Aimee Brown, Coordinator for International Relations
International Division, Board of Education, Motomiya City Government
In May 2022, I received confirmation that I had secured a spot on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR). One month later, I received my placement: Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture. At the time, I had never heard of the city and knew next-to-nothing about Fukushima. Now, looking back on my experiences over the past two years, I am so glad to have been placed here.
A cultural and sports exchange day at a British school (Davenant Foundation School)
The duties of a CIR can vary depending on one’s placement, but the majority of us work at the municipal office of our local government and are involved in tourism or education. As a part of Motomiya’s Board of Education, my colleagues and I work to provide opportunities for our citizens to increase their understanding of and interest in British culture and the English language. With this intent, I write a monthly magazine article to introduce British traditions and food, etc., and I wrapped up the 50th and final episode of a short radio programme (and YouTube videos) earlier this year, created together with our local radio station to teach English in bitesize bits.
Additionally, I get involved in English-storytelling events for young children at a local library and kindergarten and deliver one-off classes about the UK at Motomiya’s junior and secondary schools. Students that attended my class on British myths and legends last year now know all about Robin Hood and the Lincoln Imp! I also hold a monthly Friendship Café, where citizens can learn about the UK and practice English conversation. Past themes of this include English around the world, LGBT+ in the UK and Japan, and most recently, a Sign Language exchange event.
Teaching about British myths and legends
One could perhaps pinpoint the catalyst of our city’s emphasis on learning about the UK to be a visit from HM Prince William in 2015, following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. From that moment on, our connections with the UK have continued to grow, especially with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), with whom we became officially bonded in April 2024 through a Friendship Declaration. We also have a strong bond with the British Olympic and Paralympic Associations. Not many people know that Motomiya was the ‘“Arigato” Host Town’ to Team GB and Paralympics GB for the Tokyo 2020 Games, where local schools partnered with a UK school and hosted visits by Team GB athletes, I was amazed to find this out!
Since 2017, groups of Motomiya’s students have been visiting the UK with the aim of nurturing globally minded citizens. Acting as a bridge between my office and our acquaintances overseas, I assist in the planning of these visits and facilitate communication. A visit to RBKC is a core part of this project, as are person-to-person exchanges with local schoolchildren, and it is always a joy to see our students experiencing new things and making new friends.
Aimee’s English Conversation Class on Youtube
Whilst on the JET Programme, I have been able to attend CIR conferences and take translation and interpretation courses organised by CLAIR. But it hasn’t been all-work-and-no-play. Some fellow JETs and I danced in a couple of festivals this year (of which Fukushima boasts many), and I have tried my fair share of delicious local delicacies – some of which were recently on offer at the Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square! It has been truly rewarding to experience so much Japanese culture whilst teaching about my own, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
