Now that you’ve experienced the exchange with Higashimurayama, we’d love to welcome you to share your stories and time in Japan with other students. This is a great way to give back to the community, as well as be part of the behind the scenes of the Japanese Culture Festival, the Uptown Matsuri! Many families of American students become host families for a Japanese student too and become lifelong friends

Japan America Society is a great local organization to continue being part of the Japanese community here in the Kansas City Metro. Their mission is to promote Japanese culture, language and exchange in the area through monthly culture presentations and the Kansas City Japan Festival.

Interested in continuing your exchange for a semester? Most local community colleges and universities have semester or year long exchange programs. Be sure to look for your international department to find out more!

About to finish your four year degree or already graduated? Want to work in Japan? The JET Program is a competitive employment opportunity that allows young professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan. Being a JET is an opportunity to work and to represent the United States as cultural ambassadors to Japan. Most participants serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and work in public and private schools throughout Japan; some work as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) as interpreters/translators.

'Taiko' 太鼓 (Tie - koh) is the Japanese word for drum. You may have heard them at the Uptown Matsuri with their strong sounds. Want to learn how to play? They are a volunteer community group with a passion for taiko whether in the practice room or on stage. Click below to find out how to join!

Interested in more than Japanese culture? Global Ties KC is a great way for growing professionals and college students interested in international relations to be engaged as a global citizens.