USU Becomes First Utah Institution to Join Japan Outreach Initiative Program

LOGAN, Utah — The Japanese program at Utah State University has been selected to host a Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator.

Jointly organized by the Japan Foundation and the Laurasian Institution, this program aims to provide access to Japanese culture through grassroots exchanges. USU will be the first institution in Utah to participate in the newly expanded program, marking a significant milestone for both the university and the local community.

Beginning this summer, a Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator will relocate from Japan to Logan to engage in activities that celebrate Japanese culture, such as cultural workshops, community engagement events and educational presentations in local communities.

The exchange lasts for two years and as the coordinator’s living expenses and other costs are essentially covered by the Japan Outreach Initiative, there is no financial burden on the university.

With the help of the Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator, USU’s Japanese program aims to enrich the educational experience on campus with opportunities for students, staff and faculty to learn about Japanese culture, language and traditions. They have also received letters of support from the Edith Bowen Laboratory School, Cache County School District, Box Elder School District, Logan Library and the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art.

Following the grand opening of the Mehdi Heravi Global Teaching and Learning Center in October 2024, the opportunity to host a Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator aligns with USU’s goal of launching new initiatives that promote educational excellence.

The faculty believe the new building will provide an ideal environment for the Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator to thrive and make a significant impact by offering invaluable cultural exposure to students and the community and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture. It will also assist in developing and organizing Japanese cultural events at USU.

“Hosting a JOI coordinator at USU will greatly benefit the institution and the local community by enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community engagement,” said Masaki Minobe, assistant professor of Japanese.

Minobe and his colleagues in the Department of World Languages and Cultures hope that the initiative will position USU as a prominent center for cultural exchange and education in Utah and attract more students interested in Japanese culture to the university.

For more information about the Japanese language programs at USU, please visit https://chass.usu.edu/languages/tracks/japanese.