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Message from Past Participants

<2016 Kaleo Yoneichi Chan　カレオ・ヨネイチ・チャン> 2024.10.22

I hope you are doing well too!

Currently I am working in procurement/purchasing as an estimator for the largest home building company in America. I just passed 3 years at this company. Also, since the beginning of 2023, I have been volunteering as one of the leaders at weekly events for international students studying abroad in Washington State, USA. Many of the participants are Japanese college students, but there are also participants from China, Korea, Southeast Asia and also Africa.

I'm actually visiting in Tokyo right now. Last week, I spent a few days in Fukuoka, visiting friends and former bosses/supervisors. I also visited my former professors at Kyushu University and they had me do a question and answer session for some of the current study abroad students. After Fukuoka, I visited family friends in Hokkaido. Now I'm enjoying a few more days in Tokyo, visiting friends from my university days, and friends that I met at international events who have moved back to Japan. I am staying nearby the IFA office!

I really enjoyed the IJAS program and I am happy to hear that it is still continuing! I think it would be great if future participants got to experience visiting the countryside, or further away from the big cities. Especially recently, there are so many tourists in the big cities, and sometimes it doesn't feel like authentic Japan in these areas.

Thank you!

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Message from Past Participants

＜2019  Boone Nakasone　ボーン・ナカソネ＞  2021.8.8

Boone Nakasone was a participant in the IFA-Exchange Program in 2019. He is currently serving as a Spanish-speaking missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in New York City.  He will complete his service in March 2023. （This is from his mother because he is unable to use his personal email while serving as a missionary.)

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Message from Past Participants

＜2019  Mei Yuzuk  メイ・ユズキ＞  2021.7.21

I hope this email finds you well. Thank you so much for your message.

This is Mei Yuzuki, I was a participant in the IJAS 2019 summer program. I am currently on the tail-end of my gap year, I will be starting my first year at the London School of Economics and Political Science this fall. I'm interning at the Department of Commerce for the summer. I look back on my time in Japan fondly and I hope to return as soon as the conditions allow.

＜2012  Elizabeth Kurata  エリザベス・クラタ＞ 2021.6.17

It has been five years since I graduated from the university of California at Berkeley.

Since then I have done a number of roles including the JET program in Nagasaki-ken; Civil rights fellow at the Japanese American Citizens League in Washington DC; Organizer for a global nuclear disarmament organization; among a few other things.

I am currently working as a producer for a small production company- a lot of work has been focused on doing anti-asian hate work! Including working on the launch of the Asian American Foundation.

＜2016  Kaleo Yoneichi Chan  カレオ・ヨネイチ・チャン＞ 2021.6.14

Thank you for your email! It is always great to hear from IFA! How are you all doing?

Now, I am currently working as a Buyer/Planner at Stryker Corporation. I am still living in Washington, but I had the opportunity to volunteer in an online camp in Fukuoka in March 2021! The camp is called 福岡未来創造キャンプ.　Below is the link to our webpage.

https://fukuoka-msc.com/

I began helping with this camp when I studied abroad at Kyushu University. This camp is for Fukuoka high school students who are interested in global affairs, English, and working to solve societal challenges. During the camp, participants interact with University and post-graduate volunteers from both Japan and around the world in discussions, workshops, and recreation.

I hope to visit Japan again soon and I am so happy that IFA is continuing with this program.

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Message from Past Participants

＜2017Camille Elise Akemi GOO カミール  エリース  アケミ・グー＞ 2020.10.18

Hello! I am currently a senior at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA.  I am pursuing my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Japanese Language and Culture and Molecular and Cellular Biology!  I have not been able to visit Japan again since participating in the 2017 program, but I am hopeful that the university will allow me to do research this summer in Japan with my professor!  In the spirit of engaging with this year's theme, "Food Culture," I want to examine Japan's processes of environmental sustainability through homegrown agricultural  sourcing, zero waste communities, and shared communal responsibility. I am also applying for the JET program so I can further pursue building relationships that cultivate mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.

On campus, I continue my plight towards self-discovery and restorative justice through working with local organizations, such as the Center for Intercultural and Civic Engagement (CICE) andTsuru for Solidarity in an effort to bring awareness to the atrocities committed during the season of Japanese-American Internment in the United States.  I engaged the campus community by folding origami cranes and participating in a campus wide annual commemoration ceremony. On the same token, pursuing a Japanese Language and Culture major opened avenues for me to take classes that expand my knowledge, analyzing critical texts that have shaped the culture and society of Japan throughout history.This year,  I successfully passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3, which I am very excited about! I hope that I will have the opportunity of visiting Japan again soon, whether it be for research or through the JET Program!

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Message from Past Participants

＜2016  Kaleo Yoneichi Chan  カレオ・ヨネイチ・チャン＞ 　2020.6.8

I graduated from the University of Washington this past winter with a B.A. in Japanese Linguistics.  Right after graduating, I began working for “K” Line Logistics, Ltd. (ケイラインロジスティックス株式会社) in January 2020.  I have been with the company for about 5 months now.  I work with Japanese aerospace companies to export airplane parts from North America and Europe to Japan.  All of my clients are Japanese and most of my coworkers are Japanese as well, so I have many opportunities to continue building international relationships between America and Japan.

Last year, I studied abroad at Kyushu University and lived in the countryside of Fukuoka prefecture for 1 year.  While in Japan, I was very involved with school, the community, and work.  At university, I studied about Japanese society, internationalization, the Japanese education system, and agricultural business/entrepreneurship.  In addition to this, I took intensive Japanese language courses.

At Kyushu University, I worked with the International Student Department to plan and facilitate international friendship events for university students.  Through these events, international and domestic Japanese students could meet, learn more about each other and build international understanding and friendship.  Also, I often planned events with my American and Japanese friends such as takoyaki parties, gyoza parties, all-night Karaoke, etc.

I also had the opportunity to work with elderly farmers in Saga prefecture.  They taught me how to plant and harvest rice.  After working, we would eat lunch together and I could share about myself and teach them about Japanese-Americans.

My program in Japan also introduced me to local youth.  I volunteered at a local elementary school where I taught some English lessons and also shared about my background with students.  It was really fun getting to know the students and they had a great time learning English. In addition, I became close with a local family.  We often went on daytrips, and spent a lot of time together.  I would babysit their kids sometimes, and they taught me a lot of 博多弁.

Another way I implemented action for mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and the United States was through my work.  I worked with 福岡未来創造キャンプ「On Your Mark!」where I collaborated with many international and Japanese university students to create camps for high school students in Fukuoka.  A few of my coworkers were from America as well and we were able to promote international collaboration and friendship in our workplace and through our projects.  Also, we met with many stakeholders and sponsors, so during those times, I could build relationships with them as well.

＜2012  Elizabeth Kurata  エリザベス・クラタ＞　 2020.6.10

I have worked as a nonprofit professional.  I participated in the JET program for one year after college.  Additionally, an organization I worked for, the Japanese American Citizens League, has the Kakehashi program and I assisted in putting that together.

I found teaching highschoolers in rural Nagasaki during the 2016 elections an interesting time to discuss our countries similarities and differences.  Also leading a group of Japanese American college students to Japan was really worthwhile.

＜2010  Claire Takahashi  クレア・タカハシ＞　 2020.6.10

It's sad to hear that this year's program had to be postponed.  It is an amazing program, but I am glad that everyone is staying safe during this pandemic.

Three years ago I started my own photography business.  I work with many different types of photography, and I am doing well.  My personal website is: https://takahashiphotography.com/

I have not had a chance to visit Japan again.  I do hope to revisit again in the future, but I need to settle into my career first.  I will continue to try and think of something that I can do.

＜2019  Mei Yuzuki  メイ・ユズキ＞ 　2020.6.6

I was evacuated from a language study program in Beijing in February.  I'm currently self-isolating at home with my family in Potomac, Maryland.  I'm taking language classes online, spending time with my little brothers, and doing a virtual internship with the Japan-America Society of Washington DC as a PR Coordinator.

Through my current internship, I am promoting knowledge of Japanese language and culture in the Washington D.C. area through the Digital Japan Bowl and online programs.

The Digital Japan Bowl was held online on May 29th and was live-streamed for 3 hours, reaching a final audience of over 6000 people in America and Japan. The Digital Japan Bowl is the online version of the Japanese language contest for high school students across America.  I am also producing videos for the two programs, Japan in 3 and Virtual Japanese　Cooking Class.  These programs are released online and are engaging people who are interested in Japan throughout the Washington D.C. area.

＜2018  Connor Nakamura  コナー・ナカムラ＞　2020.6.13

I just graduated from high school and will be attending the University of Pennsylvania next year.  I have not had a chance to visit Japan since the summer of 2018.  I miss being in Japan.

＜2017  Laurent Hirakata Chang  ローレン・ヒラカタ・チャン＞　2020.6.16

Hello!  It has been such a long time since my participation in the MOFA Invitation Program for Japanese American Students, I hope you are all well!  I am currently a university student at Cal Poly SLO, I am studying Philosophy but I am in the middle of switching to Engineering.  I am interested in working with technology or manufacturing in the future.

Since my participation in the program I have been back to Japan once in the Winter of 2018. I went back to see family and visit old friends.  I stayed in Fukuoka (where my mother is from) for around two weeks.  As this was a vacation/family visit, I did not have the chance to take action on friendly relations between the U.S. and Japan.  However, I am looking forward to more visits on my own and to help establish better relations in the future.

＜2019  Grace Matayoshi  グレース・マタヨシ＞　 2020.6.16

Currently, I am going to Sacramento City College and I am planning on transferring to California State University of Sacramento in the spring.  I am majoring in Social Work and Asian Studies (with a focus on Japan), and hope to do a study abroad in Japan for two semesters with CSUS. This past May I received my Associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Before the lockdown, I was a middle school teacher at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento where we teach lessons on Japanese culture and the history of Buddhism throughout Asia.  I enjoyed sharing my experience in Japan with my students and they loved looking at all the different architecture and temples through photos.  Through the past year, I was able to stay in contact with my homestay family in Yokosuka-the daughter in my homestay family is helping me with learning Japanese and I am helping her with English!  I have been taking Japanese courses through my college and hope to become fluent in the future.

Even though many of us were quarantined, my group and I have been able to communicate with each other often.  We are all in different places across the U.S. and are immersed with school, but I am glad that we are able to contact one another.

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Message from past participant’s host family

左端がZoeさん。右端が娘です。真ん中は、ミャンマーとのハーフの 娘の友人。

< 2017 Zoe Ariyama ゾイ・アリヤマ >  2020.3.15

大変ご無沙汰しております。

3年前の7月ごろに、日系アメリカ人の高校生の招聘プログラムで、Zoe Ariyamaさん(当時17歳)のホストファミリーをさせていただきました。

今、Zoeさんは大学生になられて、東京に留学で来日なさっていて、今日、うちに遊びにいらしてくださいました。

この3年間もご縁は繋がっておりましたが、こうしてまたお逢いし、ゆっくり食事し、お話して、3年間でものすごい成長をなさっているのを目の当たりにして、とても感激いたしました。

我が家の娘もあの時のZoeさんと同じ年齢になり、今年7月からアメリカに1年間、留学することになっています。

Zoeさんは、3年前うちに泊まった時には、日本式のお風呂に入らず、シャワーだけでしたが、今回留学で来日し、なんと銭湯にも温泉にも入った、とのことです。梅干しのおにぎりも大好きと。

私と一緒に行った六本木のミッドタウンの中にある21_21ギャラリーが好きだ、とも話してくれました。

本当に夢のような1日でした。

ながはら　ゆうこ（Yuko NAGAHARA）

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Message from past participant

< 2017 Laurent Hirakata CHANG ローレン  ヒラカタ・チャン >   2019.8.23

お久しぶりです、お元気ですか？ その後いかがお過ごしでしょうか？

2017年の外務省・新日系米国人高校生訪日プログラムからもう二年が経ちましたね。

この秋から私は California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (カリフォルニア州立工科大学 サン・ルイス・オビスポ校) の一年生になります。

次の扉を開けて進むことに、今は期待と希望でいっぱいです。

取り急ぎ近況報告まで。

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Past Participants of IJAS 2019

< 2019 Mei Yuzuki  メイ・ユズキ >

The best nine days of my life

For a whirlwind of nine days this past July, I traveled around Japan with four other nikkei from all over America. As a yonsei Japanese-Chinese-American girl, born and raised in both the West and East coasts of America, Japan has always been an alluringly beautiful yet distant and almost impossibly inscrutable country. To travel to Tokyo, Yokosuka, Kyoto, and Kamakura with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Friendship Organization was a dream come true—the best first introduction to Japan I could ever wish for. Walking around the Buddhist temples in the misty Kamakura mountains, I felt as if I was rediscovering a long-lost friend.

I met four other nikkei in the Narita Airport, hailing from Utah (Boone, a quiet and thoughtful Mormon and hapa with a distinct passion for Asian-America), Huntington Beach (Chris, the quintessential Model UN-er Southern-Californian), Sacramento (Grace, an adorable and talkative thespian who was on her 3rd scholarship trip to Japan!), and the suburbs of Chicago (Jaclyn, the bouncy and cheerful junior with an endless number of activities).

We started out in Tokyo, on “official business”, meeting with Cody Walsh (we called him Cody-san), a charismatic and inspiring US State Department officer as well as a kind and friendly member of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The rest of the trip, however, was jam-packed with sightseeing and cultural exchange. We spent a day-in-the-life at Yokosuka High School, followed by two idyllic days in Kyoto, two nights on a homestay, followed by two last days in Tokyo. 

All of our host families were great matches—thank you, IFA! I felt right at home in Kamakura despite the language barrier. I stayed in the misty and beautiful suburbs of Kamakura with the Hata family—the father is a gentle and kind architect, the mother is a warm-hearted piano teacher, and their two daughters are right around my age and big Disney fans. I brought my flute along with me, hoping to play with my host mother, and it turns out that one of my host sisters attends music school two hours away. Together, my host mother on piano, my host sister on alto sax, and I on flute played “The Old Folks at Home”. Reflecting back on it now, almost two months afterward, that may be the highlight of the whole trip for me. 

After our homestay experiences, we regrouped in Tokyo for the last two days of our time in Japan. Before departing for Narita, we spent the morning in the Edo Museum. As I walked through the museum, it was as though I was walking through a physical display of a few of the units from the Reischauer Scholars Program (which completely deserves its own post—that’s to come!). It was the bow on top of the present that the IFA and the whole program had given to me—a deeper and nuanced appreciation for Japan, a foundation for what hopefully will be a lifetime of contact and connection with this country.

Of course, I’ve just barely begun to scratch the surface of Japan. Despite the studying and reading I’ve done on Japan so far, culture shock hit me hard. Towards the end of the trip, I started to really miss three things about America: couches, open fields, and diversity. Laughing loudly on the subways, sitting sprawled out at ramen bars, and not finishing every last grain of rice in my bowl made me feel the most American I had ever felt in my life. On the other hand, the other nikkei inspired me to connect with the Japanese-American community wherever I am in America or the world, giving me a new dimension to my own ever-changing examinations and reflections on my identity.

I am so grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Friendship Organization, our tour guide Sugimoto-san, Yokosuka Soga High School, Mrs. Funahashi, my dear RSP instructor, for introducing me to the program, and to Chris (good luck this fall!), Grace (you’re going to rock Newsies), Boone (keep the memes coming please), and Jaclyn (you’re gonna crush junior year) for the best nine days of my life. Thank you to all who were involved in the 2019 Japanese-American Invitational Program, I will never forget this trip and all the ways you all have opened up my connection with Japan.

If you are in high school and are of Japanese or Japanese mixed heritage, be on the lookout for the application for the 2020 Program in the Spring. You can find more information at your local Japanese Consulate or the Embassy of Japan website.

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Past Participants of IJAS 2018

< 2018 Rebecca Joy Jackson レベッカ・ジョイ・ジャクソン >

I am a college freshman at Biola University in La Mirado, CA where I am studying Cinema and Media Arts.  I hope to be a film editor and/or art designer in film and media.

My college has an international exchange program so I hope to spend a semester in Japan as a junior.  I may have the opportunity to travel to Japan as a part of my film studies and/or short-term missions.  I know I will return because I love Japan so much!

I traveled to Toyosu, Japan in the summer of 2016 to help at a children's English camp for 10 days.  I worked with a group of 4 year olds teaching them English through songs, games and art projects.

When I visited the high school in Japan the students were incredibly kind. Even though the language barrier made it difficult to communicate they were intentional about making me feel welcome.  I sat in on a music class and at the end of the class the girls played "When You Wish Upon a Star" for me on their instruments.  In music class they sang Japanese and American songs which meshed the two cultures.  Through this experience I learned so much about the life of a Japanese high school student. When I stayed with my host family they invited friends that could speak English for dinner.  We filled and ate the delicious gyoza that Mrs. Hata made.  We spoke in both English and Japanese and discussed our favorite American and Japanese foods.  That was a very special experience!

Overall this experience was unlike anything I have ever done or will ever do in the future.  It was such a blessing to travel around Japan while learning all about the culture and my ancestors.  The other Japanese American students also played a huge role in making this trip so special and enjoyable for me.  In Maryland I do not have any Japanese friends so being with these awesome fellow Japanese American kids was amazing.  I instantly bonded with them and quickly formed very special friendships.

My host family, Mr. and Mrs. Hata and their daughters, also had a huge impact on me. We could not speak the same language yet at the end of my stay I felt so close to them. I wish I had a little longer time with them. We all cried when we said "goodbye!"  That is a precious moment I will never forget.

Also, Ms. Sugimoto was amazing!  She gave us so much information and was so patient with us crazy kids.  Through this experience I was able to see so much of Japan and left feeling much more connected to my culture.

< 2018 Connor Chen Nakamura コナー・チェン・ナカムラ >

I am in my 3rd year of high school now.

I visited Osaka on the Osaka sister city association trip, representing San Francisco.  We visited high schools, toured the city, and interacted with local students and adults.

I have been telling friends and family about my amazing experience in Japan, and how welcoming the people I met were.

Thank you for organizing the event!  It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.

< 2018 James Payne Tsukada ジェームズ・ペイン・ツカダ >

Now, I have started my second year of high school and I am continuing to take Japanese classes at the Japanese Language School of Philadelphia. I am using my experiences form the program to implement more effective techniques to study Japanese.  

Since my return from the program, I have not had any chances to visit Japan again.

Following my return, I met with Dennis Morikawa who is the Honorary Consul of Japan in Philadelphia. After which I decided to inquire with the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia later this year about volunteering opportunities. I have not inquired yet, but I do intend to do so in order to continue to support Japan American relations in my capacity.

I am very thankful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for this valuable opportunity to visit Japan and promote mutually beneficial relations between the United States and Japan. Because of this positive experience, I intend to participate in a exchange program in Japan this coming summer. I hope to involve my self with Japan in the future, both for my sake in regards to international relations, and for the sake of improving the prospects of Japan's future.

< 2018 Angela Sayaka Zakravsky アンジェラ・サヤカ・ザクラヴスキー>

Currently I am a senior in High School very busy with college applications. I have began to have such a huge interest in the Japanese and U.S relations after this trip that I have started to apply to colleges with a Political Science major.

I have not had a chance to go to Japan yet however I am planning on visiting after graduating high school in the summer of 2019. I am also thinking about volunteering for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

I have not implemented all my knowledge on what I learned through the program yet however I have educated many people about the importance and my friends and I are thinking of organizing something that educates more people to share ideas and learn more about both cultures and how we can have an affect on the generations to come.

Japan Reflection 2018

My heart raced as I said my last goodbyes to my family at the San Diego airport. I was nervous and ecstatic for the next 2 week adventure which was about to come. I was about to go on a life changing journey with a couple individuals scattered across the walks of the United States. Up to that point, I had never met the rest of the individuals on the trip; I had only seen their names on a piece of paper. When I arrived at Narita airport, I received a warm welcome from the nice staff members. I was able to unite with the rest of the 4 students who were about to partake in the 2018 Japanese American Student Program with me.

After an exhausting day of plane travel, we finally arrived at the hotel and caught up on much needed sleep. The next morning, we got dressed up early for our orientation provided by the International Friendship Association (IFA). This was a very insightful day, as we learned more about Japanese culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The orientation was a great way to learn about the cultural differences and to get a closer look on the norm of a Japanese lifestyle which I was not encountering on an everyday basis. Some differences in customs I noted where taking shoes off in the house or having a variety of “okazu” with the main course of rice. These traditions have been passed down for many generations in Japan.

On the second day of my Japan Experience we had the amazing opportunity to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, we got to learn what incredible measures Japan is working on to become more globalized. I learned that Japan and America are constantly trying to help one another out as allies. Being the bridge between two countries is so important because I believe this will help foster peace. This was the most touching experience I had in Japan. Having had the opportunity to be in the building to know that there are numerous things being done to keep both countries safe is incredible. It motivates me to want to work hard and strengthen the alliance between Japan and the United States.

On the next day, we got to get a taste of the Japanese school system. The visit was a very short time, however I was able to learn a lot during that day. Being Half Japanese attending Japanese Saturday School, I thought the classes were going to be similar. However, the atmosphere was different. The greatest culture shock was that students were not able to drink water or even eat food during class. The classes are more intense in a sense that majority of the students were paying close attention. The students and I exchanged differences between the education culture between Japan and America. We learned about each other’s different schooling systems, and I felt this was very unique for both sides.

Being able to experience a new family in a different country was a very unique experience! During the homestay, I was able to teach them about American culture and vice versa, learn about Japanese culture from them. They were able to answer every question I had about their Japanese culture. I asked them questions like why is it a unspoken rule in Japan to eat every grain of rice in your meals, and why chopsticks are placed in front of your meal rather than on the side.

Everything In Japan is so traditional and this dates back to such a long time back. Visiting the temples really showed this. My host family took me to Kotoku in and Hasedera, which are located in Kamakura. Before entering each temple, people had to wash their hands and rinse their mouths with natural water. I learned that the purpose behind these rituals was to ‘clear the soul’ and to bring fortune.

The trip to Kyoto taught me that Japan is such a proper country and people are always treating each other with respect. When I attended the tea ceremony,  I learned that the ceremony itself centered its rituals on treating others with the utmost respect. Every particular movement done at the tea ceremony is  a sign of respect and appreciation for the guest. We learned that the direction in which we turn the tea cup is always towards our guest, and the proper symbol which should be facing you before you present your tea the guest.

This trip to Japan has taught me that everything done in your everyday life should be done with gratitude. Respect should always be shown when speaking to other people regardless of their age or seniority. Small acts such as slurping your soba, or bowing when leaving the elevator, is a sign of respect. I have a newfound determination to do my best to contribute toward the U.S- Japan alliance and to help bridge the gap between the cultural difference among these nations.

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Past Participants of IJAS 2017

< 2017 Camille Elise Akemi GOO カミール  エリース  アケミ・グー>

今、タコマのピュージェット・サウンド大学に通っています。

二年生なんですが、日本語の授業は大学四年生のレベルに入っています。十二月に日本語能力試験のN3を取るつもりです。日本語と日本の文化を専門していて、今、大学の卒業の後で、外国語青年招致事業をしてみたいで、薬理学も勉強したいです。たくさんクラブに入っています。バーシティ・ソフトボールとアルティメットをすること好きで、キリスト教のクラブに入っています。忙しいけど、楽しいです。

まだ日本に行かなかったけど、来年の夏休みに友達と旅行に行くつもりです。そして、再来年の夏休みに、大学の留学のプログラムと日本に行きたいです。

大学に日本の関係なるべくしてみています。去年、UPS大学の新しい桜を植えることに手伝いました。私たち五人の日系人の学生は第二次世界大戦に抑留された日系アメリカ人の遺産を記憶するために桜を植えることに手伝いました。大事なことですから、手伝させることが嬉しかったです。二月に大学の雑誌に桜について記事がありました。その雑誌は添付しました。大学は難しいですが、新しい冒険がいつも楽しいです！

< 2017 Brandon Leon LEASURE ブランドン  レオン・リージャー >

I still live in Hilo, Hawaii and have just graduated high school.

I am currently in the process of applying to a Japanese language school in Wakayama in order to further study in Japan. I have not visited Japan since the program last year.

Since the program, I have joined and help promote a small club of local koto and sanshin performers and have been learning koto for about a year. I have also volunteered for various local events such as Tanabata festival and have assisted my Japanese teacher, Aya Shehata, with Japanese student visitations to my high school.

The IFA program is still a very fond memory for me and I am still very thankful for the opportunity, and I am very grateful to Oikawa-san, Nishiki-san, Sugimoto-san, and other IFA members who gave me the chance to truly experience Japan the way I did.

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Past Participants of IJAS 2016

< 2016 Kaleo Yoneichi CHAN カレオ ヨネイチ チャン >

I recently returned from the Yakama Indian Reservation in Central Washington.

On the reservation, I was co-leading a team of volunteers (consisting of Japanese, Japanese-American, European-American, and Chinese-American members) working with children and youth in the Native American community. My team lead and engaged in community building and outreach events in housing projects, and also took part in multiple construction projects in the community.

In one week, I will be moving to 福岡県 and will be studying at 九州大学 for one year as an international exchange student. At my home university (University of Washington), I am triple majoring in General linguistics, Japanese linguistics, and Asian languages and cultures.

Last spring, I completed my second internship at 兵庫県ワシントン州事務所. I was working as the lead intern and helped with planning, preparation, and facilitation of Japanese cultural events in the Seattle area. I worked alongside 5 Japanese interns from the Kansai area to promote cross-cultural understanding and interaction through cultural presentations and community outreach events.

I also completed my second year of volunteering with University of Washington's International English Language Program. I continued to volunteer as a weekly English conversation partner/tutor for international students from Japan.

This summer, I also worked with Nichibei International Exchange Association. I worked as a tour guide and English conversation helper for high school students from Japan.

I still keep in contact with my host family and my school friend from 横須賀総合高校 whom I met during IJAS program! We are planning to meet again next springtime!

< 2016 Joshua Daniel OLIVER ジョシュア ダニエル オリバー >

Right now now I am a full-time volunteer for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I live in Osaka!

As a full time volunteer I teach Japanese people about my beliefs, and perform tons and tons of service, including free English. I do all of this in the Japanese language, and have lots of chances to share my American culture and beliefs with the people I serve here. I will remain in the Kansai region as a missionary until June of 2020. Every day I learn more about the language, the culture, and the everyday life of the average Japanese person, and every day I fall in love with this incredible country and its people a little more.

One thing that I've been able to do in Japan is to help the Japanese people understand the American people. There's a world-wide belief, it seems, that American people are rude and selfish. Perhaps I'm an exception, but most Japanese people don't have the opportunity to get to know foreigners well, and so I've been working hard to remove that stigma. While I don't do anything on a political level, just me being in Japan has given many people insights on what America is truly like, and have given them the opportunity to have a friend from America.

The opportunity that I had to go to Japan two years ago greatly shaped everything that I am and everything that I'm doing today. I learned so much about Japanese people and culture, and everyday that knowledge is helping me to serve the Japanese people as best as I can. A seed was planted in my heart the day I stepped of the plane into Japan the first time, and each day that seed continues to grow. I'm so grateful to the IFA for giving me the opportunity to come to Japan and grow a love for these people.

本当にありがとうございます！

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Past Participants of IJAS 2015

< 2015 Coleman Stephen LAMBO コールマン・ステファン・ランボ >

I am currently a second-year student studying Mathematical Economic Analysis and Asian Studies at Rice University in Houston, Texas.  

This past summer, I worked as a research intern at the U.S. National Defense University in Washington D.C. where I focused on changing trends in maritime security in Asia that affects India, China, and Japan. Currently, I am working as an intern at the Baker Institute's Center for Energy Studies doing research on natural gas production trends in Texas. I am also working at the Chao Center for Asian Studies where I am doing qualitative research on Asian-American populations in the Houston area.  

Unfortunately, I have not been able to visit Japan again. But, I hope to return for work experience or schooling in the near future.

On campus this year, I am planning to promote Japanese-American relationships through my leadership role in the Rice Asian Studies Organization.  The organization will organize and support cultural events, academic panels, and connections between students and Houston-based organizations such as the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Consulate-General Office in Houston.

Separately, I am engaging with Japanese organizations through my work and leveraging this connection to facilitate Japanese-American relationships.  For instance, I was able to attend a small meeting between a Baker Institute researcher and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) this past week.

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Past Participants of IJAS 2014

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Past Participants of IJAS 2013

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Past Participants of IJAS 2012

< Elizabeth Downs KURATA エリザベス・ダウンズ・クラタ >

I am finishing a fellowship at the Japanese American Citizens League, and I am about to start a full time position at Global Zero, a nuclear disarmament organization.

After graduating from UC Berkeley in 2016, I spent a year in Omura, Nagasaki with the JET Program. Additionally in the December of 2017, I chaperoned the JACL's Kakehashi Program, a program with MOFA where we take 200 Japanese Americans to Japan.

I would say my entire year with JET was implementing actions for mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and the United States . As well as my time at JACL when we regularly interacted with MOFA, JICE, and the Japanese Government. Regularly sharing with my students my experiences in America as well as my background as a Japanese American person. And see above for JACL work.

The program largely shaped my life as it was there I heard of the JET program. I am happy to write more testimonies or to discuss my experiences further.