The Embassy of Japan in T&T

18/06/2026

✨JET Programme Series: From Siparia to Kushiro – Travis Elbourne ✨
https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_04908.html

My name is Travis Elbourne, and I am 32 years of age. I grew up in South Oropouche and then I moved to Siparia in 2018, where I have been living ever since. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) in Business Computing from London Metropolitan University, and I am a volunteer literacy tutor for a non-government organization called the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA). My hobbies over the years have included hiking, swimming, running, reading and boxing.

I applied to become an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) for the 2025 JET Programme because for the past six (6) years I had been interested in the opportunity of teaching English in Japan. Even during the recent global pandemic when I was pursuing a completely different career goal, I still entertained the possibility of living and working in Japan. After the end of the pandemic, I had been introduced to the career path of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) by a few close friends of mine, and it dawned on me that this is a huge global industry where TEFL certified teachers can travel to a wide variety of non-English speaking countries and teach English. I had considered opportunities to teach English in China and even countries within Southeast Asia, but I ultimately decided on Japan because the Land of the Rising Sun was where my heart was.

I am quite fascinated with Japan’s rich culture and its civilization, with its long and illustrious history. I love reading and studying history and Japan’s history will keep my mind occupied for a very long time to come. I am intrigued with historical eras such as the Classical era (Nara and Heian Period), the Feudal era (during the rule of the Shogunate), the Early Modern era (Edo period) and the Meiji era (Meiji Restoration), where Japan rapidly became Westernized and industrialized. I have so much to learn before and after arriving to Japan and I intend to make the most of my time there – not only as an ALT and ambassador, but also as a student of Japan itself.

It was indeed a pleasant surprise when I first learned of my placement at Kushiro City, Hokkaido Prefecture. For over a year, I had been quite intrigued about the idea of living in Hokkaido because it truly resembles a winter wonderland. This prefecture is very famous for its annual Winter Festivals, particularly the large-scale Snow Festivals that take place at Sapporo City. I am looking forward to visiting Sapporo City later this year and attending my first Snow Festival. As an outdoor enthusiast, I am also looking forward to various rugged outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and snowboarding. I can even envision myself canoeing through the wetlands of Kushiro Sh*tsugen National Park.

Regarding this life changing opportunity to experience Japan via the 2025 JET Programme, I would like to express my gratitude to the Japanese ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency, Dr. Akima Umezawa. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the dedicated and hardworking staff at the Embassy of Japan for their support in my application process. I am now looking forward to working with the Kushiro City Board of Education in my upcoming role as an Assistant Language Teacher and as a cultural ambassador from Trinidad and Tobago.

Please visit the Embassy of Japan's Website for more information on the JET Programme and our daily activities: https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

17/06/2026

CGCL Receives EMA Merit Award

Caribbean Gas Chemical Limited (CGCL) received the Merit Award for the Most Impactful Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Project at the Green Leaf Awards 2026, hosted by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), on Saturday, 13 June. The award recognised the company’s successful implementation of three innovative greenhouse gas reduction initiatives: Incinerator Decommissioning, Non-Utilization of the Natural Gas Booster Compressor, and Single Boiler Operation. CGCL achieved a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of methanol produced, by December 2025, following implementation of these projects.

16/06/2026

Japan Officially Hands Over Tractors to Mayaro/Rio Claro and the Sangre Grande Regional Corporations Under Sargassum Management Project

On Tuesday, 16 June 2026, His Excellency Dr. Akima Umezawa, Ambassador of Japan to Trinidad and Tobago, attended the Government of Trinidad and Tobago's internal handover ceremony for equipment procured under the project, “Improving National Sargassum Management Capabilities in the Caribbean,” held at the Mayaro Civic Centre in Mayaro.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Umezawa, the Honourable Khadijah Ameen, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government; Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Honourable Nicholas Morris, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Mayaro, formally handed over tractor keys to the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation and the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation. The tractors were part of the equipment acquired through the project to strengthen national and regional capacity to manage the impacts of sargassum influxes.

The project is funded by the Official Development Assistance of Government of Japan with the cooperation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at a grant valued at US$12.3 million.

Japan has promoted diplomacy that brings harmony and cooperation, through respecting the diversity of every nation and providing tailor-made assistance to our partners. This project is a typical form of economic cooperation of such diplomacy.

This initiative reflects the Government of Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Trinidad and Tobago in addressing their environmental and developmental challenges in key areas such as such as disaster risk reduction and environmental protection.

Japan remains dedicated to strengthening resilience and sustainable development in countries across the Caribbean region.

16/06/2026

🐟Visit to Mayaro🌺

On June 16, 2026, Ambassador Umezawa had the opportunity to experience the vibrant flavors of Mayaro alongside Minister Ameen and Minister Morris.

From a delicious seafood boil to raw oysters topped with chadon beni sauce, Ambassador Umezawa truly enjoyed a taste of the local cuisine. He was especially impressed by the fresh local oysters and remarked that Trinidad and Tobago’s oysters are of such high quality that they should be exported to Japan.

He also joined a live roast fish cooking demonstration, making the visit both memorable and flavorful. 🦐🔥✨

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

✨Join us for a Pop-Up Japanese Cultural Workshop at Gulf City Mall on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Atrium✨

✨ Learn the art of Origami
🖌️ Try traditional Japanese Calligraphy
🎉 Free and open to all ages!

This interactive workshop is hosted by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the JET Alumni Association of Trinidad and Tobago .

Bring your friends and family and immerse in a fun afternoon of creativity and cultural exchange!

📍 Gulf City Mall – Atrium
📅 Sunday, June 14, 2026
⏰ 1 – 3 PM

See you there!

05/06/2026

✨JET Programme Series: I'm going to Japan! - Akiela Herry✨
https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_04893.html

I'm Going to Japan!

Just saying those words feels surreal. As I prepare for this new chapter, I’m filled with both nerves and excitement. What was once a dream is now a reality. The thought of leaving behind the familiar; my friends and family, the language, the food, the sights and sounds; is scary. I’m moving to a place where I can’t even speak a full sentence in the local language.

My love for nature and travel drew me to Japan. As someone who enjoys photographing flowers, landscapes, and animals, I was especially captivated by images of Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms. That fascination led me to learn more about the country. I was drawn to the culture’s cleanliness, the deep respect shown to elders, and the strong focus on health and wellness, all of which contribute to Japan’s high life expectancy.

After earning my CELTA certificate, the JET Programme felt like the perfect opportunity to apply what I had learned. Japan and Asia more broadly, has long been on my wish list. I look forward to applying the skills I have learned and building relationships with my JTEs and other members of staff. I get to experience working in a real Japanese environment, which I consider a privilege.

I’ve been placed in the heart of the country, in Fukui Prefecture known as the “Dinosaur Prefecture.” Am I a dinosaur lover? Not particularly. Will I visit the museum? Absolutely! I’m excited to experience four seasons, explore my city and region, visit other parts of Japan, and connect with locals while learning from their way of life. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to seeing how it will greatly alter my life.

Please visit the Embassy of Japan's Website for more information on the JET Programme and our daily activities: https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

29/05/2026

Dr. Akima Umezawa, Ambassador of Japan, visits Debe Doubles Shed! 🇹🇹🇯🇵

29/05/2026

Insights Into Japanese Culture🇯🇵

What is Sōmen? 🍜

As summer approaches in Japan, many people enjoy refreshing seasonal dishes to stay cool during the summer months.

One popular summertime food is sōmen, a very thin, wheat noodle. The noodle texture is light and has a refreshing taste. Sōmen is served cooled, making it especially popular during Japan’s hot summer season.

One unique way of serving sōmen is nagashi sōmen (flowing sōmen), where noodles flow through bamboo channels in cold water and are picked up with chopsticks before eating.

Sōmen is commonly enjoyed with a light dipping sauce called tsuyu, which is also cooled, and simple toppings such as green onion, ginger, egg, or mushrooms.

22/05/2026

✨JET Programme Series: Off to Okinawa - Mario Jones✨
https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_04871.html

Haitai, I am Mario Jones, and I am currently 29 years old. I resided in the vibrant and wonderful city of San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. A ‘south boy’ my entire life I have always been placed in situations that required me to step out of my comfort zone. I graduated in 2019 from the University of the West Indies (UWI) with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in International Relations. The challenges came after obtaining my Undergraduate Degree as I felt I was now placed in the bracket of uncertainty called, ‘the job market’. However, one important lesson I have learnt in my life is that clarity is often around the corner of uncertainty.

I was fortunate to be appointed as a Teacher’s Assistant at the Primary School level for the past 3 years, and I never looked back. I knew I had not only found my professional passion but also my purpose for life. My personal journey to the JET Programme interestingly started around two years ago. I was first introduced to the idea of the programme through my colleagues in Education. I thoroughly researched the programme and immediately knew it would align with my personal aspirations. As a budding educator, I swiftly applied as I saw an excellent opportunity to broaden my cultural horizon, while sharpening my personal competencies as a teacher.

I vividly remember the day I received that long-awaited phone call stating that I was a successful candidate for the JET Programme. I was thrilled beyond imagination as I knew for sure this is the opportunity I had desired for more than 2 years. My JET placement is in the tropical paradise of Iheya Village, Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa is an island with a unique history that has truly captivated my attention. I first heard about Okinawa in my youth from the film, ‘The Karate Kid 2’. Further research during my studies in university enabled a much deeper understanding of Okinawa from a national perspective, specifically its involvement in World War 2. However, I intend to paint my blank canvas of what I currently know of the island.

As an educator, I look forward to understanding methods of pedagogy in the Japanese education system, as well as developing meaningful relationships amongst my peers and students. I know for certain that the field of Education is where I belong and plan to be in the future. Furthermore, as a cultural explorer, I am eagerly awaiting to immerse myself in Japanese society. I look forward to the cuisine, different cultural festivals, folklore, architectural designs, natural landscapes and the world-renowned cherry blossom season. As a cultural ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, I look forward to the feedback of the natives in Okinawa as the opportunity to construct authentic cultural exchange has presented itself. Adversely, I’m also aiming at embracing new challenges that may present itself in this journey, as I know it will most definitely enhance my personal growth and character as a human being. Above all, I look forward to stamping a positive impact on the lives I have been appointed to guide in this journey.

Please visit the Embassy of Japan's Website for more information on the JET Programme and our daily activities: https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html