AJC-Kakehashi Mission to Japan 2023 Application
AJC's ACCESS and Asia Pacific Institute, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, invites you to apply for our signature mission to Japan from December 6-14, 2023. This exchange program is intended to promote mutual trust and understanding among the peoples of Japan and Jewish Americans and to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation. We hope you will join us in building bridges ("kakehashi") between nations and cultures.
The AJC Kakehashi Mission covers food, hotels, and program costs for the duration of the program. Program participants are responsible for their own flights to and from Japan, and are encouraged to come early or stay late to enjoy more of Japan.
We can't yet share this year's itinerary, but experiences from previous Kakehashi programs have included:
- Celebrate Shabbat with the Jewish community in Tokyo
- Tour Japanese temples and shrines including Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and Kiyomizu-dera
- Ride the shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, where we will connect with local university students studying Judaism and Religion from an Eastern World lens
- Visit the Port of Humanity Museum in the port city of Tsuruga, where thousands of Jewish refugees landed after fleeing the Holocaust
- Meet with the Israeli Embassy in Tokyo, the US Embassy in Tokyo, and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Enjoy cultural experiences such as silk painting or a tea ceremony
- Eat traditional Japanese meals, such as sushi, ramen, or hot pot
- Explore Japan on your own or with friends during your free evenings
Program Qualifications:
- Participants must be members of ACCESS Marshall Society* OR committed to becoming an ACCESS Marshall Society donor by the close of the program.
- Program participants must be young professionals between the ages of 22-39
- Participants must be U.S. citizens residing in the U.S.
- All participants must be fully vaccinated per Japanese Visa requirements
- No previous Japan travel experience or knowledge required
- Participants will commit to attend three virtual prep sessions prior to the virtual mission.
Apply by August 11, 2023 for this unique opportunity to experience Japan.
* The ACCESS Marshall Society honors AJC supporters who generously contribute $625 or more to AJC's Annual Campaign.
Please be in touch with Brian Hertz, Assistant Director of ACCESS Global, at hertzb@ajc.org if you have any additional questions.
