Opportunities to Experience Japanese Language & Culture
University of Michigan Center for Japanese Studies (Ann Arbor, MI) - Hub for learning and experiencing Japanese language and Japan. Sponsors various Japan-themed events for public, including families and children. Visit: CJS
Meijer Gardens Japanese Garden (Grand Rapids, MI) - A beautifully designed garden, incorporating traditional Japanese sense of space and philosophy. Visit: Meijer Gardens
Michigan State University Center for Asian Studies (E. Lansing, MI) - Hub for learning and experiencing Asian language and culture, including the Japanese language and Japan. Visit: MSU CAS
Soga Japan Center at WMU (Kalamazoo, MI) - Hub for learning and experiencing Asian language and culture, including the Japanese language and Japan. Visit: Soga
Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House, & Gardens (Saginaw, MI) - An organization dedicated to promoting Japanese culture, offering garden tours, tea-ceremony demonstrations, kimono wearing, and other events for individuals and groups. Visit: Cultural Center (website) or Cultural Center (Facebook)
Great Lakes Taiko Center (Novi, MI) - Group offering lessons in traditional Japanese taiko (barrel drum), for students of all ages. Taiko produces a high-impact sound, and is a great way to combine music with exercise. Visit: Great Lakes
Japan Outreach Initiative (East Lansing, MI) - The Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) is program to promote understanding of Japan
in areas with relatively few Japan-related activities and exchange opportunities
. The Michigan representative can be contacted here. Based at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) at Michigan State University, the program is
administrated by the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) and The Laurasian
Institution (TLI). Visit: JOI.
Japanese Cultural Development (Detroit, MI) - Japan Cultural Development is non-profit, volunteer organization that promotes friendship between the Japanese community and local people by introducing and demonstrating Japanese culture in Detroit , Michigan. Visit JCD (English/英語) or JCD (Japanese/日本語).
GR Japanese Heritage Society (Grand Rapids, MI) - The GR Japanese Heritage Society sponsors and supports Japanese-related cultural events, student-exchange programs, and educational programs in the Grand Rapids area. Visit: GR Japanese Heritage.
Organizations Promoting U.S.-Japan Relations
People Connecting to Share Language & Culture
Japanese Business Society of Detroit (JBSD) - A nonprofit dedicated to creating positive ties between the U.S. and Japan by fostering human, cultural, and business interaction. Visit: JBSD (In Japanese)
Japan-America Society of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario (JAS) - A nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the ties of friendship between the Japanese people and the citizens of the Greater Detroit and Windsor. Visit: JAS
Michigan-Shiga Sister-State Program - Organization overseeing official relationships between cities in Michigan and Shiga Prefecture, to promote human ties through exchanges involving students, teachers, community members and government officials. Visit: Sister State
Japan Society of Detroit Women's Club - A nonprofit group organized to increase awareness of Japanese heritage, by sharing traditional arts and culture, at special events or upon request. Visit: Women's Club.
Consulate General of Japan - Consulates are like regional "field offices" of the Embassy of Japan, and actively promote Japanese language & culture, by holding events and loaning or providing related supplies. Visit: Consulate
Pontiac School District International Exchange Committee (PSDIEC) - An organization in Pontiac, MI that promotes international exchange of middle-school students, based on a sister-city relationship with Kusatsu in Shiga, Japan. Visit: PSDIEC
Japan Society - A U.S. organization committed to deepening mutual understanding between the United States and Japan, serving audiences through innovative programs in arts and culture, public policy, business, language and education. Offers various workshops. Visit: Japan Society
Other Useful Information
Various Resources for Pursuing Bilingualism & Multiculturalism
Michigan & Ohio Sister-Cities in Japan - List of local cities with a sister-city relationship with a city in Japan. Some cities utilize these relationships to sponsor student and cultural exchanges. Visit: Sister Cities
Japan-Related Jobs and Internships - Information, resources, and links for people who are interested in pursuing Japan-related careers, prepared by University of Michigan Center for Japanese Studies. Visit: Jobs
Information for Travelers to Japan - General information and resources for those planning to enter, stay, and tour in Japan, prepared by Consultate-General of Japan in Detroit. Visit: Traveler Information
Festivals in Japan - Quick reference for visitors to Japan who want to experience a real Japanese festival. Visit: Festivals
Michigan Seal of Biliteracy - The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who demonstrate language proficiency in English and at least one additional world language. The Seal was created to encourage students to study world languages and embrace their native and heritage languages. It signifies an important skill set when seeking employment or college admissions. Visit: Biliteracy Seal.
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