10 Ambassadors Selected to Represent Hawaii at the 2nd Hokkaido Snow Camp Program
Pictured: 2025 HSC - Hawaii Delegation
Back row (L-R): Reyna Kaneko, David Lenoir III, Kaynan Kaha'awi-Palma, Alijah Johnson, Aidan Fitch, Sandy Takeda
Front row (L-R): Nicole Balidoy, Allie Naito, Wehena Hussey-Townsend, Malia McCombs, Tricia Tengan, Charlotte Nakagawa
The Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) is thrilled to announce that 10 outstanding students from Hawaii have been selected as delegates for the second annual Hokkaido Snow Camp Program. These students, chosen for their exemplary character and commitment to cultural exchange, will travel to Japan in January 2025 to take part in this unique and immersive experience.
In 2023, JASH partnered with Japan’s Soshi Educational Group (SEG) to create two collaborative programs: the Hokkaido Snow Camp (HSC) for Hawaii students and the Hawaii Cultural Exchange Camp (HCEC) for students from Japan’s Clark Memorial International High School, managed by SEG. Both programs are designed to promote international understanding, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships among young people from Hawaii and Japan. By hosting camps in both Hawaii and Hokkaido, these initiatives provide students from both locations a chance to explore each other’s natural environments, develop cross-cultural skills, and gain new perspectives.
Over the next several months, the 10 delegates—comprising four boys and six girls in grades 10 and 11—will undergo a specialized training program designed by JASH. The goal is to equip them with cultural knowledge, language basics, and the interpersonal skills needed to represent Hawaii in Japan with confidence and respect. The training will prepare them to serve as Hawaii’s cultural ambassadors, helping them form meaningful connections and share their heritage with Japanese students.
In January, the delegates will meet their Japanese counterparts from Clark High School in Hokkaido, where they will engage in activities aimed at fostering camaraderie and understanding. A key feature of the Hokkaido Snow Camp is snowboarding—a popular winter activity that will introduce Hawaii students to the wonders of Hokkaido’s snowy landscape, likely a new experience for most participants from a tropical climate. Through snowboarding and other outdoor activities, students will learn teamwork, resilience, and an appreciation for Japan’s natural beauty.
This program is about more than just adventure and sports; it’s a transformative experience. JASH hopes that these delegates will return with a heightened sense of social responsibility, having developed skills that will serve them as future leaders in their communities. Through the program, JASH and SEG envision a new generation of young adults who are globally aware, culturally empathetic, and equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.
As Hawaii’s representatives, these students are poised to embark on a journey that will leave a lasting impact on both sides of the Pacific. JASH looks forward to the success of this year’s Hokkaido Snow Camp and the continued growth of this meaningful exchange program.
The 2025 Ambassadors for the United States of America-Hawaii Delegation are:
Alijah Johnson, attends Moanalua High School
Wehena Hussey-Townsend, attends Iolani School
Allie Naito, attends Aiea High School
Malia McCombs, attends Maui High School
David Lenoir III, attends Kalani High School
Tricia Tengan, attends Kalani High School
Aidan Fitch, attends Punahou School
Nicole Balidoy, attends Punahou School
Charlotte Nakagawa, attends Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Kaynan Kaha'awi-Palma, attends Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
They will be accompanied by chaperone Sandy Takeda, who has been actively involved with the JASH Educational programs since her children also participated in the APCC program as JAs.
If you wish to know more about the HSC program, please visit the JASH website at https://www.jashawaii.org/education/hsc, or contact Educational Programs Coordinator Saki Honma at shonma@jashawaii.org.
