2026 APCC Junior Ambassadors Prepare for Their Journey to Fukuoka
Four enthusiastic Junior Ambassadors (JAs) from Hawaii, accompanied by their Chaperone Sean Takehara and Peace Ambassador Ella Bosworth, have been actively preparing for their upcoming participation in the 38th Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC) in Fukuoka, Japan. Since February, the group has engaged in monthly workshops hosted by the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH), designed to deepen their understanding of Japanese customs and daily life while also broadening their global awareness. Assisting them along their journey are former chaperone Wendy Lum and shadow chaperone Wesley Lum, who have been providing guidance and support throughout the training process.
As part of their preparation, each JA completed multiple “Cross-Cultural Reports,” researching and presenting information about four of the following 16 countries and regions—among the more than 30 participating in APCC this year: Kiribati, Maldives, Micronesia, Vanuatu, Dalian (China), Nepal, Mongolia, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Palau, Vietnam, Jiangsu (China), South Korea, and Malaysia. These presentations not only introduced new cultures to the group but also encouraged the JAs to reflect on their own cultural identity and life in Hawaii. Many students discovered surprising facts, even about places they thought they already understood.
In addition, the JAs participated in “Global Bridge Leader” assignments focused on building awareness of important local and global issues. They researched and discussed topics including clean water and aquifer protection, pollution, economics, and global warming through news reports, conversations, and other sources. The activity encouraged the JAs to better understand global issues while developing their awareness as future cultural ambassadors and global leaders.
The group also began preparing for the “We Are the BRIDGE Festival 2026,” an important highlight of the APCC program. The JAs learned and practiced the Hawaiian chant “ʻOli Mahalo” as well as a hula to the song “Mele ʻOhana.” Their chaperone encouraged them to connect deeply with the meanings behind both the chant and the song lyrics so they could authentically represent Hawaii’s culture and values during the international festival.
Finally, Finally, each JA created a personalized scrapbook to share with their host families and new friends in Japan. The scrapbooks highlighted topics such as “All About Me,” “My Family,” “Where I Live,” “My School,” and “My Dreams.” Through photos, drawings, clippings, and written reflections, the students creatively shared their personalities, experiences, and life in Hawaii while learning more about one another throughout the process.
Throughout the past several months, the JAs participated in a series of hands-on workshops and activities designed to prepare them for their international experience. Below is a recap of the training workshops and events leading up to their departure.
February 28 – Orientation Workshop
The JAs gathered for their first orientation workshop, where they had the opportunity to get to know one another as well as their families. This year’s JAs and their parents also had the chance to connect with the 2025 JAs and their families during a potluck gathering, fostering a strong sense of community within the APCC program. The group also received an introduction to Bridge Club Hawaii, led by co-Presidents Betsy Wo and Joanna Sato via Zoom. Everyone had a fun time connecting and learning more about the program.
March 28–29 – Camp Experience
The JAs were originally scheduled to attend an overnight camp at Camp Erdman. However, due to the March 2026 Kona Low storm, the camp was forced to close. However, we created our own memorable camp experience for the group. The JAs met at the JASH office in the morning to review homework, practice their song and hula, and participate in team-building activities. They then took a field trip to the Bishop Museum to learn more about Hawaii’s history and cultural heritage. Afterwards, the group headed to the Lum family home, where the program continued at “Camp Koʻolau.” There, the JAs continued with team-building activities, including setting up tents where they would sleep later that evening. No camp experience would be complete without a campfire, so the group gathered around a barbecue pit to roast marshmallows and talk story. Despite the unexpected change of plans, the improvised camp experience turned out to be a meaningful opportunity for the JAs to bond and strengthen their friendships.
April 25 – Japanese Food Workshop
The JAs learned about Japanese food culture through an introduction to various dishes, food-related Japanese phrases, and dining etiquette. They also learned about school lunches in Japanese elementary schools and how they reflect daily life in Japan. As the main activity, the JAs participated in a scavenger hunt at Don Quijote, searching for different Japanese foods and side dishes. Afterwards, they sampled many of the items they found, some for the first time.
May 2 – Oahu Visitor Industry Charity Walk
Along with former and current JASH educational program participants, the JAs and their families joined the 2026 Oʻahu Visitor Industry Charity Walk. After completing the walk, the group gathered for a lunch picnic, enjoying time together while supporting a meaningful community event. They also played some fun games and activities, creating a great bonding experience for everyone involved.
May 16 – Homestay and School Life Workshop
During this workshop, the JAs learned about the homestay experience and school life in Japan. They were introduced to homestay etiquette and practiced common phrases used in Japanese households, including everyday greetings. They also learned about the daily routines of elementary school students in Japan through a presentation used in JASH’s Japan-in-a-Suitcase (JIAS) program for grades four and five.
June 27 – Pre-Departure Workshop
The JAs and their parents gathered for the pre-departure workshop. During this session, the students presented their final cross-cultural reports, shared their completed scrapbooks, discussed their final global bridge leader assignment, practiced their APCC elevator speeches, and did a dress rehearsal of their oli and hula performance in preparation for the Bridge Festival. Important travel logistics and trip information were also shared with families in advance of the trip.
Our 2026 Junior Ambassadors are now ready for their journey to Fukuoka! With new knowledge gained, friendships formed, and perspectives broadened, they look forward to the experiences and connections that await them in Japan.
The APCC experience is more than just a cultural exchange, it is a collaborative effort supported by former and current JAs, their families, friends, and the wider JASH community. Through this program, students build meaningful international friendships while developing a deeper appreciation for cultural understanding and global citizenship.
JASH is proud to have served as the Hawaii Liaison Office for APCC since 2003, continuing its commitment to global peace and cross-cultural understanding through youth engagement. If you would like to learn more about the APCC program, please visit our webpage at jashawaii.org/apcc.
