PLEASE NOTE:
This page is intended for members of the Okinawa kenjinkai/association in Los Angeles, California.
​Please contact your nearest kenjinkai/association to apply!

If you are an OAA member, please continue reading for eligibility and more information ⤵️
Read the following information carefully. The application process is extensive, so please do not wait until the last minute.
ATTENTION OAA MEMBERS!
The Uchinaa Junior Study Program (formerly the Junior Study Tour) is an annual immersion program that brings middle and high school students to the islands of Okinawa.

Sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government, elected students are given an all-expense-paid trip to study Okinawan history, culture, society, and diaspora, with an emphasis on nature, peace, and identity. Students will also be given the opportunity to interact with Uchinaanchu from around the world as well as students from Okinawa, with the hope that bonds and understandings will develop between overseas Uchinaanchu and their mother island.
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICAGTIONS FOR OAA MEMBERS: 
  • Applicant must be fully or partially of Okinawan descent
  • Applicant’s parents must be current OAA members
  • Applicant must be enrolled in middle or high schooL
    • Between 13 – 19 years old as of April 1, 2020
  • Applicant must have relatives or friends in Okinawa available for applicant’s homestay (a few days)
    • From arriving in Okinawa until program start-date (TBA)
    • From program end-date (TBA) until returning home
  • Applicant must be in good health and able to handle group living

PLEASE NOTE:
This application and deadline are 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.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: TBD
It may be delivered in person, mailed, or emailed, but it MUST be in the OAA office before 4:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time). The application process is extensive, so please do not wait until the last minute.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Each kenjinkai/association may nominate candidates for consideration to participate in the Uchinaa Junior Study Program. The International Exchange Division of the Okinawa Prefectural Government will make the final selections.
Kenjinkai/association membership and submission of application do not guarantee acceptance into the program.

​NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION
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

PROGRAM DETAILS

2024 SCHEDULE
  • Arrival in Okinawa: TBD
    • Homestay at relative’s house from August XX (Tuesday) – August XX (Thursday)
  • Program Period: August XX (Friday) – August XX (Friday)
  • Return to Home Country: August XX (Tuesday)
    • Homestay at relative’s house from August XX (Friday) – August XX (Tuesday)
STUDY PROGRAM
During the program, students will be learning about the following areas in Okinawa Culture: 
  • Natural Studies: Learn about the importance of Okinawa’s natural environment, flora, and fauna
  • History Study: Visit historic Okinawan landmarks, experience history and the charm of the Ryūkyū Dynasty
  • Cultural Study (Traditional crafts, performing arts): Hands-on experience to learn the culture of the traditional crafts and performing arts from Okinawan history
  • Peace Study: Visit historic sites from World War II, and learn about history and peace
  • Social Studies: Experience daily life in Okinawa, understand Okinawa’s current events
  • Immigration Studies: Learn about history of immigration in Okinawa, the Worldwide Uchinaanchu Festival, World Uchinaanchu Day, as well as rediscover one’s Uchinaanchu identity
ASSIGNMENTS DURING PROGRAM
  1. Make a presentation of local area/family’s immigration story during orientation on the first day
  2. Participate in social media, exchange with other participants
  3. Submit survey during program, and a report afterwards
  4. Participate in the after program - Submit report, create a poster that introduces the program
OKINAWA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC. | 16500 S Western Ave #103, Gardena, CA 90247