Summer in JAPAN (SIJ) will be held this year from July 26 to August 10, 2026 in Oita, Japan. SIJ is a non-profit annual English summer school program which was  founded by Hirotsuru Mari and her daughter Hirotsuru Sumire in 2012.

SIJ is a collaboration between Harvard University students, alumni, and students from three international-focused Japanese universities: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Oita University Medical School, and Akita International University. Together, they are creating a global educational environment in Oita, Japan. Serving students aged 7-18 from across Japan and the world, they teach computer science, public speaking, composition, and performing arts in English. 

For participating students: SIJ creates an all-English environment where you can learn with dynamic instructors, and also study with other students who are talented, highly-motivated, and ambitious.  Participants have invaluable opportunities to learn communication skills, intercultural competence, and critical thinking while also pursuing their own interests in courses and workshops of their choice.

For instructors: By joining SIJ, you can have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Japan while making lifelong connections and developing your talents and leadership abilities.  In addition to teaching, you will be given four days of travel in Japan before the seminar to orient yourself; lots of Japanese lunches and dinners such as ramen and sushi during the seminar; and attend cultural events and have unique experiences. You will also guide enthusiastic youth and inspire them to pursue their studies abroad.

If you are interested in participating in SIJ as either a student or an instructor, please follow the links below:

SIJ Programs

Message from Past Participants

Harvard Instructors

“It’s incredible to realize that we were able to make such a meaningful impact on students in just seven short days. This truly is a wonderful and transformative program, and I’m deeply grateful to the founders and the entire SIJ team and staff for ensuring it exists and runs so smoothly.” – Laurinne (SIJ ’25)

“The group dinners were really fun and a great way to bond with the Japan team/the other instructors. I really enjoyed the calligraphy/flower arrangement lessons as well since it gave us more insight into Japanese culture!” -Donia (SIJ ’25)

“My favorite aspect of SIJ is definitely computer science. This workshop is so fun and the students are always so excited to participate, even wanting to stay on their laptops during break.” Gabriel (SIJ ’25)
See more of our past instructors

Students
“I learned many things such as speaking skill, writing skill and dancing. Dancing in front of others allowed me to discover the joy of expression. I’m looking forward to seeing you again!” Hiroyuki (SIJ ’25)

“講師へ、七日間一緒に過ごすことができてとてもうれしかったです。とてもやさしくて先生方は憧れです。SIJの友だちへ、私は最初緊張していたけれど友達がいたおかげで楽しむことができました。すみれさんのコンサートは全身から奏でる音色が印象的でした。また行きたいです！SIJが終わるのは悲しいけど来年皆さん、また会いたいです。” – Kiho (SIJ ’25)
More comments from our past students