Kakehashi Project

A student exchange program to promote understanding of Japan in North America

About the Kakehashi Project

“Kakehashi” means “bridge” in Japanese, symbolizing the aim of the Kakehashi Project that participants form lasting relationships with Japan and its people and serve as bridges between nations and cultures. The project is generously supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and administered by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. The objectives are:

  • To promote mutual trust and understanding among the peoples of Japan, the US and Canada, and to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation.
  • To encourage an understanding of Japan.
  • To convey information about Japan to the public through participants of this project.
Banner for 2022-23 Kakehashi Project

Generously supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA), the Kakehashi Project is an exchange program promoting understanding of Japan in North America. The Japanese word “kakehashi” means “bridge,” symbolizing the hope that participants will form lasting relationships with Japan and its people and serve as bridges between nations and cultures.

Participant testimonials

Picture of students in a group with a Kakehashi sign
 

Leo Zhu, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, 2023

Group of students with a banner.
 

Jude Asare, Master of Global Affairs, 2023; Master of Business Administration, 2023

image of naritasan shinshoji temple
 

Grace Ho Lan Chang, Master of Global Affairs, 2023

Picture of students in a group with a Kakehashi sign
 

Katie Bolissian, Master of Public Policy, 2023

Students learning calligraphy
 

Amelia Gipp, B.Sc. Geographical Information Systems, 2023

Group of people learning about the Hinamatsuri festival with host family
 

Jasmine Wright, MGA Candidate, 2020

Group of Kakehashi program students outside on sunny day
 

Benson Ompoc, MGA Candidate, 2020

Red bridge over water joins two shores covered in trees
 

Jenny Kim, MGA Candidate, 2019

Red bridge over water joins two shores covered in trees
 

Siobhan Bradley, MGA Candidate, 2019

Red bridge over water joins two shores covered in trees
 

Watch and read testimonials on the Asia Pacific Foundation website

Close up of a cherry tree in full bloom

THINKING OF JOINING THE KAKEHASHI PROJECT?

 

Contact us at: 

416-946-8972