Each year, several participants are selected to attend the JACL Kakehashi Program, coordinated by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), and supported by funding from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Selected participants will attend an eight-day trip to Japan, where they will visit many historical and educational sites, experience traditional and cultural activities, and participate in lectures and workshops. Each trip will visit Tokyo and one or two other cities.
Please note: This program is not a leisure-based travel opportunity. It is a high-level cultural and professional exchange specifically designed for individuals who have shown a strong commitment to leadership, community engagement, and cross-cultural understanding. Participants are expected to be representatives of the Japanese American community, JACL, and people of the United States.
Participants may be expected to: participate in courtesy calls with members of the Prime Minister’s Office and members of the National Diet, provide a short presentation about their family history, observe sites of innovation or industry, and engage with local university students.
“Participating in the JACL Kakehashi Project was an unforgettable experience that deepened my connection to my Japanese heritage and broadened my understanding of cross-cultural relationships. Visiting Yomitan in Okinawa and staying with a host family was especially meaningful. Their warmth and hospitality allowed me to experience daily life, traditions, and the essence of Okinawan culture in a way that felt deeply personal.” — 2024 Kakehashi Participant
Objectives of the Program
(1) To promote mutual trust and understanding among the people of Japan and the USA to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation.
(2) To promote a global understanding of Japan’s economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics, and foreign policy.
(3) To convey information on the learnings of the program and the charms of Japan to the general public through participants’ social media and others.
The JACL Kakehashi Program is an international leadership program for:
* Students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, or young professionals who meet the age requirements.
• Between the ages of 18 and 27 years old
• Japanese American by heritage or adoption.
By providing participants with a better understanding of Japan through a variety of fields, including politics, economics, and culture, the Kakehashi Project builds relationships between Japan and Japanese Americans. Kakehashi Project alumni are encouraged to become effective advocates in enhancing U.S.-Japan relations
Apply by Saturday, Sept. 20. Into: https://jacl.org/kakehashi
Note: All selected participants are required to pay an attendance fee for the trip. This fee will be: $150 for students, $175 for young professionals, $250 for chaperones.
Questions? Email us at kakehashi@jacl.org.
Please do not contact the office regarding your application status. Only qualified candidates will be directly contacted by program supervisors. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants.
Background
In 2014, JACL was proud to send four cohorts of student participants to Japan through the Kakehashi Project, hosted by the Japan Foundation. Participants traveled to Japan in May, July, and October, exploring cities and towns across the Country to participate in various cultural activities. Many found connecting to the traditional side of Japan very meaningful. Participants took part in cultural exchanges with their Japanese university peers to get to know one another in the spirit of friendship. Participants were also invited to meet with Japanese professors, political leaders, and business executives to learn about different aspects of U.S.–Japan relations.
JACL developed the Japanese American Young Adult Invitation program as an international leadership development program. Today’s Japanese American youth are a part of a global community, and an understanding of international and U.S.-Japan relations is integral to their future endeavors. An extension of the JACL youth leadership development programs and the work of the JACL U.S.-Japan Committee, the Kakehashi Project was established to facilitate cross-cultural understanding between Japanese Americans and Japanese, and to encourage a deeper understanding of U.S.-Japan relations.