Summer in JAPAN (SIJ) will be held this year from July 28, 2025 to August 11, 2025 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.

In its 13th year, 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:

Schedule

Dates: From July 28 ~ August 11, 2025 

Location: Oita City, Japan 

Organizer: Summer in JAPAN, General Incorporated Association

July 28 ~ July 31: “Explore Japan”

Arrive in Japan by July 28th, then you will have three nights of paid accommodation for you to freely explore wherever you like in Japan.

July 31 ~ August 2: Lesson Preparation

You will spend two days of preparation and meetings where you will make teaching plans and prepare for the seminar.  Every instructor will lead one Language Arts (English 4-skills) class in the morning, and your choice of Computer Science, Performing Arts, and Public Speaking workshops in the afternoons.

August 3 ~ August 9: SIJ 7-Day English Summer School 

• August 3, Opening Ceremony and Sumire Hirotsuru Special Violin Lesson
• August 9, Closing Ceremony

August 5: Sumire Hirotsuru and Friends Concert 

• The 12th Sumire Hirotsuru Classical Concert, where you can enjoy the beautiful sound of Sumire’s violin. 

TBD: Study Abroad Information Sessions 

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

August 3: Sumire Hirotsuru Private Violin Lesson for three selected SIJ participants 

This year especially, on August 3, SIJ will hold private violin lessons, taught by Sumire Hirotsuru, violinist and co-founder of Summer in JAPAN. For more information, click here.

August 10: SWIM – English Exchange Session Hosted by Oita City 

An educational program organized by Oita City, where Harvard, APU, AIU, and Oita University students, along with SIJ director Mari Hirotsuru, teach English composition and English speech to around one hundred elementary and middle school students.