The Japan Outreach Initiative (J.O.I.) is a joint program of the Global Partnerships Department of the Japan Foundation in Japan and the Laurasian Institution, USA that brings volunteer Japanese coordinators to regions of the United States where Japanese culture has been less accessible.
This two-year program provides JOI coordinators an opportunity to engage their American community in Japanese-theme programming; from lectures to hands-on elementary school activities to events focusing on traditional Japanese art forms.
West Liberty University through the Rollie Williams International Center has been selected as a host site for J.O.I. Program from 2022 through 2024. During this period of time, West Liberty University has hosted, J.O.I. Coordinator: Manami Kawazoe from Kyoto, Japan. Her mission was to promote awareness and understanding of Japan through activities and events for culture exchange, and she achieved this in collaborations with WLU departments, schools visits, workshops with various libraries from WV and OH, programs and events organized with WLU student clubs etc. Some sample presentations that Manami provided include:
- Origami
- Tea ceremony
- Calligraphy
- Furoshiki (wrapping cloths)
- Seasonal events and festivals
- Japanese language
- Pop culture (music, fashion, etc.)
- Food/Sweets/Cooking
- Sightseeing in Japan
- Chopsticks challenge
