Utah State University (USU) has been selected as the first institution in Utah to participate in the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) program. This initiative, jointly organized by the Japan Foundation and the Laurasian Institution, aims to provide access to Japanese culture through grassroots exchanges and will bring a JOI coordinator to USU to engage in a variety of cultural activities.
Starting this summer, a coordinator will relocate from Japan to Logan, Utah, to lead cultural workshops, community engagement events, and educational presentations in local communities. The program, which lasts for two years, will have no financial burden on USU as the Japan Outreach Initiative covers the coordinator's living expenses and other associated costs.
The addition of a JOI coordinator will enhance USU’s Japanese program by providing students, staff, and faculty with increased opportunities to explore Japanese culture, language, and traditions. The initiative has also garnered support from local institutions, including the Edith Bowen Laboratory School, Cache County School District, Box Elder School District, Logan Library, and the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art.
The program aligns with USU's broader goals of promoting educational excellence, particularly following the grand opening of the Mehdi Heravi Global Teaching and Learning Center in October 2024. The new building is seen as an ideal space for the JOI coordinator to facilitate cultural exchange and contribute to the university's mission of fostering global learning.
Masaki Minobe, assistant professor of Japanese at USU, emphasized the positive impact of hosting a JOI coordinator on both the university and the local community. He and his colleagues in the Department of World Languages and Cultures hope that the initiative will position USU as a leading center for cultural exchange in Utah, attracting more students interested in Japanese culture.
By bringing Japanese culture directly to local communities, USU aims to strengthen ties with Japan and provide unique educational opportunities for the region. This milestone marks a significant step in the university's ongoing efforts to expand its international programs and create a more globally connected learning environment.
