News — University of West Florida junior Aidan Enfinger was selected to spend a week in Japan for the Kakehashi Project, a Japanese government-sponsored program that aims to promote mutual understanding between Japan and other nations by fostering personal connections and cultural exchange. An electrical engineering major who successfully completed Japanese 1 and 2, Enfinger was one of five young Hispanic leaders selected for the prestigious program.
“The Kakehashi Project Aidan was selected for is actually the first of its kind by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically designed for young Hispanic American leaders,” said Takami Taylor, lecturer of Japanese at UWF. “It’s an incredible opportunity given to only five outstanding students from Florida, all of whom are expected to make a big impact in the future. Having worked with Aidan for two semesters, I saw firsthand his dedication to learning and strong sense of responsibility. I knew he would represent our university well.”
From Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, Enfinger met with high-ranking officials, visited government facilities and explored cultural and historical sites in Tokyo and Wakayama, including the Meiji Shrine, where he met with Japanese college students, and the Association for Technological Excellence Promoting Innovative Advances, which was particularly intriguing to him as an aspiring electrical engineer. He also attended lectures on Japanese politics, economy, society, history, culture and foreign policy.
“I’ve had an interest in Japanese culture from a young age, as my dad trained in Japanese martial arts, such as Aikido and Judo,” Enfinger said. “I was interested in the trip immediately upon hearing about it, but I was nervous, not only to travel halfway around the world, but to meet so many new people as well. I’m so glad I didn’t let the fear stop me from going because it’s hard to express in words just how beautiful the experience was. Everyone I interacted with, particularly my host family, was so patient and polite, going above and beyond in so many regards despite the language barrier.”
The Kakehashi Project is the North American regional component of the larger “Japan’s Friendship Ties Program,” which intends to promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the various global nations. “Kakehashi” is the Japanese word for “bridge,” and it symbolizes the hope that participants serve as lifelong bridges between their home country and Japan. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and discoveries with their networks at home, helping promote appreciation of Japanese culture worldwide.
“The contrast between Belize (where I grew up), the U.S. and Japan has made me reflect on the cultural, societal and economic differences, really appreciating not only the opportunities I have in life now, but also the connections I’ve made throughout my life,” Enfinger said while reflecting on his experience.
For more information about the World Languages Program at UWF, visit .
For more information about the Kakehashi Project, visit .
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