Learn More About Our Program
Transform your knowledge of the world and of yourself through a summer exchange program to Japan!
Purpose: The scholarship is designed to foster broader world vision, leadership skills and to develop committed, long-term stakeholders in the community’s relationship with Japan started by the late Mrs. Naoko Shirane about 40 years ago. This program introduces students to the Japanese people, their history, culture and the industries impacting our community. The 18-day educational and cultural program acquaints 4 high school juniors with Japan's iconic cities, plus homestays with families in Kumamoto in conjunction with partner World Campus International.
The scholarship covers round trip airfare, ground transportation, travel insurance, lodging, food and entrance fees while in Japan. Following the tour, the Foundation provides letters of recommendation to accompany students’ college applications by request. Students are expected to promote the program during senior year and attend Japan America Society San Antonio events. All applicants must currently be a US citizen, and a junior in a high school located within Bexar County, Texas who expects to enter senior year in the fall of 2026 in a Bexar County high school. Each student is responsible for purchasing a valid US passport if selected, a small gift for host families and any additional personal spending money while in Japan. The dress code and luggage requirements are detailed at the end of the application.
Requirement:
- Official Transcript from your school
- Personal Essay
- A Letter of Recommendation from Guidance Counselor, Teacher, Administrator, or one non-relative.
- Video Clip to introduce your self and why you applied.
- Character – courteous, mature, flexible
- Interested in submersion experience in Japan: experiencing Japanese food, ceremonies, language, travel, homestay and working for the success of the group
- Before trip to Japan: Required to read materials and write essay on Japanese history, economy, trade, and culture provided t0 the students, the attendance at orientation meetings, Kumamoto En visit and factory tour.
- Upon return to San Antonio: Be a willing exchange
representative, speaking to groups of interested families and students, and interface with visiting Japanese student when in San Antonio. - Upon return, make a short video and write a one-page article on your experience to be published on the Shirane Foundation website, school papers, and newspapers.
 Deadline for both application and transcript: Sunday, January 11th, 2026
Announcement of 2026 Scholarship Recipients: Mid-February, 2026
Overview of the Trip:
The 2026 Trip Itinerary
- Tue. June 2- Depart San Antonio
- Wed. June 3- Arrive TokyoÂ
- Thu. June 4- Tokyo, Visit Keimei Gakuen; the Shirane Family Tomb.
- Fri. June 5- Tokyo, Company visit, Tourism Day: Imperial Palace, Asakusa District-Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya
- Sat. June 6- Shinkansen to Kyoto, Visit Nara
- Sun. June 7- Sightseeing day in Kyoto, Kiyomizu temple, Kinkakuji, Ryoanji
- Mon. June 8- Train to Nagoya. Visit Kaiyo AcademyÂ
- Tue. June 9- Aichi, Courtesy visit with Governor Omura, Aichi Prefecture, tentative
- Wed. June 10-Train to Hiroshima: Miyajima, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Thu. June 11- Train to Fukuoka, tentavive, Train to Kumamoto.
- Fri. June 12- Courtesy visit to City of Kumamoto, Students begin program with World Campus International and Homestay family
- —World Campus International/Homestay family—–
- Sat. June 13- Orientation
- Sun. June 14- Host Family Day
- Mon. June 15- Visit Okuchi Meiko Gakuen Junior & Senior High School, Hot Springs, Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship)Â
- Tue. June 16- Rice Planting, Park Golf Exchange with Local Community
- Wed. June 17- Japanese Cooking Experience, Okuchi Sake Brewery Tour, Visit and Worship Experience at Koriyama Hachiman Jinjya(Shrine)
- Thu. June 18- , Arigato Event Â
- Fri. June 19- Morning Farewell to World Campus International. Depart Japan / Arrive San Antonio.       Â
