Duncan Mattingly
I was an ALT on the island of Okinoshima in Shimane Prefecture from 2019-2022, after which I moved to the prefecture's capital, Matsue, to take on the position of PA from 2022-2024. Since I arrived in August of 2019, it's hard to think of anything more impactful during my time on JET than COVID-19. I spent the entire pandemic in Shimane, and it really forced all of us, JETs and Shimaneans alike, to support and grow close with each other. I was incredibly lucky to be in such a beautiful place with such incredible people. Specific things that have stuck with me include stumbling onto a Bull Sumo tournament on a mountaintop in the islands, countless five-hour ferry rides to and from the mainland to spend time with or to host my friends, and getting to forge a knife out of dragon's blood in the town that helped inspire Princess Mononoke. There's so many other things I could say, but let it be enough to say that Shimane, and the Oki Islands in particular, are a truly special place.
Post-JET I moved to London to study for my masters degree in anthropology at UCL, and I credit a substantial portion of my acceptance into the program to my time on JET. It gave me experience living in a different culture from my own, interacting with people from all over the world, work skills, life skills, and so much more. I also feel that my time as both an ALT and a PA has helped to shape me into a more empathetic person, as well as given me an intense desire to continue learning about and exploring the world. With luck, once I finish my master's I'll move on to a Ph.D., and make my way back to Shimane.
For the current JETs, my biggest recommendation is simply to enjoy the time that you have. Get involved with your community, both JET and local. Learn an instrument. Join a club. Go hiking. This time really is unique, and it's up to you to make the most of it. To the new alumni, I'd say to make sure to keep in touch with your friends. All of you have been through something incredible together, and now more than ever there are so many ways to maintain friendships across distance. And to any delegates who may be reading this, JET was a chance for me to experience Japan in a way that broke down the stereotypes and preconceptions that I had before leaving the United States. After five years, I can say with confidence that Japan is not what I had imagined, but I loved my time even more for it.
Are you a JET alum with a story to share? Get in touch to be featured in an upcoming Senpai Spotlight.
