2025 JET Program Welcome Back Reception
2025/10/17
Opening Remarks by Consul General Otsuki
JETAANC Presentation by President Golden
On Friday, October 3, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki hosted the annual welcome back reception for 2025 JET Program returnees at his official residence. Joining the Consul General in welcoming back the JET returnees were members of the JET Alumni Association of Northern California and Nevada (JETAANC) and representatives from community organizations, sister city associations, and Japanese language teachers.
Consul General Otsuki began with opening remarks that welcomed all the JET Program alumni to the event and encouraged the recent returnees to bring the perspective and skills they gained from their time in Japan to their future careers and local communities.
Following this, the current president of JETAANC, Melissa Golden (Hokkaido, 2007-12) gave a presentation on JETAANC's activities and conveyed her hope that returnees would contribute to grassroots-level Japan-U.S. exchange as alumni. Additionally, Cameron Chien (Niigata, 2008–2013), who currently teaches Japanese locally, gave a talk about his experience in the JET Program and his path to his current career.
After the ceremony, attendees engaged in group discussions and a networking dinner. Recent returnees received career advice from “senior” alumni who, since coming back to the States from the JET Program, have joined sister city associations and Japantown-related communities, maintaining their connections with Japan to this day.
As the JET Program begins its recruitment for its 40th year, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco will continue to promote the JET Program, which offers participants the opportunity to live and work in Japan, deepen cross-cultural understanding, and serve as cultural ambassadors strengthening Japan-US relations.
To find out more about the JETAANC, please visit https://www.jetaanc.org
To find out more about the JET Program and the application for 2026 outbound JETs, please visit https://jetprogramusa.org
Consul General Otsuki began with opening remarks that welcomed all the JET Program alumni to the event and encouraged the recent returnees to bring the perspective and skills they gained from their time in Japan to their future careers and local communities.
Following this, the current president of JETAANC, Melissa Golden (Hokkaido, 2007-12) gave a presentation on JETAANC's activities and conveyed her hope that returnees would contribute to grassroots-level Japan-U.S. exchange as alumni. Additionally, Cameron Chien (Niigata, 2008–2013), who currently teaches Japanese locally, gave a talk about his experience in the JET Program and his path to his current career.
After the ceremony, attendees engaged in group discussions and a networking dinner. Recent returnees received career advice from “senior” alumni who, since coming back to the States from the JET Program, have joined sister city associations and Japantown-related communities, maintaining their connections with Japan to this day.
As the JET Program begins its recruitment for its 40th year, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco will continue to promote the JET Program, which offers participants the opportunity to live and work in Japan, deepen cross-cultural understanding, and serve as cultural ambassadors strengthening Japan-US relations.
To find out more about the JETAANC, please visit https://www.jetaanc.org
To find out more about the JET Program and the application for 2026 outbound JETs, please visit https://jetprogramusa.org
Remarks by Chien, JET Alum and Japanese language educator
JET Returnee Oscar Patzan sharing about their experience in Japan
Group discussions
JETAANC Board Chair Takahashi leading the toast
Guests enjoying the buffet
Group photo
