Culture & Education

The Consular Office sponsors, cosponsors and/or supports various cultural events in hope of promoting understanding and nurturing interests in Japanese culture in our jurisdiction, Oregon and Southern Idaho. Through our programs and services, we wish to develop a stronger friendship between the U.S. and Japan. We also offer the JET program, Japanese Government Scholarships, Japanese material lending and other services to the public. For further information regarding the programs and services described below, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Also, if you need general information about Japan, please contact us.

Email: bunkaportland@se.mofa.go.jp

Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program

The Application period for the next year's Japan Exchange & Teaching Program will usually open in autumn.
Individuals interested in living and working in Japan are invited to apply for a position with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program.

The JET Program seeks to enhance internationalization in Japan by promoting mutual understanding between Japan and other nations. The Program also helps to develop foreign language education in Japan, and to promote international exchange at the local level through fostering ties between Japanese youth and JET Program participants from around the world. The objectives of the Program are being achieved by offering college/university graduates the opportunity to serve in local governments or in public elementary, junior high and high schools throughout Japan.

The Program started in 1987 with the cooperation of the governments of the then 4 participating countries.

There are two positions offered by the JET Program. Individuals selected to serve as Coordinators for International Relations, or CIRs, will be placed in the offices of prefectural governments, cities and towns throughout Japan. Individuals selected to serve as Assistant Language Teachers, or ALTs, will be placed mainly in publicly run schools or local boards of education.

Applicants for both positions must (1) be nationals of the country in which the recruitment and selection procedures take place, and (2) hold a bachelor’s degree or obtain one by summer. Candidates applying for a position as a CIR must also have a highly functional command of the Japanese language. There are no language requirements for the ALT position. Contracts are typically for one year commencing in late July or early August (special circumstances under Covid-19 situation). They are renewable by mutual consent between the contracting organization and the JET participant for up to two additional years, and in special cases, up to four additional years.

For additional information please visit the program's official website for U.S. Citizens "Japan Exchange and Teaching Program".

• Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (External Link)

Study in Japan

Information on studying in Japan

Information on studying in Japan is published on the " Study in Japan" website with the aim of providing information that is easily-accessible and meets the needs of applicants and students. This site is a government-approved information site for studying in Japan operated by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Study in Japan (External link)

On this site, you can also search for schools, on-campus scholarships or tuition fee exemption systems and short-term study programs.

• Search for schools (graduate schools, universities and junior colleges) (External link)
• Scholarships and tuition fee exemption system (External link)
• Search by short-term program (External link)

If you wish to stay in Japan to work after your study, please visit the "Job & career in Japan" section on the website.

• Job & career in Japan (External link)

Graduate, Undergraduate & Professional Scholarship Opportunities

The Japanese Government offers the scholarships annually to U.S. citizens living in Washington, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska through the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle.

• Scholarships (Website of the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle)

The Japan Foundation Grant Program

The Japan Foundation was established as a special legal entity under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the purpose of promoting mutual understanding and friendship on the international scene. It was the first specialist organization for international cultural exchange in Japan, and it carries out a broad variety of cultural-exchange programs with personnel exchange as their basic premise, ranging from such academic pursuits as Japanese studies and Japanese-language education to the arts, publication, audio-visual media, sports, and general life culture.
For Further information, please visit the link below:

• The Japan Foundation Program Guidelines (External Link)

Japan Promotion Materials

From posters and maps of Japan to detailed brochures on Japanese culture, history and politics, the Consular Office provides information on a wide variety of topics for schools and libraries. We have magazines for in-class use, supplementary books, and a number of specialized booklets and pamphlets. For further information, please contact bunkaportland@se.mofa.go.jp

Japanese Materials Lending

Japanese materials are available for lending at the Consular Office in order to introduce Japanese culture at schools and/or at Japanese exhibitions. Please contact bunkaportland@se.mofa.go.jp

• Material Lending List
• Material Lending Form

Video Library

We have many videos that introduce Japanese traditional culture and modern Japan as well. Please see the list below for more information on available titles. Please fill out the DVD Lending Form and send it to bunkaportland@se.mofa.go.jp

• DVD LIST
• DVD Lending Form

Digital Resources

Web Magazine niponica にぽにか - Discovering Japan

"niponica" is a web magazine that introduces modern Japan to people all over the world, published in Japanese and six other languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) to introduce to the world the people and culture of Japan today. The title niponica is derived from "Nippon", the Japanese word for Japan. "niponica" is published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

• niponica - The latest issue (Web Japan)
• niponica - Back numbers (Web Japan)

JAPAN HOUSE Online Resources

JAPAN HOUSE seeks to foster awareness and appreciation for Japan around the world by showcasing the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, technology, and more.

• Recorded Programs (JAPAN HOUSE)
  Programs include lectures, performances, gastronomy contents, premieres, and panel discussions. You will also find the "Japanese Food Lab" - home cooking series here.
• "Discover"(JAPAN HOUSE)
  Articles and videos all about Japan.

JF Digital Collection

An online platform showcasing a variety of online programs created by Japan Foundation headquarters and its offices overseas.

• JF Digital Collection (Japan Foundation)

EVENTS & NEWS

• Current Events(2/26/2025)
• Online Newsletter "Japan Now"
• Japan's Seafood Delights Unveiled "Recipes"