ALT Yeshua invited to the JET  30th anniversary ceremony

In Awaji City, six foreign assistant language teachers (ALT) are active for improving English education at elementary and junior high school. This year, the Japanese Exchange Program “JET Program”, aimed at foreign young people to conduct foreign language instruction and international exchange in Japan, celebrated its 30th anniversary. On November 7th, the ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary was held at a hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and ALT Yeshua Ragbir (nationality: Canada) who works at Tsuna Junior High School and Sano Elementary School, was invited.

Yeshua, who grew up in an environment where music was around from a young age, was interested in the shamisen before coming to Japan. After coming to Japan, Mr. Yeshua became a pupil of Tomoju Tsuruzawa who herself was taught by Tomoji Tsuruzawa, a “Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Properties”. Yeshua is currently working hard on his shamisen training. Due to his efforts, he played in an amateur national tournament for joruri just after nine months. As a result, his activity was appreciated and he was invited to the ceremony.

Approximately 800 people, including the crown prince and princess, attended the ceremony. His Highness, the prince, stated that the JET Program’s efforts are of great significance in promoting regional internationalization. After the ceremony, a private conference was held with His Imperial Highness the Prince. To his royal highness, Yeshua discussed the qualities and difficulty of the shamisen as opposed to the guitar and to her royal highness, he mentioned his expression for Awaji Island as the “Island of creation” (island of creation of heaven and earth).