Programs Archive

The Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) partnered with the University of Wyoming from 2022-24. This two-year program provides a JOI coordinator an opportunity to engage their American community in Japanese-theme programming. Our coordinator here at UW was Yuki Ayukawa. 

A joint initiative of the Japan Foundation and Laurasian Institution, the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) brings volunteer Japanese coordinators to regions of the U.S. where Japanese culture has been less accessible. JOI coordinators are hosted by U.S. nonprofits and educational institutions with a strong commitment to promoting learning about Japan. During the two-year program, JOI coordinators engage their American community through Japanese-themed programming—from lectures to hands-on elementary school activities to events focusing on traditional Japanese art forms. See more on their Facebook page.

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Yuki Ayukawa

Nice to meet you. I am Yuki Ayukawa, a JOI coordinator from Japan.

I was born and raised in Fukuoka, in the southern part of Japan. Fukuoka is famous for its delicious food and livable city. I love traveling around the world, outdoor activities (such as hiking), and yoga. I can’t wait to explore Wyoming and enjoy all the beautiful nature!

As a student, I joined a 2-week sister city cultural exchange program between my hometown and the United States. I also did a homestay in Malaysia through a cultural exchange program. Through these international experiences communicating with local people, I became interested in the cultures and people of the world and wanted to deepen my understanding. To expand my horizons, I decided to become an exchange student through a study abroad program in Texas for two semesters. As part of my volunteer activities, I had the opportunity to help students who were interested in Japan. Through teaching the Japanese language and sharing Japanese culture with those students, I gained a passion for introducing Japan to others. After several years of working at companies in Fukuoka and Tokyo, I decided to join the JOI program.

Starting in August 2022, I'll be based at the University of Wyoming’s Global Engagement Office for two years. So far, I am working on informal Japanese beginner classes via zoom and supporting the restart of the Japan club, which has been inactive during the pandemic. With regard to my future plans, I'll visit local schools and public libraries to give presentations on activities and events related to Japanese culture. I'll provide outreach not only to Laramie but also throughout the state, such as Cheyenne, Casper, Sheldon, Buffalo, and beyond. I look forward to meeting many people wherever I visit. Also, through my outreach, I will be looking to create business connections and exchange programs between Wyoming and Japan.

Although this JOI program marked its 20th anniversary last year 2021, I am the very first coordinator who has ever been assigned in Wyoming. I am so honored by that and want to treasure every single meeting I have during these two years. I hope I can contribute to the Wyoming communities and strengthen relationships with Japan in as many ways as I can.

You can connect with me on my JOI Instagram page. 

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JOI Education

Yuki helped UW and the Wyoming community learn more about Japan, its language, and its history. Activities and topics included:

Activities: Classroom visits, Lectures, Workshops, Japanese and English conversation tables, Language and culture competitions, Teacher support

Topics: Japanese language, Pop culture (such as music, manga, and fashion), Introduction to origami, Seasonal events and holidays (such as Shogatsu and Tanabata), Introduction to calligraphy, Business etiquette 

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JOI Cultural Events

Yuki also developed cultural events and experiences. Her work included:

Activities: Supporting cultural event management, Assisting in university and community cultural events, Coordinating with teachers and programs to build programming, Running dedicated events, Hosting movie showings

Topics: Tea ceremony, Taiko, Koto, Japanese cooking, Calligraphy experience, Cultural and seasonal festivals, Traditional games/hobbies/activities 

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JOI Professional Partnerships

As the UW JOI coordinator, Yuki helped create, build, and advise on program, institution, and business partnerships with Japanese affiliates.

One major program Yuki developed was the Japan-Wyoming Business Forum:

An economic event created in partnership with the University of Wyoming and the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver, the forum highlighted current economic connections and cooperation between Wyoming and Japan, which to date are primarily in large demonstration projects in the energy sector aiming at cleaner energy production, and will also explore opportunities for further development in economic collaboration, including expansion into other sectors.

Energy is one of the essential keys when we think about the economy. Japan is the fourth-largest importer of crude oil and the third-largest importer of coal, as such there are many business opportunities in the Japanese energy market. As a state, Wyoming is ranked third in total energy production. Both Japan and Wyoming are aiming to secure low-emission energy technologies to address environmental concerns and production sustainability. Other areas of potential economic cooperation include the sectors of tourism, agriculture, biotech, blockchain technologies, education, construction, and the emerging hydrogen economy.

The forum came out of a government task force action plan regarding the development of the Japan-US economic relationship at a grassroots level. The forum's goal was to promote mutual understanding for the growth of economic cooperation between Japan and the state of Wyoming, and to contribute toward developing and strengthening the overarching Japan-US relationship.