The JET Programme: A journey into Japan #JETVideoContest2024

This is the story of the 3 years I spent living in Japan on the JET Programme.

I was fortunate to experience life in both rural Hokkaido and urban Kobe. From the snowy north of Japan, to the sandy beaches of the south, I loved every second of my time there and was able to explore every corner of this incredible country.

This video is my (Theo’s) submission to the JET Programme’s 2024 video contest. Its quite different from all of the other videos on this channel, but it was great to look back on my time in Japan and present it in a more personal way.

I hope you enjoy 🙂

Music:

Sakura 2020 by Roa Music | https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
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Japanese instrumental Music
Music [NO COPYRIGHT]- Japanese instrumental Music – YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuvSVml7mXY

Neon Tiger by Purrple Cat | https://purrplecat.com
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Asakusa by Glitch | https://soundcloud.com/glitch
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SHW – Miyako JAPAN3
Miyako JAPAN3 by SHW http://shw.in/

Eudaimonia by Glitch | https://soundcloud.com/glitch
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Japan a country of contrasts from the world’s largest city to Sleepy Countryside Landscapes and picturesque Islands dotting the crystal blue sea here tradition meets modernity and one program offers a once in a-lifetime chance to experience the True Heart and Soul of Japan I’m Theo Thompson a UK jet program participant from 2019 to

2022 and this is my Story my first year on the program was spent in the Serene and stunningly beautiful Hokkaido surrounded by Nature I discovered a deep connection with my local community in betai whether it was watching the local school’s cultural Festival participating in the town’s mikoshi mats or even helping out with PE classes I immersed

Myself in my new homes Community Life In the far north of the country was a far cry from my hometown of London here in the UK with temperatures dropping as low Asus 25° C i embraced my new life in the snow and even though everyday activities became much more challenging driving

Going to the shops leaving work I loved absolutely every second of it I spent my free time on nearby ski slopes immersing myself in the natural beauty of Hokkaido from skiing in NCO to hiking in stunning shoko my first year on the jet program allowed me to explore

The wonders of Hokkaido a part of Japan I previously knew very little about but one that I feel comfortable calling a home away from home And then in my second year came the contrasting experience of urban life in coob the vibrant City Lights the hustle the bustle yet in the heart of the city I found a different kind of beauty and a different kind of nature the diversity of activities and people the thriving

Art scene an appreciation for architecture and the endless possibilities for personal growth and development in nearby Oraka I pursued my passion for music making a name for myself in the local DJ Scene performing in vibrant venues meeting new people and experiencing the pure headism that Urban Japan has to

Offer I know my experience on the program is unusual having transferred from Hokkaido to coob with two Contracting organizations and two vastly different sets of experiences it’s for that reason I couldn’t focus on my connection with one over the other I loved my time in each and have equally

Fond memories of both my relationship with Japan however has been defined by more than just my placements it’s the people and unique experiences you find yourself in when interacting with local communities across the country whether it’s cooking food with onon steam in beepu marveling at snow monsters in

Yamagata or simply sharing a yti with strangers in fuga it’s these memories and these experiences that will last a lifetime regardless of placement the jet program presents a truly once in a-lifetime chance to explore to discover to learn and to challenge yourself my years on the program were defined by the

Covid-19 pandemic with international travel off the table I threw myself into experiencing as much of Japan as I possibly Could I explored an empty Kyoto I snorkled in the Crystal Blue Waters of ishigaki Okinawa I climbed Mount Fuji through the night and from the summit witnessed the sunrise over Tokyo wherever my travels took me I was in awe of the natural beauty of Japan and the friendliness of its

People inspired by this beauty I decided to take up another hobby amateur film making through which I captured almost all of the footage seen in this video the jet program is not just a job it’s a transformative Journey it’s a once- in a-lifetime chance to develop a deep connection with a country other

Than your own that will stay with you your entire life it’s about the opportunities each region and each placement offers discovering hidden gems and leaving a lasting impact on the communities you become a part of it’s about embracing the uniqueness of every situation and making the most of every

Moment simply put the jet program is Ichigo ich