Hawai‘i Junior Ambassadors Represent Aloha Spirit at 37th Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention in Fukuoka
(L-R) Chaperone: Wendy, Junior Ambassadors: Milo, Eleanor, Lilian, & Wesley, Peace Ambassador: Kala
This July, four outstanding Junior Ambassadors (JAs) from Hawai‘i had the unique honor of participating in the 37th Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC) held in Fukuoka, Japan. Accompanied by chaperone Wendy and Peace Ambassador (PA) Kala, the students embarked on a ten-day journey of cultural exchange, international friendship, and personal growth as representatives of Hawai‘i 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 enabling young people to connect through shared experiences. With participants from over 60 different regions, the APCC provides an invaluable opportunity for children to learn about global cultures firsthand while sharing their own.
A Global Experience in Fukuoka
Departure Day at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
From July 11-21, 2025, the Hawai‘i delegation immersed themselves in the vibrant, multicultural experience of the APCC. The first half of the program was spent at the Marine House, a unique global camp where children from diverse backgrounds live, learn, and play together. There, the JAs built friendships with peers from countries and regions spanning the Asia-Pacific—including Australia, Bangladesh, Kiribati, and many more.
Snack Time at Marine House
Workshops at the Marine House focused on cross-cultural communication, teamwork, and global citizenship, all facilitated through games, crafts, and collaborative group activities. Throughout their stay, the delegation also made official visits to several APCC-affiliated organizations. They were warmly received at local elementary schools, where they interacted with Japanese students and participated in cultural exchanges. This year, they also had an impressive visit to the APCC's sponsor company, ASSURAN.
JAs wearing Yukata at Marine House
The second half of the trip brought the JAs into the homes of local volunteer families for a week-long homestay. This intimate, immersive experience gave the students a firsthand understanding of Japanese daily life—from sharing meals and helping with household chores to participating in community events and bonding with host siblings. It was a life-changing experience that left a lasting impression on both the students and their host families.
Hawaii JAs Meeting with Host Families
Sharing Aloha with the World
JAs and PA in their performance outfits at Bridge Festival
One of the major highlights of the trip was the “We Are the BRIDGE” Festival 2025, held at Toyota Hall Skala Espacio in Fukuoka. Each country and region performed a traditional song or dance as a symbol of cultural pride and unity. The Hawai‘i JAs performed Oli Mahalo followed by a lively and graceful hula, captivating the audience with their authenticity, energy, and warmth. Their performance was met with applause and admiration, as they beautifully represented the aloha spirit and the islands' unique heritage.
For many of the students, this event was not only the culmination of months of preparation, but also a deeply emotional moment. They stood on stage as ambassadors of their home, contributing to a larger vision of peace and unity among the world’s youth.
Looking Ahead
JAs on their APCC Journey in Fukuoka
The return to Fukuoka in 2025 marked another successful and memorable chapter in Hawai‘i’s long-standing relationship with the APCC. The experience was filled with laughter, cultural discovery, new friendships, and even a few bittersweet tears during farewells. For the Junior Ambassadors, the journey was transformative—broadening their perspectives, building confidence, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for cultural diversity.
(L-R) Wesley, Milo, Eleanor, Lilian
JASH remains honored to facilitate this incredible opportunity and is grateful to the families, sponsors, and volunteers who help make the APCC program a success each year.
Everyone reunited at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
If you’d like to learn more about the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention or are interested in applying for the 2026 program, please visit the JASH website at https://www.jashawaii.org/education/apcc. We look forward to continuing this journey of connection, cultural exchange, and global friendship in the years to come.
