US-Japan Bridging Foundation

📣 Alumni Spotlight Time!📣

Today we are shining the spotlight on Angel Bryant, a Bridging Foundation Scholar alumna (2023-2024 cohort) whose academic pursuits at Howard University have led her to remarkable places. 🌟

On April 9th, 2024 Angel was selected to give remarks (in Japanese) to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida in Washington, D.C. about her study abroad experiences and hopes for the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Following her remarks to Prime Minister Kishida, she was invited to
attend the arrival ceremony of Prime Minister Kishida and Mrs. Kishida at The White House on
April 10th.

From studying abroad to engaging with Japan's Prime Minister, Angel's success is a testament to the power of dedication and cultural exchange.

📸
Angel Bryant
Cabinet Public Affairs Office

✨ Proud Post Alert✨

The impact of the Bridging community (that's you!) on our students in Japan and beyond continuously fills us with immense pride.

Take it from Kassidy Brown ('23-'24 Cohort), who shared this testimonial with us. Our community's support is invaluable, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our new cohort in Japan as they embark on their own life-changing journeys!

Zoom Orientation for Fall 2024 Scholars took place last week and we are SO excited for the year to come! 🤩

Over 60 scholars joined Bridging Staff and Alumnae on the call to talk all things Japan and study abroad.

We were joined by Tomoko Nakamura, First Secretary at Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. — here she is waving to scholars after offering some wonderful advice about navigating life abroad.

Note that this is only a small group of the scholars on the call – we filled up over three Zoom screens with incredible students. Full Scholar Intro coming soon 👀

📣 Exciting update! 📣

We have been busily preparing for the 2024-2025 Fall & Academic Year Cohort of Bridging Foundation Scholars.

An amazing group of 85 scholars will soon be headed to Japan this year! (Some are already there!). Sixty-six scholars will depart this fall and another 19 will head to Japan in the spring. We can't wait to introduce them to you.

Check back soon 🤩

Japan-U.S. Careers Webinar! July 18th 8-9:30PM EST. Sponsored by the Embassy of Japan USA and Kizuna Across Cultures. Highly recommended!! Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/3xmeb2b5

Hear from four professionals in a variety of industries about how your interest in Japan can lead to an amazing career. High school and college students, recent graduates, and parents are all welcome!

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Japan-US Careers Webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Join us to hear from four professionals in a variety of industries about how your interest in Japan can lead to an amazing career. High school and college students, recent graduates, and parents are all welcome!

A reminder that the 2024-25 US-Japan Bridging Foundation Bridging Scholarship application deadline is fast approaching! Thank you for sharing this information with students who might like to apply!

Bridging Scholarship Applications are Open!

The US-Japan Bridging Foundation, in partnership with the AATJ - American Association of Teachers of Japanese, is excited to open applications for scholarships to study in Japan beginning in Fall 2024. The term of study can be the Fall 2024 semester, the 2024-25 academic year, or the Spring 2025 semester. Please note: There will be no later, separate application deadline for Spring 2025 scholarships.

Bridging Scholarship recipients receive stipends of up to $2,500 for a semester’s study program or up to $4,500 for an academic-year program. Awardees join the Bridging Scholar community and gain access to our extensive alumni, donor, and supporter network. Foundation programming includes in-person and virtual mentorship opportunities as well as career and networking events.

The Bridging Foundation seeks to recruit a diverse cohort of students and has allocated a number of scholarships for students from underrepresented communities.

The deadline to submit completed applications is March 15, 2024.

Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for Bridging Scholarships. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be enrolled as undergraduates in a college or university in the United States before and during the time they are studying abroad. Their study in Japan must last for at least three months and must earn credit that will transfer to their home campus in the US. Students who have already begun their study abroad in Japan are not eligible to apply. For more information about the US-Japan Bridging Foundation, please visit www.bridging foundation.org.

Scholarships for the Bridging Scholars Program are made possible by a dedicated group of individuals, corporations, foundations, and non-profit organizations committed to making study abroad available to any student. The Bridging Foundation is deeply grateful to its donor community for their support.

Please help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity!

APPLY HERE --> https://www.aatj.org/japan-bridging-scholarships/

Bridging Scholarship Applications are Open!

The US-Japan Bridging Foundation, in partnership with the AATJ - American Association of Teachers of Japanese, is excited to open applications for scholarships to study in Japan beginning in Fall 2024. The term of study can be the Fall 2024 semester, the 2024-25 academic year, or the Spring 2025 semester. Please note: There will be no later, separate application deadline for Spring 2025 scholarships.

Bridging Scholarship recipients receive stipends of up to $2,500 for a semester’s study program or up to $4,500 for an academic-year program. Awardees join the Bridging Scholar community and gain access to our extensive alumni, donor, and supporter network. Foundation programming includes in-person and virtual mentorship opportunities as well as career and networking events.

The Bridging Foundation seeks to recruit a diverse cohort of students and has allocated a number of scholarships for students from underrepresented communities.

The deadline to submit completed applications is March 15, 2024.

Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for Bridging Scholarships. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be enrolled as undergraduates in a college or university in the United States before and during the time they are studying abroad. Their study in Japan must last for at least three months and must earn credit that will transfer to their home campus in the US. Students who have already begun their study abroad in Japan are not eligible to apply. For more information about the US-Japan Bridging Foundation, please visit www.bridging foundation.org.

Scholarships for the Bridging Scholars Program are made possible by a dedicated group of individuals, corporations, foundations, and non-profit organizations committed to making study abroad available to any student. The Bridging Foundation is deeply grateful to its donor community for their support.

Please help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity!

APPLY HERE --> https://www.aatj.org/japan-bridging-scholarships/

Announcing the Japan-America Grassroots Summit 2024 in Wakayama! July 9 - July 15, 2024. Experience Japanese culture through a unique program including a 3-night homestay. Regardless of age or language ability, you will discover an amazing experience through this person-to-person exchange program.

Upcoming & Past Summit | Center for International Exchange

Last week, the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation and Morgan Stanley joined forces to host a Career Development Panel for our Bridging Scholars. Tom Mason, Executive Director of the Bridging Foundation, set the stage with a warm welcome, and David Richards, Chief Administrative Officer at Morgan Stanley in Japan, provided a captivating introduction to the firm, sharing his career journey and various pathways to employment in Japan.

Our panelists, Brandon Whittaker (Whittaker Coaching), Joelle Metcalfe (Bridging Scholar Alum), Leo Lee (Morgan Stanley), and Chi Mai Wong (Morgan Stanley), brought a wealth of experience to the table, generously sharing their insights on navigating the Japanese job hunt, working and living in Japan, and learning Japanese. Their diverse perspectives illuminated the path for our scholars, offering invaluable advice on securing opportunities in Japan.

The event marked a pivotal moment in the journey of our scholars, and we're grateful to have had such esteemed professionals guide them. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this panel an indispensable resource for those striving to develop rewarding Japan-related careers.

A big congratulations to Matthew Trani, 2023-2024 Bill Bishop Family Memorial Scholar, for an incredible performance as the The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Charity Ball's featured act last Saturday night with an incredible rendition of John Legend's "All of Me".

On November 29th, the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation and the Asian Studies Program at Kansai Gaidai held a career development seminar at the Nakamiya campus for our 2023-2024 Kansai-based cohort. Bridging Scholars from universities throughout Kansai traveled to Kansai Gaidai for the event. After a presentation by KGU Dean Steve Zurcher and Bridging Foundation Executive Director Tom Mason, the group enjoyed networking and conversation over pizza and snacks. Many scholars in the group indicated their intention to return to Japan to build a career after graduating from their U.S. university. Such an impressive group of students! Read more: https://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/news/detail/?id=2048

Current US-Japan Bridging Foundation Bridging Scholar Fatima Luna (Northern Arizona University / Yamaguchi University / Majors: Biomedical Sciences, Cultural Studies) recently had her wonderful photos and words published in a local media outlet!

~ Enjoy these beautiful views of Yamaguchi Prefecture ~

山口県魅力発信サイトきらりんく｜学生フォトリレー山口写真館 山口県が運営する魅力発信サイトです。県内のおすすめイベントや観光、歴史、食、移住などの情報を紹介しています。

**Internship Announcement from our Friends**

The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes understanding and cooperation in U.S.-Asia relations. Maureen and Mike Mansfield’s values, ideals, and vision for U.S.-Asia relations continue through the Foundation’s exchanges, dialogues, research, and educational. programs, which create networks among U.S. and Asian leaders, explore the underlying issues influencing public policies, and increase awareness about the nations and peoples of Asia.

The Foundation is seeking two (2) recent grad or graduate. students for its Summer 2023 Internship Program. This program is paid ($16.10 until July 1, then $17.00 after) and requires a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week. Selected candidates must be available to work on site at our Washington, D.C. Office. Part-time and full-time schedules are available. Preferred starting date of mid- or late-May.

Details at the link below.

Recruitment Flyer Summer 2023 .pdf

US-Japan Bridging Foundation Bridging Scholarship applications are open for scholarships to study in Japan beginning in Fall 2023. The term of study can be the Fall 2023 semester, the 2023-2024 academic year, or the Spring 2024 semester. There will be no later, separate application deadline for Spring 2024 scholarships.

Bridging Scholarship recipients receive stipends of $2,500 for a semester’s study program or $4,500 for an academic-year program. Awardees join the Bridging Scholar community and gain access to our extensive alumni, donor, and supporter network. Foundation programming includes in-person and virtual mentorship opportunities as well as career and networking events.

The Bridging Foundation seeks to recruit a diverse cohort of students and has allocated a number of scholarships for students from underrepresented communities.

The deadline to apply for 2023-2024 scholarships is March 15, 2023.

For details and to apply: https://www.aatj.org/japan-bridging-scholarships/

The US-Japan Bridging Foundation is excited to announce the Spring 2023 Bridging Scholars cohort, 17 students from colleges and universities throughout the United States to join our 79 Fall 2022 and 2022-23 academic year Bridging Scholars currently abroad in Japan for a full class of 96 Bridging Scholars this year!

We congratulate and wish this new cohort well on their exciting journey ahead, and thank our generous donors for making this possible.

https://www.bridgingfoundation.org/spring-2023

Sharing this information from our friends at The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation.

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The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation's G7 Under 30 Workshop

Deadline to apply: February 24, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST

The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation is pleased to announce a call for applications for the upcoming G7 Under 30 Workshop, to take place in-person in Washington, DC on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. This half-day program will inform, collect, and promulgate binational views from young Americans and Japanese residing in the United States on issues facing the next generation of U.S.-Japan voices.

The workshop will gather 14 graduate students and recent graduates to brief them on the overall themes and goals of G7 summits, and work with them on crafting a proposed Leaders’ Statement on what young Americans and Japanese hope will be addressed during the upcoming G7 Hiroshima summit in May. The workshop will feature an introduction to G7 summitry and facilitation in designing the participants’ own joint "Leaders' Statement" to be published on the Mansfield Foundation’s website.

There is limited support for domestic travel within the United States to Washington, DC for a one-night stay near the Mansfield Foundation on March 21 to attend the workshop on March 22.

Application details available here:

mcusercontent.com

Please see below for details about an exciting internship opportunity to work with world-renowned violinist Midori (Goto) and her organization MUSIC SHARING in Japan. Perfect for those interested in entering the field of humanitarian aid, international relations, cultural exchange programs, or arts administration.

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INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM (ICEP) 2023

Application Guidelines for Internship: ICEP Japan Coordinator
This position of MUSIC SHARING ICEP JAPAN COORDINATOR would suit those interested in entering the field of humanitarian aid, international relations, cultural exchange programs, or arts administration. Recent graduates in music or the arts, or those who are fluent in Japanese and English are highly encouraged to apply.

Application Overview:

MUSIC SHARING has provided free musical experiences and performances in schools, hospitals, and other institutions for nearly three decades. MUSIC SHARING’s International Community Engagement Program (ICEP) is a cultural exchange, outreach and training program that brings musical presentations to a different Asian country each year in December, followed by similar programming in various locations in Japan during the following June. The ICEP musicians comprise MUSIC SHARING founder, violinist Midori, and three other musicians. MUSIC SHARING is currently accepting applications for an Intern-Coordinator to prepare, guide and catalog ICEP’s activities in Japan in June 2023.

Duties of Intern-Coordinator:

Pre-Tour: Starting April 15, 2023
Location: remote
• Help to fine-tune ICEP tour schedule
• Send checklists and communicate pertinent information to ICEP participants
• Assist in creating presentation materials
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor*

During ICEP Tour: June 2 to 18, 2023
Location: Japan, in-person
• Travel to each presentation/destination site with the ICEP musicians
• On-site liaise with destination facilities and the ICEP musicians
• “Stage” and logistical set-up upon arrival at site
• Interact with the local media (radio, television, newspapers, magazines), as necessary
• Keep track of tour accounting (receipts and reimbursements)
• Assist at two Reporting Concerts
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor*

Post-tour: Until July 10, 2023
Location: remote
• Organize photos and other archival materials taken during the tour
• Submit final tour accounting
• Write reports in Japanese and/or English
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor*

*ICEP Intern Coordinator is supervised by, and reports directly to, the MUSIC SHARING Founder, Tour Leader, and violinist, Midori (Goto).

Eligibility and Ideal Skills:
• Individuals between the ages of 22 and 30 as of July 1, 2023 are eligible to apply.
• Individual applicants must have no health, philosophical, or nationality issues that would prevent them
from visiting and communicating with various social institutions (schools, nursing homes, hospitals
correctional facilities, etc.) in Japan.1
• Individuals must be able to be physically in Japan during the tour period.
• Individuals must accept, comply, and follow the rules and regulations established by MUSIC SHARING
International Community Engagement Program.
• Fluency in Japanese (oral) and English (oral and written)
• High computer literacy
• Discretion (ability to keep information confidential)
Additionally, affinity towards the performing arts and strong organizational and social skills would be a great advantage.

Note: This program differs from a typical concert tour. The schedule will be intense with little or no personal flexibility. It also offers unusual and invaluable opportunities to experience first-hand the power of music, to visit customarily restricted institutions, and to observe cultural attributes from a unique perspective. There can be no allowances for changes in the schedule for personal reasons during the activity period, and ICEP participants may not be accompanied by family members or friends.

Compensation and Expenses:
• There is no application fee.
• Minimal compensation may be offered by MUSIC SHARING.
• Expenses (international air travel, domestic transportation, accommodation) deemed necessary for participation in ICEP activities are generally covered by MUSIC SHARING.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following via email to [email protected]:
• Name, address, email address
• Copy of Government-Issued ID such as National Health Card (Non-Japanese must submit a copy of passport.)
• Biography or CV
• Letter of intent

Note: Applicants’ information and attached documents will not be used for other purposes.

Application Deadline:
January 15, 2023 or until filled

Application Process:
The first stage is based on the email application. The second stage includes an interview. The result will be communicated to applicants via email. Please note that MUSIC SHARING will not respond to inquiries related to the results of the application process.

Contact Information:
Non Profit Organization MUSIC SHARING
Hanzomon House 601
2-5-18 Koji-machi, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, JAPAN 102-0083
Phone: +81-3-6256-9733 E-mail: [email protected]

1 All ICEP participants will be required to accept and strictly follow the rules and regulations established by the MUSIC SHARING ICEP Committee related to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to ensure both safety and compliance with local laws. These rules and regulations are subject to change at any time as warranted by the situation or required by local authorities and hosting institutions.

Participants traveling to Japan for ICEP activities will, as a general rule, be required to show official proof of full vaccination (a primary COVID-19 vaccine series and specifically bivalent booster). Participants may be required during the tour period to undergo testing at the discretion of the
Committee.

Music Sharing

This talk tonight December 1 at 7 pm ET on Zoom may be of interest to some!

Networking Japan: Acquisition Japan, Manga acquisition Managers at Kinokuniya and Viz Media - The Japan Foundation, New York Time and Location December 1, 7pm ETOnline and Hunter College (New York, NY) About Have you ever wondered how manga is chosen to be translated into English or sold in an American business? In this talk we will meet Editorial Director, Hope Donovan at Viz Media and the Assistant Manager at Kinokuniya...

Applications are currently being accepted for the Inter-University Center's (IUC) intensive 10-month Japanese language program. See details below and here: https://web.stanford.edu/dept/IUC/cgi-bin/programs/

That's a wrap! THANK YOU to all of our wonderful guest speakers and participants who joined our Fall Japan-related Career Webinar series. There was much helpful information shared about how to equip yourself to successfully use Japanese in a career. We heard from speakers with experience in business, academia, interpretation, the arts, and more!

If you missed any of the sessions, all past Bridging webinars are available to stream here: https://www.bridgingfoundation.org/webinars

Stay tuned for future events. We hope you will join us then!

Webinars — U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation Start Your Japan-related Career Now! Sponsored by Indeed & Recruit VIEW PREVIOUS WEBINARS HERE Using Japanese in the Workplace Part 1Monday, October 17, 2022, 8-9 pm ETTuesday, October 18, 2022, 9-10 am JST Hear from Kasia Lynch (Ikigai Connections) and Heather Terada (Sony, Inc.) about how they ...

Special thanks to Motoko Tabuse sensei for sharing such helpful information with us last week and to everyone who joined. If you missed the talk, please check it out at the link below.

Also! LAST chance to join our Fall webinar series live and ask questions to our special guests: 'Using Japanese in the Workplace Part 2', Wednesday, November 2 from 8 - 9 pm EST.

Register --> http://bit.ly/3SQCLa3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogng1d-JWtU

Business Japanese: The importance of learning professional manners and keigo Thursday, October 27, 2022, 8-9 pm ETFridayy, October 28, 2022, 9-10 am JSTMotoko Tabuse PhD (Middlebury College Japanese Language School, Eastern Michigan U...

The third and final event of the US-Japan Bridging Foundation's Fall Japan Career Webinar Series takes place on Wednesday, November 2, 8-9 pm ET and features Tyler Burton (Kyoto University of Advanced Sciences, International Liaison Team) and Amanda Waddell (Japan Society, Performing Arts Senior Program Officer) who have mapped out fascinating Japan-related careers. Come hear from them about learning Japanese and using it successfully in their work!

Register --> https://www.bridgingfoundation.org/webinars

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About the speakers:

Tyler Burton began studying at George Washington University in 2015. While in Washington, DC she took the opportunity to participate in internships at NHK DC Bureau, the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in order to get hands-on work experience and solidify the Japanese that she learned in her classes. Seeking a firsthand experience with Japanese culture, she studied abroad at Waseda University in Tokyo for a year. Following graduation, she participated in the JET Program as a CIR in Yamagata Prefecture from 2019-2022. She now works as an International Liaison at the Kyoto University of Advanced Science, supporting the next generation of Japan specialists in their study abroad journeys.

Amanda Waddell, originally from Houston, Texas, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Languages and Cultures and Theatre from the University of Southern California in 2010. After graduation, Ms. Waddell lived and worked in Japan, where she studied directing for two years at Za Koenji Public Theatre’s Creative Theatre Academy. From 2013 until 2017, she was the company manager and a performer in Miss Revolutionary Idol Berserker, a Japanese theatrical troupe, which travelled to ten different countries under her tenure. Ms. Waddell joined Japan Society’s Performing Arts Program in October 2017 as Program Officer, where she works directly with the Society’s Artistic Director on marketing, fundraising and ancillary programming for each season’s programs.

Thanks to our wonderful speakers Kasia Lynch (Ikigai Connections) and Heather Terada and to everyone who joined us last night for a most informative discussion!

If you missed it, please enjoy the recording from last night's talk and be sure to join us next week on Thursday, October 27, 8-9 pm ET for the second webinar in our series featuring Professor Motoko Tabuse discussing the importance of learning Japanese manners and polite speech (keigo).

Register for next week's webinar here --> https://bit.ly/3C9YpQ7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvqwuGIP2P8

Using Japanese in the Workplace Part 1 Using Japanese in the Workplace Part 1Monday, October 17, 2022, 8-9 pm ETTuesday, October 18, 2022, 9-10 am JSTKasia Lynch (Ikigai Connections) and Heather T...

Join us tonight for what will be an exciting and informative event!

Register now --> https://bit.ly/3C9YpQ7

Learning Japanese? Hoping to use it professionally going forward? Then this is a webinar you won't want to miss.

Join the US-Japan Bridging Foundation on Monday, October 17 from 8-9 pm ET for an animated and informative conversation with Kasia Lynch (Ikigai Connections) and Heather Terada (SONY) about how they mastered Japanese, have used it successfully in their vast careers, and trends they see in the field.

This webinar is free and open to all.
Register --> https://bit.ly/3C9YpQ7

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About the speakers:

Kasia (カーシャ) Lynch a trilingual American who spent 8 years in Japan, including high school, college, graduate school, and her professional career. She earned her Bachelor’s from Boston University and Master’s from Tokyo’s Ochanomizu University. Kasia’s career utilizing Japanese language and cultural skills began in 2003 with concert promotion, and later moved to interpreting/translating, electronics, and the automotive industry. She was able to do this while living in Japan, Poland, Italy, and the US. Since starting Ikigai Connections in 2018, Kasia has been featured in various Japan-related podcasts, websites, and webinars, including USJETAA, Small Business Japan, Laurasian Institution, Japan Expert Insights, and BFF Tokyo. Her goal is for NihongoJobs.com to become the go-to job board for all Japanese jobs in the US. https://www.ikigaiconnections.com/about/

Heather Terada is passionate about cross-cultural communications and bridging the relationship between the US and Japan. Gaining an interest in Japanese culture and language during her undergraduate degree in Asian Studies, Heather decided to earn her Masters in International Relations at Waseda University in Japan where she fell in love with the culture and decided to begin her career full time. Over the last decade, Heather has worked at companies like MetLife and Rakuten building skills in intercultural communication and data analysis. Currently, she is the Data Analytics Manager at Sony in the Risk and Control department. Heather has returned to the US to level up her skills by pursuing her Masters of Science in Data Science at her alma mater, Willamette University, and hopes to share her work experiences with people who are interested in pursuing a corporate career in Japan, especially women in the STEM fields. She would love to connect on LinkedIn or meet to grab a coffee while she’s in Portland.

Bridging Scholar alumni and aspiring manga-ka Kofi Bazzell-Smith will offer a talk on Thursday, October 13 at 5:30 pm CT through Murray State University. Open to all.

This presentation will cover Kofi's art career as well as his recent research in Tokyo. He will speak about how he was able to meet and develop relationships with artists, schools, and scholars in Japan and provide practical advice on how to network and how to study foreign language.

Link below.

The 2nd event of the US-Japan Bridging Foundation's Fall Japan Career Webinar Series takes place on Thursday, October 27, 8-9 pm ET and features the dynamic Professor Motoko Tabuse (Middlebury College Japanese Language School, Director; Eastern Michigan University, Professor) sharing with us the importance of learning professional manners and polite speech (keigo).

This webinar is free and open to all.

Register --> https://bit.ly/3C9YpQ7

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About the speaker:

Motoko Tabuse is a full professor in the Department in World Languages at Eastern Michigan University. She received her Ph. D. in Foreign Language Studies at The Ohio State University. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate level Japanese language courses with special focus on Business Japanese language education. She is a Past-President of the American Association of Teachers of Japanese, and Chief Reader of the AP Japanese Language and Culture Examination through 2018, World Languages Consultant of the College Board, and Teacher Certification World Languages SPA program reviewer of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly known as NCATE. She is a frequent presenter, including professional development workshops and keynote addresses, at academic conferences throughout the world and has published many articles, and offered Business Japanese as an AATJ JOINT online course. Beginning September 2018 she will be the Director of Summer Japanese School at Middlebury College in Vermont. Her professional goals include continuing to work toward securing funding, increasing visibility of Japanese studies through promotion and advocacy, and nurturing future leaders to carry on the mission. Her belief is that enhanced communication will promote diversity and acceptance and understanding of world cultures.