As many of the world's leading economies grapple with their massive debts, the Japanese Government (under Hatoyama's leadership) began a review of its public spending in November 2009. The aim was to identify areas of bloated spending in government programmes to cut.
The JET Programme came under scrutiny from the jigyoshiwake budget review panel on 21st May. Particular focus was given to the role of ALTs and the effectiveness of the programme during the hour-long hearing, which ruled that a comprehensive evaluation of the programme should be undertaken.
JETAA UK understand that there is no immediate threat to the Programme. Reforms have been proposed which include a 15% slimmer budget for this fiscal year. However, news of the jigyoshiwake has triggered debate amongst local education boards in Japan, Japanese academics, the Japanese media and current and former JET teachers as to value of the programme. Eric Johnston and Kanako Nakamura considered the case for and against the JET Programme in a recent article for the Japan Times.
JETAA New York, with the support of other International JETAA chapters are embarking on an initiative to more effectively promote some of the non-educational benefits of the programme. In a recent Associated Press article by Tomoko Hosaka, published by Yahoo USA the Japan Times and several US newspapers, they emphasised the cultural benefits of the programme. It highlighted examples of former participants who have authored books on Japan or encouraged other forms of grassroots cultural exchange after their placements.
There are many similar examples from former UK Alumni, such as award winning English author David Chandler. If you have any examples of how former UK JETs have promoted continuing Anglo-Japanese cultural ties, please get in contact with your stories and accounts.
