JCMU Japan Center

09/11/2026

Michigan + Shiga = Friends Forever ❤️🇺🇸🇯🇵

We’re proud to be the product of the strong longstanding bond between our our two states.

04/29/2026

Congratulations to JCMU alumnus Andrew Conti on being awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays.

Andrew’s nearly 30 years of service at the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit highlight the vital role our alumni play in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. We are incredibly proud to see his dedication recognized with such a prestigious imperial honor.

In recognition of his contributions to the activities of the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit, Mr. Andrew Thomas Conti will be decorated with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays. The imperial commendation was officially announced on April 29, 2026 (Japan time).

Mr. Conti worked for the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit from 1996 until 2025. Throughout his long service, Mr. Conti’s excellent insights and extensive network in the political and economic fields greatly assisted and contributed to the Consulate's operations.

アンドリュー・トーマス・コンティ氏は、在デトロイト日本国総領事館の活動への貢献が認められ、瑞宝単光章を授与されることになりました。同叙勲は令和８年（2026年）４月29日（日本時間）に正式に発表されました。

コンティ氏は平成８年（1996年）から令和７年（2025年）まで在デトロイト日本国総領事館に勤務しました。コンティ氏は、長年の勤務を通じて、政治経済分野における優れた知見と幅広い人脈により総領事館の業務を大いに支え、多大な貢献を果たしてきました。

04/14/2026

Last week, JCMU’s Samurai Elective Course went on a field trip to Kyoto! Despite the occasional rain shower, they were able to explore the Samurai Ninja Museum, eat lunch at Nishiki market, and visit the historic Nijo Castle!

04/01/2026

Interested in what connections and experiences you might find during a stay at JCMU? JCMU alumni Alex Pervine shares his experiences exploring Shiga on bikes and making friends during his time on the Religion and Society May program. Check out the full article on our website to learn more about his experiences at JCMU and how they have shaped his future goals!

Article Title: Taking a New Path
Author: Alex Pervine

03/26/2026

JCMU Weekly Spotlight: “The Eight Views of Ōmi”
Week 2: “Evening Glow at Seta”

Ashe Burr, one of our Peer Advisors at JCMU, has created a series discussing Hiroshige’s famous ukiyo-e series, “The Eight Views of Ōmi”!
Interested in learning more? Read the full article on our website!

03/18/2026

JCMU Weekly Spotlight: “The Eight Views of Ōmi”
Week 1: “Returning Sails at Yabase”

Ashe Burr, one of our Peer Advisors at MSU, has created a series of articles discussing Hiroshige’s famous ukiyo-e series “The Eight Views of Ōmi”, which depicts several scenic locations throughout modern day Shiga!
Interested in learning more? Read the full article on our website!

03/04/2026

Interested in going to Japan this summer? Apply by March 11th.

Interested in applying? Check out jcmu.isp.msu.edu for more information or to start an application!

02/13/2026

02/04/2026

Recently the Nagahama Junior Chamber of Commerce hosted 11 JCMU students, showcasing various local foods and letting students try on Samurai armor!

01/29/2026

JCMU Program Spotlight - Intensive Japanese Language

Application Deadline: February 13th, 2026

In this 10 credit Summer Program (June4th to August8th), deepen your language skills through a combination of classroom instruction and cultural immersion, taking part in daily language classes alongside cultural activities and opportunities for travel!

Interested in applying? Check out jcmu.isp.msu.edu for more information or to start an application!