UNI is one of just eight institutions selected this year to serve as a host site for a Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) coordinator. Host sites are located throughout the midwestern, southern and mountain regions of the U.S. where there are relatively limited opportunities for Japan-related activities and education.

UNI’s JOI (pronounced “joy”) coordinator, Maoko Umeda, will remain with the Office of International Engagement for two years to raise awareness and interest in Japan. Not only will she host presentations and workshops, but will also travel to increase understanding of Japanese culture throughout the state of Iowa. The position is funded by the Laurasian Institution and the Japanese Foundation.

“I want to be a bridge between Japan and the US,” said Umeda.

Umeda’s presence at UNI builds on the relationship UNI has been fostering with Japan for many years, especially with Yamanashi Prefecture, which is one of Iowa’s sister states. Starting next year, students in Japan will be able to go through a 2+2 program to earn a degree from UNI after spending two years at the University of Yamanashi and two years at UNI. This degree pathway has been articulated for six programs of study: biology, chemistry, environmental science, computer science and electrical engineering technology. Umeda will be highly instrumental in helping attract students to this program and helping UNI prepare to meet the needs of the Japanese students.

“It's going to provide a lot of benefits for us to be able to have someone from Japan here at UNI who can not only help us promote the university, but also to show that we're interested in learning about Japan here too,” said Carolina Coronado-Park, director of international engagement at UNI.

UNI has a long history of working with Japanese universities. Last year, through an honorary Japanese counsel, Coronado-Park was introduced to the Laurasian Institute staff and the benefits of hosting a JOI coordinator at UNI. This prompted Coronado-Park to apply for a JOI coordinator. To her delight, the application was accepted by the Laurasian Institute, Japanese Foundation and General Consulate of Chicago.

Before starting as a JOI coordinator, Umeda worked in local government in Japan with a sister city program. Prior to coming to UNI, Umeda had only ever been to the US for three days when she took a trip to New York. Her dream is to one day call the United States home.

Umeda will remain in the United States year-round for the next two years. Her first few weeks have been filled, beginning with a training for JOI coordinators in Chicago. Not long after arriving on campus, Umeda headed to Des Moines with Coronado-Park to volunteer at UNI’s Iowa State Fair booth. The experience was a brand-new one for her.

“That was a great experience for me,” she said. “In Japan, there was no state fair like in America. So I was so surprised by the very big festival, and that there were so many people and so many people were interested in UNI. Many people came to the UNI booth, and they were all very friendly. So it's a very good way for me to get to know UNI and also make a connection with people in Iowa.”

Coronado-Park is excited for Umeda to settle into her position and be able to answer student questions about Japan as they arise.

“It’s special to be able to bring someone to campus who can collaborate with all of our staff members and bring a lot of excitement to our office,” she said. “I think it brings a lot of good energy for the year. When we are planning our International Education Week, we have an additional person who will be able to promote that and talk to our students. It’s a good feeling.”

Umeda looks forward to getting to know many students and staff members from across campus.

“If you see me at the university, please feel free to say ‘hi’ to me,” she said.