Welcoming 2021

As we prepare to say farewell to 2020 and welcome 2021, we thank you for your support during this year full of change and unexpected challenge. Although study abroad in Japan has been paused, our Bridging Scholars expressed sincere gratitude for the time they experienced in-country:

"I was disappointed my time in Japan had to be cut short, but I feel that I grew a lot as a person during that short period...and will apply the things I learned to the rest of my education and career. I am forever grateful for the financial contributions of the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation and its donors. " ~ Kylan, the 2019-2020 Ira Wolf Memorial Bridging Scholar (Waseda University).

With the disruption in study abroad, the foundation pivoted to a virtual program for the fall. Our Bridging Scholars-TeamUp Webinar Series attracted nearly 1,000 participants. The five webinars were titled: “Career in Focus: Exploring Professional Opportunities in Japan and Beyond”, “Anime and Manga: Afro-American Intersections with Japanese Culture”, “Japanese Changemakers: What Every Business Person Needs to Know”, “Social Media & Rapid Change in Japanese Society”, and “Social Enterprise/Grassroots Nonprofits in Japan”.

This year also marked an important milestone for the foundation: the hiring of our first full-time executive director. The new position enables the foundation to focus on deepening ongoing—and developing new—relationships with our supporters, partners, and alumni to increase programming that will strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship through cultural and educational exchange.

Your support makes a significant impact and a world of difference to Bridging Scholars like Kylan. As we approach year-end, we continue to accept donations to support our shared mission to strengthen the bilateral relationship by growing the next generation of U.S.-Japan leaders. 

Warm wishes for a wonderful 2021. Happy New Year!