
In one instance, I shared my experience on a small island in Ise-Shima called Watakano Island. Invited by a major hotel chain to help revitalize tourism on the island, I stayed for two nights. Despite its secluded nature and minimal awareness outside the region, I firmly believe that foreign visitors would cherish their time there. The resulting Instagram Reel garnered significant attention, with over 100 people expressing interest in visiting. This experience reaffirmed my belief that hidden gems akin to Watakano Island exist throughout Japan, eagerly awaiting storytellers to unveil their narratives.
As an influencer, my mission is to shed light on Japan’s lesser-explored facets, driving economic vitality and fostering fresh avenues of engagement. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with various organizations, including one of the largest tour agencies, which invited me to provide insights for 10 cities in Yamanashi Prefecture. Additionally, I was approached by a local vitalization community to feature Tohoku Japan, such as the Towada area of Aomori and the Kitakata area in Fukushima. These collaborations highlight a common trend: regions across Japan are grappling with similar challenges. Declining population rates underscore the need for broader economic support beyond just domestic tourism, prompting a desire for increased exposure to the world. Despite being lesser-known destinations, each region offers its own unique culture and traditions deserving of global attention, presenting new opportunities for growth and development. I’m confident that every part of Japan has something deserving of people’s time and attention.
I conduct workshops aimed at helping local businesses learn how to effectively promote themselves on social media.Today, social media has given individuals the power to disseminate information on a scale like never before. If there’s one regret I have from my JET days, it is not starting a social media channel back then. Once again, the JET experience provides us with a unique vantage point, giving us access to doors that other foreign residents or travelers cannot open. People are interested in all aspects of Japan—daily life, learning English or Japanese, points of view, food, local adventures, abandoned homes (akiya), interviews, and more.
My message to all, especially the current JETs, is to seize this moment to delve deeply into your region, communicating its richness to the wider world. Your experiences possess the power to shape perceptions and ignite inspiration, serving as catalysts for economic diversification and cultural enrichment throughout Japan. Engaging in such activities will not only contribute to the promotion of your local area but also broaden your career opportunities in Japan.
If you ever need help, I’m willing to extend a helping hand to support your endeavors. You can simply reach me through Instagram.
The Post JET Effect
Continual Gifts of Opportunity
Have you ever known a rugby player who joined a ballet? Neither had I, until participating in the JET Programme. 10 years later, I was even more amazed at how the “post JET Effect” could link this to olympic judo…
Before embarking on JET, I worked as the Paediatric Oncology Team Coordinator at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, and played number 14 Wing for the local Yatton Rugby Club. In 2008, at the age of 23, I left a “slower pace of life” in North Somerset to begin my adventure on the JET Programme.
The Tsuchizaki Port festival, Shimizu 3rd DistrictI taught at 4 senior high schools as an ALT in Akita Prefecture, studied “the way of tea”, was improving my Japanese, and had immersed myself in the local community – participating in the Tsuchizaki Minato Matsuri for example. After a few years I was quite settled into the groove, and thoroughly enjoying myself.
I used to teach at Gojome Senior High School on Thursdays. I was minding my business one morning whilst preparing for a lesson, when out of the blue came an announcement over the intercom: “Mark Sensei, Marisa’s mother is here to see you at reception”. All the teachers in the quiet office turned and looked at me – for you see, this was the first time I had received a “summons” like this, and it was most unusual.
Why did she wish to speak with me? I naturally feared the worst! Had I upset Marisa in some way? Or made some cultural taboo? I got up from my chair, composed myself whilst walking to reception; smiled, bowed and gave “Aisatsu”. Her mother handed me a piece of paper. Minus the errors, it more or less read:
…My daughter recently showed me a picture of her handsome young teacher… it would do us the honour if you would be able to join us in practicing for our ballet performance “Sunflowers”, and play the part of Vincent Van Gough…
To say I was taken aback is an understatement – I was floored! I chuckled, gave a nervous grin, and scrambled to think of a response. Though relatively active, I had never danced before – save on a few nights out, as most of us may do, with some “dutch courage”. Ballet!? This takes years of rigorous study to master! How could I? … And yet… Marisa and her mother had gone to such an effort to confer with her ballet teacher, Tanahashi-Sensei, and draft this letter to present to me… How could I refuse?
Me performing as Vincent Van Gough – the concept was for the ballerinas to be my paintingI spent the next 6-9 months reviewing the routines, driving 2 hours after work, 2 nights per week to practice at the award winning Tanahashi Ballet School in Noshiro City, NW Akita Prefecture. I grew a beard (which I decided to keep), and was grateful to know that I didn’t have to cut off my ear!
In gratitude, Tanahashi-Sensei provided me with a home cooked supper every evening after practice. It would be a lie to say that I learnt ballet, but I did learn to dance with ballerinas. The performance was a success. Needless to say, had I have not been on the JET Programme, I would never have had this opportunity!
After 5 years on the programme, a friend and I opened up our own business called “Café Armada” in Akita City. After about a year though, he was offered a job at a private English school, and I decided to close, returning to England in 2014. Initially I moved to Bristol, and after a few years to Oxford, and then up to Greater Manchester a few years later. I kept in contact with Tanahashi-Sensei, perhaps messaging once a year for life updates.
Akinori Hosaka Sensei, 8 DanIn November ’23, I received a message from Tanahashi-Sensei: “My husband and I are going to England in January… hope we can meet if we have the chance?” How exciting to meet after so long – especially after the Covid Pandemic! Delving deeper into planning for the holiday however, revealed a peculiar request for a ballet teacher – to take an excursion to the Sale Judo Club near Manchester. The “JET effect” had struck again!
In January ’24, I facilitated and assisted in interpreting/translating on behalf of Tanahashi-Sensei’s family, hearing the tales of three students of the club: Dave Nicholls, Joe Peden and Richard Goulding. As it turns out, Tanahashi-Sensei’s husband is the nephew of the late Akinori Hosaka-Sensei, 8th Dan (1938-2010). At the age of 24 in 1962, he came to Middleton, England, as a Judo Association Coach. He defeated the whole British Judo Association team – even telling them at the start of each contest how he would defeat them!
Tanahashi-Sensei’s family and the senior judoka of the Sale Judo Club, which was renamed Hosaka Kwai in his honour.In 1972 he became the Chief Coach of Sale Judo Club. In 1983 he was appointed as the BJA National Squad Technical Coach, and became the Chief Examiner in 1994. His legacy is nothing short of astonishing! His spirit lives on in the over 800 Judo coaches nationally, who follow his system and techniques – most notably Jane Bridge, who became Britain’s first World Champion in 1980. British Judo has had a profound, permanent influence and would not be what it is today without Hosaka-Sensei!
Before venturing forth across the globe at 23, though I had little knowledge of what path lay ahead, I almost certainly would have laughed at the “preposterous” suggestion that I could be involved in ballet, and have an association with British Judo. I reflect on how “The JET Effect” continues to reverberate throughout my life – providing unique “gifts of opportunities” and connections. As I continue to journey, I wonder; what more shall be revealed, from a seemingly modest role as an Assistant Language Teacher?
Iki Island: The Island of the Gods
An Ancient Island in Japan Brimming with Spiritual Significance
Introduction
My name is Trevor West. I lived and worked on Iki Island for two years as a part of the JET Program from 2019 to 2021. On Iki Island I was a part of the Iki Island City Hall Tourism Division where I worked as the Coordinator for International Relations with my primary role being with Japanese-English translation and interpretation, American cultural events, and English teaching.
This is a photo from the top of Takenotsuji, the tallest mountain on Iki IslandThere are many things that can be said of Iki Island, but in brief: Iki Island is the island of the gods.
The word “God” has mainly Judeo-Christian connotations in the US, but truly the Japanese connotation of the word “god” is more closely compared to the English word for “spirit” or “soul.” The original Japanese word for this is “kami” (神・かみ), and when used respectfully is “Kami-sama” (神様・かみさま). This is encapsulated in the native Japanese religion of Shinto.
I was speaking with a Japanese coworker the other day who explained it to me more fully than I had understood in the past, but essentially the Japanese Shinto worldview is that every single thing has a soul, spirit, or god within it. This is usually limited to the natural world or things that are living, such as plants or trees or creatures. However, this can also extend even to material objects, such as my watch which I’ve had for over 10 years and so could be said to be a dwelling place for a god or spirit.
I give this introductory context because it sheds light on the fundamental difference of the spiritual and religious experience in Japan versus here in the US. In Japan, spirit is everywhere and this is even more present at Shinto shrines which are believed to harness and consolidate spiritual power as focal points of spirit or god energy.
Iki Island has over 120 officially registered Shinto shrines, but if you also count unofficial shrines then there are an estimated 300 shrines on the island.
A Shinto shrine is a sacred place where you are said to enter the spirit world and leave the material world behind. In this place, you can commune with the deity, god, spirit of the given shrine to ask for wishes or blessings or to remove curses.
Iki Island is a profoundly interesting place, not simply because of its natural beauty, delicious food, but because it is connected at its core to the foundation of the Japanese spirit – that is, the spirit of Shinto.
Iki Island – Island of the Gods
As per the Kojiki, the ancient text that details the ancient history and origins of Japan, Iki Island was the fourth island created by the two deities Izanami and Izanagi.
This is a photo of SakyobanaBeyond having this officially written history, Iki Island also enjoys a living folklore that continues to this day. Beyond the written text, there is a lot of folklore surrounding Iki Island.
Firstmost, the shrine of Tsukiyomi is said to be the original shrine to the deity Tsukiyomi – deity of the moon. More than this, this shrine is also said to be where Shinto itself started over 2,000 years ago. (More information English and Japanese)
Next, the island itself is said to be living and so after its creation by the deities Izanami and Izanagi, it was held in place by eight pillars placed around the island so it didn’t move around the world. One of the popular tourist pillars is called “Sakyobana.”
This is a photo of the Ryuko Okami shrineThirdly, is the belief that there are three dragon shrines on the island that house real dragon spirits or deities – Ryudajin Shrine, Akasebana Shrine, and Ryuko Okami. Ryuko Okami is said to carry all the gods around Japan on his back each year for the yearly meeting at Izumo Taisha in Shimane. Ryuko Okami is the 7-fingered dragon deity who carries the dragon ball and is said to grant wishes because they communicate with heaven.
Lastly (but not the end, as the folklore goes on and on), Ondake Shrine is said to be the first place that the gods set foot upon Earth. This is called “Onbashira”, meaning something similar in English to “pillar of heaven” or literally a connection point between heaven and Earth.
Conclusion – Why it matters
Iki Island holds a special place in my heart.
The words and pictures above do not give justice to the raw presence you feel when actually going to these shrines and natural places. It feels like stepping right out of a story, out of something like The Legend of Zelda, but seeing it with your own two eyes. The history of this island reaches to the earliest time of Japan – thousands of years ago (Harunotsuji) with ancient trade with China and Asia, to before that with its mythological origins as described in the Kojiki.
There is much that can be written and said for Iki Island – the delicious seafood, the amazing beaches, the kind people… but what makes Iki a truly unique and precious place is its rich historical and spiritual connection that lives on in the hearts of the people and the land. In today’s world of increasing dissociation with our Earth, it will take your breath away to just take in the ocean and the Shinto torii gates; all with the backdrop of a rich legacy and living memory of what the land means to the people who live there.
(And this article doesn’t even get into the kofuns, ancient tombs)
