May Japanese Language Night Next Tuesday!

Don't forget to join us for our next Japanese Language Series event on Tuesday, May 31st from 6-7 pm CST!

This month, to celebrate the transition from spring to summer, we will be hosting a beginner's night! We'll be focusing on fun activities that double as learning strategies. Not a beginner? Not to worry, these activities are still fun for all levels and good for staying sharp.

Sign up here!

The Japanese Language Series is an ongoing series of monthly meetings for alumni and friends of JET to practice their Japanese together. Anyone is welcome to join at any time, and as always, all levels of experience with Japanese are welcome!

*This event is for JET alumni and Friends of JET.

Questions? Email Rurik Tywoniw at networking@jetaachicago.com

Journey to Tohoku: Iwate with the Japan America Society of Chicago

JETAA Chicago is excited to support this event by the Japan America Society of Chicago - Journey to Tohoku: Iwate.

About the Event

At this event, we will introduce places such as Chuson-ji, one of Iwate’s best sightseeing locations and world heritage sites, as well as the breathtaking Geibi gorge boat ride and other activities you can only experience in Iwate. When it becomes possible to travel, please come to our prefecture! Iwate’s fascinating wilderness, history, traditional culture, and delicious food await!

About the Speaker

Reiko Kitatochi has been working for the Iwate Prefectural Government for over 25 years. Currently, she is Director of International Tourism at the Office of Tourism and Promotion. In her past positions, she has worked in welfare, attracting enterprises, public relations, and international affairs, and has also completed a dispatch assignment at the Foreign Ministry where she spent time at both the Ministry and the Japanese consulate in Miami, Florida. In the three years following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, she worked at the prefectural branch office on the coast where she worked in support of the prefecture’s reconstruction efforts.

Devan Veres is a JET Program Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) who works at the Iwate Prefectural Government Office of International Affairs. He grew up in Vancouver Canada and graduated from the University of British Columbia with a major in Japanese language and culture. While it is still Devan’s first year working here in Iwate, he is looking forward to sharing all of the things he has learned about the prefecture since arriving here in October 2021.

Aya Yokosawa has started working for the Promotion and Tourism Division of Iwate Prefectural Government Office as a staff member this April. She grew up near a beautiful coastal area in southern Iwate Prefecture and studied German history and language at the University of Osaka. She had previously worked in the chemical industry as a chief coordinator of international logistics for nearly 7 years. Since then she has moved back to Iwate to help the recovery from the Great East Japan earthquake disaster.

'22 Survival Series: JETogether!

Join us on Friday, June 10th from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, CST, for the first event of JETAA Chicago's '22 Survival Series, JETogether, for outgoing '22 JETs ! This event will be an informal meet and greet for outgoing JETs to get the chance to learn about different areas in Japan, showcased by JET Alumni, as well as the opportunity to meet other JETs departing for the same area. Save the date and come join us in kicking off the Survival Series!

Sign up here!

Also, JETAA Chicago is in need of JET alumni mentors to help educate and onboard the next generation of outgoing JETs! If you are interested in being an alumni mentor for future events, please fill out the Alumni Mentor In-take Form!

Being located in the Chicagoland area is not required to be a mentor. Illinois suburban and subchapter alumni in Wisconsin and Indiana are welcome and wanted!