About us
Founded in 2012 in Oita, Japan, by Mari Hirotsuru and Sumire Hirotsuru, Summer in JAPAN (SIJ) is a nonprofit educational organization inspired by the belief that “The best way to predict the future is to invent it”. At the heart of SIJ is a commitment to three lifelong principles: independent learning, personal fulfillment and contribution to society. We believe that no matter how fast or unpredictably society changes, by embracing these principles, you can continue to take risks, navigate uncertainty and shape meaningful futures.
SIJ brings Harvard University students and other exceptional young talents to Oita to lead 8-day English programs for students aged 7-18. Beyond the classroom, university students experience 4 days full of exciting, not-in-the-guidebook opportunities to discover the authenticity of Japan. Our programs also extend into the arts, bringing together accomplished musicians for an annual classical concert led by co-founder and violinist Sumire Hirotsuru.
Participating students broaden their horizons and acquire international perspectives, while university students cultivate creativity and communication skills by acting as leaders in managing all aspects of their classes. More than a summer school, SIJ is a meeting place for cultures, ideas, actions, and friendships without borders.
SIJ’s Vision & Impact
Bridging Local Potential with Global Excellence
We connect global talent with Japan to foster continuous cultural exchange, while delivering impactful workshops that develop young people into future leaders. The friendships and ideas that begin here continue long after the summer ends.
Action-Driven Curricula
Our hands-on programs in computer science, public speaking, and performing arts challenge students to move beyond acquiring knowledge to applying it creatively.
A Legacy of Future Leaders
Some of our young alumni have gone on to pursue their education abroad, while former Harvard student instructors are now pursuing their passions and making a meaningful impact in their chosen fields and communities around the world.
ーMari Hirotsuru Summer in JAPAN Founder/President/ Executive Producer
Q. How is SIJ funded?
A. Founder Mari Hirotsuru and co-founder Sumire Hirotsuru have run the program as unpaid volunteers since 2012, simply because it’s something they wanted to do. From planning the program, to recruiting students, to supporting them on the day and staying in touch afterward, it’s all volunteer work.
Mari Hirotsuru has spent 36 years running her English school with one belief: every child deserves an education suited to who they are, and learning English can help students find and choose, from anywhere in the world, the kind of school where what they want to pursue matches what that school is looking for in a student. Then in 2012, Sumire was accepted to Harvard College straight from public school in a small city in Japan. Rather than keep that experience to themselves, Mari and Sumire wanted to share it with young people across the world. That desire is what led them to start SIJ.
Educational charity can take many forms. Some organizations fund scholarships to cover tuition, while others run free community schools. What matters most to SIJ isn’t financial support, but creating a space where students can encounter learning itself. Regardless of where they’re from, their background, or their financial circumstances, Mari and Sumire want to offer motivated young people a safe institution where their differences, their authenticity, and their inner voice are recognized and embraced, and where they can freely discover a new world That hope is what continues to drive this work today.
