Jikoshokai Corner

Today we would like to introduce our new JETAARM Secretary, Tim Ogino!

Welcome to JETAARM, Tim! Please introduce yourself.

Hi all! My name is Tim Ogino. I spent two wonderful years in Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture from 2011-2013. I was an ALT at Kakunodate Junior High School and three local elementary schools.

What made you want to apply to the JET Programme?

I am half-Japanese by heritage and always wanted to explore more about my roots. I had been studying Japanese for several years, studied abroad in Hokkaido during college, and also spent much of my extra-curricular time working with education outreach groups. I love working with kids and learning more about Japanese culture.

What was your most meaningful experience on JET?

It was really meaningful being in a rural town in the mountains of Tohoku just a couple of months after the earthquake and tsunami of 2011. It had such a deep impact on the community and seeing the resilience and recovery was remarkable. 

Also, the simple things were just as impactful - getting a home cooked meal on my doorknob from a neighbor, having a random conversation with a passerby, getting lost and being driven back to town by a friendly farmer.

What are you most looking forward to as a JETAARM board member?

I love staying connected to the Japan community in the US and sharing my love for the country and culture. It's great to share time with a group of people who have lived through the same experience.

Bonus Question: What’s your greatest accomplishment?

Eating 96 bowls of soba noodles in one sitting. (See: wanko-soba in Morioka).