Grant Activities

Japanese Arts Outreach for Youth

A Japanese arts and culture center went into local schools and public libraries in central Florida to introduce local youth aged 5-18 to Japanese culture, with an aim to increase cultural understanding and empathy within the community, helping to create a more tolerant society. The workshops were hands-on and encouraged active participation. Sessions featured calligraphy, origami, and traditional seasonal events such as Setsubun and Tanabata, led by experienced instructors, and provided 275 participants with meaningful opportunities to engage with Japan’s cultural heritage.

Introducing Young Laotians to the Japanese Tea Ceremony

As Japan and Laos marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, tea ceremony workshops for young Laotians were held in Vientiane. Participants deepened their understanding of Japanese culture by experienced an authentic tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse, where they enjoyed matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. The program contributed to mutual understanding and strengthened the friendship between Japan and Laos.