What We Do
Zoom Exchanges
Every two weeks, people in Japan, Ohio, and Western Canada get on a Zoom call together. In Japan it's early morning — 6:30 in summer, 7:00 in winter. In Ohio, it's just before dinner. In Western Canada, it's in the middle of the day. The call lasts exactly one hour.
We talk about social welfare, about what's happening in our communities and lives, about food and fashion and friends. Sometimes we have a theme. Sometimes we just catch up. Always, we learn something.
These conversations are open to anyone with a genuine interest in social welfare and a desire to help make life better for vulnerable members of our communities.
Physical Exchanges
Since 1984, more than 100 people have traveled between Japan, the United States, and Australia to visit welfare facilities, meet professionals, and stay with host families. These visits change people. They come back with new ideas, new friendships, and a different way of seeing their own work.
After a pause due to COVID-19, we resumed exchanges in 2024.
Our most recent exchange — October/November 2024
Two members of our Japan team — A.T., director of an elderly care facility in Ibaraki Prefecture, and K.S., an English and cooking instructor from Aichi Prefecture — visited Athens, Ohio for nine days.
Their reflections:
"It was truly a life-changing experience, filled with moments of surprise and inspiration that I will carry forward in my work and throughout my life." — A.T.
"We had a great time cooking Japanese dishes together. Sharing a meal with people from different cultures and backgrounds was a very special experience for me." — K.S.
Monthly Gatherings
Change happens locally. As part of our efforts to make it happen, we're preparing to start regular daytime gatherings in Karuizawa — part social welfare study, part health and exercise, part culture and anything else fun — open to everyone!
We'll serve sweets and a drink. The conversation will be in English and Japanese. Everyone is welcome.
If you'd like to join us, or help shape what these gatherings become, we'd love to hear from you.