2021 Sample of Virtual Program Activities
September 2021 – December 2021

• The KAKEHASHI Project 2021 was held virtually through a series of webinars focused on understanding the U.S.-Japan alliance’s importance and partnership regionally and globally.
• Students joined three webinars titled:
  • “Why the U.S.-Japan Ties Matter More Than Ever: In the Indo-Pacific Seascape and Beyond” by Dr. Tomohiko Taniguchi, Professor at Keio University Graduate School of System Design and Management
  • “Japan-U.S. Alliance: The Cornerstone for Peace and Stability of the Indo-Pacific” by the Defense Policy Bureau, Japan’s Ministry of Defense
  • “Global Governance Issues Raised by COVID-19: The U.S.-Japan Partnership in Global Health Diplomacy” by Dr. Yasushi Katsuma, Professor at Waseda Unviersity Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS)

2019 Sample of Program Activities
January 6 – January 14, 2020

• Visit to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to learn about JAXA’s international initiatives and collaborations in advancing international space research and exploration.
• Discussions with a variety of policy practitioners such as academics, journalists, and scholars from the Asahi Shimbun, Sophia University, and the Waseda University Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS).
• Excursion to Hiroshima Prefecture, where students stayed with host families and visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and learned about the Hiroshima atomic bomb’s aftermath from a survivor.

2018 Sample of Program Activities
January 7 – January 15, 2019

• Discussion and opinion exchanges with academics and government leaders from various organizations including Okinawa University, University of Tokyo, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s International Affairs Division about the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
• Staying with host families in Okinawa while embarking on historical tours to Camp Kinser Battle of Okinawa Display Museum and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum.
• Cultural excursions in Tokyo to major landmarks and notable spots including Toyosu Fish Market, Asakusa and Sensoji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the Harajuku District.

KAKEHASHI Project 2017
January 8 – January 15, 2018

• Given the focus on energy policy and security, participants met with scholars and policymakers at organizations such as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the Central Research Institute of the Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS).
• The group traveled to Kumamoto Prefecture and experienced Japanese culture firsthand through a homestay experience in Kikuchi City, which was even featured on local television.
• Participants were asked to write short articles combining their expertise with the knowledge they gained in Japan, and their contributions have been published in an edited volume by the Reischauer Center.

KAKEHASHI Project 2016
January 22 – January 29, 2017

• Tour of the Isogo Thermal Power Plant near Yokohama to learn more about Japan’s cutting-edge technology
• Excursion to Nagasaki Prefecture, which included a tour of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, a lecture from a survivor of the atomic bombing, and a homestay experience with residents of Matsuura City
• Discussion with fellow researchers at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and Waseda University

KAKEHASHI Project 2015
November 24 – December 1, 2015

• Discussion with scholars and policy practitioners at organizations such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), and Waseda University
• Special lecture on city-to-city diplomacy by the Special Advisor to the Governor on International Affairs at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
• Excursion to Tochigi Prefecture, where students stayed with families in Ohtawara City and learned about the area’s green tourism initiatives