Fukushima JET Programme Support System
Prefectural Advisors
The Prefectural Advisor system is an integral part of the JET Programme. The PA is able to lend an understanding ear to participants when he or she is in need of one, and may be able to help the JET find a solution to problems that might arise while he or she is in Japan. Prefectural Advisors receive basic training in problem solving techniques, and are bound by strict codes of ethics and confidentiality. You can feel free to chat with the PAs, in confidence, about whatever might be on your mind.
Please understand that the Prefectural Advisors are in no way 'in charge' of the JET Programme in Fukushima, and are in no way able to 'direct' individual supervisors or Contracting Organizations. PAs, therefore, are not magical problem solvers. We are, however, able to assist conflicting parties in breaking down the barriers to communication that often lead to problems in the workplace, and can even interpret in meetings when the need arises.
Fukushima Prefecture PAs are available during work hours, and outside of work hours by appointment only. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or just need to chat!
PA Introduction
JET PAs
Joanne Jang
Hello everyone! My name is Joanne and I’m from Vancouver, Canada. I work at the International Affairs Division at the Fukushima Prefectural Government as a CIR.
I came to Fukushima in August 2022, and I am looking forward to getting to know the region and building relationships with the locals in my area.
Having emigrated from Korea to Canada at a relatively young age, I was lucky enough to adapt to a completely new culture pretty easily while retaining the knowledge of my family's roots. So when I became interested in the Japanese culture and eventually participated in a one-year exchange program for Japan offered by my university, I was able to utilize my past experiences to settle into yet another new culture as my home. But I understand that this is a rare case, and it is common for everyone to struggle when they move countries to start a new life – and that is where I come in!
Whenever you encounter any issues regarding your life in Japan, I'm sure my name will be the first thing to come up in your head – and you're not wrong! So if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out anytime.
Work Phone: 024-521-7183
Work E-mail: jang_joanne_01@pref.fukushima.lg.jp
Private E-mail: hejokr@gmail.com
Japanese PAs
Kuribayashi Mika
Phone: 024-521-7183
E-mail: kokusai@pref.fukushima.lg.jp
Ishii Akari
Phone: 024-521-7183
E-mail: kokusai@pref.fukushima.lg.jp
Area Support Leaders
What is the Area Support Leader System?
The Area Support Leader System provides JET participants living in Fukushima Prefecture with a nearby support system to turn to when they are in need of basic information pertaining to their local areas.
Who are the Area Support Leaders?
The Area Support Leaders are all current JETs who volunteer to be available outside of regular hours.
What is their role?
To answer questions about life in your area of the prefecture, or just to lend an ear when you need to chat.
How can I contact my Area Support Leader?
There are Area Support Leaders in each region of the prefecture (7 in total). To find out who is nearest you, please check the info below!
ASL Introduction
Benevolence Changara - Kenpoku Area
Hello! I’m Bene, a second year ALT from the U.K., originally from Zimbabwe.
I currently live in Fukushima City and I am the new ASL for Kenpoku. I feel very lucky to be able to call Fukushima home whilst living here in Japan. Surrounded by mountains (great in summer for hiking and winter for skiing/snowboarding), easy access to numerous amazing onsens, exciting local festivals and delicious food. It is such a lovely placement to get.
I am here to support you, so feel free to reach out! Always happy to meet up for a chat at a cafe, in the park, wherever. No question is ever too silly to ask. Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures around Fukushima!
Email: bwchangara@hotmail.co.uk
Kenpoku Area:
Fukushima City, Nihonmatsu City, Date City, Motomiya City, Koori Town, Kunimi Town, Kawamata Town, Otama Village
Rachel McDonald - Kenchu Area
Hello friends! My name is Rachel and I am a 2nd year ALt. I'm originally from North Carolina, USA but now I call Koriyama, Fukushima home. Welcome to Kenchu, I'm so happy you're here!
Kenchu has some amazing restaurants, hiking trails, shrines, and festivals. There's always something to do. In Koriyama, we have easy access to transportation that can take you to so many places. Need a recommendation? I got you!
I'm always available for coffee chats, picnics in the park, and a round of darts! Most importantly, I'm here to support you in any way I can. I'm just a message or call away. I'm looking forward to enjoying Kenchu together!
Email: ramcdonald.308@gmail.com
Kenchu Area:
Koriyama City, Sukagawa City, Tamura City, Kagamiishi Town, Ten-ei Village, Ishikawa Town, Tamakawa Village, Hirata Village, Asakawa Town, Furudono Town, Miharu Town, Ono Town
Melissa Pulido-Jaimes - Kennan Area
Hello! I’m Melissa and I’ll be your ASL for the Kennan area. I arrived in 2023 from California, United States. I’ve lived there my whole life so moving to a new country after college was a big change! I had great support when I first arrived and I can’t wait to pay it forward. Welcome to Fukushima!
Kennan is a humble but charming area to live in. Many beautiful forests, scenic trails, and hidden gem cafe/restaurants! We are also really close to Tochigi which makes a great day trip!
Need anything? Let’s chat over a cup of coffee!
Email: melissapjaimes@gmail.com
Kennan Area:
Shirakawa City, Nishigo Village, Izumizaki Village, Nakajima Village, Yabuki Town, Tanagura Town, Yamatsuri Town, Hanawa Town, Samegawa Village
Hannah Alcorn - Aizu
Hello everyone! I’m Hannah, the Aizu ASL. I’m from the golden state of California, US, and now happily call Aizuwakamatsu my home away from home. I love making new friends, so let’s hang out!
Aizu is a beautiful region with tons of hidden charm. We have a gorgeous castle, a fascinating samurai history, delicious local food, lovely onsens and SO many cool landmarks. I’m sure you’ll come to love it just as much as I have.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m happy to help in any way I can, or connect you to the right people if I can’t. Let’s enjoy Aizu!!
Email: hannah.alcorn01@gmail.com
Aizu Area:
Aizuwakamatsu City, Kitakata City, Kitashiobara Village, Nishiaizu Town, Bandai Town, Inawashiro Town, Aizubange Town, Yugawa Village, Yanaizu Town, Mishima Town, Kaneyama Town, Showa Village, Aizumisato Town
Alexander Glaister - Minamiaizu Area
Hi everyone! My name is Alex. I am originally from the UK, and I am the ASL for Minamiaizu.
I enjoy exploring the country, while collecting as many shrine stamps (goshuin) as I can along the way, as well as karaoke, and getting involved with cultural events.
Please visit the Minamiaizu region for the beautiful mountain views, the abundant snow and skiing in the winter, and you might even see a few monkeys! The Gonzai festival in July is also a big cultural highlight of the year.
Please contact me if you want to know more about this beautiful area of Japan, or if you need any help or support in any way!
Email: alex.glaister@protonmail.com
Minamiaizu Area:
Shimogo Town, Hinoemata Village, Tadami Town, Minamiaizu Town
Eleaanor Sollitt - Soso Area
Hello! My name is Ellie, and I am the ASL for the Soso region. Originally from England I came to Japan just as it started to open up after COVID, so I’ve been able to see the comeback of many festivals and school events!
Soso has faced hardships in the past but the whole region is full of revitalisation and exciting experiences to explore! We have the beautiful ocean with fresh fish, a unique horse festival, amazing firework displays right over the sea and so much more!
I’m always down for finding hidden gems and helping those around me so please feel free to reach out to me for anything. Welcome to Fukushima!
Email: elliesollitt@gmail.com
Soso Area:
Soma City, Minamisoma City, Hirono Town, Naraha Town, Tomioka Town, Kawauchi Village, Okuma Town, Futaba Town, Namie Town, Katsurao Village, Shinchi Town, Iitate Village
Nina Acero-Liebman - Iwaki Area
Hello, everyone! My name is Nina Acero-Liebman. Welcome to Iwaki, Fukushima! I am the ASL for Iwaki City, which faces the Pacific Ocean and is located in the southeast part of Fukushima Prefecture. Iwaki City is a wonderful place, featuring seven beautiful beaches in the summer, vivid foliage in the autumn, mild winters (and Yumoto hot spring town to keep warm!), stunning riverbank cherry blossoms to see in the spring, and so much more. When I was first placed here, I admittedly knew next to nothing about Iwaki or Fukushima in general, but Iwaki is just as sunny and bright as my California hometown in the U.S., and so are its people. Over the past two years here, I have come to immensely enjoy Iwaki City and am grateful to live in one of the most beautiful prefectures in Japan.
In my free time, I like to read, sew, visit hot springs, ride trains, and find new cafes and restaurants to try!
I am more than happy to help in any way I can, from offering local recommendations to answering questions and anything in between.
Please don't hesitate to message me--I am always available for a chat, and I am more than excited to explore Iwaki together!
Email: nina.a.liebman@gmail.com
Iwaki Area: Iwaki City
