EhimeAJET.com - About EhimeAJET

What is Ehime AJET?
Ehime AJET is a prefectural branch of AJET. It is a non-profit volunteer organization, run for and by Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program participants in the prefecture of Ehime. Ehime AJET exists to provide social support and representation for its members.

What we do:

We create a social network for Ehime JETs through various media and events such as welcome parties, farewell parties, parties at midyear conference and orientation, the Ehime AJET listserv, the Mikan newsletter and sporting events.
We provide information and support for Ehime JETs, to assist them in carrying out their work duties and in becoming involved in their local communities.
We maintain this website for our members, prospective JET participants and the general public.
We represent Ehime JETs within the Ehime prefecture and to the National AJET Organization.

Why the Mikan (Mandarin orange)?
Ehime AJET's logo stems from Ehime's major export crop. The sunny hillsides and low level of precipitation make Ehime ideal for the cultivation of mandarin oranges and thus Ehime has been Japan's top producer of mandarin oranges since 1970. Especially in the southwestern and island regions of the prefecture, a majority of farmers cultivate mandarin oranges. Besides being delicious and easy to eat, the mikan is practically an unofficial mascot of all things Ehime. From the Ehime football club to Matsuyama City's Police characters.

Mikans are bright and sunny and will help you fend off a nasty cold. If you have recently arrived in the countryside in Ehime in your new apartment, you shouldn't be too surprised if a housewarming gift of mikans is left for you by shy neighbors. For many JETs in Ehime, mikans are a symbol of their new home. Ehime AJET sports teams have taken on a mikan mascot and the Mikan is the title of the Ehime AJET newsletter. If you are on your way to Ehime as an JET, get ready to bask in the citrusy juicy goodness of the mikan.