Joshua Ikemoto, Tysen Kanamori, Avery Diancin, Kaden Gilbert, Justin Yonemitsu and Wyatt Mio
Yonsei is an non-profit organization that uses the sport of basketball as a way for Japanese American 8th graders to connect with their cultural heritage through a unique two-year experience. Getting onto the team involves a challenging process that includes filling out an extensive application, getting letters of recommendation, writing an essay, participating in basketball tryouts, and an interview with a panel of Yonsei board members.
Once we were selected for the team, we attend monthly meetings, team practices, and bond over activities like boba runs and dance practices. One of the highlights of the program is the cultural exchange—staying with a host family in Japan one summer, then welcoming them to the U.S. the following summer. This year, we’ll travel to Shibata, Japan, from July 23 to August 6, where we’ll play games and stay with local families. We will also have the opportunity to visit the cities of Tokyo, Sendai, and Nikko. The exchange of cultures between our two countries is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we are fortunate to be a part of.
Help support the team by purchasing a t-shirt, raffle tickets, or by entering/sponsoring their golf tournament, and entering VFW in the Y32 Family Name Field during checkout.