Hawaii Junior Ambassadors Build Global Friendships at the 38th APCC in Fukuoka
From July 10–20, 2026, four outstanding Junior Ambassadors (JAs) from Hawaii had the honor of participating in the 38th Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC) in Fukuoka, Japan. Accompanied by chaperone Sean Takehara and Peace Ambassador Ella Boswell, the students embarked on a ten-day journey of cultural exchange, international friendship, and personal growth as representatives of Hawaii and the United States.
The APCC, founded in 1989, is an annual international program that brings together children from countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific. Its mission is to promote mutual understanding, peace, and friendship by connecting young people through shared experiences. With participants from over 30 countries and regions, the APCC provides a meaningful opportunity for children to learn about global cultures firsthand while sharing their own.
Throughout the program, the Hawaii delegation immersed themselves in the vibrant and multicultural APCC experience in Fukuoka. The journey began at the Marine House, a unique international camp where Junior Ambassadors from around the world lived, learned, and participated in activities together. Through games, workshops, and collaborative challenges, the JAs built friendships with peers from across the Asia-Pacific and strengthened their understanding of teamwork and global citizenship.
The delegation also participated in a one-day school visit at Atago Elementary School, where they engaged with Japanese students and experienced daily school life. However, the most impactful part of their journey was the homestay experience, where the JAs lived with volunteer host families in Fukuoka. During this time, they attended school alongside their host siblings and became part of daily family life—sharing meals, participating in routines, and building deep personal connections. This immersive experience offered a meaningful window into Japanese culture and left a lasting impression on both the students and their host families.
One of the most memorable events of the trip was the “We Are the BRIDGE” Festival 2026, held at the Fukuoka City General Gymnasium. This year’s festival also featured a new addition—the Play Zone—where each delegation hosted a traditional game or activity from their home country to engage with visitors in a fun and interactive setting. The Hawaii JAs shared the popular childhood game, pogs, inviting participants to join in and experience a piece of Hawaii culture through play. The main festival program then continued with each participating country and region showcasing a performance reflecting their culture and identity. The Hawaii JAs performed “ʻOli Mahalo” followed by a hula to “Mele ʻOhana,” sharing the aloha spirit with energy, pride, and sincerity. Their performance was warmly received by the audience and stood as a powerful representation of Hawaii’s cultural heritage.
For the students, the festival marked a meaningful culmination of months of preparation and reflection. Standing on stage as cultural ambassadors, they contributed to APCC’s larger mission of building peace and understanding among the world’s youth.
The 38th APCC experience was filled with laughter, discovery, and new friendships that transcended language and cultural differences. As the JAs returned home, they brought with them lasting memories, expanded worldviews, and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and global connection.
“I think this trip will affect my future by helping me be a bit more social because before I was a little bit shy, and now I have gotten used to introducing myself more and talking. Another way I think this trip will affect my future is that now I want to try to be a PA.”
— Andrew
“One thing that I like the most about APCC is that people from different countries come together and meet each other to learn all about each other. Everybody is curious and wants to meet people from other cultures. Since we meet all these people, we can become friends with a lot of people from different countries.”
— Nicolas
“I think this trip affected my future because now I want to be a PA just like Ella. This also makes me want to do the same homestay program my mom did in high school because the trip is longer so I could create a stronger bond.”
— Aubrey
“I really enjoyed having this opportunity to meet other kids around the world. One reason why I would tell a friend to apply is because meeting other kids around the world is not something you can do everyday, it is a life changing experience that creates a bond with people you only met for a few days. Getting to know the other JAs really helped me grow in many ways!”
— Amelia
JASH remains honored to support this life-changing opportunity and is deeply grateful to the families, sponsors, chaperones, and volunteers who make the APCC program possible each year. Through this continued partnership, JASH proudly continues its mission of fostering international friendship and understanding among the next generation.
To learn more about the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention or future opportunities to participate, please visit jashawaii.org/apcc.
