2018 JET Farewell Reception
2018/8/10
On Friday, August 3rd, 2018, Ambassador Ishikane hosted a reception for this year’s outgoing Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme participants (the JETs). This year, 244 JETs from Canada departed to Japan on August 4th, 2018, of whom 16 are from Ottawa. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador congratulated the JETS for their selection and expressed his hope that they will become bridges between Japan and Canada, especially as the two countries celebrate the 90th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year. On behalf of the departing group, Mr. Cooper Rigg expressed his wish that they can use this unique opportunity not only for personal growth, but also for linking communities, sharing cultures and creating stronger bonds. Mr. Brandon J. Wallace, president of the JET Alumni Association in Ottawa, shared his JET experience and welcomed these newly selected participants to the big JET family, whose many members continue to engage with Japan even after their return to Canada.
Guests from academia, government, media, and Japan-related cultural organizations attended the reception. They enjoyed Japanese food prepared by the Ambassador’s chef and tasted three different types of Japanese sake from across Japan. Flower arrangements by Madame Ishikane graced the reception.
The JET Programme is an official Japanese Government scheme aiming to promote international exchange at the grass-roots level and to improve foreign language education in Japan. Participants come from a total of 40 countries. Since its inception in 1987, more than 9,000 young Canadian participants have gone to Japan under the Programme to teach English in schools or to engage in international activities in local government. In recent years, approximately 200 Canadians depart for Japan every year through this Programme.
Guests from academia, government, media, and Japan-related cultural organizations attended the reception. They enjoyed Japanese food prepared by the Ambassador’s chef and tasted three different types of Japanese sake from across Japan. Flower arrangements by Madame Ishikane graced the reception.
The JET Programme is an official Japanese Government scheme aiming to promote international exchange at the grass-roots level and to improve foreign language education in Japan. Participants come from a total of 40 countries. Since its inception in 1987, more than 9,000 young Canadian participants have gone to Japan under the Programme to teach English in schools or to engage in international activities in local government. In recent years, approximately 200 Canadians depart for Japan every year through this Programme.
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| This year’s departing JETs pose for a picture with Ambassador and Madame Ishikane. | Ambassador Ishikane gives some opening remarks. |
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Departing JET Mr. Cooper Rigg gives his remarks on behalf of his fellow JETs.
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President of JET Alumni Association in Ottawa Mr. Brandon J. Wallace deliver his remarks to the outgoing JETs. |
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| Embassy’s First Secretary Mrs. Yukako Ochi leads a toast. | Reception guests enjoying some food and refreshments over a lively conversation. |
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| Three different kinds of sake from across Japan were served. | |
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| Guests learning about Japanese sake at the sake corner. | Reception guests enjoying the beautiful weather on the patio. |
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| Ambassador Ishikane having a conversation with reception guests. | Flower arrangements by Madame Ishikane. |
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Guests enjoying delicious Japanese food prepared by the Ambassador’s chef.
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