Summer in JAPAN 2024
with Sumire Hirotsuru & Harvard University Students

SIJ 2024 Program Overview

The annual Summer in JAPAN (SIJ) summer school this year is from July 31, 2024 to August 14, 2024 in Oita, Japan. SIJ as a nonprofit organization was founded by Hirotsuru Mari and co-founded by her daughter Hirotsuru Sumire in 2012.

In its 12th year, this summer we see a collaboration of Harvard and Tufts University students and alumni, along with teaching assistants students from APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, students from Oita University Medical School, and bilingual Japanese university students from AIU International Liberal Arts University. This creates a global educational environment in Oita. Together, they teach students aged 7-18 from across Japan and the world subjects such as computer science, speech, composition, and performing arts in English. Additionally, participants have the invaluable opportunity to learn communication skills, negotiation skills, and advanced presentation skills directly from Harvard students.

During this period, the 11th SIJ Sumire Hirotsuru Classical Concert, which is widely beloved by the public, starts at 19:00 on August 5, 2024.

The Harvard students also give presentations about their campus life, living in America, and research topics to the participants. This event also marks the 12th year of such activity. Each year, the children enthusiastically asked questions in English, indicating a strong interest in studying abroad.

A special program for 2024 includes key points and practical lessons for admission to top universities by a top school admission consultant who graduated from Harvard. 

After teaching English seminar sessions, Harvard students embark on a 4-day tour of Oita Prefecture, experiencing Japanese cuisine, hot springs, and Zen meditation to foster friendships. Over the past 12 years, many Harvard students who participated in SIJ have returned to Oita for their honeymoon or chosen Oita as a family vacation destination, and some have even started careers in Japan.

This is a place where students from around the world meet, Summer in JAPAN English education program, offering an unforgettable summer once again this year!

For those interested, please contact us at:  Summer in JAPAN Email Inquiry

Schedule

Dates: From July 31, 2024 (Wednesday) to August 14, 2024 (Wednesday)

Location: Main Venue / Oita City Summer in JAPAN Main Venue, among others

Organizer: General Incorporated Association Summer in JAPAN

Collaboration: Oita City (Main organizer for events on July 20 and August 10)

Various Events During the Period

① SIJ English Summer School (8/3-8/9)

A 7-day all-English learning environment where top junior and senior high school students from all over Japan and overseas gather. This year’s themes include computer science, speech, and performing arts. The opening ceremony on 8/3 will showcase the appeal of each university, and the final presentation on 8/9 will be an incredible conclusion for the students.

② Study Abroad Information Sessions (8/3, 8/7)

A valuable lecture from an American Harvard graduate and consultant for top school admission will discuss the secrets of admission to top overseas universities.

③ Sumire Hirotsuru and Friends Concert (8/5)

The 11th Sumire Hirotsuru Classical Concert, where you can enjoy the beautiful sound of Sumire’s violin. Look forward to an Erhu performance by a Harvard member. Tickets can be purchased here.

④ SWIM – Exchange Program for Oita Citizens Hosted by Oita City (7/20, 8/10)

A 6th-year educational program organized by Oita City, where Harvard, APU, AIU, and Oita University students, along with SIJ representative director Mari Hirotsuru, efficiently teach English composition and English speech to 100 elementary and middle school students selected through a rigorous lottery process.

⑤ Touch & Feel Japan Tour to Introduce the Charms of Oita to Harvard Students (8/11-8/14)

A 4-day tour held annually for 12 years introducing the charms of Oita Prefecture, from local ingredients and traditional cuisine to hot springs and shrines. Highly praised by Harvard students, it aims to make them want to return to Oita.

Sumire Hirotsuru Biography

Born in Oita, Japan, New York/Tokyo-based violinist Sumire Hirotsuru has multifaceted interests in music, education, and media. She has performed as a soloist at major venues in the U.S. and Japan including Carnegie Hall, John. F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Suntory Hall, and more. In 2019 she participated in a tour with The Knights to Ravinia Festival and Tanglewood Festival with renowned violinist Gil Shaham, where they recorded an album that has been nominated to the Grammy Award 2022. As she enjoys different genres of music, she has collaborated with Bach Collegium Japan to perform baroque violin in Leipzig Gewandhaus and Tokyo Opera City, with Típica Messiez on Argentinian tango to record the new album “Psicoporteño” in Buenos Aires, and with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble for cultural collaborations. In Japan, she has been active as a soloist and has performed with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. As an author of four books, she has appeared as the weekly commentator of the Morning Show on TV Asahi, and served as the Associate Professor at Akita International University and Seikei University. She earned a B.A. from Harvard University in 2016, and a M.M. from The Juilliard School in 2018.

Mari Hirotsuru Biography

Over 30 years of English education experience. Licensed high school English teacher. Waseda University graduate. Head of Dirigo English School, online English preschool Good Habits, and the General Incorporated Association Summer in JAPAN. Author of 13 books, translator of 1 book, and developer of English apps.

About Summer in JAPAN (SIJ)

A nonprofit educational organization established in 2012 by Mari Hirotsuru and Sumire Hirotsuru. The board includes the former President and CEO of Google Japan. The motto revolves around lifelong learning, self-fulfillment, and contribution to society throughout one’s life. SIJ invites Harvard University students as instructors to Oita, Japan for a summer international school, providing children with opportunities to become global citizens and develop their passions for their expertise. Many students who participated in SIJ have subsequently studied abroad.