Japan Outreach Innitiative (JOI) Coordinator

Click here for a PDF of the JOI Brochure and Request Form!

The Japan-America Society of Indiana is pleased to announce that it was selected as one of five new sites in the country to host a Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator through a program of the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) and The Laurasian Institution.   Ms. Chiaki Tokiwa will be based at JASI for a two-year period to facilitate community and educational outreach, promoting an understanding of Japan, its culture, language and customs. Chiaki-san will be available to conduct cultural presentations and demonstrations for schools, organizations, and communities, and coordinate volunteer activities.

Greetings from Chiaki Tokiwa:

Hello!  I arrived in Indiana in August as a Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator from Japan, and I look forward to meeting and working with the JASI members!
I grew up in Nagano, Japan which is surrounded by beautiful nature. I majored in education at my university and taught English at the middle school level for two years. After that, I joined the Peace Boat which includes volunteers from many countries and travels around the world.  During the cruise, I met many different kinds of people and experienced different cultures. The experience on the Peace Boat inspired me to work at a travel lodge (hostel) in Japan which welcomed and provided accommodations to tourists from all over the world. I organized some international exchange parties for the international guests such as sushi parties, Japanese bowling night, BBQ party, etc.  
Then I had a received the great opportunity to come here in Indiana as a JOI Coordinator and work with the Japan-America Society of Indiana two years. JOI is a program administered by the Japan Foundation Center (CGP) and The Laurasian Institution (TLI). Its purpose is to develop collaboration between Japan and the United State with deeper understanding of each country. Therefore, as a JOI coordinator, I would like to visit many places such as schools, universities, and community centers to make presentations and organize cultural activities related to Japan. I hope I could get people in Indiana interested in Japan and Japanese culture and have a wonderful time together!  

Thank you,
Chiaki Tokiwa