Japan-in-a-Suitcase in School Year 2025-2026
The 2025–2026 school year marked another impactful year for the Japan-in-a-Suitcase (JIAS) program! Throughout the school year, our volunteer team delivered 148 interactive presentations to approximately 3,000 students at 34 elementary schools across Oahu, helping students explore Japanese culture while encouraging curiosity, empathy, and global understanding.
Japan-in-a-Suitcase is an educational program designed for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Through interactive activities, games, visuals, and discussions, students are introduced to the idea of “Different Perspectives” by comparing aspects of daily life in Hawaii and Japan. From school customs and geography to language and cultural traditions, students gain a deeper appreciation for both similarities and differences across cultures.
A 2nd-grade student from Blanche Pope Elementary School shared in a thank you card:
“Thank you for coming to our school. My favorite part was when we got to see Japanese school pictures. I hope I can visit Japan one day and go to the McDonalds.”
A 3rd-grade student from Holomua Elementary School wrote:
“Arigato gozaimasu for coming in and presenting for us! I found the Japan in a suitcase lesson very interesting and it was very detailed. This presentation helped me see things from a different perspective. Like how the Japan map showed Asia in the middle and we (America) showed the U.S. in the middle. It’s not necessarily wrong, but taken from a different point of view. I also enjoyed the jan ken po game!”
A teacher shared the following feedback:
“It was an eye opening experience for our students to learn the differences of student responsibilities in Japan. The concept of learning ‘different perspectives’ was very successful!”
JASH hosted a volunteer appreciation luncheon on June 17, 2026 at Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant. The gathering provided an opportunity for volunteers to reflect on the year’s presentations, reconnect with one another, and celebrate the continued growth of the JIAS program. Although some volunteers were unable to attend due to other commitments, we were grateful to welcome both returning and new volunteers who helped make this year such a success.
Mahalo to all of our incredible JIAS volunteers for sharing their time, enthusiasm, and passion for cultural education with Hawaii’s keiki. Your dedication continues to inspire the next generation to learn about the world with open minds and curiosity.
To learn more about the JIAS program or how to get involved, please visit our webpage at www.jashawaii.org/education/jias.
