2025 JCI Academy in SAITAMA [July 5–11, 2025]
大地くん
From Saturday, July 5 to Friday, July 11, 2025, the 2025 JCI Academy in SAITAMA was held in Saitama, hosted by Junior Chamber International Japan.
From the Obihiro Junior Chamber, Executive Director Mr. Shotaro Kataoka and Auditor Mr. Seigo Kajiwara participated. In addition, many dispatched members were in charge of organizing the event.
Table of Contents
２、Highlights of the JCI Academy
１、What is the JCI Academy?
The JCI Academy is a program hosted by Junior Chamber International Japan where representatives (those expected to become the next year’s leaders) from JCI organizations around the world gather in Japan to undergo training to become leaders who can thrive on an international level.
Through a week of living together—discussing, overcoming challenges, and essentially "sharing the same pot of rice"—the program deepens friendships among the “leaders of tomorrow” from around the world and aims to establish development and world peace that goes beyond their own regions and countries.
This Academy is held annually in Japan. In 2025, its 38th year, the host city was Saitama. In addition to training, participants also experienced events such as homestays with local families and activities to engage with local nature, history, and culture.
２、Highlights of the JCI Academy
Before the opening of the Academy, a prayer ceremony for success was held at Hikawa Shrine. All JCI organizers, members of JC Japan, and participants (domestic and international delegates) prayed for the success of the event and to build unity through shared responsibility and purpose.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Kyohei Ishii, who was dispatched as the Chairperson of the JCI Academy Committee of JCI Japan, gave a greeting.
His greeting in English was very impressive!
This marked the official start of the 2025 JCI Academy!
From the Obihiro Junior Chamber, Executive Director Mr. Shotaro Kataoka and Auditor Mr. Seigo Kajiwara participated.
Each day was filled with various programs, providing many opportunities for learning and growth!
There were also night sessions between programs, where participants deepened their friendships through meaningful exchanges with many peers!
Additionally, the Obihiro Junior Chamber operated a booth at the event.
President Mr. Yoshitaka Yonezawa (center in the photo), Vice President Mr. Shoichi Hamano (right), and Mr. Kota Sasaki (left), who was dispatched as a member of the Public Relations Committee of JCI Japan, also came from Japan to offer their support!
We served our soul food, Tokachi Butadon (grilled pork rice bowl), which was a huge hit and helped energize the entire venue!
On the final day, a graduation ceremony was held to celebrate the achievements made so far and the new or deepened friendships, serving as a grand finale to the Academy.
After returning to their respective countries and regions, participants declared their determination to become global networkers and change the world with their own hands, bringing the 2025 JCI Academy in SAITAMA to a close!
３、Closing Remarks
Congratulations to Executive Director Mr. Kataoka and Auditor Mr. Kajiwara on your graduation!
Also, many thanks and great job to President Mr. Yonezawa and all those who were dispatched to JCI Japan!
With the experiences and learnings from this Academy, the members of the Obihiro Junior Chamber will unite as one and, in line with this year’s main theme—“Let’s Create the World”—forge the future through action, decision-making, and effort!
Thank you very much for reading to the end.
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