As the Resident Director of the 2025-2026 Year-in-Japan Program, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who helped to make this year’s program success.

First, to our host families. The home stay experience is one of the greatest strengths of this program. Your willingness to open your homes to students you have never met and welcome them into your lives provides our students with invaluable and unforgettable cultural experiences that they could not have otherwise. Thank you for everything you do to make this program so special.

Second, to the KIEC and Konan University teachers and staff. Many of you have put countless hours and energy into helping each student to have a positive experience here in Japan. It is through your tireless efforts that the Year in Japan Program continues to be a success.

Next, to our students. Thank you for both your willingness to learn and follow Japanese customs and practices, which is no easy task, and also for all the ways that you supported and helped each other throughout the program. It has been wonderful to see all the ways that you’ve learned and grown during your time here in Japan.

I would also like to thank everyone else who was involved in helping our students to have a successful year, from convenience store workers to restaurant owners to club members to neighbors, and especially all of the Konan University students that welcomed and supported and made friends with our students. It is through everyone’s efforts that this program has been and continues to be a success.

For our future students, we look forward to welcoming you to the Year in Japan Program. Here you will find high quality academic study of Japanese language and culture, the opportunity to intimately experience Japanese culture from the inside through a homestay, and unforgettable experiences, memories, and friendships. A life-changing experience awaits you here at Konan University.

Stephen Luft