JET Programme Series: Let the Adventure Begin!! - Denzyl Evelyn
2025/9/1
Hey, guys! My name is Denzyl Evelyn, born and raised in Diego Martin, and it’s my absolute pleasure to take you along with me on my journey in Japan through the JET Programme.
Wow… The JET Programme. Japan. I still can’t believe I get to say that. It feels like such an honourable and surreal moment. I remember being just a child when I first saw an episode of Japan Video Topics. I was instantly captivated by the beauty of the Sakura trees and the vibrant rhythm of the taiko drums. That moment sparked what became a lifelong passion for Japan.
In 2023, another major shift happened. I not only began studying the Japanese language, but I also had the opportunity of a lifetime to visit Japan for two months. Being able to finally explore the country that has had such a huge impact on me since childhood only intensified the fire in my heart for Japan. That’s when I knew I wanted to fully experience everything Japan had to offer and immerse myself in the culture and not just the food, guys. Ha!
When I returned home in 2024, it honestly felt like a piece of me was missing. I knew I had to stay connected to Japanese culture, so I continued my Japanese studies. I wanted to show that even with beginner-level proficiency that I could express myself, so I participated in the 7th Annual Japanese Speech Contest and placed second! That same year, I also passed the JLPT N5 exam.
2024 was also a special year because it marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Trinidad and Tobago and Japan. I got involved in various cultural events, including the promotional video for Ann G.'s song Oideyo and even performed the Soran Bushi dance live at Queen’s Hall. Looking back, 2024 was definitely extra, but in the best way possible, and I share all of this to emphasise something really important: follow your dreams.
To be honest, I was hesitant to apply for the JET Programme at first. I didn’t have a degree in English or Education, and I wasn’t a teacher. My degree is in Computing and Information Systems, which made me feel like I didn’t belong or wasn’t an ideal candidate. Silly, right? I had so much passion, but I didn’t believe in myself.
It wasn’t until I started living my dreams and chasing my passion that things began to fall into place. Suddenly, I had all the inspiration and stories I needed to write my Statement of Purpose, sharing who I am, why I love Japan and the little steps and wins I’d collected along the way. And the best part? It was all so much fun.
So this part is for you, the reader.
Don’t let your dreams be dreams, just do it!
If you think Japanese is cool, try learning it. If there are Japanese events in your area, even small ones or anime conventions, go check them out. Put yourself out there and let that passion burn and grow. One day, when it’s your turn to write your Statement of Purpose, your passion will speak louder than any qualification ever could.
Lastly, I want to give a huge thank you to my family, friends and above all, all honour, praise, and glory to Jesus for making this opportunity possible. As Matthew 7:11 says:
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Now come along with me to Miyazaki Prefecture, the “Sunshine State” of Japan. I can’t wait to show you how things go down there!
JET Programme Series: Let the Adventure Begin!! - Denzyl Evelyn (Japan Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Reports
Wow… The JET Programme. Japan. I still can’t believe I get to say that. It feels like such an honourable and surreal moment. I remember being just a child when I first saw an episode of Japan Video Topics. I was instantly captivated by the beauty of the Sakura trees and the vibrant rhythm of the taiko drums. That moment sparked what became a lifelong passion for Japan.
In 2023, another major shift happened. I not only began studying the Japanese language, but I also had the opportunity of a lifetime to visit Japan for two months. Being able to finally explore the country that has had such a huge impact on me since childhood only intensified the fire in my heart for Japan. That’s when I knew I wanted to fully experience everything Japan had to offer and immerse myself in the culture and not just the food, guys. Ha!
When I returned home in 2024, it honestly felt like a piece of me was missing. I knew I had to stay connected to Japanese culture, so I continued my Japanese studies. I wanted to show that even with beginner-level proficiency that I could express myself, so I participated in the 7th Annual Japanese Speech Contest and placed second! That same year, I also passed the JLPT N5 exam.
2024 was also a special year because it marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Trinidad and Tobago and Japan. I got involved in various cultural events, including the promotional video for Ann G.'s song Oideyo and even performed the Soran Bushi dance live at Queen’s Hall. Looking back, 2024 was definitely extra, but in the best way possible, and I share all of this to emphasise something really important: follow your dreams.
To be honest, I was hesitant to apply for the JET Programme at first. I didn’t have a degree in English or Education, and I wasn’t a teacher. My degree is in Computing and Information Systems, which made me feel like I didn’t belong or wasn’t an ideal candidate. Silly, right? I had so much passion, but I didn’t believe in myself.
It wasn’t until I started living my dreams and chasing my passion that things began to fall into place. Suddenly, I had all the inspiration and stories I needed to write my Statement of Purpose, sharing who I am, why I love Japan and the little steps and wins I’d collected along the way. And the best part? It was all so much fun.
So this part is for you, the reader.
Don’t let your dreams be dreams, just do it!
If you think Japanese is cool, try learning it. If there are Japanese events in your area, even small ones or anime conventions, go check them out. Put yourself out there and let that passion burn and grow. One day, when it’s your turn to write your Statement of Purpose, your passion will speak louder than any qualification ever could.
Lastly, I want to give a huge thank you to my family, friends and above all, all honour, praise, and glory to Jesus for making this opportunity possible. As Matthew 7:11 says:
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Now come along with me to Miyazaki Prefecture, the “Sunshine State” of Japan. I can’t wait to show you how things go down there!
JET Programme Series: Let the Adventure Begin!! - Denzyl Evelyn (Japan Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Reports