B’nai B’rith Connect represented the Jewish-American community during the annual Kakehashi Project in Japan, a trip organized by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) aimed at strengthening ties between Jewish Americans, Japan and the United States.

During the weeklong trip, delegates were able to deepen their understanding of foreign affairs as they engaged in meaningful discussions on key issues impacting the United States, Israel and Japan, while fostering valuable connections with diplomatic leaders during impactful meetings.

Delegates spent the first day in meetings with leaders discussing a variety of foreign policy concerns. Delegates met with U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel at the Embassy of the United States in Tokyo and with Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hosaka Yasushi at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they discussed the Japanese-American alliance, defense strategies and what Japan is doing to help the Israeli and Jewish communities amid the Israel-Hamas war. Delegates also visited the Embassy of Israel, where they were briefed by Deputy Chief of Mission Asaf Segev, who shared information about the situation in the Middle East and Israel’s efforts to defend itself from terrorism, the threat of Hezbollah, and the significance of U.S. support for Israel and the Jewish community.

The cohort visited the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial, where participants reflected on the 1995 earthquake that caused widespread destruction in Kobe. They joined the local Jewish community for Shabbat dinner and services at the Jewish Community Center of Kansai. In Kyoto, delegates explored the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Yasaka Shrine, immersing themselves in Japan’s rich cultural and spiritual sites.

Delegates also immersed themselves in the local culture through homestay visits, spending the day with different families in Kobe. These visits allowed the delegates to experience the city through the eyes of locals, enjoying authentic food, daily life and connecting with the community.

Inspired by their insights and findings from their time in Japan, delegates concluded the trip by presenting action plans at JICE headquarters. These plans outlined strategies to cultivate Japanese-American relations upon their return to the states.

Delegates left Japan with a deeper appreciation for the connections between Japan, the U.S., Israel and the global Jewish community. B’nai B’rith remains committed to fostering these relationships through future endeavors and initiatives that promote mutual understanding, collaboration and shared values.