The Center understands the importance of empowering our youth to play an active role in preserving culture while celebrating community. We are committed to offering an array of programs for middle school, high school and college students to support their growth and encourage interest in community service, Japanese culture and history.

 


U.S.-Japan Youth Cultural Exchange Programs with Japan 

The Center has been providing youth cultural exchange opportunities between the United States (U.S.) and Japan since 1997 through the Shinzen Nikkei Youth Goodwill Program (Shinzen Program) and the Takahashi Youth Ambassador Fellowship Program (Takahashi Program).

 

Kase Nikkei Community Scholarship Program - $5,000 Educational Scholarships

The Kase Nikkei Community Scholarship Program (Kase Program) was developed to provide financial support for youth who are pursuing their college education and an opportunity to obtain work experience supporting a Japanese American community nonprofit organization. Their participation in an eleven-week community and career development internship program at the Center will increase their understanding of contemporary social, cultural, civic and preservation issues affecting our community; allow them to gain valuable skills in a professional environment, and work on projects tailored for their personal and professional growth.

Click here to learn more about the Kase Program and application details 

Takahashi Youth Ambassador Fellowship Program

The Takahashi Youth Ambassador Fellowship Program (Takahashi Program / TYAFP) was created as a dynamic youth development and exchange program between the United States and Japan. The significance of a first-hand cultural experience is invaluable in helping a young person in the Japanese American community define his or her own identity and establish a greater connection to their sometimes seemingly distant heritage, as well as encourage continued interest in Japan, its people, culture and history. 

Click here to learn more about the Takahashi Program and application details.

Shinzen USA Nikkei Youth Goodwill Program

Shinzen in Japanese means international goodwill or amity. This cross-cultural exchange program promotes the values of fair play and competition while fostering ties between the Japanese and Japanese American communities.

The Shinzen Nikkei Youth Goodwill Program has been able to provide unique opportunities for not only the exchange of friendly competition but also for building a foundation for the exchange of ideas and important values of our young people today, ensuring a strong future for our U.S.-Japan relations.

Click here to learn more about the Shinzen Program and application details 

Nikkei Youth Cultural Heritage Program

The Nikkei Youth Cultural Heritage Program, in cooperation with the Kobe YMCA Language Program (Hyogo Prefecture, Japan) is designed for participants to gain a better understanding of their cultural heritage and discover Japan in a unique and exciting way. This one-month summer Program will allow participants to immerse themselves in Japanese culture through weekday Japanese language and writing classes; introductory classes in traditional Japanese art forms; late afternoon and Saturday excursions exploring different parts of the Kansai region; all while having the opportunity to use and practice their Japanese language skills on a daily basis with their homestay family.

For more information on the Nikkei Youth Cultural Heritage Program, please call (415) 567-5505 or email Programs.