Reflections on the Horizons Series

A look back at three sessions on life, work, and study in Japan after JET — co-presented by JETAA Tokyo and USJETAA.

The transition from the JET Program to "the real world" can be a little overwhelming. That's why USJETAA and JETAA Tokyo teamed up to launch the Horizons Series, a multi-part workshop designed to help current JETs and recent alumni find their footing in Japan and beyond.

With a strong turnout of over 100 virtual registrants and a dedicated in-person cohort, here is a look back at the insights shared during the three sessions.

Horizons 1: Making Japan Home After JET

Our first session tackled the immediate mental and logistical hurdles of finishing a JET contract. Moderated by Chris Chiba-Tow, our panel featured Teresa Fong, Jacqui Pitts, and Treat Schubert, who shared their candid stories of staying in Japan.

The Realities of Transition: The conversation explored key topics such as finding employment, adapting to Japanese workplace culture, and creating long-term stability beyond the JET program.

Actionable Advice: Through their own experiences, the speakers offered reassurance and practical steps for those pursuing a future in Japan.

In-Person Perks: For our local attendees, we hosted an in-person mixer at the Flux office in Roppongi Midtown. Beyond networking, attendees were treated to professional headshots by Greg Owain — a perfect first step for their post-JET job hunt!

Horizons 2: The Job Hunt in Japan

Our second session shifted gears toward the professional market and the nuts and bolts of recruitment. Moderated by Jennifer Butler, our panel featured industry experts Brett Huestis, Kristy Ishii, and Takeshi Yamagishi, who provided a 360-degree view of the Japanese hiring landscape.

The Reality of the Market: The conversation explored the major differences between job hunting in Western countries versus Japan. The panel emphasized that to stand out, candidates must bring either high-level Japanese (with a focus on the new April 2026 N2 requirements) or highly specific "hard skills."

Actionable Strategies: The speakers broke down practical next steps for those without a job lined up, offering concrete advice on pursuing an MBA, utilizing language schools, and successfully working with recruitment agencies to find the right fit.

Exclusive Opportunities: Following the main panel, attendees jumped into specialized Zoom breakout rooms for direct, popcorn-style Q&A with the recruiters. As a fantastic bonus, our moderator even shared a live Manager-level job opening on her own team — displaying the immediate value of the JET alumni network!

Horizons 3: Pursuing a Master's in Japan

The final session of the Horizons Series covered the realities and logistics of pursuing a graduate degree in Japan. Moderated by Ben Bizot, the panel of Erica Adams, Jennifer Butler, and Stuart Parsons provided insight from their experiences at higher education institutions in Japan.

Deciding if a Master's is Right for You: The panel explored the important things to consider when evaluating programs in Japan, and walked through the logistics of applying to graduate schools in Japan.

Promising Career Paths: Speakers shared information and data regarding industries and career paths that are particularly promising for international graduate students in 2026 — along with guidance on career services, internships, and alumni networks for students planning their move from study to work.

In-Person Perks: JETAA Tokyo hosted a networking session at Temple University, Japan Campus following the panel. Panelists and attendees living in Tokyo were joined by JETs traveling from Miyagi, Kyoto, Gifu, and Toyama for a lively session of connection and personalized Q&A.

A heartfelt thank you to USJETAA for co-sponsoring the Horizons Series and for being such a generous and collaborative partner in making these conversations happen. To our moderators Chris, Jennifer, and Ben — and to every panelist who gave their time, their honesty, and their expertise across all three sessions — this series was only as valuable as the people willing to show up and share. And to everyone who joined us, whether online or in person: thank you for being part of it. Your energy and your questions are what make programming like this worth building.

The Horizons Series may be wrapped, but the conversation doesn't have to be. We're already thinking about what comes next, and we want to hear from you. What topics would you like to see JETAA Tokyo tackle? Career development, language learning, community building, life in Japan? Let us know — your input shapes what we do next.