23 students from Emerson College were selected to attend a ten-day trip to Japan as TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars. The fellowship is in the name of Daniel Inouye, the first Japanese-American serving Senator who committed himself to strengthening ties between the United States and Japan. The program is part of the larger Government of Japan’s KAKEHASHI Project, which seeks to promote deeper understanding among Japanese and Americans as well as inspire future leaders and encourage participants to take on active roles at the global level.
Students traveled to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shiga to learn about Japanese culture. They were also able to tour government buildings and meet with Japanese officials. Highlights included staying with a local Japanese family in a Minshuku, using chopsticks and eating traditional Japanese cuisine, visiting numerous Shinto and Buddhist shrines, practicing speaking Japanese, creating works of calligraphy, meeting students at a local university, and learning more about the life of Senator Daniel Inouye.
See video below.
Amanda Weisman 