Study Japan. Question Japan. Experience Japan.
A rigorous, thoughtfully designed summer program in Japan, where U.S. and Japanese high school students learn together, and explore real-world challenges, culture and beyond. Go beyond a typical study abroad in one of the safest, most inspiring learning environments in the world.
Location: Hokkaido, Japan
Dates: Saturday, July 25 - Friday, August 7, 2026
Who: High school students (Grades 9–12), no Japanese required
A Message from the Program Founder
High School Summer Program in Japan
Instead of studying Japanese only with teachers:
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U.S. students are paired with Japanese high school students
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Students teach each other English and Japanese
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Practice Japanese in daily life, fieldwork, and community interaction.
This model avoids a common problem of study abroad language programs: participants do not meet local students because they don’t need to practice local language. Here, both sides need each other. This creates real motivation—and real progress.
Japan is often admired for its beauty and efficiency—but like any society, it faces serious challenges. Students explore issues such as:
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Climate change
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Aging population and low birthrate
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Diversity, equity and inclusion in Japanese society
Through:
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Guest talks by leading experts
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Dialogue with Japanese students
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Guided discussions and reflection
As the final deliverable, they will propose solutions to real challenges in group presentations with Japanese students.
Academic Highlight
Students visit Hokkaido University, internationally recognized for research on climate change and marine ecosystems and learn from their faculty.
This is not sightseeing for sightseeing’s sake. Each field visit connects directly to inquiry themes:
Hakodate Bay Area
Learn U.S.–Japan diplomatic history while walking through historic port neighborhoods
Ōnuma Quasi-National Park
Experience vast nature while observing environmental challenges firsthand
Food & Agriculture in Hokkaido
Visit farms and food production sites to understand climate change and demographic impacts
Students learn how to observe, question, and analyze while having fun.
High School Summer Program in Japan
Japan’s culture is dynamic, creative, and deeply connected to place.
Program experiences include:
Anime & Real-World Landscapes
Walk through real locations featured in famous anime set in Hakodate
teamLab (Educational Exhibition)
Explore art, technology, and creativity through immersive installations
Tsugaru Shamisen (Traditional Music)
Learn about this powerful traditional instrument through live performance and explanation
YOSAKOI Soran Dance Festival Culture
Watch and experience one of Japan’s most energetic summer dance performance
High School Summer Program in Japan
This program is designed and led by graduates of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education.
We built the program that we wish had existed when we were high school students. Having studied and worked across multiple education systems, we believe:
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Learning should be deep, not superficial
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Culture should be lived, not consumed
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Language should connect people, not isolate them
Most short-term study abroad programs stop at textbooks and tourism. This program was built from scratch to go further.
Yukiho Ishigami
After graduating from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Law and working at the Bank of Japan, she earned an MBA and an M.A. in Education from Stanford University. She has worked across global EdTech startups and led the international expansion of AI-powered education products in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also mentors students visiting Silicon Valley from Japan. Co-founder of K&Y Education. During her time as a regional economist in Hokkaido, she built deep local insight and networks that inspired the planning of this program.
Khongi Bat-Ireedui
Holds an M.S. in Learning Design and Technology from the Stanford Graduate School of Education and an M.A. in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University, earned as a Fulbright Scholar, as well as professional certification as a College Counselor from the University of California San Diego. She served as the CEO of a school complex in Mongolia, and developed college counseling programs supporting admission to top universities worldwide. Her background also includes exchange study at Akita International University in Japan and teaching English at public schools in Tokyo.
Emily Liu
Holds bachelor’s degrees in Classical Civilization and English from UCLA, and an M.S. in Learning Design and Technology from the Stanford Graduate School of Education. As a Fulbright grantee in Taiwan, she taught English in elementary, junior high, and university settings, partnering with the Taiwan Ministry of Education to develop pilot English-Medium Instruction initiatives. She currently works with engineering undergraduates as an Academic Advisor at Boston University, alongside conducting AI-assisted literacy research.
Yuma Tokunaga
Vice Executive Director of EdFuture, a nonprofit organization designing global learning programs for high school students across Japan. After working in early childhood education in Osaka, he moved to Ireland to design international study programs. He has led nationwide initiatives in study abroad and inquiry-based learning, sending over 80 students overseas with support from government and international partners. He currently serves as Project Manager for programs in San Francisco and Ireland.
Masakazu Kurebayashi
Born and raised in Hokkaido, and a graduate of Hakodate Chubu High School and Hokkai-Gakuen University. After five years in corporate lending at a regional financial institution, he founded community-based education initiatives focused on regional development and human capital. He currently serves as CEO of a local company and holds board and leadership roles across tourism, cultural, and community sports organizations in Hokuto City.
Why Japan? A Safe, High-Quality Learning Environment for Global Experience
Safety matters as much as academics. Japan offers:
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One of the lowest crime rates in the world
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Exceptional public safety standards
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A culture that values responsibility and respect
Academically, Japan consistently ranks among the top countries globally. This program gives students firsthand exposure to that educational rigor.
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Japan ranked 3rd globally in PISA 2022, while the U.S. ranked 18th (OECD).
Why Hokkaido? Why Not Tokyo?
Tokyo is exciting—but Hokkaido is exciting and ideal for deep learning.
Hokkaido offers what Tokyo cannot:
Even Greater Safety
Lower population density, quieter cities, and a calm learning environment.
Comfortable Summer Climate
Hokkaido’s summer temperatures are comfortable and ideal for outdoor learning. Avoid Tokyo’s extremely hot and humid summer.
Extraordinary Nature
Lakes, forests, and national parks that invite students away from screens and into real-world exploration.
Focus and Community
The program is hosted at a forest‑surrounded residential training center where students live, learn, eat, and reflect together.
A living laboratory for Japan’s challenges
Hokkaido sits at the forefront of issues Japan is grappling with—population change, climate impact, and regional sustainability—making it a powerful place for inquiry.
FAQ
Online Information Session
We host live online information sessions for students, parents and teachers who want to better understand the program’ s academic focus, daily life, safety measures, and logistics. During the session, you will:
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Learn how the program is designed and what makes it different from typical summer programs
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See a sample schedule and academic activities
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Hear about student life in Hokkaido and residential support
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Ask questions directly to the program team
Dates:
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Sunday, March 1 | 5:00 - 6:00 PM (PT)
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Sunday, March 15 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM (PT)
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Saturday, April 4 |10:00 - 11:00 AM (PT)
Contact Us
Have additional questions or want to connect with the program team? Please fill out our contact form or email at info@kyeducation.org and we will get back to you promptly.