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EAST LANSING, Mich.—Michiko Yoshimoto, Japan Program manager for Western Michigan University's Soga Japan Center has been presented with a 2023 Key Partner Award from Michigan State University Extension. The award is granted annually to those who’ve contributed greatly to MSU Extension and the wider Michigan community. 

Yoshimoto began partnering with Michigan State University Extension in 2010, where she teamed up with the 4-H Youth Development program to prepare kids for trips to Japan. 

When the pandemic started, Yoshimoto continued her work online, where she taught students about Japanese customs, language, music and even how to make origami. This made it possible for kids to explore other cultures, even from their own homes. 

As part of this, Yoshimoto helped create the “Virtual Japanese Golden Week Celebration Series,” where more than 100 participants from 14 different states came together to learn more about Japanese culture and foster a sense of togetherness during a time of isolation. 

Yoshimoto also helped introduce the Japan Outreach Initiative to bring more people and organizations into the project. This led to universities, state organizations and diverse communities across Michigan offering Japanese cultural programs and activities at various locations. Furthermore, she helped develop “4-H in the Kitchen,” “4-H Exploration Days” and the “Japanese Visiting Artist in Kalamazoo County” initiative, which has provided remarkable growth for cultural education and reflects Yoshimoto’s outstanding work. 

The Michitoshi Soga Japan Center, a constituent unit of the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, was founded in honor of the 35 years Dr. Michitoshi Soga spent building long-lasting institutional ties between Western Michigan University and Japan. 

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