On July 26th and August 2nd the orientation for new JET participants was held at the Keio Plaza Hotel, and Habitat was there to welcome them.
JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme) is the scheme operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Education Department that recruits and places native English-speaking teaching assistants into Japanese junior high schools and high schools for 2-5 year placements. They teach English, sports and more, while a select few are located in city offices for international exchange support. AJET, the Association of JETs, is the body that coordinates the programme across Japan, and every summer they hold an orientation for new arrivals.

JET participants, particularly those in schools, are able to take extended breaks in the summer and winter when they can travel in Japan and Asia. The Habitat Global Village programme provides an invaluable opportunity for them to experience overseas cultures at the grassroots level while building homes for people in need. As a result, there have been many JET teams in the past (see here for details).
This year around 1,200 new participants came to Japan, many of whom visited the Habitat booth to register for our mailing list and learn more about our work. Suffering from jet lag and nervousness, people from America, Canada and many other countries were pleased and reassured to know that they could continue their Habitat experience here.
The new JET arrivals are now making their way to cities, towns and villages around the country to begin their new lives. Habitat for Humanity would like to welcome everyone once more and offer our sincere support, not just for Global Village programmes but in every aspect of life in Japan.
Welcome to Japan ! Habitat Japan hopes you all will have wonderful days in Japan.
We are looking forward to building hope with you soon !!