Kakehashi Project

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan launched a youth exchange program to promote understanding of Japanese economy, society, history and culture with various nations. With the help of Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) who help manage the program, they have partnered with the National Museum of the Pacific War since 2017.

The Japanese word "kakehashi" means "bridge" which symbolizes the hope that participants will form lasting relationships with Japan and its people, and serve as bridges between nations and cultures.

If you have any questions about the upcoming trip, reach out to Jaclyn Mertz, Museum Programs Coordinator at jmertz@nimitzfoundation.org or at 830-997-8600 ext 225

Applications have closed for the 2022-2023 Trip. Be on the lookout in 2023 for information about the next amazing opportunity!

Program Overview

Dates: February 6th-14th, 2023

Place: Tokyo and a local city TBD

Number of participants: 19 students and 2 chaperones from the museum as well as staff from JICE to help with translating

What will the students be doing?

  • Attend lectures on development of Japanese politics, economy, society, culture, history and diplomatic relations to promote a better understanding of Japan
  • Participate in school exchange programs
  • Visit educational sites and institutions, high-tech and tradition industries, world heritage sties, provincial government offices, and participate in cross-culture events, workshops and discussions with local people
  • Participate in hands-on-learning experiences such as home-stays, home-visits, and cultural arts events
  • Share information about Japan through reporting sessions and social media during/after the program

Qualifications for Participants

  • The applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident
  • Those who have participated in Kakehashi Project or other programs funded by the Japanese government are ineligible
  • Those who have studied or stayed in Japan for over a year are ineligible.
  • The applicant should be physically capable of keeping up with a busy program schedule requiring extensive walking each day
  • The applicant must be a US high school student in Gillespie or Kerr County
  • The applicant must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, at least three shots of vaccine are required. Those who cannot take the vaccine because of a medical reason must have a note from their doctor. Religious or personal reasons will not be approved.
  • Masking while in Japan will be required as well as masking up 14 days before the trip and limiting close contact with large groups of people

What is covered and not?

Expenses Covered:

  • Round trip international air tickets from Houston to Japan in economy class
  • Overseas travel accident insurance
  • Accommodation, transportation and meals within the program in Japan
  • Admission fees for scheduled activities in Japan

Participant Expenses:

  • Passport fees (if needed)
  • Fees for vaccination (if needed)
  • Excess baggage charge
  • Travel expenses between Fredericksburg and Houston
  • Accommodation and meals in Houston
  • Bus fee back to Fredericksburg from Houston
  • Small gifts to hand out to people you meet
  • Clothes, luggage or other essential items you need for the trip
  • Purchase of souvenirs/personal goods before/during program

Cancellation Policy:

If a participant chooses to drop out of the program for reasons other than a medical emergency or a family funeral, the participant shall be fully responsible for any costs associated with this cancellation. The cancellation fees will be charged to the participant if their application have already been accepted and the flight and/or other bookings are completed.

In the event of cancellation due to medical emergency or a family funeral, cancellation fees may be waived upon presentation of a medical certificate or evident of the funeral requested by JICE.