Report of the Kakehashi Project 2018 (fiscal year)

The Kakehashi Project aims to promote an understanding of Japan in areas such as Japanese politics, economy, society, culture, history, and diplomatic policy. The implementation of the project is also intended to strengthen the foundation for Japan’s diplomacy by encouraging the dissemination of information on Japan’s charms and diplomatic position.

This year, the Consulate sent the people below to Japan through the Kakehashi Project.

1. Invitation of high school students (a group of high school students from Edmonds School District in Snohomish County)

The student group went to Japan last July and stayed in Tokyo and Hokkaido. During their stay in Hokkaido, they experienced a home stay and had an exchange with the people there. After the students returned to the United States, they shared what they discovered and experienced in Japan at Lynnwood City Hall.

2. Okinawa Program (Naha International High School in Okinawa and Kamiak High School in Mukilteo)

Naha International High School students from Okinawa

Kamiak High School students from Mukilteo

Students from Naha International High School in Okinawa visited Washington State in November and had a student exchange at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo. In December, students from Kamiak High School visited Okinawa prefecture and reunited with the students of Naha International High School. They also visited historical buildings and deepened their understanding of Okinawan history.

3. Invitation of people who achieved great results at the Japanese Speech Contest

Last year, when he was a student of Redmond High School, Keenan Ganz took part in the Washington State Japanese Speech & Skit Contest and won the second prize with level 4, which is the highest level. He visited Japan this January and stayed in Tokyo and Hokkaido. He is currently studying biochemistry and biophysics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

4. Invitation through sports (Judo)

Danielle Dang and Taylan Yuasa, representing Seattle Dojo and Budokan Dojo respectively, participated in the project and stayed in Tokyo and Miyazaki. During their stay, they had an exchange with Japanese students through Jodo, visited facilities for the Tokyo Olympics, and experienced a home stay.

The Consulate will continue working to promote a deep understanding of Japan through the Kakehashi Project.