The Great East Japan Earthquake – two years on

As we approach the second year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, the Government of Japan would like to share this report with you. The update is on the current state of the country, including the progress made towards reconstruction, economic revitalization and crisis management.

The Great East Japan Earthquake – two years on

Japan’s top priority is accelerating the ”revitalization process”. The government will focus on policies that benefit economic revival, reconstruction and crisis management – the three main ‘pillars’ for enacting meaningful change.

Three Pillars

  1. Economic Revival:  For Japan, the most urgent issue is revitalizing the nation’s economy to ensure stability and future prosperity. 
    • Proof point:  More than 10 trillion yen (USD $106 billion approximately) will be set aside to stimulate the economy through job creation, enhancing innovation, reconstruction efforts, strengthening domestic demand and creating global opportunities.
  2. Reconstruction:  Japan will accelerate the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas and make concerted efforts to create a newly revitalized Tohoku Region.
    • Proof point:  The budgetary framework for reconstruction has been expanded from 19 trillion yen to 25 trillion for FY2011-2015 (USD $202 billion to approx. USD $266 billion). As a result, further funding for the reconstruction has been secured in the FY2012 supplementary budget and the FY2013 budget.
  3. Crisis Management:  In an effort to ensure readiness for any future crises or disasters, Japan plans to prioritize strengthening infrastructure and public facilities throughout the country.
    • Proof point:  Japan is making a major investment of 2.2 trillion yen (USD $23.4 billion dollars approx.) to restore and fortify social infrastructures such as schools, highways and bridges.

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Changing Of The Diplomats

This month two high level diplomats at the Japanese Consulate were reassigned to other positions: Masuya Otsuka-san, Director of Culture, the former JIC at the JCCC, and head of the…

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JETAA Fighting Carps Win Gold!

Undokai

The rain stayed away on Sunday, September 9 as JETAA Toronto aimed to recreate the team spirit that encompasses Sports Day in Japan. Against the backdrop of Marilyn Bell Park’s dragon boat event, JET alumni got together to test their skill, speed and agility and to cheer on the JETAA Fighting Carps Dragon Boat team. (more…)

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Annual General Meeting Report

Our AGM this year was a huge success!  It was wonderful to see newly returned JETs coming out and mingling with veteran alumni members. We had Nha-Thy Vo, a senior member of the JETAA Quebec/Atlantic team, join us. The meeting began with an overview of the various activities and events JETAA Toronto hosted during the 2011 year. The group discussed and voted in our new bylaws (which will be posted to the website shortly). The bylaws were passed with an overwhelming result of 87%.

The remaining part of the AGM was used to discuss and vote for the new representatives of the 2012 JETAA executive committee. The following are the results for the 2012 JETAA executive team:

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Wanted: JETAA Canada Representative

The call for platforms for the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) Canada’s Country Representative has begun and we’re looking for interested candidates! The Canada Representative is integral to unifying Canada’s various chapters and representing our country on the JETAA-International level.

The appointed Returning Officer will conduct the elections, including the collection of platforms, distribution of platforms for voting, counting and collecting the votes, and announcing the winner. Please submit all platforms directly to the appointed Returning Officer at eric@jetaabc.ca.

The dates for the upcoming 2012 election process are as follows:

  • February 29th: Platforms for 2012 Canada Rep due.
  • March 20th: Voting for Canada Rep opens.
  • March 26th: Voting for Canada Rep closes.
  • April 6th: Returning officer publishes results of Canada Rep election.

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