Ruth Martin Reflects on the Lasting Legacy of Her JET Experience

The JET Programme was in its early days when I joined in 1988, first as an AET (now ALT) and then as a CIR in Nara. At the time, ALTs were known as "One Shots," visiting a different school each day and spending Fridays at the Board of Education arranging visits. Only six of us were posted to Nara in that first year, but the numbers quickly grew. Today, many schools that once saw an ALT only once a year now have one full-time.

My journey into Japanese culture started somewhat unexpectedly, with a degree in Chinese Studies at the University of Leeds, including a year in Shanghai. That led to an MA in Contemporary Japanese studies, where I originally planned to pursue a PhD in Sino-Japanese relations. But my tutor, Lady Toshiko Marks, advised me to apply for the JET Programme. I had no idea how far that advice would take me.

After JET, I joined Sanwa Bank’s Planning Section in London, where I ran cultural seminars for non-Japanese staff and helped organise the bank’s sponsorship of events during the 1991 Japan Festival – an incredible showcase that even brought sumo to the Royal Albert Hall. I also attended the inaugural Sir Peter Parker Awards for Spoken Business Japanese, which continues to thrive today.

Later, as my daughters started school in North London, I reconnected with Japan through the local Japanese community. This inspired my PhD research into the experiences of Japanese housewives abroad, later published as The Japanese Housewife Overseas: Adapting to Change of Culture and Status. I went on to lecture in the social anthropology of Japan and became Treasurer of JAWS (Japan Anthropology Workshop).

During fieldwork, I came across a JETAA newsletter (back then, a paper copy in the post!) with a call for Nichi-Ei Otomodachi Kai, a UK–Japan women’s friendship group. I joined for research, but never left! Over the past 25 years, I’ve served as Vice Chair and Chair on two occasions.

Founded in 1961, Nichi-Ei Otomodachi Kai was born from a desire to support the first Japanese diplomatic families returning to the UK after WWII. Today, the group pairs Japanese women in London with British women who’ve lived in Japan and want to maintain that connection. We run cultural events, interest groups (like theatre, books, and antiques), and promote meaningful and lasting friendships.

We were proud to receive the Japanese Foreign Minister’s commendation in 2012. During lockdown, we moved online and continued supporting both Japanese and British members with virtual gatherings, even welcoming former members from Japan. More recently, our focus has expanded to include Japanese students in the arts. I currently act as guardian to a Royal Ballet School student and look forward to supporting the Japan National Ballet’s London debut this summer, led by Miyako Yoshida.

Nearly 40 years since JET, I now support the selection process for new participants, ensuring that outstanding candidates continue the mission of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. It’s been a privilege to stay connected with JETAA and see the lasting impact of the Programme.

If you're interested in getting involved with Nichi-Ei Otomodachi Kai or know someone who might be, please contact our Chair, Geraldine Twilley, at gatwilley@gmail.com.