Japan Outreach Initiative
Starting in summer 2018, Asia Society Texas Center is hosting a Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator, who will promote interest in and study of Japan in Houston over the next two years.
As part of Asia Society's Education Department, the JOI Coordinator supports on-site educational programs for young and adult learners and is available to visit schools and community centers to introduce K-12 students and adults to different elements of Japanese culture.
Off-site Workshops
Through off-site workshops, the JOI Coordinator is providing a selection of age-appropriate activities and presentations for K-12 students and adults in the Houston area. These workshops are student-centered, providing an active learning experience that engages students in an introduction to Japanese culture. Workshops can take place on weekdays and weekends, including outreach at festivals.
Each visit includes an introductory presentation. Below are examples of what students, educators, and adult learners can expect to experience:
Kindergarten
- Kamishibai (picture storytelling) and coloring paper
- Japanese songs and games
- Writing names in Japanese
1st – 3rd Grades
- Origami (Folding Paper)
- Calligraphy
- Chopstick challenges (food and manners)
- Learning about seasonal events and daily/school life in Japan
- Writing names in Japanese
4th – 5th Grades
- Kirigami (cutting paper)
- Calligraphy
- Chopstick challenges (food and manners)
- Learning about seasonal events and daily/school life in Japan
- Writing names in Japanese
6th – 12th Grades
- Kanji quiz and card game
- Kirigami and Origami
- Learning about seasonal events and daily/school life in Japan
- Writing names in Japanese
Adult Learners
- Japanese cooking (for 30 adults or fewer)
- Japanese crafts (for 30 adults or fewer)
- Conversing in Japanese
- Japanese tea ceremony
- Kirigami and Origami
- Learning about seasonal events and daily life in Japan
- Writing names in Japanese
Application
For more information about offsite visits, please contact NShimaguchi@AsiaSociety.org.
About Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI)
A joint initiative of The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership and Laurasian Institution, the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) brings volunteer Japanese coordinators to regions of the U.S. where Japanese culture has been less accessible. JOI coordinators are hosted by U.S. nonprofits and educational institutions with a strong commitment to promoting learning about Japan. During the two-year program, JOI coordinators engage their American community through Japanese-themed programming — from lectures to hands-on activities to events focusing on traditional Japanese art forms.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.laurasian.org/joi
Meet the JOI Coordinator at Asia Society
Nina Shimaguchi is spending two years at Asia Society Texas Center as a JOI Coordinator. Nina is from Osaka and will promote Japan's rich culture and traditions through presentations, activities, and events for all ages, through summer 2020.
