Our youth programming is designed to cultivate international mindsets, broaden young people’s understanding of the world, and provide them with meaningful opportunities to engage with leaders from all corners of the globe.
Through a variety of interactive activities, including classroom visits, panel discussions, events at community centers, and collaborations with clubs and associations, we ensure our young participants are exposed to different languages, cultures, and perspectives.
These programs offer a unique chance for students to interact with current or emerging international leaders, allowing them to engage in cross-cultural learning that fosters empathy, global awareness, and an appreciation for other ways of doing things.
JAPAN OUTREACH INITIATIVE
The Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) is a partnership between the Japan Foundation, Laurasian Institution, and the International Institute of Wisconsin. Through this program, a Japanese volunteer-known as a JOI Coordinator- has been placed in Milwaukee to promote multicultural understanding and cultural exchange.
Our JOI Coordinator engages with local schools and community organizations through a wide range of Japanese-themed programs, from
educational presentations to hands-on cultural experiences that offer an authentic look into Japanese culture.
Examples of programs offered include:
– Origami workshops
– Calligraphy sessions
– Anime & Manga
– Japanese business etiquette
– Modern Japan
– Japanese cooking classes
– And more
Partnerships with community organizations and non-profits
Collaborative Cultural Programming. We partner with non-profits and community organizations to design and deliver customized Japanese cultural experiences that align with your mission. Our coordinator develops unique programs – from traditional arts workshops to modern cultural activities – to enrich your community’s offerings and foster deeper cross-cultural understanding.
Festival Engagements
Elevate your public events and festivals, like the Holiday Folk Fair, with a vibrant, interactive Japanese cultural presence. Our coordinator manages engaging booths and activities, offering visitors quick, memorable opportunities to try Japanese traditions and modern pop culture, drawing crowds and enhancing the event experience.
Curriculum-Aligned School Programs
Bring the richness of Japan directly to your students with our authentic, educational classroom visits. Our coordinator provides hands-on, age-appropriate workshops that seamlessly integrate with your curriculum, helping students explore traditional arts, language, and modern Japanese society in a fun and academically engaging way.
Japan-themed birthday parties
Make your next birthday unforgettable with a fully personalized Japanese party experience for kids and teens. We offer a range of exciting, hands-on activities—from traditional crafts and games to anime-inspired fun—designed to create a unique and memorable celebration. Ready to plan the perfect party? Email us at joi@iiwisconsin.org
About JOI Coordinator
Sae Iino is a JOI Coordinator at the International Institute of Wisconsin. Originally from Saitama, Japan, she has a background in public health and experience in cultural exchange work with children in northern Thailand.
Her cultural outreach has been featured in a local news article highlighting her work in Milwaukee, and she has participated in radio segments as part of event promotion. She values the relationships she has begun forming in Wisconsin and hopes to continue fostering curiosity, understanding, and meaningful cross-cultural exchange throughout her time in the JOI Program.
JOI Program in the news!
Sae Iino: How a cultural ambassador hopes to build bridges between the people of Milwaukee and Japan
By Milwaukee Independent
October Networking Brunch preview: Interactive workshop with Japanese cultural ambassadors
By Mary Gellerup Bolich, Wisconsin Muslim Journal
Growing cultural ties between Japan and Wisconsin highlighted at Milwaukee’s Holiday Folk Fair 2025
By Milwaukee Independent
Interested in bringing this experience to your school or community organization at no cost? Please fill out this interest form and will get back to you with more information.
Questions? Email us at joi@iiwisconsin.org
