31 July 2006
Japan Through Our Eyes
Jet Programme 20th Anniversary Exhibition
15-20 August 2006
A unique exhibition of photographs taken by New Zealanders living in Japan is being held from 15-20 August 2006 at the
Thistle Gallery in Cuba Street, Wellington. Japan Through Our Eyes celebrates the 20th Anniversary of New Zealand’s
participation in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. Under the JET Programme, graduates from a range of
countries participate in international exchange and foreign language education across Japan. Many are involved in
teaching English in schools.
The JET Alumni Association (JETAA) of Wellington invited former JET participants to rummage through photo albums and
submit their best shots from their time in Japan.
JETAA Wellington President, Gary Blick, said that the response had been great; “The photos we’ve received are so varied
– from scenes of high-school life, to aspects of modern and traditional Japanese culture, to more abstract kinds of
images.”
“The exhibition is a celebration of the JET Programme, it’s impact on the lives of the more than 2,000 New Zealand
participants over the last 20 years, and also of the on-going people-to-people links between New Zealand and Japan”.
“We wanted to share these photos – not only with those people planning to travel or teach in Japan, but with the general
community who might enjoy learning a bit more about life in Japan – as seen through our eyes.”
Competition prizes will be announced at the exhibition opening on Tues 15th August. The photographs can be viewed at the
Thistle Gallery during the following times:
Public Viewing Hours
Wed 16 August 4pm – 8pm
Thurs 17 August 4pm – 8pm
Fri 18 August 4pm – 8pm
Sat 19 August 10am – 6pm
Sun 20 August 10am – 4pm
ENDS