​The Uchinaa Junior Study Program (formerly the Junior Study Tour)
is an annual immersion program that brings middle and high school
​students of Okinawan descent to their ancestral islands.

Sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government, elected youths of Okinawan descent from around the world are given an all-expense-paid trip to learn about Okinawan history, culture, and nature while experiencing daily life alongside local Okinawan youths of the same age group. Through this shared experience, they will build strong bonds and deepen their understanding of their Okinawan roots. At the same time, the local Okinawan students will broaden their international outlook, fostering the next generation that will shoulder the Uchinā Network.

PLEASE NOTE:
This page is intended for members of the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. in Southern California. ​Please contact your nearest kenjinkai/association to apply!
​
Read the following information carefully and fill out the interest form below.
​The application process is extensive, so please do not wait until the last minute.

OAA MEMBER INTEREST FORM

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicant must be of Okinawan descent
• This must be the applicant's first time participating in the Uchinaa Junior Study Program (previously called "Uchinaa Junior Study Program)
  • As a special 2026 exception, applicants who participated in the 2021 or 2022 program can apply this year
• Applicant must be between 12 – 20 years old (as of April 1, 2026) and currently enrolled in middle or high school
  • According to the airline's policy, participants aged 15 or younger might have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or to be dropped off or picked up at the airport (including at connecting airports).
    • In such cases, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to respond appropriately. All costs associated with the accompaniment are to be borne by the parent or guardian.
• Applicant must be in good health and able to cope with the training and group living
• Applicant must be recommended by the president of their local Okinawa kenjinkai (prefectural association) as someone who can shoulder the
  next generation of the Uchinā Network
  • For OAA applicants, a Family Membership is required to apply
• Applicant must make use of social media before and during the program and actively interact with participants from other countries
• Applicant must have access to a personal computer with webcam or a smartphone at home with stable internet connection (parts one and two of the program will be via video conferencing)
• Applicant should have some level of Japanese language proficiency to be able to facilitate active exchange with local participants in Okinawa

OAA MEMBER DEADLINE

MARCH 13, 2026 (FRIDAY)
Please read the eligibility and fill out this form to receive application materials

APPLICATION PROCESS

Each overseas kenjinkai/association may nominate a candidate(s) who will become active in their local community after the program and will grow up to help strengthen ties between their home country and Okinawa. The International Exchange Division of the Okinawa Prefectural Government will make the final selections. (NOTE: Kenjinkai/association membership and submission of application do not guarantee acceptance into the program)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

All forms will need to be submitted in BOTH English and Japanese

• The OAA office can assist with the Japanese application form, but we encourage applicants to first seek help from Japanese-speaking parents, relatives, or friends.
• Two (2) copies of applicant’s passport picture (4 cm x 3 cm)
• One-page essay ("Identity as an Uchinaanchu and participation in kenjinkai activities")

PLEASE NOTE:
This page is intended for members of the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. located in Los Angeles, CA.
​If you are interested in your child applying for this program, please contact your nearest kenjinkai/association to apply.

PROGRAM DETAILS

(Subject to change)

2026 SCHEDULE (Adjusted for Pacific Daylight Time)

• Part 1 (ONLINE):  Saturday, June 27, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Part 2 (ONLINE):  Saturday, July 18, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Part 3 (OKINAWA):  Sunday, August 2 – Saturday, August 8 (7 days)

STUDY PROGRAM
During the program, students will be learning about the following areas in Okinawa Culture: 

• Nature Study: Learn about the importance of the natural environment of Okinawa, its flora, and fauna
• History Study: Learn about historic Okinawan landmarks, history and the Ryūkyū Dynasty era
• Culture Study: Learn about traditional crafts and performing arts born from Okinawa's history
• Peace Study: Learn about the history of the war in Okinawa and think about peace
• Social Study: Learn about the daily life and the current social situation in Okinawa
• Emigration Study: Learn about the history of emigration in Okinawa, the Worldwide Uchinaanchu Festival, and Worldwide Uchinaanchu Day while reaffirming Uchinaanchu identities

​ASSIGNMENTS DURING PROGRAM

• Present the immigration history of your family, region or kenjinkai/association where you live
• Participate in social media (SNS) and interact with other participants
• Answer questionnaires and submit study reports during the program and submit program feedback after the program

OVERSEAS YOUTH LEADER

The Overseas Youth Leader will draw on their experience from participating in previous Junior Study Tour programs and/or Uchinaa Junior Study Program. To ensure the program to runs smoothly, they will be treated as a staff member. Specifically, their responsibilities will include helping to coordinate the program in advance through online meetings with the team, actively interacting with other participants on social network services before the program, and facilitating communication during the Program.

ELIGIBILITY & QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicant must have Okinawan ancestry
• Application must be a past Uchinaa Junior Study Program participant (2012 – 2019, 2023 – 2025)
• Applicant must be between 20 – 30 years old (as of April 1, 2026)
• Applicant must be in good health and able to cope with the training and group living
• Applicant must be recommended by the president of their local Okinawa kenjinkai (prefectural association)
  • For OAA applicants, OAA membership is required to apply
• Applicant must possess a daily conversational level of Japanese language and speak the language of the country where they currently reside
• Applicant must have access to a personal computer with webcam or a smartphone at home with stable internet connection (parts one and two of the program will be via video conferencing)​
• Applicant must make use of social media before and during the program and actively interact with participants from each country​

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

All forms will need to be submitted in BOTH English and Japanese

• The office can assist with the Japanese application form, but we encourage applicants to first seek help from Japanese-speaking parents, relatives, or friends.
• Two (2) copies of applicant’s passport picture (4 cm x 3 cm)
• One-page essay ("What is necessary for the succession and development of the Uchinaa Network?")