EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Fostering the Nichi Bei Leaders of Tomorrow
JASH provides several Educational Programs to the students of Hawaii in grades K-12.
Each of these programs teaches students about Japan while also helping them understand the concept of Different Perspectives.
Through these opportunities, we hope to foster the future generations of Nichibei Leaders—global citizens who will continue building and strengthening bridges between the U.S. and Japan.
Our programs include:
• Japan-In-A-Suitcase (Gr. K-5)
• Japan Wizards Competition (Gr. 9-12)
• Asian-Pacific Children's Convention (Gr. 5-6)
• Hiroshima Peace Scholarship (Gr. 11)
• Sadako Peace Projects (Gr. 9-College)
• Hokkaido Camp Program (Gr. 10-11)
For more information about our Educational Programs, please see the program descriptions below.
Japan-In-A-Suitcase
JIAS is returning to the classroom!
Japan-in-a-Suitcase (JIAS) is a program for students in kindergarten through grade 5 that teaches young students how to seek alternative viewpoints through easy to comprehend examples. The JIAS programs give students in Hawaii’s elementary schools a chance to understand the concept of Different Perspectives; learn how to ask questions; and how to look at challenges and new ideas from a different point of view. The goal is for children to learn how to view objects and issues from different viewpoints and develop their skill of inquiry to become critical thinkers.
If you are interested in requesting the JIAS program for the 2023-2024 school year, please click HERE to fill out request forms.
Applications will be accepted until September 18, 2023. Presentations will begin after October 3, 2023.
Please read the Guidelines & Overview for JIAS I (K-1), JIAS II (2-3), and JIAS III (4-5) carefully before submitting your requests.
Please note that due to the large number of requests received, presentation dates are subject to availability.
For more information, please email Cindy at coshima@jashawaii.org
Japan Wizards Competition
The Japan Wizards Competition is a statewide academic team competition that tests high school students on different aspects of Japan, such as geography, transportation, economy, food, education, sports, popular culture, history, religion, culture and language. The students who participate in this competition develop learning skills in research, personal responsibility, teamwork and operating under pressure. They also gain an understanding of the concept of Different Perspectives by studying and preparing for the competition. A total of four winning teams are awarded a trip to Japan in the summer to experience in real life what they studied in preparation for the competition and what they learned in the classroom.
Our registration period is now OPEN! Teams can register until November 20, 2023.
For more information, please email Cindy at coshima@jashawaii.org
Asian-Pacific Children's Convention
The APCC program provides the actual experience for students to travel to Japan and reinforce the concept of Different Perspectives introduced and taught in the Japan-in-a-Suitcase programs. Typically held in mid-July, JASH sends up to six 10 or 11-year-old Junior Ambassadors to Fukuoka, Japan to interact with over 200 other student peers from over 40 countries and regions at the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention. They also participate in a home-stay where they experience living with a Japanese family in Fukuoka.
Our 2023 APCC Program has been completed.
We hope to have more information about the 2024 program late 2023/early 2024.
To join our APCC listserv or for more information, please email Christianne at cono@jashawaii.org
Japan Day
At the high school level, Japan Day, held twice a year, has given public and private high school students who are studying Japanese an opportunity to gain hands-on experiences with various Japanese cultural activities, such as ikebana, calligraphy, soroban, bon dance, tea ceremony, kimono wearing, karate, and life skills. This program reinforces what the Japanese teachers are teaching in the classroom and expands on their learning through firsthand exposure.
Our next Japan Day will be in April 2024!
For more information, please email Cindy at coshima@jashawaii.org
Hawaii-Hiroshima Peace Programs
The JASH Hawaii-Hiroshima Peace Programs include:
- Hiroshima Peace Scholarship
- Sadako Peace Projects
To learn more about the Hawaii-Hiroshima Peace Programs, please email Christianne at cono@jashawaii.org.
The Hiroshima Peace Scholarship was founded in 2009 by Hiromi Peterson and Naomi Hirano-Omizo, retired Japanese language faculty of Punahou School, to encourage young PEACEBUILDERS and strengthen relationships between Hawaii and Hiroshima. JASH took over administration of the program in 2021.
JASH also collaborates with the Hawaii Heiwa Scholarship, a program for high school students in Hiroshima to visit and learn about Hawaii.
The Sadako Peace Projects include two initiatives: The Sadako Project, founded in 2014, and the Sadako Peace Cranes Project, founded in 2016. These volunteer projects are peace-building activities launched at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial by former Punahou Japanese language faculty Hiromi Peterson and Naomi Hirano-Omizo. JASH was honored to take over the projects in 2021.
Other Educational Programs
JASH does a number of other educational programs throughout the year.
Hokkaido Snow Camp Program
The Hokkaido Snow Camp Program presented by JASH and Soshi Educational Group takes high school sophomores and juniors to Sapporo to participate in educational exchanges and experience snow sports.
The application period for the 2024 program is now closed.
Student Exchange/Sister School Programs
On a case-by-case basis, JASH assists in coordinating online and in-person exchange programs between students in Hawaii and Japan.
New school inquiries should contact the Department of Education directly for more information on establishing exchange opportunities.
