Kakehashi Project Young Adult Ambassadors (Japanese American delegation) with Floyd Mori and Larry Oda. Tokyo, Sendai, and Fukushima, Japan.

1.
KAKEHASHI
2014
1
2014 Japanese American Young
Adults Invitation Program
October 13-25, 2014
Delegation Summary Individual Report by: Kristy Ishii
Photos taken by: Lauren Takayama and Kristy Ishii
©Designed
by:
Lauren
Takayama

2. 2
KAKEHASHI
2014
Organizations involved in the implementation of the program:
Funded by the Japan-U.S. Educational Commission (Fullbright Japan)
Co-organized by the Japan Foundation and The Laurasian Institution in the U.S.
In partnership with the Japanese American Citizen League

3.
KAKEHASHI
2014
3
Day 1: October 14, 2014 JST
My perspective of Japan has changed a lot since my first visit, during the scorching July
of 2009. The Four P’s that I learned about that describe the people of Japan never go
unrecognized. Punctual. Patient. Polite. Perseverant. The amount of respect that Japanese
people have engrained in the fabric of their culture is deeply admirable. I was selected to
travel to Japan before my sophomore year at Salinas High School, and visited over ten
large cities throughout Japan. I homestayed one week in a neighboring city, Hashima,
Kagoshima-ken, with the gracious Ueno family. As an ambassador of the Salinas Ichiki-
Kushikino Sister City Association, I was able to take my first steps in Japan and visit the
prefecture where my great-grandparents were born. Naturally, the weather was much
more hot and humid during my first trip, and around the places I visited (Miyajima,
Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Tokyo) there were hundreds of tourists.
In October of 2014, the Kakehashi Ambassador 10-day stay in Japan introduced some
new aspects of U.S. Japan relations, that I am eternally grateful for. Having the ability to
participate in meishi (business card) exchanges and simply observe business interactions
was invaluable. Watching the level of respect unfold before my eyes heightened my
desire to work for a company that utilizes the strengths of both Japanese and American
citizens, as well as other international citizens. Prior to our departure from SFO Airport, I
was most excited to visit JICA Yokohama Migration Museum, the Japan Foundation, and
absorb the lecture that discussed U.S-Japan relations. I also believe that the “business
clothes” model transformed the objective of the Kakehashi Project. Wearing clothes
suitable for business, rather than casual attire, made me feel like an ambassador who was
truly building relationships with partners in Japan.
From the moment our tour bus
started making headway into
Shinjuku, passing by Tokyo Tower
and Skytree, I felt the dream of
returning to Japan becoming an
honest reality. My conviction
strengthened as we continued our
journey through the Tohoku region.
Upon returning home to Los
Angeles, I feel as though the
responsibility falls heavily on
Japanese Americans to bridge the
gap between America and Japan.
Although we have some similar
family customs, the Japanese national and Japanese American worlds are distant by a
great measure even to this day. As a Japanese American Yonsei, I will encourage my
peers to learn Japanese, because in my honest opinion, this communication tool makes a
world of a difference in establishing and nurturing relations between our two countries.
Language is the linchpin to securing a lasting relationship between the generations of
youth that are developing in both the United States and America. Without a language
proficiency in both Japanese and English, ideas will not coalesce. Without a common

4. 4
KAKEHASHI
2014
agenda and international understanding, the success of these enriching programs will
become stymied.
Upon my arrival in Japan, Haruna Yabe, a Kanda University student who studied at
UCLA’s extension center via American Language Center during the summer of 2014,
greeted me at the airport. We connected at UCLA and became friends during the summer
prior to the Kakehashi Project because I was studying
Japanese, and she was studying English. After a two-hour bus
ride to Narita Airport, and a cleared absence from her
professor, she surprised me with a huge smile and small
present a few minutes after we deplaned. Words cannot
describe the emotions engendered by international bonding
and friendships. These types of international student relations
are not easily maintained, thus, the timing of this program was
crucial and such a blessing. I personally thank the Kakehashi
program and JACL for giving me the opportunity to maintain
and build even stronger connections with my Japanese friends.
These friends have become an extended family for me in
Japan, since I do not personally know any of my relatives
living in Japan.
Day 2: October 15, 2014 JST
On day two, we attended four lectures, each an hour in length. Despite being a bit
exhausted from the eleven-hour flight to Japan, the lectures influenced the way that I
currently view Japan-America relations.
Masumi Izumi- “Growing Daikon in an American Concentration Camp”
This was a peculiar lecture. Here I was, a Japanese American, learning from a Japanese
professor what the Issei went through in America. I felt an immense amount of pride
when I found out that the history of my ancestors was being discussed and critically
analyzed amongst scholars at universities in Japan. The lecture made me feel very
included and I felt much more comfortable building relations with students and
professors as a JA in Japan. Additionally, little unknown facts astonished me. For
example, I learned that incarcerated JAs used the supply of barbed wire, originally
intended for fencing to prevent JAs from escaping, to create an enclosed baseball field. I
did not know much about the Gila River War Relocation Center prior to this lecture. Also,
I was unaware of the Nisei Kengakudan members, who were Nisei who wanted to come
to Japan to see, study, and learn about the Japanese society and culture. I had no prior
knowledge of who Okei (The first Japanese female immigrant) was before this trip. These
subtle pieces of information were fascinating. However, despite learning these unique
facts, I felt a little bit uneasy as a granddaughter of grandparents who were held at Poston,
Crystal City, and Tule Lake. I was excited that my ancestor’s actions were being
discussed in Japan, but I also wish we were able to share personal stories about our
families. Perhaps this component can be altered in a way that Japanese Americans can
present a little bit of information about their personal experiences as a JA, or direct
commentary and memoirs from their relatives who were unjustly thrown into the camps.

5.
KAKEHASHI
2014
5
Dr. Hyoma Ito- “US-Japan Relations- Steps to Creating a Stronger Alliance”
This lecture was particularly educational for me, partly because I had no prior knowledge
about the past nor present Japan and US relations, but also because I am interested in the
political relationship between the two countries. His lecture began with a discussion
about the 1950-1960s and Commodore Perry’s influence on the beginning of Japan and
US relations. Dr. Ito discussed the economic turmoil and competition between the US
and Japan, and he even brought us up to speed with what had happened merely five days
before the lecture during a meeting on October 10, 2014. Towards the end, he mentioned
that the Kakehashi program was part of President Obama and Prime Minister Abe’s
initiative to bridge Japan and America.
Naturally, I felt very proud to be a member of
the delegation. Dr. Ito described US-Japan
relationship as a sound and mature influencer
for regional and global affairs. Prior to this
lecture, I did not fully understand how essential
the U.S. Japan relationship is to maintaining the
global relationships and economy (albeit Japan
and the U.S. have had their rocky points). This
lecture really changed my views on the
significance of Japan and America’s
relationship.
Ms. Azusa Yokota- Japanese Language Institute And Japan Foundation
After this lecture, I learned that Ms. Yokota does the voice recording for Genki Japanese
Language book’s listening comprehension CD tapes. I studied Japanese this past summer,
and immediately thought about how her voice sounded peculiarly similar. I felt that this
lecture was crucial for our group in particular. I loved this lesson because it heightened
peoples’ interests in learning the Japanese language. Knowing how challenging it can be
to study Japanese, I was thrilled to hear about the “Erin” website via Ms. Yokota. It was a
fantastic lecture, and we all practiced speaking Japanese to one another.
Masako Iino- Presentation on Japanese American contributions to the U.S.-Japan
Relations
The acronym LARA stands for Licensed Agencies for Relief in Asia, a broad collection
of Christian church groups, labor unions and other organizations dedicated to providing
relief to the Asian region. LARA was responsible for delivering around $40 billion worth
of material assistance to Japan (calculated at 1952 prices), of which 20% ($8 billion) was
provided directly by Nikkei Japanese living in both North and South America. I had
never heard of LARA prior to the Kakehashi program. This lecture made me think a lot
about the Nikkei customs and Japanese culture and gave me a greater sense of exchange
of appreciation. The inclusion of Nikkei contributions to Japan really made an impact and
was the turning point in the Kakehashi program. It made me realize that the Nikkei have
a special place in building and continuing the relations between Japan as a nation and
Americans both of Japanese descent and other ethnicities. This was the final lecture of
the day, and a very fitting one because every single delegate in the Kakehashi program
identifies as Nikkei (has Japanese ancestors). We received a sincere “Thank you,” on

6. 6
KAKEHASHI
2014
behalf of the acts of our elder Nikkei. In turn, this encourages me to do all I can to
continue to extend open arms, support, and communication to Japan. During the closing
remarks of this lecture, we discussed how numbers of students studying abroad from
Japan has stymied. We debated the difficulties and reasons that might discourage high
school and college students from studying abroad. I am particularly passionate about this
aspect of Japan-U.S. relations. After I attain my goal of proficiency in the Japanese
language, I want to help develop ways to increase the global awareness and English
proficiency of Japanese university students. I want to encourage more Skype-like
relationships between Japan and the U.S. because I wish to foster more vocal and
conversational communication between English and Japanese learners alike. I have heard
of a program at Brown University that connects university students in Japan to university
students in America via Skype. I want to replicate or encourage expansions for these
types of exchange with UCLA students.
Communication is key to forward progress, but I don’t think that there is enough
conversation and interaction between the U.S. and Japanese youth. I want to learn how to
get an ambassador program going for students who, like me, wish to study in Japan not
only to learn the language, but also to work with Japanese youth to widen the bridge
between Japan and U.S. youth. Maybe the National Youth Student Council of JACL can
become the emerging young professionals who bridge the Japan JACL chapter to
American JACLers. I want to entice the Japanese students to act with a global mindset, to
let them know that they can go beyond the boundaries of Japan and bring back ideas for
their peers at home. Likewise, I want Nikkei Americans to be able to still feel as though
they are connected to Japan. By engaging with the Japanese youth and contributing to
building relations and participating in international exchanges, Nikkei will be able to
actively communicate with a country that might not have otherwise felt like home due to
the distance multiple generations have creviced, both culturally and linguistically.
Lastly, I realized while writing this reflection, that all but one of the lecturers were
female. There were a few moments where exclusion of women became quite apparent,
but not while at Japan Foundation. The women in our Kakehashi delegation outnumbered
the men sixteen to three. Even during our meeting with congressman Sakai, a statement
was made about the higher number of women compared to men. These blurred lines
between exclusion and patriarchy were tested during the trip. People misunderstood the
distinction between exclusion of women and carrying on a cultural tradition. At the
restaurant near the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the women on our trip encountered an
interesting tradition in Japanese culture. Some girls wanted to take photos standing on the
stage where the “Sumo” tournaments took place. As the girls were putting on the slippers
and were about to step up, the ladies working said, “NO! Only boys, not girls.” Everyone
kind of went dead silent. Even one of the men on our delegation didn’t want to go up
since he felt like he was given something the girls were denied. It was interesting, but I
didn’t know if people knew that there was a clear difference between the traditional parts
of Japanese culture, and the modern Japanese culture. Many Kakehashi ambassadors
were taken aback by this very realistic traditional society.
After the lectures, we traveled to the Tokyo National Museum. With four to five
different building, we had a lot of ground to cover in less than an hour. Overall, it was

7.
KAKEHASHI
2014
7
just a really long day. There was not a large amount of interaction in the Tokyo National
Museum. It was a perusing experience that you had to make the most of. The items in the
museum were quite fascinating. But, it was huge, and I think many people were very
exhausted at this beginning point of the trip, especially after the hours of lecture prior to
going to the museum.
Day 3: October 16, 2014 JST
The move to Sendai was incredible. This 4-day
trip up to the Tohoku region was one of the most
memorable parts of this trip, because of the
stories that were shared and the people we were
able to connect with.
Miyagi University- The students and faculty welcomed us warmly. Walking through the
dining hall lines made me feel like I was a student for a day at Miyagi University. Ryoko
Watanabe (pictured below) is a true leader. She made a couple booklets for us, which
provided information about the disaster sites that we visited in English. Without these
pamphlets, I would have been severely lost and confused. Eating lunch with the students
gave us a lot of time to chit chat. I found out that Ryoko’s little sister was planning on
coming to UCLA and was play the drums on a float at the Rose Bowl Parade this year
with the Tomodachi program! We just recently met on January 6, 2015, at the Miyako
Hybrid Hotel. It was such an exciting moment to meet her sister, Chinatsu (right)!
Pictured to the left is Arahama
Elementary School.
320 people escaped to the third and
fourth floor of this building, but the
gym was destroyed entirely by the
tsunami.

8. 8
KAKEHASHI
2014
Additionally, I spent a lot of time talking with Yudai
Suzuki, Shunya Shoji, and Soichiro Fujimoto, all
students who helped tutor some elementary school
students about 2 hours away, who were displaced
after the tsunami. They all have volunteered a few
times to help out those who have been displaced or
mentally distressed.
Because these Miyagi students were able to speak
English, I was able to clearly understand the damages
and lasting effects of BIG-3 disaster in Sendai area.
However, I still wish I knew a little more Japanese so
that I could go into more depth about this type of
disaster and how people recuperate and overcome this tragedy. Walking around and
looking through the windows of evacuated and tsunami stricken homes gave me an eerie
feeling. I can’t even imagine what things were like for the students and residents who
were living in these areas during and prior to the tsunami. Pictured to the right is the
cenotaph in Arahama, which was built in 2013.There are 190 victims’ names etched on
the cenotaph.
The guard rails on the roads were
bent over and touching the ground.
The tsunami left barren wastelands.
It was unforgettable. The trees along
the coastline were all pushed down
to the ground and curved away from
the ocean. Instead of building a man-
made structure along the coastline, a
rumor was going around that
planting a wall of trees might be a
great natural blockade for a future
tsunami.
Viewing the Arahama and Yuriage schools and areas was a surreal memory. If it were
not for Ryoko to lead this trip, the impact of the tsunami would have been lost in
translation. She truly made this an amazing educational experience. She is passionate
about rebuilding the community and helping others. Simple yet powerful words conveyed
her compassion, and we all were on the same page
by the end of the trip. Soichiro and Shunya also
helped out a great deal in helping us understand the
yellow flag protests and the tragedy.
Pictured to the right: The time of the clock at
Yuriage Junior High School stopped when the
tsunami hit the school. Many people in Yuriage
tried to escape, but some of them were not able to
reach this school in time.

9.
KAKEHASHI
2014
9
After visiting Arahama and Yuriage, I began to understand that the tsunami, earthquake
and nuclear meltdown were a chain of tragedies rather than three individual disasters. It
was not one earthquake. It was not one tsunami. It was not one nuclear meltdown. Japan
has been in a constant rebuilding and reconstructing mode since 2011. They aren’t
separate incidents in the minds of the Japanese. Even still, people are able to manage
theirs lives and carry on. Most often, I think the international perspective is that these
events were spread out to the point that maybe, the Japanese recovered, and then got hit
unfortunately with another disaster to put them back at square one. However, the nation
truly never recovered. This has been an
ongoing tragedy for students and adults
alike. Until talking to Ryoko, I didn’t
realize how much emotional damage had
been created, especially for the younger
elementary aged students. This was an
enlightening experience, and I hope that
someday in the near future I can return
and help out with the recovery from 3-11.
(Pictured to the right: Macy Elliott,
Shunya Shoji, Kristy Ishii, Mika Sanger,
Yudai Suzuki)
Day 4: October 17, 2014 JST
Our visit to the Fukushima prefectural
government was fascinating. Research during my
previous fall quarter on the nuclear meltdown
heightened my interest in this topic greatly. In the
states, I had spent hours and hours researching
things on the Internet about the nuclear meltdown
of power plant reactor 4 in Fukushima. The news
startled me and I was extremely worried. When I
found out that we were traveling to Fukushima I
was honestly quite shocked. I was afraid. I was not entirely sure I trusted the Internet, but
from what the people were saying online, it was still very dangerous and unstable.
Once Yasunori Oshima began speaking to us in Japanese, and showing the slides, I felt as
though I was getting real answers to my lingering questions. I do believe that the
Japanese government officials were very upfront
and honest about the degree of urgency and fear
that the nuclear meltdown created nationally and
globally. They did not come out and say that
everything was fine. In fact they exposed their
information, and I respect that so much. Now I
feel confident that I can share this information
truthfully with those who are hesitant to step foot
anywhere in Japan, or at least in the Fukushima
prefecture.

10. 10
KAKEHASHI
2014
Yakult Factory visit was intriguing. I was not familiar with the health benefits of the
products created by Yakult. It was an engaging factory tour, and it was well received by
the rest of the Kakehashi delegation. We were not allowed to take photographs in certain
parts of the factory, so I don’t have many to share.
Things became even more interesting when we reached Tenei Village. Upon arrival, we
met with the Mayor, but most of the exchange was between the tour guide and Mayor.
During times where Japanese is spoken, over half the group became disengaged. I
became excited when Japanese was spoken, because I could pick up a little bit of the
information, but most of it still went way over my head in the business setting. In Tenei
we learned so much more about the attractions and traditions that originate from the
Fukushima prefecture.
One of the most intriguing parts of the
trip was watching the video about
how the rice paddies in Tenei Village
were decontaminated. I think this is
the information that I have been
telling people most often here in the
states. When people ask about the
radiation levels, this educational
discussion we had with Mr. Yoshinari
always rises to the forefront of my
memory.
Mr. Yoshinari Kuniichi is the most generous hard-working man. He was the person in
charge of distributing information about how to tackle the remnants of the cesium that
was soaked into the top couple inches of the soil. He studied how to effectively save the
rice fields and the crop for the entire year. He was so passionate about saving the fiscal
fortunes of the farmers in his village. We were all so impressed by his perseverance and
dedication. In the end of the presentation, after we asked all of our questions, and I asked
Mr. Kuniichi how I could purchase one of the DVDs. Simply, and without hesitation he
replied, “We don’t really sell it to many people, but, wait one second.” He walked over to
the projector, ejected the DVD that was just shown to our group, and handed it to me. I
was stunned. I couldn't believe he just gifted the DVD. We chatted for a little and I told
him that I would share this with JACL back home and with everyone else. I thanked him
and tried the best I could to convey how educational and intriguing this was to everyone
in Japanese, but Hiroko (our amazing tour guide) translated for me in the end. It was
scientifically engaging, yet also easy to grasp for the general public. I really appreciated
this gift, and will use it wisely while I am back in the states.
Right after this meeting we were able to witness a powerful and inspiring Tenei taiko
performance! These youth members were phenomenal. I wanted to suggest that we bring
them to America. They played with so much passion, precision, and focus. They are from
such a small town, and I know that they would appreciate the journey to America.
Moments like these are what I appreciate and remember the most.

11.
KAKEHASHI
2014
11
Watching the Japanese youth strike the drums in
their element, doing something that they have
practiced and spent a lot of time working on, was
unforgettable. Japanese people take pride in what
they do, across the board. I find this inspirational,
and I hope to carry this with me throughout school
and my future career.
And, this eleven year old boy pictured above, named Kazuma, taught me how to play
taiko. I’ll never forget this night.
Arriving at the Ryokan Bunke later that evening was spectacular. I cannot describe in
words how warm and welcoming the family was when we arrived at the Japanese Style
Inn. The food, onsen, futons, and scenery were unforgettable. Our meals took so much
preparation and looked and tasted beyond fantastic. We were so warm and comfortable
inside the ryokan. It was definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip.
(Below: Left- outside view, Right- inside view of entrance)

12. 12
KAKEHASHI
2014
We ate dango, sakana, tempura, and lots of traditional Japanese foods.
My sleep schedule was a tad haywire, so I woke up for the sunrise and snapped some
photos of the beautiful Tenei village.
Day 5: October 18, 2014 JST
Rice harvesting was a unique experience that I am still so grateful for. I think these
moments of rice-harvesting really brought us back to the reality of our ancestor’s hard
work and perseverance. This experience was and is irreplaceable because it solidified a
greater appreciation for all of the rice that I consume as well as for anything else that is
grown by farmers in America. Coming from Salinas (Lettuce Bowl of the World), a
heavy agriculture based city, I felt a greater
appreciation for those who work in the fields at
my hometown as well. Furthermore, after
watching the movie about the decontamination of
the rice paddies, we had developed a firm grasp on
how the soils were treated that we were sloshing
through in boots. (Pictured from L to R: Mika
Sanger, Kristy Ishii, Nana Shimoyama, Kelly Lin,
Bianca Tubolino, and Miya Yung).

13.
KAKEHASHI
2014
13
Onigiri making was extremely fun,
and I made some new friendly
connections with locals. Learning
about all of the ingredients was
exciting. I noticed that sometimes it
was difficult for my peers to engage
in conversation, and I had difficulty
translating. Sometimes I just wanted
to speak in Japanese, but I felt held
back a bit because I would be
leaving people out if I spoke in
Japanese. Also, they gifted us three
bags of rice harvested in Tenei.
Later that day, we joined a
dojo! Karate was
AWESOME. I really have
always wanted to do karate
since I was little, like my
younger brother, but I never
had time because of other
sports. Participating in the
Karate form demonstrations
was so fun and exhilarating.
The energy of the kids was
infectious.
Day 6: October 19, 2014 JST
The Akabeko cow-painting experience
was very fun and educational. Learning the
history of the Akabeko was essential prior
to continuing our journey through
Fukushima. For starters, the Akabeko is
not just a toy, it is also a lucky charm.
More than 1000 years ago, in Yanaizu, a
town not far from Aizu-Wakamatsu, the
preparation for Enzo-ji (a very important
temple) commenced. The wood required
for construction of the temple was
transported by an ox and after the

14. 14
KAKEHASHI
2014
construction was finished, the ox
refused to leave the temple. The locals
allowed the ox to live at the temple,
and later gave the name “akabeko” to
this dedicated helper. The ox became a
symbol of devotion to Buddha. At the
end of the 16th century, the castle from
Aizu-Wakamatsu, Tsuruga-jō, became
the headquarters of daimyo Gamō
Ujisato. When he heard the legend of
the akabeko, he came up with the idea
of making a toy based on akabeko.
Years later, when an epidemic of smallpox hit the area, somebody noticed that the
children who had the red cow toy were not getting ill. Furthermore, since the red color is
associated with protection against diseases (in Japan), it became a good luck charm. This
legend is just one version of the story of the akabeko, and was told to us by our tour guide
in Japan. Although there may be slightly different versions online, the akabeko has now
become an even stronger amulet for good health and fortune in Japan, especially after the
disaster of 3/11. The akabeko symbolizes and
engenders courage for those affected by the
disaster.
Following the Akabeko painting was the Gojin
Dance Group performance at the Regina Forest
Resort.
Dancing with the students was unforgettable. I
will remember the moments that we danced in
circles holding hands with our Kakehashi
friends and the team members of the group
forever. The setting, the weather, the people, the audience, and the atmosphere were all
fantastic. Nothing could have been more beautifully scripted or planned. This day was
really memorable, and I still talk to two of the girls we ate lunch with after the
performance. I just really appreciate that these young folks carry on traditional dances
while also pursuing their interests in hip hop, singing, and break dancing. I think that
their dance careers are an amazing
balance of tradition and breaking
through and being modern. These
young girls and boys were inspiring
dancers, to say the least. By the end
of the dance during which we all ran
around in circles and held hands,
everyone had made a gigantic circle,
and we fit on the deck near the lake
flawlessly. Countless faces flew past
my face, and I saw the enormous flag
swaying above our heads, with the

15.
KAKEHASHI
2014
15
sun glistening upon the lake right behind the dock we were dancing on. I couldn’t have
imagined anything like this. Also, they played a variety of old American songs that I
loved when I was in middle school and high school, and that was definitely a throwback
moment for me and a few others from Kakehashi who sang along to the songs (High
School Musical, etc.).
Finally, the Tsuruga-jo Castle was very fascinating. It looked like a small castle from
the outside, but it had a rich history. Also, the view from the top was phenomenal. The
amount of information, artifacts, and beautiful items found inside the castle were equally
amazing. Some of my peers described it as a Japanese Disney park. Some folks were
even dressed in uniforms to match the attire from the old shogunate days, which made us
feel as though we were living in that era. This was something unique because prior to this
trip I did not know much of how people dressed during certain eras and occasions. This
entire trip was rich with Japanese history!
Day 7: October 20, 2014 JST
Return back to Tokyo- Miraikan Museum
This technology museum reminded me how amazing Japanese technology and creativity
is. For the first half of the trip we had been touching on some traditional lifestyles and
history of Japan, but this museum visit jetted me into a new perspective of Japan.

16. 16
KAKEHASHI
2014
The LED lights of the world, the futuristic models
of 2050 Japan, and the Robot demonstration
propelled me into an entirely different mindset.
Four students rode the Uni-cab made by Toyota.
Miraiikan changed my perspective of Japan.
During our stay in Japan we definitely saw both the
traditional and innovative sides of Japan, and that
contrast alone impressed me beyond belief.
The National Diet Building tour was
spectacular. It looked similar to the
national capitol in America. I really was
impressed by the way it was constructed.
Most of the tour consisted of talk about the
granite pillars, paintings, and stained glass
windows. All the tiny details were very
impressive.
Day 8: October 21, 2014 JST
JICA Yokohama Migration Museum
My FAVORITE place in Japan that we visited was the
JICA museum. I wish we had one in America or
somewhere near JANM. This visual of all of the places
that Japanese emigrated from all over Japan was
fascinating. The way JAs in America project the
“decline” of JAs and Japanese in America is crippling
to the mindset of Asian Americans in the community.
However, when you look at the history and strides
made by the Japanese in other countries, it brings a
sense of pride to being Japanese, regardless of where
your ancestors emigrated. Put simply, JICA was fantastic. Everything was written in
Japanese. I think an English booklet, or a museum translator would have helped
immensely. We also did not have nearly enough time
here at the JICA museum. I could not get through all of
the narratives that were displayed, but the memories
inside were fascinating and motivating. I could spend
hours there just learning about where Japanese people
are living around the world today. I can’t wait to
return.

17.
KAKEHASHI
2014
17
Meiji Gakuin University
One of the presentations gave me a much better understanding of the drinking culture and
relation to sake in Japan. Thus, I learned a lot about the history of alcoholic beverages in
America. Another presentation pretty accurately described the way Japanese and
Americans feel about the countries aside from their own respective homelands. The
presenter touched on the international quirks between international relationships, and
talked about differing customs. Lastly, another student touched on the frequency of TV
viewing in both Japan and America. I really appreciated the presentations by the students
at Meiji Gakuin and the research they invested in.
The second portion of this college meeting was about kindness and what it meant to us. I
really enjoyed this topic. We talked about random acts of kindness. During this session I
learned much more about my peers from America and all of the amazing things they had
done prior to coming to Japan in high school and college. But, I was intrigued that the
Japanese professor facilitated a workshop on what kindness and happiness meant. This
was really refreshing and something I feel is not discussed much in the classroom, in both
America and Japan. They showed the video made in Thailand, about random acts of
kindness and how things are repaid when least expected. It was a moving short that had
been circulated on Facebook before, yet many of us still had tears in our eyes after
watching it. (The link to the video is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF9b1cq-PAI).
Later on, Mrs. Tanaka explained the connection JACL established with Meiji Gakuin,
and I was so enthused when I heard the news. It changed my perspective on JACL’s
Japan chapter as well. I had no idea what details were behind the recovery in Japan post
3.11, and I felt proud to be a part of JACL. Thus, I made an effort to speak to the interns
of the Japan JACL chapter. With the amazing help of John Ino
(JACL Japan President), I met with Grace Yuri Andrews,
Mizuki Matsui, and Kaho, his current JACL interns. We
exchanged thoughts and ideas and got to know more about our
respective chapters. It was fantastic. I later met two more
students from Meiji-Gakuin, who are studying a year abroad at
UC Santa Barbara. Pictured: Ryosuke Urai and Takamasa
Martin Greene. Taka is a JACL Japan chapter member, and I
met his friends at Meiji-Gakuin while I was in Japan on the
Kakehashi trip!
Day 9: October 22, 2014 JST
Meeting the Diet member, Mr. Sakai, was something special. His generosity was
unbelievable. We stayed talking to him for about 50 minutes. Kota Mizutani, a National
Youth Student Council Member for JACL, really gave us a look into the Japanese
government that most people do not get the chance to have. His personal connections
helped us make contact with a congressman. Without his help this would not have been
on our agenda.
We briefly walked around the Imperial Palace, because we got rained out. Asakusa was
great, but it was raining so hard. We also only had one hour there.

18. 18
KAKEHASHI
2014
JPF Debriefing was interesting. Prior to these discussions, the Kakehashi members did
not have much time to reflect on the day’s activities. I think that implementing some type
of reflection session every other day, or every night, would be beneficial. It would make
for better journal reflections and also it would help us regurgitate the things that we took
away, and maybe make it stick a little better in our memories. Because so much happens
in the 10 days, it’s difficult to separate some of the experiences from others.
Day 10: October 23, 2014 JST
Lastly, the Edo-Tokyo Museum was highly educational and we had the best museum
tour guide. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Edo period and the shogun
and all of the daimyos.
Everything was truly incredible. The entire trip was extraordinary. We were welcomed
with endless amounts of delicious food, kind welcomes, and precious good-byes.

19.
KAKEHASHI
2014
19
In all, Kakehashi Project helped me bridge myself to Japan and the future relationship I
want to have with the people working and living in Japan. In return, I hope to continue
this strong relationship with Japan by keeping in touch with my Kakehashi friends. Japan
has become a beacon of success and resilience, while perseverance and preservation are
still highly regarded. The respect and courtesy of the Japanese culture and language is
embedded in everyday life, and remnants of this culture are also present in many JA’s
lives. I want to be a contributor to both the United States and Japan, as do my fellow
Kakehashi young adult ambassadors. 頑張りましょう！
The
LA
Crew:
Kristy
Ishii,
Layne
Sakamoto,
Lauren
Takayama.
Peace
signs
became
a
natural
instinct
when
taking
photos.

20. 20
KAKEHASHI
2014
どうもありがとうございました！
Lastly, thank you for taking the time to read this personal account of the
Kakehashi Program 2014. I’m truly honored to have been selected to come
onboard this final trip. Missing two weeks of school for this program was
enduring, but the make-up work could never mask the incredible memories that
were made in Japan. I have committed myself to furthering the relationship
between Japan and the U.S. and will continue to study the language and become
more aware of the Japanese culture throughout and after college.
Also, a huge “THANK YOU” to Lauren Takayama (pictured left) who captured
the memories made in Japan. She is a fabulous visual artist and graphic designer.
Here is a link to her shared album:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/98818184@N02/sets/72157648600344138/

21.
KAKEHASHI
2014
21
Individuals who contributed an infinite amount of kindness,
enthusiasm, and time to guide us throughout many cities in Japan:
Hiroko Araki, Nana Shimoyama, Matt Obo - Japan International Cooperation Center
Mari Maruyama - The Laurasian Institution
Asami Ono and Chairman of Japan Foundation
Consulate General Watanabe of San Francisco
Congressman Sakai of the Japanese Government
John Ino – JACL Japan Chapter President
Professors Azusa Yokota, Masumi Izumi, Hyoma Ito, and Masako Iino.
Floyd Mori – Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies
Larry Oda - Superintendent of Maintenance Services City of Salinas
Hidehiro Abe and Yasunori Oshima- Fukushima Prefectural Government Officers
Yoshiro Tasaka – Consulate General of Japan in S.F. Advisor for Community Affairs
Misaki Owatari - Fujisankei Communications Group
Plus many more outstanding individuals and organizations!

22. 22
KAKEHASHI
2014
And to those who generously welcomed us during our stay
in San Francisco:
Priscilla Ouchida
Patty Wada
David Unruhe
Tsuyoshi Endo
Matthew Walters
Chevron Representatives
Double Tree SFO
Watermark of Tsuruga-jo Castle, Japan.
View of SF Golden Gate bridge from Consulate General
Watanabe’s Residence in San Francisco, CA.

23.
KAKEHASHI
2014
23
The purpose of creating this report was to document the time spent in Japan between the dates
Oct. 13th
through Oct. 25th
in 2014. I personally hope that this program continues, because I think
it will greatly impact the future generations of Japanese Americans and help develop stronger ties
between the youth and young professionals of Japan and America.
A full report for Los Angeles Participants- Kakehashi Japanese American Young Adult Program
October 2014 will be released in 2015. This will include personal information of each delegate,
reflections from each Los Angeles member, and more photographs. Until this full report is
completed, please feel free to share this shortened version of the Kakehashi JA Young Adult
Program October 2014 with anyone interested in learning about our unforgettable experience in
Japan. Videos are also being created at this time, so please be on the lookout for more
documentaries and write-ups that share our unique experiences in Japan.
For questions or comments please contact Kristy Ishii at kristyishii@gmail.com.