Japan's consul general in New York provided a warm send-off Friday for the area's new recruits to the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme as the government project for globalization enters its 30th year.
"The JET Programme is a major asset to both Japan and the United States," Ambassador Reiichiro Takahashi said to 80 new participants on the eve of their departure for Japan, highlighting the cross-cultural relationships built in the program as "fundamental to the great friendship between our two nations."
Takahashi wished the recruits "vibrant and memorable" experiences on the program and expressed hope that the time in a new culture will "enrich (their) lives personally."