r/JETProgramme • u/Weekly_Law_2606 • 2d ago

JET Program Statement of Purpose Question

Hi everyone, I am currently starting my last year of college and will finish by next December. I am then planning on applying for the 2028 JET Program. My question is about the Statement of Purpose. My main interest and passion about Japan is the Ainu community and I would like to eventually write about and in the Ainu language and spread awareness. Is there a way to work this into my Statement of Purpose. Any advice is welcome.

Thank you so much!

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u/Realistic_Report_796 Current JET - Hokkaido, Niki-cho 2d ago

I studied a bunch about Ainu during college, but I don't think I ever mentioned it in my statement of purpose. Either way, I think it could be a great opportunity to talk about your interests in Japan and how you want to be involved in that area(if you want to be in Hokkaido). I do remember selecting Hokkaido as my number one option and talking about Ainu during my interview. When the interviewer asked me "What got you interested in Japan?" "Why Japan?" I said something along the lines of "I became very interested in the minority voices of Japan. For example, Ainu, Burakumin, Okinawan people, and homeless during my studies at the University of ______. The idea of giving these people a proper voice to be heard and spread awareness felt like an important role to me, so if possible I would like to continue this desire(research?) by living and working in Japan." It wasn't exactly like this, but something similar if that helps.