Our mission at Asian Pacific Islander Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching (API AJET) is to provide peer support for the English-speaking Asian Pacific Islander community in Japan, as well as to raise local and global awareness of the diverse range of issues that face this community. While our audience mainly consists of ALTs and CIRs from English teaching programs, such as the JET Programme and Interac, our content aims to cover the unique, but often unspoken, experiences that APIs living in Japan undergo.

The group is open to any and all who wish to share experiences and/or promote cross-cultural understanding through discussions, events, activities, etc.

BECOME A MEMBER

Please become a member by filling out the membership form and join our communities on Discord, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn or email us at api.ajet@gmail.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “API” mean?

“API” stands for “Asian Pacific Islander” and includes people who identify with cultures in East Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, the Pacific Islands, and more. We intend to use “API” in the most inclusive way, therefore this term includes people who identify as diaspora Asians, third culture kids, mixed race, indigenous, and more. The acronym “API” is modified from the terms Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) and Asian Pacific American (APA). There is still an ongoing discussion in this group and the broader community about what the most accurate and representative terminology to use is.

Can I join this group if I don’t work for the JET Programme?

Yes. While this group operates as an AJET special interest group, it is open to anyone, including JET alumni, prospective JETs, spouses of JETs, ALTs from other dispatch companies, other expats in Japan, etc.

Can I join this group if I’m not from the West (eg. if I’m Filipino vs Filipino-Canadian)? Can I join this group if I’m mixed race? Can I join this group if I’m not Asian?

Yes. This is an inclusive group. We only ask that each member be respectful toward others who have different backgrounds and experiences than themselves.