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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fukumoto, Nao | 2023-2025 | University of Montana Western | MO |
| Hayashi, Noriko | 2023-2025 | University of Arizona, Center for East Asian Studies | AZ |
| Kubota, Miku | 2023-2025 | East Tennessee State University | TN |
| Moriyasu, Mikio | 2023-2025 | Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth | TX |
| Muramatsu, Mana | 2023-2025 | Asia Culture Center of Tennessee | TN |
| Nakano, Mana | 2023-2025 | Creighton University, Asian World Center | NE |
| Noda, Hono | 2023-2025 | University of Oklahoma, Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work | OK |
| Yamamoto, Akiko | 2023-2025 | University of West Florida, Office of International Affairs | FL |
| Kawashita, Miho | 2024-2026 | Johnson County Community College | KS |
| Soeda, Mayumi | 2024-2026 | Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Culture Center | FL |
| Tadano, Yukari | 2024-2026 | Black Hills State University | AL |
| Taguchi, Eri | 2024-2026 | Samford University | WY |
| Takaku, Haruka | 2024-2026 | Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation | IA |
| Umeda, Maoko | 2024-2026 | University of Norhern Iowa – Office of International Engagement | ND |
| Usuki, Mika | 2024-2026 | Plains Art Museum | SD |
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