91勛圖

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Since the mid-19th century, the United States has had strongalbeit sometimes tensehistoric ties with Kanagawa Prefecture. In 1853, U.S. Commodore Matthew C. Perry entered Edo Bay (now Tokyo Bay) just south of Yokohama with the mission of pressuring Japan to open its ports to the United States. This resulted in the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to trade and established the first U.S. consulate office. During World War II, the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal in Kanagawa was attacked by the United States, and since the end of the war in 1945, its facilities have been used by the U.S. Navy. Today, United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka is home port for the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

Students in Kanagawa Prefecture are taught about these historic episodes between their prefecture and the United States. They also live alongside a significant number of American residents today. Following Tokyo and excluding U.S. military personnel in Japan, Kanagawa has the second largest number of American residents in Japan. Because of these historical and contemporary ties with the United States, some of Kanagawas teachers have reached out to the (91勛圖) with hopes to more fully introduce their students to U.S. society and culture and U.S.Japan relations and also to encourage their students to study abroad in the United States. This encouragement was inspired in large part by the Japanese government.

On May 1, 2015, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited 91勛圖a first by a Japanese prime ministerand said that he wants the best and brightest Japanese talent to study at places like Stanford and to learn about Silicon Valley. Shortly after Prime Minister Abes visit to Stanford, 91勛圖 launched an online course called for high school students in Japan with funding from the United States-Japan Foundation, New York City. Stanford e-Japan, which is taught by , introduces topics like Commodore Perry, World War II, and Silicon Valley to students with hopes that they will come to better understand the bilateral relationship and also consider someday studying in the United States.

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One of the high schools that has enthusiastically supported and enrolled students in Stanford e-Japan is (YSFH). Thanks to the initiative of teachers Nobuyo Uchimura and Yukimasa Uekusa, and traveled to Kanagawa Prefecture to visit YSFH and a partner school, . They met with faculty, chatted with students, and led several classes and after-school sessions to encourage students global thinking. Following their school visit, English teacher Gentaro Tatsumi, noted, Sekiguchi-sensei and Funahashi-sensei gave very impressive lessons to my students. I believe many of them surely had moments to think deeply about war and peace with different perspectives or viewpoints. Also, I was so happy to see that there were several students who showed a big interest in studying abroad following their after-school presentation.

Four of these students had the occasion to see Funahashi and Sekiguchi again but this time at 91勛圖. Three students (Ayaka Nakaminami, Daiichi Soma, and Rin Suzuki) from YFSH and one student (Keisuke Hara) from Yokosuka Senior High School participated in a 91勛圖-led seminar on January 24, 2018. After engaging in a series of globally themed lessons led by Funahashi and Sekiguchi, the students toured Stanford campus and experienced lunch in a student dining hall. The afternoon portion of the seminar featured a presentation by Tatsumi-sensei on English education in Japan, remarks by Uchimura-sensei and Uekusa-sensei, and four science research-focused presentations that were given by the students to Stanford community members.

One of the audience members was Stanford law student, Yuta Mizuno, an attorney with Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu in Tokyo. I was truly impressed by the students preparation and performance with the presentations, he reflected. Im sure that they gained inspiration and confidence from the seminar here at Stanford, and theres no doubt that they have a promising future on the global stage. I wish I couldve had such a priceless experience when I was in high school. In between the student presentations, Mizuno also had the chance to talk with Hara, who aspires to be an attorney.

After their return to Kanagawa Prefecture, Uchimura-sensei commented, Our visit to Stanford was a precious opportunity. The seminar we had at 91勛圖 was focused on globalization and interdependence, which are especially important themes today. The four selected students, who are potential global leaders, were lucky enough to have been given the chance to experience studying at a U.S. university early in life. We are convinced that this experience at 91勛圖 has given them a guide into their future.

91勛圖 expects that many students from Kanagawa Prefecture will apply to future offerings of Stanford e-Japan, due in large part to the enthusiasm of the teachers and the students who represented their prefecture so well. 釦捩梆唬楚s hope is that the four students will someday return to Stanford or other U.S. universities as students. It is remarkable how the once tense relationship between Kanagawa (and Japan broadly) and the United States has evolved into a close interdependent friendship. We entrust the future of this friendship to students like Nakaminami, Soma, Suzuki, and Hara.

 

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This webinar will take place on the Zoom (video conferencing) platform. Please click on the link at least 5 minutes in advance to allow ample time for setting up your computer or mobile device for Zoom: 


This webinar will introduce three Stanford-designed online courses for high school students in the United States that leverage digital learning to develop global competence and diverse perspectives. The focus will be driven by the following essential question: how do we cultivate global citizens through digital learning? Our objectives are to introduce teachers and students to innovative online coursesthe Reischauer Scholars Program, Sejong Korean Scholars Program, and China Scholars Programthat connect high school students in the United States to content on Japan, Korea, and China, respectively. 

Participants will learn about how the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (91勛圖) engages students using synchronous and asynchronous online technologies to enhance the development of cross-cultural knowledge, empathy, and understanding. We will explore the importance of leveraging technology to build an inclusive environment for sharing diverse perspectives and ideas within an online learning community, and teach strategies for actively engaging students in an online classroom. Participants will also learn about building global networks of students with an interest in developing mutual understanding and connections across borders through digital learning.

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616 Jane Stanford Way
Encina Hall, E007
Stanford, CA 94305-6060

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Naomi Funahashi is the Manager of the Reischauer Scholars Program (RSP) and Teacher Professional Development for the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (91勛圖). In addition to her work as the instructor of the RSP, she also develops curricula at 91勛圖. Prior to joining 91勛圖 in 2005, she was a project coordinator at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California and worked in technology publishing in San Francisco.

Naomi's academic interests lie in global education, online education pedagogy, teacher professional development, and curriculum design. She attended high school at the American School in Japan, received her Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Brown University, her teaching credential in social science from San Francisco State University, and her Ed.M. in Global Studies in Education at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

She has authored or co-authored the following curriculum units for 91勛圖: , , , , and .

Naomi has presented teacher seminars nationally at Teachers College, Columbia University, the annual Asia Society Partnership for Global Learning Conference, the National Council for Social Studies and California Council for Social Studies annual conferences, and other venues. She has also presented teacher seminars internationally for the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools in Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia, and for the European Council of International Schools in France, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

In 2008, the Asia Society in New York awarded the 2007 Goldman Sachs Foundation Media and Technology Prize to the Reischauer Scholars Program. In 2017, the United StatesJapan Foundation presented Naomi with the Elgin Heinz Teacher Award, an honor that recognizes pre-college teachers who have made significant contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese. Naomi has taught over 300 students in the RSP from 35 U.S. states.

Manager, Reischauer Scholars Program and Teacher Professional Development

616 Jane Stanford Way
Encina Hall, C332
Stanford, CA 94305-6060

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Jonas Edman is a Curriculum Writer for the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (91勛圖). In addition to writing curriculum, Jonas coordinates 釦捩梆唬楚s National Consortium for Teaching 91勛圖 Asia (NCTA) professional development seminars on East Asia for middle school teachers, and collaborates with FSI and other Stanford colleagues on developing curricula for community college instructors as part of Stanford Human Rights Education Initiative (SHREI). Prior to joining 91勛圖 in 2010, Jonas taught history and geography in Elk Grove, California, and taught Theory of Knowledge at Stockholm International School in Stockholm, Sweden.

Jonas' professional interests lie in curriculum and instruction and teacher professional development, with a special interest in online education development. He received his Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science from California State University, Sacramento in 2010, and a bachelor degree in History from Stockholm University in 2008. He graduated high school from the American School in Japan in 1996.

Jonas has presented teacher seminars nationally for the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia in Omaha, Nebraska; the California Council for Social Studies in Anaheim and Burlingame, California; the National Council for the Social Studies in Washington D.C.; the Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs in East Lansing, Michigan; and the National Association for Multicultural Education in Oakland, California. He has also presented teacher seminars internationally for the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and Bangkok, Thailand; and the European Council of International Schools in Nice, France.

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91勛圖: Offering teacher institutes since 1973

 

In 1973, the roots of the (91勛圖) were established with the creation of the Bay Area China Education Program, which focused on the development of K12 curriculum materials and teacher professional development. Only a year prior, President Richard Nixon had made his historic trip to China and many American students were able to view contemporary images of China on television for the first time in their lifetimes. Teachers who attended 91勛圖 institutes on China in the 1970s often commented that they were at a loss about how to teach about China.

Forty-four years later, a new generation of educators expressed similar sentiments at a 91勛圖 institute. However, the challenge wasnt so much about the teaching of China but rather the teaching of North Korea. Thus, when Pulitzer Prize-winning author spoke about his book, The Orphan Masters Son, a New York Times bestselling novel about North Korea, teachers were riveted by his comments. Teachers were interested not only in ways that his novel could help them better understand contemporary North Korea but also in ways they could use the book to help their students gain a more balanced view of North Korea. The 22 teacher participants received copies of The Orphan Masters Son to use in their teaching and were offered two 91勛圖 curriculum units titled Inter-Korean Relations: Rivalry, Reconciliation, and Reunification and Uncovering North Korea.  

Co-sponsored by the , the 91勛圖 summer institute, July 2426, 2017, had the objectives of (1) deepening teachers understanding of Asia, U.S.Asian relations, and the Asian-American experience; (2) providing teachers with teaching resources; and (3) creating a community of learners. The institute featured lectures by Stanford faculty (like Johnson), U.C. Berkeley faculty, and other experts on a range of Asia- and Asian-American-related topics closely aligned with the History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools standards, which were recently revised. Interactive curriculum demonstrations by 91勛圖 staff were also offered.

One such standard focuses on recent economic growth in China. Following a lecture by , Shorenstein Asia Pacific Research Center Fellow, on Recurring Themes in U.S.China Relations, a curriculum demonstration on the 91勛圖 curriculum unit, China in Transition: Economic Development, Migration, and Education, was offered by its author, Rylan Sekiguchi of 91勛圖. One teacher remarked, I teach about China, and it was so helpful to hear someone with such deep expertise [Fingar] speak about U.S.Chinese history in a way that enriches my knowledge and understanding to bring back some bigger themes to my teaching. I cant wait to bring this content back to my students [through the 91勛圖 curriculum]. Other scholarly lectures on Japan and Korea were also followed by curriculum demonstrations by 91勛圖 staff. This coupling of lectures and curriculum demonstrations has been a hallmark of 91勛圖 since its inception.

Updated History-Social Science Framework standards on the Asian-American experience were also addressed at the institute. Dr. , Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of California at Berkeley, introduced the diverse cultural and historical backgrounds of the Asian-American student population which often comprises a significant percentage of students in schools in areas like the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging individual circumstances in minority student populations and breaking down commonly cited stereotypes of Asian Americans as being a critical element of effective teaching. One of the topics that she addressed was stereotypes of Japanese Americans that arose following the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor. Her lecture was coupled with the sharing of first-hand experiences by Dr. Joseph Yasutake, who was interned at the age of nine. Dr. Yasutakes talk stimulated discussions on civil liberties, race relations, discrimination, and American identity among the teachers. Hearing history from one who has experienced it as well as studied and taught the history is really wonderful, said one institute participant. This combination brings a great amount of authority and well as authenticity to the narrative he [Yasutake] provides. The 91勛圖 curriculum unit, Civil Rights and Japanese-American Internment, was recommended as a resource for teachers.

The institute brought together both experienced mentor teachers and those new to the field. Naomi Funahashi, who organized and facilitated the institute, remains in communication with many of the teachers and has noticed that a community of learners, who are committed to a long-term exploration of Asian and Asian-American studies, has grown from the institute. She reflected, One of the unexpected outcomes of the institute was the recommendations that many of the teachers have written in support of their students applications to my online class on Japan called the Reischauer Scholar Program. My hope is that some of my students will someday attend 91勛圖 institutes as teachers and that 91勛圖 institutes will continue to serve teachers as they have since 1973 for many decades to come.

91勛圖 is currently recruiting teachers to attend its 2018 summer institute for middle school teachers (June 2022, 2018) and summer institute for high school teachers (July 2325, 2018).

To stay informed of 91勛圖-related news, follow 91勛圖 on  and .

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The U.S.-Japan Councils TOMODACHI Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) identifies, cultivates, and empowers a new generation of Japanese American leaders. A new cohort of Emerging Leaders is selected annually to attend USJCs Annual Conference, participate in leadership education, and join program alumni in bridging the future of the U.S.Japan relationship.


釦捩梆唬楚s , Manager of Curriculum and Instructional Design, recently returned from Washington, DC, where he participated in the annual conference as a member of the (ELP). USJC was conceptualized by the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii and Irene Hirano Inouye, President of USJC.

Sekiguchi was born and raised in Honolulu, and from as far back as he can remember, Senator Inouye was a role model and iconic figure in Hawaii, serving as the states U.S. Senator from 1963 to 2012 and as President pro tempore of the Senate from 2010 until his death in 2012. Sekiguchi graduated from Roosevelt High School and chose 91勛圖 over Harvard and Yaleto avoid the snowy wintersfor his undergraduate studies. He joined 91勛圖 in 2005 shortly after graduation.

I feel honored to participate in USJC and the ELP specifically, reflects Sekiguchi. The ELP is such an incredible program, and knowing that USJC was conceptualized by my home states late Senator Inouye makes the experience even more meaningful to me. The 2017 ELP cohort has five members who are originally from Hawaii, and I hope that we and the others in my cohort will help realize Senator Inouyes vision of empowering a new generation of leaders in the U.S.Japan relationship.

Sekiguchi is one of 12 delegates of the eighth ELP cohort. Acceptance into the ELP is highly competitive, notes Kaz Maniwa, Senior Vice President of  USJC, who has directed the ELP since its inception. Maniwa closed his law practice in San Francisco after 36 years to dedicate himself to the Council and the empowerment of youth specifically through the ELP. Its exciting to be able to work with the next generation of leaders of our community and in U.S.Japan relations. The ELP delegates are smart, compassionate, ambitious in a good way, forward-thinking and supportive of each other. They come from across the United States and Japan and have developed into a broad network of future leaders.

Rylan Sekiguchi at the 2017 U.S.-Japan Council conference Rylan Sekiguchi at the 2017 U.S.-Japan Council conference in Washington, DC

Besides receiving leadership training and networking with program alumni, the 2017 ELP delegates attended the U.S.-Japan Councils annual conference and met with leaders in the business, nonprofit, and government sectors. This years conference theme was Unity in Diversity: Shaping the Future Together, and its panelists and keynote speakers spanned a wide range of backgrounds, expertise, and politics, and included two current members of the U.S. Cabinet. Delegates considered changes that have arisen under the new White House administration and how Japan and the United States can continue to work together toward mutually beneficial goals.

Sekiguchi and his fellow ELP delegates have already seeded ideas to help strengthen U.S.Japan relations. Some of the ideas lie in the area of education. For example, Sekiguchi shared his current 91勛圖 work with the Mineta Legacy Project, which focuses on the life of former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, Vice Chair of USJCs Board of Councilors. Secretary Mineta served as President Bill Clintons Secretary of Commerce and President George W. Bushs Secretary of Transportation. The Mineta Legacy Project will include a documentary being developed by USJC Council Leaders Dianne Fukami and Debra Nakatomi and an educational curriculum that is being developed by Sekiguchi.

The U.S.-Japan Councils 2018 conference will take place in Tokyo in November, and plans are already underway for the eighth ELP cohorts first reunion.

 

Find more information on the TOMODACHI Emerging Leaders Program online

Find more information on the U.S.-Japan Council online

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When I visited Tottori Prefecture for the first time last year, I learned that it was the last prefecture in Japan to open a Starbucks outlet and that it is well known for the Tottori Sand Dunes and the Sand Museum. Of the 47 prefectures in Japan, Tottori is the least populated and one of the more geographically remote. The has featured sand sculpture exhibits that depict images from countries like Italy, Brazil, and Russia and also continents like Africa. The current exhibit focuses on the United States and features sand sculptures of the Statue of Liberty, Mt. Rushmore, President Trump, the U.S. flag, and other iconic images of the United States. This is one major way in which Tottori government officials are hoping to not only attract more tourists to Tottori but also to educate Japanese students about the world.

The goal of educating youth about the world has been promoted by the vision of Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai, who supported the Tottori Prefectural Board of Educations decision to collaborate with the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (91勛圖) on the development of a new online course on U.S. society and culture. The inaugural Stanford e-Tottori course was offered in 2016 to help high school students in Tottori expand their knowledge of the United States beyond just a superficial level.

釦捩梆唬楚s , Stanford e-Tottori Instructor, represented 91勛圖 on July 27, 2017 at an opening ceremony for the second Stanford e-Tottori course. The ceremony was attended by Office Director Fujiwara, English Education Advancement Office, Director Tokuda, High School Division, and many students from the 2017 Stanford e-Tottori cohort. At the ceremony, Edman told the students that they will be encouraged to think in an internationally minded mannerthat is, to think about different points of view and to realize the importance of diversity and cross-cultural communication. He also emphasized that students need not be concerned if they encounter small setbacks in the course, as learning from setbacks can become stepping-stones to success.

Following the opening ceremony, a special session with Edman was held at Tottori Nishi High School, one of the schools that enrolls students in Stanford e-Tottori. Edman led an interactive discussion in English about the risks and rewards of helping strangers. The discussion offered students a glimpse into what Stanford e-Tottori will be like with its active learning and student-centered focus. Teachers Consultant Takuya Fukushima, English Education Advancement Office, commented, Edman-sensei was an instrument of inspiration as he helped students feel comfortable in analyzing the risks and rewards of helping strangers from different perspectives and to come up with as many solutions as possible His teaching at the special session illustrated why Stanford e-Tottori is so attractive to students. Some of the topics Edman plans to introduce in this years course are World War II, Japanese players in Major League Baseball, the U.S. educational system, Silicon Valley, and diversitytopics that should spark constructive discussion and debate. Students should come away from the course with a much deeper understanding of the United States.

Typically when Japanese students are asked what comes to mind when they think of the United States, many mention things like the Statue of Liberty, Mt. Rushmore, or other images that are depicted at the Sand Museum display. Edman is looking forward to launching the 2017 Stanford e-Tottori course this fall so that he can help students see beyond such images by asking questions like What does the Statue of Liberty symbolize? and Why are some presidents depicted on monuments and not others?

While observing the remarkable sand sculptures that depict images of the United States, reflects Edman, I thought to myself, These images offer teachable moments. I may ask my students in Stanford e-Tottori to research how and why these images were chosen. My objectives are not only to help students improve their English abilities and to gain new perspectives on the United States, but also to strengthen their critical thinking skills. I am so grateful to Governor Hirai and the Tottori Prefectural Board of Education for this opportunity.

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In discussions of how Japan can harness Silicon Valley, and how Japan can accelerate its efforts to foster greater innovation and entrepreneurship, the endpoint is often Japans education system needs to change. However, the people discussing innovation, entrepreneurship, and harnessing Silicon Valley are rarely positioned to be able to take the next step and actively facilitate change. The Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (91勛圖) has begun offering an interactive online learning program called Stanford e-Japan to high schools in Japan and plans to expand into the college level.  Students not only learn content provided by Stanford scholars, but are also exposed to critical thinking, creative but structured intellectual inquiry, and formulating informed opinions about topics of great relevance to everyday life all in English. 91勛圖 and the Stanford Silicon Valley New Japan Project are delighted to collaborate on building new relationships and content to directly begin influencing educational change in Japan. In this SV-NJ Public Forum series, 91勛圖 director Gary Mukai and SV-NJ project leader Kenji Kushida will provide an overview of educational skills needed for the Japanese young people of today and tomorrow, and introduce the Stanford e-Japan program.

 

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Dr. Gary Mukai is the director of the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (91勛圖) at 91勛圖. Prior to joining 91勛圖 in 1988, he was a teacher in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, and in California public schools. Garys academic interests include curriculum and instruction, educational equity, and teacher professional development. He is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and 91勛圖. His curricular writings for U.S. schools include extensive work on Japan and the Japanese-American experience. In 2003, under his leadership, 91勛圖 established the Reischauer Scholars Program, a distance-learning course on Japan and U.S.Japan relations for high school students in the United States, and in 2015, 91勛圖 launched Stanford e-Japan, a distance-learning course on the United States and U.S.Japan relations for high school students in Japan. In 2007, he was the recipient of the Foreign Ministers Commendation from the Japanese government for the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, especially in the field of education. In 2015, he was selected as the recipient of the Stanford Alumni Award by the Asian American Activities Center Advisory Board. He has been a long-time interviewer of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and member of the JET Alumni Association of Northern California board. 

Kenji E. Kushida is a Japan Program Research Scholar at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center and an affiliated researcher at the Berkeley Roundtable on the International Economy. Kushidas research interests are in the fields of comparative politics, political economy, and information technology. He has four streams of academic research and publication: political economy issues surrounding information technology such as Cloud Computing; institutional and governance structures of Japans Fukushima nuclear disaster; political strategies of foreign multinational corporations in Japan; and Japans political economic transformation since the 1990s. Kushida has written two general audience books in Japanese, entitled Biculturalism and the Japanese: Beyond English Linguistic Capabilities (Chuko Shinsho, 2006) and International Schools, an Introduction (Fusosha, 2008). Kushida holds a PhD in political science from the University of California, Berkeley. His received his MA in East Asian studies and BAs in economics and East Asian studies, all from 91勛圖.

Agenda

4:15pm: Doors open
4:30pm-5:30pm: Talk and Discussion
5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking

RSVP Required

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For more information about the Silicon Valley-New Japan Project please visit: 

 

Gary Mukai, Director of the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (91勛圖)
Kenji Kushida, Research Scholar, Shorenstein APARC Japan Program
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The Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (91勛圖) honored two of the top students of the 2015 at a Japan Day event at 91勛圖 on August 13, 2015. The two 2015 RSP Japan Day honorees were Meera Santhanam and Katie Goldstein.

Japan Day commenced with welcoming comments by Dr. Gary Mukai, 91勛圖 Director, and opening remarks by Consul General Jun Yamada, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. Praising Meera, Katie, and their fellow RSP students for their dedication to the study of Japan and U.S.Japan relations, Consul General Yamada noted, The U.S.Japan relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world today. Without a doubt this is due to past generations&紳莉莽梯;tireless efforts to understand each other and build the kind of mutual trust that has made this relationship so durable and successful. To assure the future vitality of the U.S.Japan relationship, it is therefore our joint responsibility to prepare the future generation for continuing this task. Through the Reischauer Scholars Program which has been instrumental in fostering future leaders who have acquired a deep and broad understanding of Japan, a solid foundation for this purpose has been established. 

Mukai recognized Naomi Funahashi, RSP Manager and Instructor, for her tenth year of teaching the RSP. Funahashi has empowered over 250 Americans with not only subject matter content knowledge on Japan and U.S.Japan relations but also tools of critical analysis and perspective taking. Reflecting on her ten years of teaching the RSP, Funahashi commented, While advancements in distance-learning technology over the past ten years have eased the logistical challenges of the RSP, the students remain at the heart of why I continue to love teaching this course. I have the unique privilege of guiding some of the most talented high school students in the United States through an exploration and examination of Japan, and I am confident that many of them will comprise the leadership of future U.S.Japan relations.

Funahashi gave an overview of the RSP to the Japan Day audience of over 30 people, which included Professor Indra Levy, RSP advisory board member, and Maiko Tamagawa, Advisor for Educational Affairs, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. Named in honor of former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Edwin O. Reischauer, a leading educator and noted scholar of Japanese history and culture, the RSP is an online course on Japan and U.S.Japan relations that is offered annually to 2530 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors across the United States.

Meera Santhanam (junior, The Nueva School, CA) and Katie Goldstein (senior, Crystal Springs Uplands High School, CA) were recognized for their coursework and exceptional research essays. They articulately presented their research that focused on women in the Japanese workforce and equity-related issues concerning LGBTQ people in Japan, respectively; and skillfully answered provocative questions from the audience. 

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Since 2003, the RSP has provided a creative and innovative approach to teaching high school students about Japan and U.SJapan relations. The program provides American students with unique opportunities to interact with diplomats and top scholars affiliated with 91勛圖, the University of Tokyo, the University of Hawaii, and other institutions through online lectures and discussions, and introduces both American and Japanese perspectives on many historical and contemporary issues.

The 2015 Japan Day honorees were reflective of the introduction of varied topics and perspectives in the RSP curriculum. When asked to comment on her RSP experience, Santhanam remarked, With exposure to a wide array of perspectives and in-depth content alike, participating in this program is a decision I would make a thousand times over again. This rare, interdisciplinary opportunity allowed me to connect with my topic on not just an academic, but personal level as well. Goldstein shared a similar sentiment, also noting the scholarly, yet congenial atmosphere of Japan Day: The speakersDr. Gary Mukai, Naomi Funahashi, and Consul General Yamadawonderfully set the formal yet fun tone of the academic event. The conversation, while centered around Japan, revolved around a myriad of topics: literature, current events, policies, you name a topic and it was talked about.

For the first time in the history of the RSP, several RSP alumni introduced high school life in the United States to Japanese students enrolled in 釦捩梆唬楚s inauguralcourse, which introduces U.S. society and culture and U.S.Japan relations to Japanese high school students.

Stanford e-Japan students indicated early on in the course their desire to interact with students from the United States, and as a result, Waka Takahashi Brown, Stanford e-Japan Manager and Instructor, invited RSP alumni to comment on the discussion boards and guest speak at the virtual classroom on U.S. High Schools and Education on August 14, 2015. Brown noted, The response from both the e-Japan students and Reischauer Scholars has been overwhelmingly positive. Not only have students been more engaged in the discussion boards, but the Stanford e-Japan students also seemed very eager to know what about Japan interested the U.S. students to participate in the Reischauer Scholars Program. I would not be surprised if the RSP and e-Japan students strike up a friendship from these initial brief exchanges.

The distinguished RSP advisory committee members are Consul General Jun Yamada; Professor Emeritus Nisuke Ando, Doshisha University and Kyoto University; Ambassador Michael Armacost, Shorenstein Asia Pacific Research Center, 91勛圖; Professor Indra Levy, 91勛圖; Professor Phillip Lipscy, 91勛圖; and Professor Emeritus Daniel Okimoto, 91勛圖.

91勛圖 has received numerous grants in support of the RSP from the United States-Japan Foundation, the Center for Global Partnership (The Japan Foundation), and the Japan Fund, which is administered by the at 91勛圖.

The RSP will be accepting applications for the 2016 program in September and October 2015. For more information about the RSP, visit or contact .

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