About
Since 1987, the JET Program has brought thousands of people from around the world to Japan — fostering cultural exchange, building bridges, and changing lives. For many of us, what began as a contract became a calling. We stayed, built careers, formed families, and made Tokyo home.
JETAA Tokyo exists to connect our community and further our ongoing impact — bringing together JET alumni across Tokyo to support each other professionally, build meaningful personal connections, and contribute to the city and country we now call home.
Tokyo, as Japan's largest and most dynamic city, has drawn a significant share of the global JET alumni community into one place. We are teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community builders — united by a shared experience and a shared city.
JETAA Tokyo was founded to bring that community together. Through the three pillars of Community, Career, and Service, we connect our members with each other, support professional growth, and contribute meaningfully to the society we are proud to be part of. The original ideals of the JET Program — international understanding, cultural exchange, and a more open Japan — don't end when the contract does. For us, they're just beginning.
We believe JET alumni in Tokyo have extraordinary potential — to support each other professionally, to build genuine personal connections, and to contribute to the city and country we call home.
Our Story
Meet the Team
Chris Tow
Co-Director
Chris is Assistant Store Manager at lululemon Azabudai Hills and Co-Director of JETAA Tokyo. He joined JET as an ALT in Kagoshima (2014–2018), later became a University Lecturer of English at Kyoto Sangyo University, and has since built a career in retail. He recently joined the US-Japan Council as a Council Leader and is kept busy outside of work by his six-month-old baby girl!
Ben Bizot
Co-Director
Ben works in the Provost's Office at Temple University, Japan Campus as an Administrative Assistant and serves as Co-Director of JETAA Tokyo. He was an ALT in Kumamoto City (2021–2024), serving as Prefectural Advisor in his final year. He is passionate about international education and U.S.–Japan relations, and is on a quest to find the best ice cream in Tokyo.
Valerie Beck
Communications Officer
Valerie is a Hyogo ALT alum (2009–2012) who recently relocated to Tokyo from the US in October with her husband Greg. Professionally, Valerie runs a personal development and mentorship practice focused on mental wellness and self-esteem — and also finds time to moonlight as a tour guide, hip hop dancer, and barista. She loves connecting with interesting people, which makes her a natural fit as your new Communications Officer.