Kakehashi Program

Kakehashi Program. The JACL Kakehashi Program is an international leadership program for students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university OR a young professional who has completed a bachelor or master degree program from an accredited college or university between the ages of 1825 years old Japanese American by heritage or adoption.

ObjectivesFeaturesParticipant RequirementsTerms & ConditionsCancellation PolicyApplicationTo promote mutual trust and understanding among the people of Japan and the US and to build a basis for future friendship and cooperationTo encourage an appreciation of Japanese culture history society technology and languageTo share information and generate worldwide interest in Japan through participants’ grassroots networks The students selected to participate in the program shall be comprised of individuals from Asian American families or have some Asian ancestry All of the student participants shall also demonstrate that they are motivated in playing an active role in promoting deeper cultural exchanges between Japan and the United States both now and in the future The itinerary of the program will be structured so that each participating student can acquire firsthand knowledge of Japan and how it is trying to fulfill its shared global responsibilities The itinerary may include but is not limited to the following elements 1 Attend lectures on development of Japanese politics economy society culture history and diplomatic relations to promote a better understanding of Japan 2 Participate in school exchange programs 3 Visit educational sites and institutions hightech and traditional industries world heritage sites provincial government offices and participate in crosscultural event US citizen or US permanent residentCurrently enrolled undergraduate or graduate studentAsian American or have some Asian ancestryPhysically capable of keeping up with a busy program schedule requiring extensive walking each day THE FOLLOWING EXPENSES ARE COVERED BY THE PROGRAM 1 Round trip economy class international air ticket to/from Japan 11 The most convenient international airport will be chosen for the participants’ group Airport tax and facility fees are included Travel between the participant’s home and the designated airport and any excess baggage fees incurred during the program shall be paid by the participant It is not allowed to change the designated flight or class even if the participant pays the cost 2 Overseas travel insurance 21 Chronic If a participant chooses to drop out of the program for reasons other than a medical emergency or a family funeral the participant shall be fully responsible for any costs associated with this cancellation The cancellation fees will be charged to the participant if his/her application has already been accepted and the flight and/or other bookings are completed In the event of cancellation due to a medical emergency or a family funeral cancellation fees may be waived upon presentation of a medical certificate or evidence of a funeral requested by JICE As part of the application you will be asked to upload the following items 1 Resume (1 page max) 2 Cover Letter (1 page max) 3 Unofficial Transcript 4 Letter of Understanding The applicant must carefully read and sign the Letter of Understanding If the applicant is under 18 the signature of his/her parent or guardian is also required 5 Passport Copy The applicant must submit a color copy of the photo page of his/her passport The copy should be clear complete and large enough to find everything on the page legible Those who will apply for a new passport must submit its copy by no later than one month prior to the program date Those who do not have US citizenship must submit a copy of the US permanent resident card as well as the passport issued by his/her country 6 Headshot Color photo taken in the last 3 months 7 Essay Questions (500 words max per question) Note Successful applicants will be asked to complete an additional form from JICE at a later date ​.

Asia Kakehashi program in Japan AFS Intercultural Programs

The North American regional component of this exchange program is called “Kakehashi Project” In FY 2021 (from April 2021 to March 2022) approximately 880 people (mainly youths) of the US Canada and Japan will participate in this Kakehashi Project.

KAKEHASHI Project Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

For the Asia Kakehashi program AFS is accepting applications from students in 20 Asian countries and regions Applicants interested in the Asia Kakehashi program must meet the following criteria Between 15 and 18 years of age Highly motivated highachieving students Learn some Japanese before the program.