Japan-in-a-Suitcase in School Year 2024-2025

The 2024–2025 school year was a successful one for Japan-in-a-Suitcase (JIAS)! We delivered 136 engaging presentations to approximately 3,000 students at 31 elementary schools across Oahu, introducing Japanese culture and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

JIAS presentations in SY 2024-2025

Japan-in-a-Suitcase is a program that gives students in kindergarten through 5th grade the opportunity to learn about the concept of “Different Perspectives” through interactive activities comparing local and Japanese cultures.

A 5th-grade student from Kaneohe Elementary School shared in a thank you card:

“Thank you so much for coming to teach us about Japan. I really liked it. It was really cool when you showed us the difference between the Japanese map and the American map. I liked when you taught us how to look at things differently with the duck and the rabbit.”

A 4th-grade student from Liholiho Elementary School wrote:

“Thank you for coming to Liholiho. I enjoyed looking through the school supplies that Japanese students have to use. I also enjoyed learning the Japanese school schedule. I hope that you come to our school again and teach us more things about Japan’s schools and the language.”

On June 18, 2025, an appreciation luncheon was held at Kanoya Sushi Grill and Bar to thank our dedicated JIAS volunteers. While not all volunteers were able to attend due to prior commitments, we were happy to see our volunteer team grow again this year. Thanks to their time and energy, we had an incredible year of presentations.

JIAS Volunteers and JASH staff enjoy lunch at Kanoya Sushi Grill and Bar

A heartfelt mahalo to all our JIAS volunteers for their continued dedication and support of the JASH Japan-in-a-Suitcase program.

We are currently seeking more volunteers for JIAS! If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact Cindy Oshima at coshima@jashawaii.org.