Founded by Hirotsuru Sumire and Hirotsuru Mari, Summer in JAPAN (SIJ) is an award-winning global educational organization located in Oita since 2012. We unite world-class university mentors with youth from around the world to nurture the values, imagination, and leadership that will guide the future of humanity.

The SIJ Declaration

We are living in an era of unprecedented technological change. To thrive in the future, young people need more than standardized tests.

They need radical adaptability to keep learning in a rapidly changing world, cross-cultural empathy to build trust across borders, the courage to fail productively, and the ability to solve complex problems with creativity and compassion.

At Summer in JAPAN, we do not simply teach subjects. We create a safe and inspiring “third space” where young, aspiring students step beyond their comfort zones, engage in bold dialogue with Harvard mentors, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and discover the confidence to express their ideas to the world.

Through Computer Science, Performing Arts, and Public Speaking, SIJ empowers students to turn curiosity into action, failure into growth, and learning into meaningful impact.

We believe the future will be shaped not only by those who know the right answers, but by those who can ask better questions, connect across differences, and lead with courage, imagination, and humanity.

To date, we have invited approximately
⭕ 120 Harvard University students as instructors
⭕ 2500 Elementary, junior high, and high school students to our program
⭕ 9236 people in total joined a variety of our events and activities and broadened their horizon

SIJ 2026 focus

Real-World Problem Solving: The SIJ Capstone Tracks

Our 7-day immersive curriculum is designed to move students from inspiration to creation.

Students arrive with curiosity, ideas, and untapped potential. Under the guidance of Harvard mentors, they collaborate across cultures, challenge their assumptions, and transform their ideas into tangible projects.

Each track concludes not with a simple lesson, but with a public showcase on stage – where students present what they have created, discovered, and become.

Track 1 The SIJ Civic Leadership Capstone (Public Speaking Workshop)
Students learn to express their values, advocate for ideas, and communicate solutions with clarity and conviction.
Track 2 The SIJ Startup Hackathon (Computer Science Workshop)
Students use technology and design thinking to develop practical ideas that address real-world needs.
Track 3 The SIJ Theatrical Production (Performance Arts Workshop)
Students build confidence, creativity, and teamwork through the creation of a live stage performance.

SIJ Programs

Message from Past Participants

Harvard Instructors

“Summer in JAPAN was a transformative experience for both the students and instructors alike. It is an incredible opportunity to work with younger students on all kinds of different subjects. The program was so fun!” – Andy (SIJ ’26)

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that every Harvard student should take advantage of! You get to immerse yourself in a different culture while teaching young students about your own culture! It was a blast not only making lasting connections with the students you teach, but it was wonderful to make meaningful friendships with the other Harvard students and staff that run SIJ!” – Bolu (SIJ ’26)

“I genuinely loved my time teaching at SIJ and I will miss my students dearly! I think students truly leave with strengthened English and CS skills and most importantly, confidence that they can do hard things.” Salaidh (SIJ ’26)

“Summer in JAPAN is an absolutely fabulous program. It allowed me to truly immerse myself in Japanese culture and society by living in a city outside the major tourist areas and gaining unique insight into local life through interactions with students. Most importantly, it was incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of so many young people. Overall, it was a truly worthwhile and enriching experience.” Sean (SIJ ’26)

“Summer in JAPAN is an opportunity like no other! The students you get to teach are incredibly smart, diligent, and excited to learn from you. The program allows you to get closer to the students, ensuring that you learn from them as much as they learn from you.” Simran (SIJ ’26)

“Experience not only the beautiful country of Japan and its gorgeous natural hot springs, interact with talented and passionate students who will become the coders, creatives, and speakers of the future. Summer in JAPAN is THE summer opportunity to share our knowledge and experiences, and be immersed in a one-of-a-kind environment that fosters the generations of tomorrow.” Chengyi (SIJ ’26)

“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