2025 APCC Junior Ambassadors Prepare for Fukuoka

Four enthusiastic Junior Ambassadors (JAs) from Hawaiʻi, accompanied by their chaperone Wendy and Peace Ambassador Kala, have been actively preparing for their upcoming participation in the 37th Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC) in Fukuoka, Japan. Since March, the group has engaged in monthly workshops hosted by the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH), designed to deepen their understanding of Japanese language, food, customs, and daily life, while also broadening their global awareness.

These interactive sessions featured a variety of hands-on experiences, including a scavenger hunt at Don Quijote, participation in a charity walk, traditional Hawaiian hula and chant (oli) practice, and a weekend retreat at YMCA Camp Erdman focused on team-building. Each workshop helped the students build connections and prepare for their homestay experiences abroad.

As part of their training, each Junior Ambassador completed “Cross-Cultural Reports,” where they explored and presented information about 16 different countries and regions participating in APCC this year—including Tonga, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Papa New Guinea, China, Kiribati, and Hong Kong. These reports not only introduced new cultures to their peers but also prompted the JAs to reflect on their own cultural identity and life in Hawaiʻi. Many found themselves learning surprising new facts, even about places they thought they already understood.

The group also began early preparations for the “We are the BRIDGE Festival 2025.” At Camp Erdman, the JAs learned and practiced the Hawaiian chant “ʻOli Mahalo” and a hula. Their chaperone encouraged them to connect deeply with the meanings of the chant and the song lyrics, so they could authentically represent Hawaiʻi’s heritage during the international festival.

In addition, each JA created a personalized scrapbook to share with their host families and new friends in Japan. The scrapbooks include five themed pages: “All About Me,” “My Family,” “Where I Live,” “My School,” and “My Dreams.” Through photos, drawings, clippings, and written reflections, the students enjoyed expressing themselves creatively and bonding with one another as they shared their work.

The Junior Ambassadors had the special opportunity to meet with the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii Sylvia Luke, an experience that deepened their understanding of the strong relationship between Hawaii and Japan. During the visit, the students engaged in meaningful conversation with the Lt. Governor Luke, sharing their experiences in the APCC Program and learning about the importance of cultural diplomacy and mutual respect. As part of the occasion, the Junior Ambassadors proudly performed their oli—a traditional Hawaiian chant—in front of the Lt. Governor Luke and JA parents, honoring the spirit of aloha and showcasing their dedication to cultural exchange. The moment was both powerful and inspiring, reinforcing their role as young leaders and cultural bridges between Hawaii and Japan.

Just before their flight to Japan, the JAs and their families gathered at the JASH office for a final pre-departure workshop. The students reviewed travel logistics and final schedules, shared their report presentations on other countries, and practiced cultural performances that they would later showcase in Fukuoka.

They also discussed essential tips for international travel, including what omiyage (gifts) to bring for their homestay families, how to pack effectively, and what to expect from life at the Marine House and in Japanese homes. For many of the JAs, this marked their first time traveling abroad or independently living away from home, making the support and guidance offered by the workshops even more meaningful.

The APCC experience is more than just a cultural exchange—it's a collaborative effort supported by former and current JAs, their families, friends, and the wider JASH community. This program continues to be a vital part of JASH’s educational initiatives, fostering cross-cultural understanding and lifelong international friendships.

JASH is proud to have served as the Hawaiʻi Liaison Office for APCC since 2003, continuing its commitment to global peace and cultural exchange through youth engagement. If you wish to know more about the APCC program, please visit jashawaii.org/apcc.