When a group of Loyola Marymount University students set off for Japan with students from Claremont Colleges as part of the TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars Program, they carried a mix of excitement and curiosity. This is more than a trip to Japan: it’s the culmination of a semester-long journey of exploring relationships for emerging leaders.
What they found was a cultural exchange that challenged their perspectives, pushed them out of their comfort zones, and created authentic connections that transcended borders. For many of the students, Japan had felt familiar through what they learned through media, history books, or secondhand stories, but expectations of what it would be like were left at the gate. Stepping into the country was a completely different experience. “It blew whatever I thought I would experience out of the water really,” said Bennett Kim ’27, biology major from Culver City, California. “It’s something that I’m very privileged to be able to have had this opportunity to be part of this program. Not many people have had the opportunity to do so.”
Each student had their own defining moment, an experience that shifted their perspective and deepened their appreciation for Japan’s culture and people. For Isabella Andrade ’26, psychology major and Chicana/o and Latina/o studies minor from San Fernando Valley, California, that moment came when the TOMODACHI scholars had the opportunity to meet Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Arfiya Eri. Andrade had the opportunity to sit down with Eri and interview her about getting young people on the path to being a government official. “She is one of the few women in a big government position in Japan. It’s not really as common for women to take on those roles. So, I wanted to ask her how she could promote more women and young people just to be part of the government.”
While the experience was overwhelmingly positive, adapting to a new cultural setting came with challenges. From language barriers to social norms that differed from those in the states, the students had to learn to navigate unfamiliar situations with patience and adaptability. “I’ve definitely developed more patience and more like grace not only for others, but for myself,” said Clarke Hamilton ’26, studio arts major and minor in art history from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “I’m taking everything as more of a learning process and being open to other cultures that are different from mine.”
For many students, the food in Japan became a highlight of their journey, not just because of its taste but because of what it represented. From ramen shops to carefully crafted meals from their host families, each meal was an experience in itself. Ethan Carter, ‘26, double major in political science and Chicana/o and Latina/o studies from Denver, CO, had a special experience with his homestay family. “Oto-san [father], was a fisherman, and he specialized in octopus. There was a lot of octopus being eaten and a lot of seafood in general. I need more of that back in my system.”
After being fully immersed in Japanese culture firsthand, the students had the opportunity to return the favor by hosting students from Sophia University back on their home turf. The scholars’ time in Japan had given them a new appreciation for cultural exchange, shaping the way they welcomed their Japanese counterparts. The students wanted to make the most of the limited time that they had together.
Just as the American students had their moments of culture shock in Japan, the visiting Sophia University students encountered surprises in the U.S. The unanimously decided biggest shock was the legendary portion sizes and heavy food that Americans are known to enjoy. In-N-Out Burger, Randy’s Donuts, and s’mores on the beach are among a few of the items that the Sophia University students enjoyed while they visited.
Now, back in the U.S., the experience continues to shape the LMU students in unexpected ways. Some have found themselves more connected to living a life of purpose and committing to service and justice, while others have developed a stronger sense of global citizenship. “My world was immersed with culture that is outside of the United States and outside of what I felt comfortable with,” said Madelyn Wallace ’27, majoring in women and gender studies with a minor in African American studies from Memphis, Tennessee. “Now I feel more comfortable with international relations and global affairs because I’ve experienced a different perspective outside of the United States.”
When asked to sum up their journey in just one word, their answers ranged from “eye-opening” to “opportunity”to “extraordinary.”All the TOMODACHI scholars acknowledged that it is a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity and these cross-border relationships with the Sophia University students will be cherished forever. Part of the magic of this program is bringing together students who may have never crossed paths naturally and become fully immersed in a new culture.
The TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars Program is more than just a trip, it’s a bridge between cultures, a spark for lifelong friendships, and a foundation for future leaders. It is an opportunity to explore different leadership opportunities that are available on campus and be a representative of your community, LMU, and the United States.
The program is co-directed by Curtiss Takada Rooks, Ph.D., professor of Asian American Studies, and Min-Jung Kim, director of Asian Pacific Student Services. This intentional collaboration between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs supported 16 LMU TISP scholars this year, 14 of whom traveled to Japan over spring break. This year, the program also partnered with the Claremont Colleges, bringing together 14 additional scholars from Pomona, Pitzer, and Harvey Mudd Colleges, co-led by Linus Yamane, Ph.D., professor of economics and Asian American studies at Pitzer College, and Sharon Goto, Ph.D., professor of psychological science and Asian American studies. As part of the program, LMU and Claremont College TISP also hosted a cohort of scholars from Sophia University — a fellow Jesuit institution in Tokyo — in March, further deepening the cross-cultural exchange.
For these students, the journey didn’t end when they boarded their return flight. It continues in their classrooms, communities, and the way they see the world every day. This process is an exchange of oneself and culture. TOMODACHI scholars create authentic and real relationships with each other.
