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JETAA-CH Featured by CLAIR
JETAA-CH Featured by CLAIR
20 December 2024
We've received some fantastic news that we're excited to share with you all: our very own JETAA-CH hahas the honor of being featured in the CLAIR Forum's December 2024 publication!
A Look Back: JETAA-CH's Founding Story in CLAIR Forum
A Look Back: JETAA-CH's Founding Story in CLAIR Forum
We were incredibly thrilled when CLAIR extended a special invitation to us to contribute an article about the founding of JETAA-CH. This was a wonderful opportunity to share our journey from our beginnings to the community we are today.
We are immensely grateful to CLAIR for this opportuniopportunity and for providing us with such a significant platform to highlight the dedication and hard work of everyone who has contributed to JETAA-CH until now. For those interested in reading the publication (in Japanese), you can find it here: CLAIR Forum Special Publication.
Looking Ahead to a Full 2025!
Looking Ahead to a Full 2025!
Reflecting on this past honor, we're filled with enthusiasm for what's to come. This recognition truly capped off our efforts, and we are eagerly anticipating a full and vibrant year for JETAA-CH in 2025! We've got exciting plans in the works, and we can't wait to share them with you. Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming events and activities!
A Very JETAA-CH Hanami 2024
A Very JETAA-CH Hanami 2024
15 April 2024
Hana MITA!
Even if it was only a few, we managed to find the cherry blossoms, have a snack at a Japanese cafe, and most importantly, make some new friends!
Hope to see you next time!
CLAIR Video Competition Submissions
CLAIR Video Competition Submissions
13 March 2024
We are pleased to highlight some submissions to CLAIR's video contest this year, which was open to current JETs and JET alumni.
Each video follows one of three themes presented by CLAIR:
一期一会
いちごいちえ
(Ichigo Ichie)
‘Once-in-a-lifetime chance’
一生懸命
いっしょうけんめい
(Isshōkenmei)
‘Trying as hard as one can’
花鳥風月
かちょうふうげつ
(Kachōfūgetsu)
‘The beauties of nature’
Contest winners are to be announced. In the meantime, please watch, enjoy, and like the videos!
A Happy Birthday to Emperor Naruhito
A Happy Birthday to Emperor Naruhito
20 February 2024
The JETAA committee wishes Emperor Naruhito a happy birthday.
A very happy birthday to Emperor Naruhito. We are honored to celebrate this year once again with the Japanese embassy in Berne, where we also remarked on the 160 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland.
May our two countries see another 160 years of prosperity together, and may Emperor Naruhito have a joyous and successful year.
Applications for the JET Programme Are Now Open
Applications for the JET Programme Are Now Open
12 January 2024
Taken directly from the announcement by the Embassy of Japan in Switzerland:
JET Programme
Call for Applications for 2024 - Open Position for Swiss Applicants
The application for the JET Programme is now open for qualified Swiss individuals who wish to engage in language instruction in a Japanese junior high school.
Arrival in Japan and start of contract: August 4, 2024
Deadline for application: March 15, 2024
Please find the Application Guidelines, Forms and all other relevant documents on our homepage:
https://www.ch.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_de/jet.html
Please apply if you are interested in living and working in Japan! It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone who has previously gone on JET, please reach out to us or sign up as a JETAA-CH member! Even if you are not currently an alum, you can be a JETAA-CH member as a "Friend of JET". Hope to talk to you soon!
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! (2024 Edition!)
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! (2024 Edition!)
1 January 2024
Origami dragons to celebrate 2024 Year of the Dragon!
We have officially reached the Year of the Dragon! It's also the official one-year anniversary of the JETAA-CH web blog, and it has been a pleasure to have you with us.
As an organization, we have grown and accomplished so much, and we can't wait to see where the next year will take us. In the meantime, here are some fun facts about 2024 to bring in the holiday season and what the year means to Switzerland and Japan:
In Japan, 2024 is the known as the sixth year of the current Reiwa era (令和 6年).
On 1 January 2024, one Swiss Franc (CHF) was worth 167.58 Japanese Yen (JPY).
Viola Amherd is elected the new Swiss President of 2024.
1000 years ago in the year 1024, the short-lived Manju (万寿) era began in Japan(it lasted 4 years).
500 years ago in the year 1524, it was the pinnacle of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland kickstarted by Zwingli.
2024 is the 160th year anniversary of Swiss-Japan diplomatic relations.
Here's to another 160 years of Japan and Switzerland working together!
Update: This morning on New Year's Day, a 7.5 earthquake hit the Noto Peninsula of Japan. JETAA-CH would like to express our wishes, prayers, and condolences to the affected families in the area and hope that our friends and family in Japan are safe.
New Island Off Coast Of Iwo Jima
New Island Off Coast Of Iwo Jima
11 November 2023
Pictured: Example of an island formed from volcanic activity
Is Japan getting bigger?! An underwater volcano erupting near the island of Iwo Jima is forming a small, new island in the sea. While undersea eruptions do happen more than we may realize, one that leads to the creation of a new landmass is quite a rare occurrence.
Did you know that Japan is home to over 100 active volcanoes? The Japanese archipelago sits on what is known as the "Ring of Fire", which is one of the reasons why the country experiences so much volcanic and seismic activity.
It remains to be seen whether the new island will remain for the long haul, or will wash away with the ocean waves until it falls back below the surface of the ocean.
For now, we all watch with curious eyes and await further exciting developments!
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
20 August 2023
It was a valiant effort by the Japanese women's soccer team at this year's FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, showing the world how Japanese sports is going strong! Both Japan and Switzerland competed in the tournament, but never got the chance to face off against each other.
While Switzerland was knocked out in the Round of 16 against eventual tournament winners Spain (can we claim an honorary second place? Just kidding), Japan made it to the Quarterfinals before a few unlucky strikes off the goalposts led to a defeat against eventual third-place finishers Sweden. Japan did boast a spectacular group stage match against Spain that made them huge favorites at the tournament.
To the Japanese and Swiss women's soccer teams, otsukaresama deshita!
What is the Tanabata Festival?
What is the Tanabata Festival?
7 July 2023
Cherry blossoms in Berne, Switzerland. Photo by Julia von Siebenthal.
July 7th is a great day for lucky number 7, and the date every year of the Tanabata Festival, aka the Star Festival!
While the festival originates in Japan, its magic knows no bounds, and even in the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, enthusiasts have found a way to celebrate Tanabata in their own special way.
Tanabata commemorates the mythical tale of two celestial lovers, represented by the stars Vega and Altair, who are separated by the Milky Way. According to the legend, they are only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This touching narrative has evolved into a vibrant celebration of love, wishes, and hopes.
In Japan, Tanabata is celebrated with colorful decorations, particularly intricate paper ornaments known as "tanzaku," on which people write their wishes. These tanzaku are then hung on bamboo branches, creating a mesmerizing sight. Festivals feature parades, vibrant decorations, traditional performances, and a sense of togetherness as people gather to celebrate love and dreams.
Have you made your tanzaku yet? Whether you're in the heart of Tokyo or amidst the Swiss Alps, we can all celebrate Tanabata together! We hope that the spirit of Tanabata continues to shine as brightly as the stars that inspired it.
Spring Tidings 2023
Spring Tidings 2023
4 April 2023
Cherry blossoms in Berne, Switzerland. Photo by Julia von Siebenthal.
Spring is here! That means that hanami season is upon us.
Hanami is the Japanese tradition of observing the blooming of cherry blossoms, usually in March and April. In Japan, people gather in parks filled with cherry trees dressed in kimono, and can go to spring festivals with booths offering snacks, games, and knick knacks.
In Switzerland, you can find cherry blossom trees as well! For example, Lausanne's Elysee Park is already blooming, overlooking Lake Geneva. Trees in the Rosengarten in Berne are also flowering, so now is the time to get out and enjoy when you can find the opportunity between the rainy weather.
JETAA-CH will be hosting a hanami event in Berne on Saturday, April 15th. Everyone is welcome! Please see our events page for more information. We hope to see you there!
Happy Birthday to Emperor Naruhito!
Happy Birthday to Emperor Naruhito!
21 February 2023
JETAA-CH would like to wish a happy birthday to Emperor Naruhito!
Japanese Ambassador Fujiyama hosted an evening in celebration of Emperor Naruhito's birthday on Tuesday evening at the Hotel Bellevue in Berne, Switzerland. It has been the first celebratory gathering for His Majesty the Emperor's birthday since the COVID-19 pandemic, which made for a big, commemorative night.
The evening was filled with live music, a buffet of exemplary Japanese dishes, and buzzing conversation.
We are honored to have been included in the festivities among so many esteemed guests. Thank you Ambassador Fujiyama for having us!
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! (Happy New Year!)
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! (Happy New Year!)
1 January 2023
Happy New Year! We have now entered the Year of the Rabbit, and here in JETAA-CH, we hope to extend our reach and grow our numbers beyond our inaugural year. But before that, here are a few fun facts about what 2023 means for Switzerland and Japan:
In Japan, 2023 is also known as the fifth year of the current Reiwa era (令和 5 年).
Alain Berset has been elected to be the President of Switzerland for 2023.
On 1 January 2023, one Swiss Franc (CHF) was worth 141.60 Japanese Yen (JPY).
New Year's Day 2023 in Switzerland was the warmest it has ever been since they first started keeping record 170 years ago.
2023 is the 150th anniversary of when Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar system during the Meiji Restoration, in 1873.
This year will also be the 175th anniversary of Switzerland adopting a new constitution in 1848, which formed the current nation as we know it.
JETAA-CH will celebrate its first anniversary in 2023!
Did you learn something new? Whether or not you did, have a great year, and hope to see you around!
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