Program Details

Students selected to participate in the Kakehashi program organized by APAICS must have some Asian ancestry but not be of Japanese descent. Those of Japanese heritage who wish to participate in a Kakehashi program should apply to the Kakehashi program organized by JACL.  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.​

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Each Kakehashi trip will have a different itinerary, structured so that each participant acquires firsthand knowledge of Japan and how the country is trying to fulfill its shared global responsibilities.  The itinerary may include but is not limited to the following:

• Lectures on various topics as they relate to Japan, such as politics, economy, society, culture, history and diplomatic relations to promote a better understanding of Japan.

• Student exchange programs.

• Visiting educational sites and institutions, high-tech and traditional industries, world heritage sites, provincial government offices, and participation in cross-cultural events, workshops, and exchanges with locals.

• Hands-on-learning experiences such as home-stays, home-visits, and cultural events.

• Participation in reporting sessions and social media posts to share about the program experience during and after the trip.

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Participant Requirements

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

• Currently-enrolled students in an undergraduate or graduate program.

• Persons with Asian ancestry but not of Japanese descent (students with Japanese descent should apply through the Kakehashi Program organized by JACL).

• Individuals physically capable of keeping up with a busy schedule requiring extensive walking each day.

• Individuals who have NOT participated in a previous Kakehashi trip or another program funded by the Japanese government.

• Individuals who have NOT studied or stayed in Japan for more than 12 months in their lifetime.

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Priority will be given to applicants who: 

• Have studied, researched, or been in involved in activities related to Japanese language and culture for more than a year; or

• Have been involved in a business related to Japanese products or services for more than a year.

 

Students who have previously completed another APAICS program are encouraged to apply.

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Terms & Conditions

​Applicants accepted into the Kakehashi program will be provided with:

• Non-changeable roundtrip economy class air travel to and from Japan from the most convenient international airport nearest to their home.

• Overseas travel insurance covering only injury or sickness incurred while overseas.

• Lodging, transportation, and meals during the program dates while in Japan.

• Admission fees to all scheduled activities during the program.

 

Program participants will be expected to pay for:

• Their personal expenses such as passport fees, vaccination, or souvenirs.

• Medical attention required due to chronic diseases, dental diseases, pregnancy, and illness or injury incurred prior to the Kakehashi program (pre-existing conditions), which are not covered by Kakehashi program travel insurance.

• Travel between their home and the nearest metropolitan international airport selected by the Kakehashi Program as their point of departure. Please note that airline tickets booked by the Kakehashi Program will only be for the exact dates of the program and cannot be altered or upgraded, even at the applicant’s expense. This means that applicants cannot extend their stay in Japan or upgrade their fare class.

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Cancellation Policy

Accepted participants who withdraw from the program will be held fully responsible for all costs incurred by the Kakehashi Program for their behalf. This includes cancellation fees for flights, hotels, and other bookings already completed will be charged to the withdrawing participant. 

 

These fees may be waived only if the cancellation is due to a medical emergency or death in the family, and only upon the presentation of a doctor’s note or death certificate to JICE.

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Application

Completed applications will include a(n):

• Resume (one page maximum)

• Cover letter expressing interest in the program

• Unofficial transcript

• Letter of Recommendation

• Color copy of the photo page of the applicant’s passport (and a copy of the applicant’s U.S. permanent resident card if not a U.S. citizen)

• A color headshot photo taken in the last three months

• Responses to the following three questions (one page max for each question):

 

• What aspect of Japan interests you and why? In other words, why are you interested in participating in this Kakehashi trip?

 

• Participants in this year's Kakehashi Program organized by APAICS will form a delegation of Asian Americans of non-Japanese descent who travel to and learn about Japan. Reflect on your own ancestral homeland's history with Japan and explain how traveling to Japan might help you better understand your own cultural identity. Alternatively, you may also write about the history between Japan and the United States and how this trip would inform your identity as an American.

 

• International relations are often conducted between governments. But as more people travel the world, public policy and relations between nations are also being impacted by person-to-person relationships. In your view, what is the importance of citizen diplomacy and how might cultural exchanges between non-government delegations bring about a more prosperous world?

 

Responses to each question should be no more than one page each, in 12-point, Times New Roman font.

 

Note: Successful applicants will be asked to complete additional forms and applications through JICE at a later date and a letter of understanding that applicants must carefully read and sign. If the applicant is under 18, the signature of his/her parent or guardian is also required.

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Questions?

Please contact programs@apaics.org with questions.

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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.