Melissa Huntley is a former JET Programme ALT between 2011 – 2016 in Shimane Prefecture. She moved from rural America to rural Japan; (from corn to rice) and with BAs in philosphy, religion, and psychology, a MA in TESOL/TEFL and PhD credits in International Psychology, she is fascinated not only by the significant differences in cultures and language between cultures, but the unique characteristics of cultures that explain the occurrence of said differences. While on the JET Programme, Melissa also volunteered for our National AJET Peer Support Group for several years, taking on roles of Vice National Director and National Director.
Post-JET Program, Professor Huntley has worked as a tenured lecturer at the University of Shimane in the Faculty of International Relations, International Communication Major. Her primary courses in the faculty are Theories of Cross-Cultural Communications and Research Paper Writing. Additional research interests include psychology in pop culture, the role of AI in the classroom from a luddite’s perspective, and modern social movements in Japan, with a focus on gender gaps.
Published works include:
How University EFL Learners Disagree via Flip Videos
Hao & Huntley, JALT Postconference Publication (2025)
Cults: Aum Shinrikyo
Huntley & Goodfriend, Encyclopedia of Religious Psychology and Behavior (2024)
Only the Potions are Toxic: Geralt as a Masculine Construct
Huntley & Buck, The Psychology of the Witcher (2024)
A Cross-Cultural Study on Attitudes Towards Mental Illness and Willingness to Seek Professional Help among Japanese and U.S. College Students
Shee, Huntley, & Goodfriend, Journal of Psychological Inquiry (2023)
Winner of Elizabeth A. Dahl Award
Fear, Doubt, and Loneliness: The Importance of Negative Emotions
Huntley, & Perry, The Psychology of Eldin Ring (2023)
Presentations include:
Cynic’s Experiment on Chat GPT-Assisted Writing Skills
Japan Association of Language Teachers Conference, November 2025
Openness in Japan: A CLIL approach to Virtual Exchange
Global Partners in Education Conference, May 2025
Gender Issues in Japan
Buena Vista University, USA (invited), February 2025
US/Japan Cross-cultural study: Attitudes towards Mental Illness
Hiroshima – Japan Association of Language Teachers Conference, December 2024
Navigating Cultural Differences in Communication Styles [Keynote]
Shimane Skills Development Conference (invited), February 2024
Severe Social Isolation and Avoidance in Japanese and Native American Anishinaabe Culture
The Chicago School, December 2023
Child-rearing as an Immigrant in Japan
University of Shimane (invited), November 2023
To find out more about Melissa you can check out her ResearchGate or ResearchMap profiles:
Understanding cultural differences in communication is crucial in multi-cultural work environments where individuals can face challenges adapting to the host or majority culture. Using frameworks such as Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Meyer’s Culture Map to deconstruct cultural values and resulting behaviors, this presentation provides insights into the interaction of these attributes and how to navigate differences in the workplace. While the primary focus is on cultural analysis, the presentation also includes practical cross-communication strategies to help ALTs and their Japanese coworkers foster effective workplace interactions.
