Help 2000 students from US & Japan connect online!

Participation in Kizuna Across Cultures’ (KAC) Global Classmates program, and later the Global Classmates Summit, marked a turning point in my understanding of my culture and identity, which continues to influence how I connect with my cultural heritage and pursue my university studies as a gosei (fifth generation) Japanese American. 

Growing up, I did not have much interaction with Japanese people outside of my family, and even those interactions were limited since no one in my immediate family can speak native-level Japanese. This ultimately fueled my decision to study Japanese in high school, where I participated in the Global Classmates Program in 2023. At first, I was intimidated with the idea of talking to Japanese students and worried that my connection to Japanese culture was not “authentic”. However, the daily interactions during the duration of the program proved otherwise. Casual discussions allowed me to ask questions about the Japanese students’ lives, discover connections to my own experiences with family and culture, all while practicing Japanese! Bonding over music, tv shows and other common interests made it easier to form friendships. Within my own Japanese class too, these exchanges deepened our relationships and sparked curiosity. It was fascinating how an exchange with the Japanese students also facilitated growth in the relationships in my Japanese class. Through KAC, I experienced firsthand how international exchanges not only foster self understanding but also strengthen people-to-people connections. 

The following summer, I had the honor of participating virtually in the Global Classmates Summit as one of the seven American students alongside seven Japanese students. Each session was invaluable, both in what I learned about myself and in the perspectives I gained in global relations from the speakers. The Summit sparked a global curiosity in me and a lasting passion for cross-cultural exchange and U.S.-Japan relations.

The Summit fostered deep connections of understanding and acceptance in my cohort that translated past a virtual barrier. I remember staying after the official sessions to continue discussions with other participants about cultural nuances and personal passions. These sessions also served as helpful language practice, both ways. These genuine conversations, along with support from the KAC staff, encouraged me to ask difficult questions and feel supported. The Summit showed me how language learning is ultimately inseparable from cultural understanding. As a Japanese American, I often feel caught in a gray area between the United States and Japan, but through the summit, I realized my identity enables me to bridge understanding between both cultures. I left with greater confidence in my Japanese skills and a deepened interest in U.S.-Japan relations. 

Now, as a university student, my KAC experiences continue to guide my path. I chose to major in International Studies and pursue Japanese as one of my minors. I also had the privilege of returning to KAC as an intern and peer mentor for this year’s Global Classmate Summit, held in person in Washington D.C., for the first time since COVID-19. Watching this year’s cohort reminded me of the enduring importance of people-to-people connections and the value of fostering cross-cultural relationships. Even in my role as an intern, the lessons remained impactful and witnessing young people engage so deeply in global collaboration inspired me to continue nurturing my own globally curiosity and commitment to international exchange.

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