I had a blast in tokyo and sapporo participating in the kakehashi program as a top performer in the national japan bowl competition

Each year, about the top 10 teams (~30 people) that finish at the Level 4 competition at the National Japan Bowl earn a week-long cultural immersion trip to Japan. I had the opportunity to participate in a homestay program, tour a high school, take part in a traditional tea ceremony, meditate at a temple, go shopping in Harajuku, and even meet former First Lady Akie Abe and Princess Takamado. I’ve formed a lot of deep friendships too that I hope will last many years. I’m not particularly beautiful in these photos, but you can see some photos from the trip on Facebook or on Instagram