A joint initiative of the Japan Foundation and Laurasian Institution, the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) brings volunteer Japanese coordinators to regions of the U.S. where Japanese culture has been less accessible. JOI coordinators are hosted by U.S. nonprofits and educational institutions with a strong commitment to promoting learning about Japan. During the two-year program, JOI coordinators engage their American community through Japanese-themed programming—from lectures to hands-on elementary school activities to events focusing on traditional Japanese art forms.
Video of 20 years of program history
List of Current Coordinators
| Name of Coordinator | Year | Host Organization | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miho Kawashita | 2024-2026 | Johnson County Community College | KS |
| Mayumi Soeda | 2024-2026 | Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Culture Center | FL |
| Yukari Tadano | 2024-2026 | Black Hills State University | SD |
| Eri Taguchi | 2024-2026 | Samford University | AL |
| Haruka Takaku | 2024-2026 | Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation | WY |
| Maoko Umeda | 2024-2026 | University of Northern Iowa – Office of International Engagement | IA |
| Mika Useki | 2024-2026 | Plains Art Museum | ND |
| Yukako Harada | 2025-2027 | Japan-America Society of Georgia | GA |
| Sae Iino | 2025-2027 | International Institute of Wisconsin | WI |
| Shino Manabe | 2025-2027 | Utah State University | UT |
| Keiko Morikawa | 2025-2027 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | WI |
| Mai Ohashi | 2025-2027 | Japan-America Society of Houston | TX |
| Kana Sahashi | 2025-2027 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | NC |
| Koki Yamamoto | 2025-2027 | Randolph-Macon College | VA |
| Erina Toyama | 2025-2027 | University of Tennessee at Martin | TN |
| Emiri Uchida | 2025-2027 | Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix | AZ |
List of Past Coordinators and Their Program Reports
Related Website and SNS Link
Program Highlights
Anniversary Events
- Japan Outreach Initiative 15th Anniversary Report
- JOI 20th anniversary celebration Event
- JOI 20th Anniversary Donation Project
JOI Coordinator Initiated Events
Central Arkansas Omatsuri Japanese Festival 2019
For more details about the JOI Program, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply, please contact:
Laurasian Institution
107 Spring St.
Seattle, WA 98104
Tel: 206.367.2152
joi@laurasian.org