jcccnc / about / press / shinzen coach selection begins

SAN FRANCISCO (February 23, 2004) - The Shinzen USA Nikkei Youth Goodwill Program announces its program for 2004 coach selection. The selected coaches will participate in an 18-month program, from April 2004 to September 2005, which will include the hosting of Japanese youth in August 2004, and traveling to Japan in July-August 2005.

Shinzen in Japanese means goodwill, or international amity. Shinzen is a unique program provides youth in our community with the rare opportunity to personally affect U.S. – Japan relations. Through spirited basketball games, youth exchanges, touring and home stays, our young ambassadors build stronger relationships with the people of Japan, while learning about their cultural heritage, traditions and identity.

Each year, the coaches are vital to the camaraderie of the youth and ultimately to the success of the program. While the Shinzen coach is a volunteer position, we believe there are many worthwhile benefits especially in serving as a leader and imparting international understanding for the youth of the U.S. and Japan.

Shinzen History

As part of the 40th anniversary of the SF Osaka Sister City, the JCCCNC and the General Consulate of Japan in San Francisco sponsored the first exchange program in Osaka and Kobe, Japan in 1997. During the first year, 2 teams (10 boys/10 girls) traveled to Osaka and Kobe with their parents and family members. The youth had the opportunity to experience the lifestyle of a Japanese family by participating in a home stay and learn about their Japanese ancestry. The youth and their families learned the value of the traditions and cultures that have been passed down through their parents and grandparents and have gained a better appreciation of the challenges and accomplishments that have been made.

Since Shinzen began in 1997, the JCCCNC has sponsored four separate groups to visit Japan and have now received four separate groups of young people from Kobe and Osaka. Each year, we are learning more and more about our neighbors across the Pacific and hope that this program can serve as one way to strengthen people to people relations.

Applications for Shinzen team coaches are now being accepted and must be submitted by March 12, 2004 6pm in order to be considered for review. To receive an application or for further information on Shinzen, please contact JCCCNC at 415.567.5505 or shinzen@jcccnc.org.

About the JCCCNC

Envisioned by the Japanese American community, JCCCNC will be an everlasting foundation of our Japanese American ancestry, cultural heritage, histories and traditions. The JCCCNC strives to meet the evolving needs of the Japanese American community through programs, affordable services and facility usage. The JCCCNC is a non-profit community center based in San Francisco.

For more information, please contact:

Lori Matoba, Director of Programs
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC)
415.567.5505