Chelsie Blackwell - Kyoto (2019-2020)

Chelsie with the students she tutored after school

Where were you in Japan as a JET and when? 

I was an ALT in Kyoto, 2019-2020. I then worked privately in Tokyo until 2022.

What sparked your interest in applying for the JET program? 

I visited Japan with a friend in 2018 and fell in love with the country! I enjoyed my time there so much. I was already a teacher, so I researched how to teach in Japan. I found JET and I felt called to the grassroots philosophies of the program and the idea of a cultural exchange. 

Chelsie teaching her last class in Kyoto

What are some of the things your prefecture is known for? e.g. food, hotspots, etc. 

Kyoto is known for its historic value and traditional culture! There are over 2,000 shrines. Tofu is quite famous in Kyoto as well. 

Did you pick up any of the regional dialects? What are some of your favorite words or phrases? 

I learned “okini” which is "thank you" in Kyoto.

In Kyoto

If you were to return to live in Japan, would you choose to live in that same prefecture? 

I would! I like how quiet and peaceful Kyoto is, combining the old with the new. I also love Tokyo. I love Japan in general and I feel really grateful to have gone on the program.

How has your connection in relation to Japan changed since living in Japan? 

Japan feels like it’s in my bones; so much of what I do comes back to it. My experiences that formed me there influence my current life here in America. My connection to Japan has grown stronger since leaving, as I’ve continued to study Japanese, joined the board of JETAASE, and wrote a short film about my life there. I teach my current students Japanese words and phrases; it’s fun to hear them talk about how much they want to go to Japan someday. Some even talk about living there in the future! It feels like a full circle moment and it makes me proud.

I appreciate the opportunity that the JET Programme gave me to participate in cultural exchange. I received so much in return, and I hope that I will continue to give back for the rest of my days. 

Chelsie with her English Speaking Society members

Thank you, Chelsie, for sharing your JET story!