Whether you know it or not, you are connected to someone with Hawai'i ties who went to Japan on the Japan Exchange and Teaching, or JET, program. They are everywhere, and their reasons for going are as varied as their individual backgrounds.

JET was launched by the Japanese government in 1987 and has since become one of the most well-known cultural exchange opportunities for college graduates. Its mission is to foster cultural awareness and understanding between Japan and other Western countries.

Every year, thousands of college seniors from around the world apply for the program, hoping to receive an invitation from the Ministry of Education to live and work in Japan. Some work as English teachers, some as coordinators of international relations, and others are sports exchange advisers.

This is an emotional time for many involved in the JET program. Late July marks the changing of the guard between new JETs and the returning ambassadors of English before them. Some veterans are reluctant to return home; others are eager to return to the Islands.

"At the end of my stay there, there were a lot of sad emotions going on," says Jamie Okimoto, who served in Yamaguchi, Japan, between 1999 and 2001. "You had to leave the place that you lived for two years, and all the people you've made connections with. In the end, everything happened so fast that I didn't have time to reflect on it until I got back."

In 2004, there were 6,103 participants in the program from 41 countries. Last year, Hawai'i sent 46 young men and women. This year, 39 new Hawai'i JETs are representing America.

RITES OF PASSAGE

For many young adults in Hawai'i with an interest in Japan, the JET program has become a rite of passage. However, getting in is not as simple as signing one's name on the dotted line.

The application process is long and competitive.

"Through the years we have become a little stricter and more focused on the selection of applicants," said Lisa Sakamoto, the JET coordinator at the Japanese Consulate in Hawai'i. "These men and women will be regarded as ambassadors, so selecting the best-suited candidate is very important."

Many JETs agree that the program is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity and worth the sacrifice.

"While JET put my professional life on hold for a few years, it was well worth it," said Heather Aihara (Shiga, 1998-2000). "My most memorable moment there was when we climbed Mount Fuji at night to see the morning sunrise. It was kind of a treacherous climb, but it was amazing to see so many people, young and old, climbing. It's something that people dreamt of doing before they die."

Aihara draws a similarity between her stay in Japan and her climb up Mount Fuji. "Like the climb going up, I had to work hard while I was there just to kind of assimilate to the culture. Then as my time there was coming to an end, I guess it was like the downhill. I enjoyed it and it was a great experience."

It is said among JETs that everyone's situation is different. One person might teach at just one school, and another might work at several.

"I taught at three junior high schools and seven elementary schools," said Michelle Kita (Aomori, 2001-03). "Sometimes I would teach the whole school all at once, so I would have 200 students in an auditorium, and I'd have to use a microphone. Other times I'd teach individual classes of six students, and they'd all be very sweet."

During the first month, a JET will face obstacles in Japan. Mundane tasks back home become a great challenge. The ability to effectively communicate your needs becomes greatly appreciated or longed for. Mailing letters and gifts and making a long-distance phone call become major accomplishments.

"You'll encounter things you are not used to, outside of your comfort zone," says Jason Sanders (Saitama, 1995-97). "The best thing to do is to not overreact and to take things with a grain of salt."

MORE INDEPENDENCE

At a picnic hosted by the Hawaii JET Alumni Association last month, some new participants shared their thoughts and feelings as their departure approached.

Julie Kawamura (Okinawa, Yonabaru City) has been working full time for seven years. She's been looking for a change in her life, something different. "I want to see myself grow within a year. I want to learn new things and become more independent," she said.

Shane Menza (Aomori-ken, Mutsu City) an aspiring lawyer, has actually lived in Japan before by way of the military. Unlike his last stint in Japan, he looks forward to being intimately involved with the local community this time.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to get to experience real Japan," says Menza.

Kelsey Soma (Fukuoka, Amagi City) plans to stay in Japan for two years. "I'm kind of nervous, but I think I'll be ready when I get off the plane in Tokyo, and eventually get to my prefecture," Soma said. "I've always wanted to do the JET program because my hope is to become fluent in Japanese. I figure what better way than to fully immerse yourself there while teaching and getting paid?"

Lopaka Purdy (Niigata, Tokamashi) of Waimanalo will be living in a cold and snowy place. Purdy purchased winter clothes and also has packed up his snowboard. He says he is going with no expectations, to allow himself the chance to fully appreciate all the new experiences yet to come.

"I want to see the Japan that tourists don't get to see," he said.

Program participants say that coming from a state with so much Asian influence is an advantage to adapting to life in Japan.

Micah Pexa (Shizuoka) grew up on the Big Island with Japanese influence all around him. He has never been to Japan before, but like Lopaka he intends to go with an open mind. "I really like surprises, so I have no idea what to expect and it will just hit me."

"I'm mentally prepared, emotionally prepared, but my house is a wreck," said Bobby Fujimoto (Fukuoka, Koga City) "My predecessor gave me a long list of people who I should bring omiyage for."

Upon their arrival in Tokyo, all the new JETs from around the world will go through an orientation that lasts a few days. After this, they will all be scattered from each other, and miles away from home. Former JETs agree the experience teaches participants as much about themselves as it does about Japan.

To help new JETs overcome culture shock, alumni suggest foreigners throw out preconceived notions of what Japan is or should be.

It is often said that Japan will not adjust to the gaijin (foreigner). It is the gaijin that must adjust to Japan.

"The key to having a successful experience in Japan is to go into it with an open mind," said JET coordinator Sakamoto. "The candidates that are most flexible, friendly and genuinely interested in what they are doing get the most out of this opportunity."

Mark Soeda, writer/advertising coordinator for CareerBuilder TV, is a former JET (Nara prefecture, Japan, 1997-2000).