Mid-term AGM Report

The JETAA UK annual mid-year meeting was held at the London office of our main sponsor, the Japan Local Government Centre, in Whitehall on 19th August.

Representatives from the UK’s current active chapters attended to discuss events and activities that have taken place over the past year as well as strategies to improve engagement and member attendance at events in 2017.

Agenda

During the day, attendees heard updates from each of the chapters and discussed a range of issues including a proposal on website content creation; using the newsletter and LinkedIn; JET alumni events for those returning this year and much more. 

Much of the discussion focused on planning for increasing website content and sign ups, better use of social media and putting together content for members to engage with online. 

Looking to the future

Future plans include rebooting the JETAA mentoring project linking newly returned ex JETs with experienced professionals in a variety of roles, including those that are Japan-related and others; developing ties with Japanese organisations and UK businesses that are linked to Japan; and organising events with other Japan-interest groups. 

This is already underway by advertising Japan-related jobs on the JETAA website, discussing with Japanese employers how to recruit former JETs, and lobbying for more former JETs to be employed by Japanese firms in the UK and the rest of Europe. 

Sake time

The day came to a close with a sake and food tasting evening for attendees who were joined by Japan Local Government Centre staff seconded from various local authorities all over Japan.  It was a chance for the new centre director Yoshiyuki Kurono to meet JETAA UK committee members and volunteers. 

The evening was presided over by Mr Daiki Yoshijima, who is seconded from Wakayama Prefecture. He gave an explanation of the differences in sake grades, including junmai-shu, honjozo, ginjo-shu, daiginjo-shu and namazake, as well as advice on pairing with foods such as pickles, cured meats, Spanish style tapas and, surprisingly, curry!

Getting involved

JETAA is a great resource for anyone interested in links with Japan, be they business, cultural, social or related to a speciality, such as the environment or language learning. Current JET alumni are working in every kind of employment, in both the public and private sector. 

Recent activities have included organising events on sustainability with universities and Japanese corporations, charity quizzes to raise money for the areas hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, seminars on employability as well as how to advise Japanese employers on market conditions,  trends and the recruitment of UK graduates. 

All events are organised on an entirely not-for-profit basis by volunteers.  Anyone interested in potential collaborations, including individual funding applications for events and activities, are welcome to discuss ideas for working together by contacting the UK and the active regional committees via treasurer@jetaa.org.uk.