2026 JET Programme Pre-departure Orientation and Farewell Reception
2026/6/20
Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu with the 2026 JET participants.
Ambassador MIYAGAWA speaking at the reception.
The Embassy of Japan had the pleasure of hosting the 2026 JET Programme Pre-departure Orientation and Farewell Reception on the 20th of June at Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu's official residence in Dublin. This year there are 38 Irish JETs so far who will participate in the programme, working in schools, local government offices and other institutions across Japan. From snowy Hokkaido in the north all the way to sunny Kagoshima in the south, we are so excited to see what they will achieve during their time on the JET Programme.
The JETs spent the day learning about Japanese culture, teaching practices and educational resources for their time in Japan.
Warm thanks to our speakers Ms Karen Ruddock, Post-Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI); Mr Raymond Hegarty, Ireland Japan Association (IJA); Mr Dominic Keogh, Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC); Ms Hannah Kimiko Maharry, JET Alumni Association (JETAA) and Mr Cian Finnegan who all shared their insights and experiences at the orientation. We were also very fortunate to have Ms ONOZAKI, Economic Researcher at the Embassy of Japan perform a miko kagura dance to wish the new JET participants success. Then, Ms UENO Yumiko, Second Secretary of the Embassy presented a security briefing on life in Japan. Finally, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu shared a few words with the outgoing JETs, and expressed the importance of their enthusiastic participation in the programme, saying that "JET is a bridge between Ireland and Japan". We wish them the very best of luck as they prepare to depart in July!
The JETs spent the day learning about Japanese culture, teaching practices and educational resources for their time in Japan.
Warm thanks to our speakers Ms Karen Ruddock, Post-Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI); Mr Raymond Hegarty, Ireland Japan Association (IJA); Mr Dominic Keogh, Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC); Ms Hannah Kimiko Maharry, JET Alumni Association (JETAA) and Mr Cian Finnegan who all shared their insights and experiences at the orientation. We were also very fortunate to have Ms ONOZAKI, Economic Researcher at the Embassy of Japan perform a miko kagura dance to wish the new JET participants success. Then, Ms UENO Yumiko, Second Secretary of the Embassy presented a security briefing on life in Japan. Finally, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu shared a few words with the outgoing JETs, and expressed the importance of their enthusiastic participation in the programme, saying that "JET is a bridge between Ireland and Japan". We wish them the very best of luck as they prepare to depart in July!
Ms Karen Ruddock (Director of PPLI, Former JET, Iwate Prefecture), shares her experience on the JET Programme and discusses the importance of the Japanese language.
Mr Cian Finnegan discusses his valuable experience on JET in Toshima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Ms Hannah Maharry discusses her work as the new Chair of the JET Alumni Association (JETAA), and her experience as an ALT in Tokyo.
Ms UENO Yumiko of the Embassy security team discusses important points on how to live safely in Japan.
Mr Richard Neville, the Embassy JET Programme Coordinator discusses the role of the ALT and his experience as a Hyogo Prefecture ALT.
Mr Dominic Keogh of the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) discussed the organisation’s activities.
Mr Raymond Hegarty of the Ireland Japan Association (IJA), discusses the organisation’s activities.
Ms ONOZAKI performing the miko kagura.