Student Exchange

smiling students with lei and with host in Hawaii and Japan

Every other year, we used to send two female delegates to Japan as exchange students in compliance with a resolution adopted during the Third World Buddhist Women’s Convention held in Honolulu in June 1967. The stated aim of the resolution was “nurturing future leaders for Jodo Shinshu women’s activities through exposure to Buddhist culture in Japan, oriental culture and youth movement and as a mission of good will.”

In the years we didn’t send delegates to Japan, we hosted Japanese delegates in Hawaii. Times changed during the Pandemic, and in 2020, the program was put on hold and Japan also reported that they will no longer send Student delegates to Hawaii until further notice.

In 2024, the Buddhist Churches of America sent their Exchange Students to Japan with the 2024 YBICSE (Young Buddhist International Cultural Study Exchange) students.

We were informed that Hawaii could send our two Students in 2025. Therefore, the selection process began in 2024.

Chad Tsuyoshi Okawa and Lauren Kana Suzuki were selected, with two alternates; travel to Japan was in July 2025. When we receive confirmation of when we can send our students to Japan (2027?), we will be updating the poster and information below. See 2025 Student Exchange Committee report, and Chad and Lauren’s reports in the updated Student Exchange Roster (sorry still being updated) below.

Seeking Delegates for the Student Exchange Program to Japan – 2025

What: Student Exchange Program to Japan
When: Early July 2025 (10 days)
Who: Two Hawaii students, ages 17–23 years old
Why: Be exposed to Buddhist and Asian culture; Be a missionary of good will

How to Apply

  1. Print SE Application (click here) (or obtain from temple offices)
  2. Print also Student Exchange Program Information (click here)
  3. Submit completed application no later than October 31, 2024, to:

  4. BWA Student Exchange Committee Chairperson
    Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
    Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations
    1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI 96813

Applications must be received at the address above by October 31, 2024.

If you have any questions, call 808-522-9200 or contact a BWA member or the United BWA President of your District.

To download the poster, Student Exchange Program Poster updated (click here)

Additional Student Exchange-related Resources