Japan welcomed them with so much warmth, and they returned the favor.

Despite exhaustion from orientation and the summer heat, 101% of those who signed up showed up at Rizierre Beer Garden with smiles, excitement, and loads of stories to tell.

This year, we welcomed 56 new JETs, and we couldn’t be more ecstatic to hear what they’ve been up to and what they’re looking forward to most. Many senpais turned up as well, making the night even livelier as they shared their experiences with the newcomers and offered practical advice. And naturally, plenty of LINE and Instagram contacts were exchanged for trips already in the making!

The classic questions came up: “What inspired you to apply to JET?”, “Have you always been interested in Japan?”, “What are the things you’re looking forward to during your stay here?”, and a lot more.

Rizierre Beer Garden was the perfect place to do this, as we got a view of the majestic Matsuyama Castle as we were all on the rooftop, talking and eating merrily. Speaking of eating, we got a huge spread of food and unlimited drinks, so it is safe to say that no one went home hungry. Truthfully, though, I think some of us actually didn’t get to eat much because we were already full from the good conversations we were having with each other.

Going back to the classic questions, it is interesting for me as a third-year JET to be witnessing all these: how they made sure to answer every question from their kohais. I definitely felt how willing they were and how earnestly they wanted the best for them, looking out for them, especially during this big life change that they just took a leap on.

And then there were the new JETs, who had a vibrant mix of wonder, excitement, confidence, and maybe a little bit of anxiousness and shyness.

Looking back at this night from a wallflower’s perspective, it was such a beautiful experience seeing the stark contrast between the beginning of a journey for a new group of people, the “mothering” of the elder JETs, and how these two collided perfectly with each other, creating and exuding a balance of harmony and friendship in the air.

That night, we weren’t just people from different countries—we were JETs, forming connections that might just last a lifetime.

With the wide array of stories from each of these new ALTs, I am equally excited for the kids whose lives they are about to touch.

To our bb Mikans, we are beyond excited to see who you are, what you bring to the table, and the paths you’ll carve out here in Ehime.

Welcome home. 🧡