Welcome 2025 JETs!
Grab your sunscreen and your sense of adventure—because you’ve just landed in the world of Mikans! Picture this: stunning coastlines 🏖️, postcard-worthy sunsets, and the juiciest fruits this side of Japan. But the real treasure? The people. Yep, that’s you. 🤟
We’re beyond excited to welcome the new wave of 2025 ALTs to Ehime! Whether you’re fresh off the plane or a seasoned traveler of Shikoku’s scenic trains 🚂, you’re officially part of one of the warmest, most vibrant communities around. 🙌
To kick things off in true Ehime style, Ehime AJET threw a welcome party 🎉 to remember—inviting ALTs from across Shikoku for a night of mingling, laughter, and maybe a little drinking. Mikans from all walks of life came together to share stories, swap snacks, and start friendships 👐 that are bound to last longer than your emergency instant noodle stash.
We’re so grateful to everyone who showed up and made the night something special. You’ve already made Ehime shine a little brighter. 🍊🌟
But hey—why stop here? ✋🚫
If you want to hear more about the amazing ALTs scattered across Shikoku, or if you’re itching to share your own story, we’d love to hear from you! 🔎 Whether you’d like to be featured in our monthly Mikan maga(ZINE) (crafted with care by our blog content creator, Dillon 🍊), or you’re keen to co-write a blog with the team, shoot us an email! 📩 We’re always looking for fresh voices, cool stories, and new perspectives to add to the mix.
Now, let’s roll into the good stuff—some mini-interviews with a few of the fantastic ALTs we chatted with at the event! 🎤👇
Ronnie
Hello! My name is Ronnie.
I’m originally from Seattle, USA, and I’m currently living in Matsuyama City.
I teach at two schools here — one junior high school and one elementary school.
One of my favorite Filipino dishes is chicken adobo — it always brings comfort and reminds me of home.
A year from now, I still see myself living in Japan. I hope to be more connected not only with the ALT community, but also with the local community around me — especially through dance. I’m a professional dancer, and dance and music are a big part of who I am. That energy runs through my veins, and I’m passionate about expressing myself through the arts.
I definitely hope to get more involved artistically and share that love with others.
Olivia
Hello! My name is Olivia.
I’m from West Hollywood, Los Angeles. I’m currently in Uchiko and am looking forward to the new experiences of living in the inaka.
What brought me to Japan is actually thanks to my best friend from high school — she’s currently in the JET Program and encouraged me to apply. I took the leap, and incredibly, we both ended up in the same region — I feel so lucky!
When it comes to food, nothing beats a good cheesy quesadilla, but honestly, I love the simpler things in life — like a perfectly made beef taco.
My main goals while I’m here are to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, build meaningful connections, and simply enjoy the experience.
More than anything, I want to become someone my younger self would be proud of.
I’m just genuinely happy to be here — plain and simple.
Sasha
Hello! This is Sasha, and he’s currently placed in Tobe.
Originally from Golden, British Columbia in Canada, Sasha first came to Japan in 2023. While here, he took an introductory Japanese class, which sparked a new passion for the language. Encouraged by his sensei — and looking for a change from his old desk job — he decided to apply for the JET Program. Before he knew it, he was living and working in Japan.
When it comes to food, Sasha is a big fan of poutine. You can’t go wrong with the classic — crispy fries, cheese curds, and rich gravy — but his personal favorites are topped with pulled pork or Montreal smoked beef.
His growing involvement with the local Japanese community made him realize he wanted something new in life. A conversation with one of his sensei was a turning point. Interestingly, Sasha had been watching Chris Broad’s videos long before he even knew Chris was a former JET participant — a coincidence he now sees as a serendipitous sign that he was on the right path.
