JACL Kakehashi Project Trip

Winter 2024 Kakehashi Applications Are Now Closed. Please Check Back for the Next Kakehashi Trip Announcement.

Trip Dates: December 11-18, 2024!

About

Each year, a number of participants are selected to participate in 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. 

Selected participants will attend an 8-day trip to Japan where they will visit a number of 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.

Objectives of 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 disseminate information on Japan’s attractiveness through communication devices including social networking sites.

The JACL Kakehashi Program is an international leadership program for:

  1. Students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university or a young professional who meets the below-age requirements

  2. Between the ages of 18-27 years old

  3. 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

Questions? Email us at kakehashi@jacl.org!

Please do not contact the office in regard to 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.

Participants from the 2024 Kakehashi Project Trip in Okinawa

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, and explored cities and towns across Japan and took part 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 of 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.

Terms and Conditions

Trip Expenses

The following expenses are COVERED by JICE and MoFA:

  • Round trip economy class international air ticket to/from Japan - 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.

  • Overseas travel insurance - Chronic diseases, dental diseases, pregnancy or those already ill or injured prior to the program are NOT covered. In such cases and in some other cases when the insurance company disapproves the payment request, the participant shall be responsible for medical expenses in Japan. Any loss or damage to personal belongings is NOT covered.

  • Accommodation, transportation, and meals during the program in Japan

  • Admission fees for scheduled activities in Japan - Participants shall pay their personal expenses, including passport, vaccination, travel between their home and the designated airport, accommodation and meals in their home country, and purchase of souvenirs / personal goods before or during the program.

The following expenses are NOT COVERED by JICE and MoFA:

  • Travel to/from hub airport - If the most convenient international airport is not near you or located in another city/state, travel to said hub airport must be covered by the participant in full. Any additional fees or baggage fees to/from the hub airport must also be paid by the participant. Participants cannot change hub airports once one is selected, example: a participant cannot leave from Los Angeles and return to New York. The same airport must be used for both the outbound and return flights.

  • Attendance Fee - Due to budget constraints from JICE and MoFA all participants are now required to pay an attendance fee for the trip if they are selected. This fee will be NO MORE than $45 USD.

  • Wireless (WiFi)/Cell Service - JICE will no longer provide portable WiFi routers or devices during the trip. For safety reasons, everyone is required to have wireless or cell phone connectivity during the trip. All participants must have a way in which to use their cellphones or mobile devices during the trip, outside of WiFi provided by hotels or other accommodations. Most cell phone providers offer international data plans or an e-sim card may be available for your mobile device.

Health & Safety

The 2024 Kakehashi Project Trip application includes a set of programmatic COVID-19 guidelines to promote a safe visit to Japan. All participants will be required to have received at least 3 previous vaccine doses and must get the updated 2024-2025 variant vaccination prior to trip departure unless noted otherwise (e.g. doctor's note). JACL National will be closely monitoring the COVID-19 numbers in the weeks before the trip. If deemed necessary, please be aware that changes may occur to the program, including the possibility of shifting to a virtual event, postponement, or cancellation.

Cancellation Policy

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.

(Updated for the Winter 2024 Trip)

Kakehashi in the News and Kakehashi Participant Projects