The U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation, in partnership with the American Association of Teachers of Japanese, are excited to open applications for the Fall 2022 Bridging Scholars Program to support American undergraduate students participating in study abroad programs in Japan.

Join the Bridging Foundation for a 4-part Japan-Related Career Webinar series that will offer practical, action-based advice and stories from the field to help build meaningful Japan-related careers. This series is free and open to all. For more information on how to register for the series, please select the Webinars menu tab above!

Join the Bridging Foundation for an 8-part Japan-Related Career Webinar series that will offer practical, action-based advice and stories from the field to help build meaningful Japan-related careers. This series is free and open to all.

The U.S. Departments of State and Education recently issued a joint statement renewing the country's commitment to international engagement and leadership. The Bridging Foundation is proud to play an important role in preparing the next generation for the global stage. The full statement is a must read: https://lnkd.in/e_sBY9M

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Mr. Ronald J. Anderson on May 3, 2021. Ron was Chairman Emeritus of the United States-Japan Bridging Foundation’s Board of Directors, having joined the board of directors in 2001. He continually volunteered his time to the Bridging Foundation and, with his wife Maria, was also a long-time donor ensuring that the Bridging Foundation fulfills its mission to increase opportunities for people-to-people exchange between the United States and Japan.

On Tuesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. E.T., Bridging Foundation Executive Director Dr. Tom Mason will be joined by Cornell University Visiting Scholar and Butsumo-ji Temple Head Priest Dr. Masaki Matsubara for an inside look into monastic life in Japan. Through his collection of personal photos, Matsubara will offer an exciting first-hand look into his years of training. This program is open to all. Register here today! bit.ly/3cV21ZG

On Friday, April 16, 2021 at 8 p.m. ET, the Bridging Foundation is delighted to partner with Cultural Exchange LLC to offer an observational class on kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. This program is open to all. Register here today! https://buff.ly/3tY4dXn

The U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation mourns the loss of those tragically killed in the recent Georgia shootings and stands in solidarity with the Asian and Asian American / Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. We condemn racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in all forms.

Over the last year, racism and violence against the Asian community has continued to increase. The organization Stop AAPI Hate reported nearly 3,800 instances of discrimination, violence, and racism against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the past year alone. This number represents only reported incidents. Likely, the number is far higher.

The U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation expresses its deep appreciation to five departing members of its Board of Directors who contributed years of voluntary service to the foundation advancing the U.S.-Japan friendship by making it possible for increased numbers of American undergraduates to study abroad in Japan.

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).