“FHJ‐Kikkoman Scholarship” High School Exchange Program Return Report Session and Certification Ceremony

August 29, 2025

The return report session and certification ceremony for next year’s exchange students in the “FHJ–Kikkoman Scholarship” high school exchange program, sponsored by Kikkoman Corporation since 1978, were held in August 2025 at the Future Homemakers of Japan Research Presentation Conference, hosted at the Yokkaichi City Cultural Center in Mie Prefecture. This international educational exchange program, conducted in partnership with the nonprofit organization Youth for Understanding (YFU), sends high school students from FHJ (Future Homemakers of Japan) member schools in Japan to live with volunteer host families in the U.S. for one year while attending local high schools. The program aims to foster international understanding and independence through cross-cultural experiences.

Mr. Katsumi Takano (Tokyo Metropolitan Oshukan Secondary School) and Ms. Kotone Inada (Toyama Prefectural Toyama Chubu High School), who participated in the 2024 exchange program, shared the invaluable experiences they gained during their one-year study abroad. At Litchfield High School in the State of Minnesota, Katsumi actively participated in FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) activities. Through local cultural exchange events and volunteer work, he built strong bonds with peers from diverse backgrounds. Notably, he received a gold award for his presentation at the state competition and went on to represent FHJ at the U.S. national conference. At Tooele High School in the State of Utah, Kotone explored a wide range of subjects including childcare, sewing, and art. She also took part in community activities supporting local children and introducing Japanese culture. By experiencing uniquely American events such as NBA games and dance parties, she greatly enhanced her language skills, self-expression, and cross-cultural understanding.

At the certification ceremony that followed, scholarship certificates were awarded to Mihiro Tanaka and Tsuzumi Kitamura, who were selected as the 2025 exchange students. The Chairperson of the Future Homemakers of Japan offered words of congratulations and encouragement, and the room was filled with warm applause.

Kikkoman is committed to nurturing the next generation with a global perspective and will continue supporting this program. We sincerely hope that the cross-cultural experiences gained through this scholarship will empower the exchange students as they step into their futures.