Japan Outreach Initiative and Plains Art Museum (2024-2026 and continuing)
Thanks to the collaboration and dedication of the Japan Foundation and Laurasian Institution, Plains Art Museum hosted Mika Usuki, Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator, for a 2-year experience dedicated to expanding the reach of Japanese culture to the rural areas of our region.
Through JOI, the Japan Foundation and Laurasian Institution bring volunteer Japanese coordinators to regions of the United States where Japanese culture is less accessible in an effort educate and connect the United State and Japanese communities.
Plains Art Museum had the pleasure of working with Usuki while she offered a variety of opportunities to the FM Metro and surrounding communities. As a result of Usuki’s dedication, we have a collection of activities and lesson plans available for free to the public to continue learning about Japanese culture. Usuki extends these resources for use in schools, libraries, museums, community events, and even at homes.