OCA Operation Policy
Organizational structure:

OCA operates as a program under the direct control of MRA Foundation

Policy:The goal of OCA is to foster global leadership through interaction with local
communities and cross-cultural exchanges with other countries.

Budget for Activities:

The budget for activities is based on the annual budget of the MRA Foundation,
which is financed by its endowment and management of basic assets.

Annual Budget

OCA activities and the expenses of the fiscal years 2019 (actual)and 2020 (budget) are as follows:

時期

プログラム

FY 2019 (Actual)Thai Student Study Program

543,732

900,000

July

Onigiri Friends Project

681,0010

September

Summer Camp

185,138

209,000

October

Overseas Volunteer Project0

680,000

NovemberJapan Thai Students Northern Thailand Study Tour

1,165,416

1,222,000

November

Asian Beat Project

1,796,250

1,722,000

DecemberChristmas Party

18,495100,000

School Project

1,193,251

1,500,000

Donations to Mae Kok Foundation, Ban Rom Sai

800,000

800,000UWP Japanese Participants Support

500,000

1,000,000

Overseas Travel Expenses

815,200

1,804,000

Outsourcing Resources

3,319,950

3,757,000

General Expenses

1,734,131

2,500,000

667,903

600,000

13,420,467

16,794,000

Total(Yen)

Off Campus Activities under MRA Foundation

FY 2020 (Budget)May

OCA Report Printing Costs

OCA Report 2019

Steering Committee:

Sato, Kehara, Koseki, Takahashi, Shimizu, Adachi, Agatsuma, Takizawa, Koinuma,			Okumura, Kitano, Akiyama, Shimabayashi, Kanbe, Mitsuya

How to Join:

OCA does not have a membership system. No membership fee is required.
Information on OCA activities are available on the MRA Foundation website.
Please contact us from the website.

Contact:
OCA International Exchange Program, MRA Foundation
4-9-17 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Telephone 03-3445-5111, FAX 03-3445-5112
Website:http://www.mrafoundation.or.jp/

Having Fun ・Making Friends・International Exchange

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What We Want to Do!
1) What are MRA and OCA?

Action Goals

song and dance. Every year, members from Japan, Taiwan,

MRA is an acronym for Moral Re-Armament. Following

and Korea create a show and perform at universities andWorld War I, Dr. Frank Buchman advocated for theorphanages in Asian countries. We are able to foster

establishment of a peace movement known as the Oxford

friendship by creating performances and traveling together.

Group. After World War II, a“World Conference”was held at
Caux, Switzerland to facilitate the "Reconciliation of Germany

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②Thai Students Japan Study Programand France" and unity among Asian nations, including Japan.

Under this program, students from Chulalongkorn

The goal of the group was not to advocate for the military re-University, Chiang Mai University, and Mae Fah Luangarmament during the Cold War, but to re-arm the world with

University in Thailand come to Japan to interact withmorality. This is the starting point of MRA activities.

Japanese university students, and also stay with Japanese

Later, MRA expanded its activities in the United States tohost families. Japanese and Thai students who meet throughinclude an educational foundation called "Up with People,"

this program participate in the Northern Thailand Tour

whose goal was to educate youth through performing musical

Project together.

shows throughout the world. In Japan, the "MRA House" wasfounded to support projects that promoted international
understanding and to develop international leaders.
OCA, an acronym for Off Campus Activities, was createdunder the auspices of the MRA Foundation in 1971 with

③Northern Thailand Tour ProjectJapanese and Thai students visit Chiang Mai University,
May Fah Luang University, and orphanages to learn about thecurrent situation in northern Thailand.

the goal of promoting international exchange and student
exchanges in Asia. The program began with Japanese

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④Northern Thailand Orphanage Support

university students visiting their counterparts in Southeast

We support an orphanage for the hill tribe in Chiang

Asia, and has continued for close to 50 years conducting

Rai which is run by Mae Kok Foundation, and Ban Rom

international exchange activities among young people in

Sai Orphanage for HIV-infected children in Chiang Mai. In

Southeast Asia, Korea and Taiwan.

addition to sending donations, we participate in annual

2) What is Our Purpose?
We would like to share the following ideas and ways of life
with others through the international exchange program:① Make close friends throughout the world and think ofvolunteer activities.
⑤Up with People Participation Support
Every year we help two young people participate in the Upwith People program.

the world as our home.
② Expand our views about world events and voice our
opinions.

⑥Onigiri Friends ProjectOverseas alumni of Up with People visit Japan to③ Listen attentively to our hearts and follow our own

experience the country by staying with Japanese host

voices in honest ways.

families.

④ Recognize that each person is different, accept diverse
values, and love people as they are.
⑤Care and think about people’s feelings

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What We Want to Do! Action Goals. ........................................ 2
Asian Beat Project....................................................................... 3
Participation in Up with People................................................ 7
Onigiri Friends Project................................................................ 9Thai Students Japan Study Program.....................................12
Northern Thailand Tour Project.............................................15
Northern Thailannd Orphanage Support Project..............19
School Project............................................................................21
The New MRA House................................................................22
OCA Management Policy.........................................................23

OCA Report 2019

We provide a school program,“World Dance Classroom,”⑥ Think about what is right rather than who is right.

and visit elementary schools all over Japan to enhance⑦ Always think of others and ways to help society.

interest in the world and understanding of diversity among

We want to embrace these ideas as we interact withyouth. In 2019, we visited 43 schools.

others, enjoy daily life, and live our lives.

3) What are Our Programs?

4) How to Join Us?
Please join us if you agree with the purpose of our

OCA runs the following programs in cooperation with

programs. The activity schedule and application requirements"Common Beat," a group that endeavors to create a society

will be posted on the following MRA Foundation andthat recognizes diverse values and fosters the development

Common Beat.

of individuality through activities based on personal
expressions:

MRA Foundation①Asian Beat Project

Common Beat

This is an international exchange program rooted in

1⑦School Project

https://www.mrafoundation.or.jp/
https://commonbeat.org/
OCA Report 20192

October
The Beginning of the Great Thai Tour

Asian Beat Project 2019
Asian Beat Project Thai Exchange TourThe 10-day tour to Thailand included many new members.
Our goal was to recognize each other’s diverse values and build

October 26〜November 4friendships through song, dance and play. We spent invaluable
time interacting with the local people, but cast members also
got to know each other by spending a lot of time together andexpressing our emotions openly. The members representeddifferent ages and backgrounds, and we learned importantlessons, finding ways to communicate and laugh even though wewere not able to speak in the same language.

Even if we can't see the road ahead, everything in nature will change. What can we do?

Crossing the Laos and Myanmar Borders

meditation dance. Thailand is known for its beautiful nature andWe crossed the Laos border by boat. The "Golden Triangle" where

wildlife. In Chiang Rai, we enjoyed interacting with elephants andthe three countries meet was an area for drug trafficking in the past but

doing“radio physical exercises”in the mornings along the river.

is now crowded with tourists. When we walked across the Myanmar
border, some members felt a change in the air and atmosphere, andInteracting with Children through Singing and Dancing

some felt fear. Crossing national boarders was a new experience

We visited two orphanages, Ban Rom Sai in Chiang Mai and Mae

for members from Japan, which is an island nation. We had valuable

Kok in Chiang Rai. Although our stay at Ban Rom Sai was short, weconversations about the border with cast members from Korea.

toured the facility and learned about their operation. It was a time tothink about what kind of support we can provide in the future. When

Thai Cultural Experience

we interacted with the children, they demonstrated their dance

During the middle of our tour, we experienced a Thai

The last full show. Our best performance after working hard and overcoming struggles!

saying "Watch our dance!" The children held our hands and hugged"meditation dance." The dance took place in a serene facility

us until we parted. It was difficult to say goodbye to them.

just outside the city of Chiang Mai. We experienced stillness andWe stayed at Mae Kok Foundation in Chiang Rai for 3 days andmovement throughout our bodies from a Thai instructor. Members

enjoyed playing games and floating lanterns on the river. The castvoiced appreciation for having the time to refresh themselves

members thought about ways to interact with the children; it was

during the busy tour schedule. We were also able to connect withimpressive that they were smiling and interacting with the village

people from the Philippines and Israel who participated in thepeople.

Thai tour: 11 Japanese, 2 Koreas, 4 OCA staffs, 17 people in total
1

2

Not Understanding Each Other’s Languages is Fun

Yuka Shimabayashi

1 night and 2-day summer camp. The cast members from Taiwan,
South Korea, and all over Japan met for the first time. Since half of themembers only spoke their native languages, it was difficult for themto introduce themselves and share their feelings about the tour. But
everyone tried their best to communicate and this helped create andMy name is Yuka Shimabayashi, a staff member of thestrengthen a sense of fellowship. Unfortunately, members from Taiwan

Asian Beat Project. I had another wonderful experience thiswere not able to participate in the Thai tour, but we kept in touch after

year with friends from other countries.

the summer camp, shared photos and maintained our connection.

Here is my report!

3

4<Summary of Our Project>■Schedule
Summer camp: September 7th (Sat) to 8th (Sun) - 1 night 2 days
Main tour: October 26th (Sat) - November 4th (Mon) - 10 days
■Location
Summer camp: Tokyo Main tour: Thailand■Participants
Summer camp: 7 Japanese, 7 Taiwanese, 2 Koreans, 4 OCA staff,
20 people in total

3

OCA Report 2019

Our "Make The Wave." What wonderful waves can be created!

① Thai food! "Sweet, sour, and spicy." Warm hospitality at Mae Kok Foundation ② At the border of Myanmar, Laos, andThailand. Appreciating being born in this era. ③"OSHO meditation" dance. Facing ourselves, sometimes intensely and quietly.
④The world we only knew through pictures is warm and gentle. So grateful!
OCA

Report 20194

3 days. Our connection will continue.

Children in an orphanage. "Say cheese!"

Asian Beat Project 2019 Participants
Japan(11)

Sam

斎藤 雄介
Gunma

Performance at the University

Mickey池崎 みゆきKagoshima

Rappi

中田 剛史
Tokyo

Afo

穂山 由佳
Osaka

Kazuma

上田 一真
Tokyo

Seiga

菊地 星雅
Akita

Fah Luang University, we thought about what we needed to do to

It is not easy to create a 45-minute original show in a very short

so that the audience would enjoy our show. As a result, each castperiod. Our time was limited to the summer camp, rehearsal camp,member performed with energy and confidence. We needed toand free time during the tours. On the second day of the tour, weshare each other's feelings to perform and become one team. The

performed at Chiang Mai University, and group members did not haveclassroom, with a capacity of 400 seats, was filled with students andmuch confidence because we hadn’t established good teamwork

they participated in the performance. Some students came dressed

yet. But while singing a song in Thai, Korean, and Taiwanese, we saw

for Halloween. At the dinner party following the show, some castsome students crying. At the end of the performance, the audience

members who had not been comfortable speaking English became

got excited and everyone climbed up onto the stage to join the lastactively engaged, and there was excitement at every table. This would

dance. During the rehearsal before the final performance at Mae

have been impossible to imagine during the first half of the tour.

Rimi

斎藤 理美
Osaka

Nari

藪 咲英

Osaka/Nagoya

Usagi

宇佐美 誠
Gunma

Tsubame

久保 綾乃
Osaka

Korea(2)Wong san이원규

Lee Wongyu

Hikaringo

松村 ひかりOsaka

Taiwan(7)Juhong

Eric

김주홍

杜哲旭

Kim Juhong

DU, ZHE-XU

Lily

何安雯

HE,AN-WEN

Una

呉悠悠

WU, YU-YU

Taiwan(7)We are all friends if you join to sing and dance together! It is awesome that we canlaugh together even if we do not understand each other’s languages.

Twice as many students came! (LOL) Khup kun ka!

2020 Asian Beat Project

Our next trip will be Indonesia! Nine days, from November 21st (Sat) to 29th (Sun)!

Betty

呉珮伃

WU, PEI-YU

Our next trip will be Indonesia! Nine days, from

Lisa

何安淳

HE, AN-CHUN

Sharon薛嘉萱

HSUEH, CHIA-HSUAN

Abi

林宣妗

LIN, XUAN-JIN

Staff Member(4)November 21st (Sat) to 29th (Sun)!We will bescheduling hands-on orientation sessions in various
locations throughout Japan and other Asian countries
in order to recruit cast members. If you are interested,
please join us. The group is limited to 40 people. Join
us in experiencing our cultural exchange tour through
Takahashi sansongs and dance! Please go to the OCA website or the

高橋 信幸

Common Beat website for further information.

5

OCA Report 2019

When you point the camera, so many people are It is a country where people tend to be shy but friendly, making
there!
us want to visit again.

Chiba

Ted san

我妻 宣忠kanagawa

Moppi

三矢 楓
Kyoto

Yukachin

島林 由香
Fukuoka

OCA Report 20196

Participating in Up with People

Participation in Up with People

and sense of accomplishment when I completed the show andworkshop. I was also moved by the kindness that I received

Kaede Mitsuyafrom people.
The joy of meeting people and expressing myself throughdancing – something I had always been interested in - exceeded

What is Up with People?

my expectations. But, what influenced me the most were theUp with People is an educational program that educates young people to be world citizens who are able tomany educational components such as community action andplay an active role in the international community. About 100 cast members from nearly 20 countries around

I participated in the 2019 Cast A. I love dancing and travelingworkshops. I was most affected by a workshop called "hunger

the world gather to perform, stay with local families, and volunteer for 5 months while traveling through thearound the world and decided that I wanted to join whensimulation" involving 100 cast members, simulating world

I found out about this program. After four long years, myhunger. We gathered together in a room where 20 people ate

dream finally came true. I spent a rich and intense four anda full course meal, 30 people ate one plate of beans and ricea half months travelling, studying, meeting new people andand a glass of water, and the remaining 50 shared 2 liters of

performing. Jumping into the world of different languages andwater and two plates of beans among themselves. At the end,

cultures, I was a bit nervous at the beginning and experienced

the leftover meals of the 20 wealthy people were thrown away

emotional turmoil. This is why I was happy with my own growthin front of everyone. Intellectually, I knew that was a lot of foodworld. OCA provides support for those who want to participate in the Up with People program.

waste and that many people suffered from hunger in the world,

Riko Kimura

but I will never forget the shock I felt when I participated in thesimulation. I experienced a real sense of world hunger by being
with the diverse cast members and engaging in dialogue withthem. The world became more personal and I am more awareof my actions as a Global Citizen. Until this experience, I liked

One of my motivations for participating in the tour was to findthe world, but I did not feel personally involved. Now that I

out if“music can enhance people's happiness." To answer thishave friends and family throughout the world, I feel connected

question, I interned as a sound engineer. This is because soundto all the events that are occurring throughout the world.

engineers are able to observe both the audience as well as the
Because of the program, I began to think about what I can dostage objectively. Interns can study public relations, business
management, and dance by working with the staff who support themembers. I was able to adjust the sound using an application

for the world, believing in my own power no matter how weak

program.

which regulates the sound according to the size of the venue, as

it may be, and I feel that I have gained the ability to express

The sound engineer installs and operates the audio equipment

well as the direction and height of the speaker system. There are

my opinion and feelings, as well as the power to actualizein the venue. I wondered if it was possible to adjust the sound forvarious ways to operate the audio equipment. I was once asked

my ideas. I am now in charge of planning and managing

everyone so that it wasn’t too loud or too quiet for some audience

to operate it for an acapella performance and learned about theinternational exchange programs such as Asian Beat. In thismeticulous work that is involved

position, I am able to support others who want to experienceand how minor changes in volume

the world, and I am grateful for the opportunity to use myand sound quality affect the way

experiences. I hope to think of the world as a part of myself

the singers perform.

and act as a bridge to help people grow as they connect withThis internship taught me thatthe world.

detailed work involving soundequipment can improve thehappiness of the performer andaudience. The tour also made me
realize that not only music, but
cultural exchanges can go beyond
words in connecting people.

7

OCA Report 2019

OCA Report 2019

8

July

ONIGIRI Friends ProjectWorld ONIGIRI Friends Project 2019

cast members emerged, saying, "I want more children to dream ofto be involved." "I was impressed that the young people worked

traveling." "I want to tell the children who live in a small world thatso hard." "Singing and transcending words are great." Such warmit’s up to them to expand their world.”Some cast members were

feedback made me feel so glad for having continued this project.

Onigiri Friends Project

good at singing and dancing, and some were not. Each year, theJuly 17～31

performance is different because it depends on the skills of each ofCast Comments

the cast members. I enjoy getting to know how each member has

・I used to love learning about new cultures, but I loved it moreunique skills, and different individualities and values. We can neverwith this project! I had a really great experience, so I hopepredict what kind of performance we will end up creating. However,more people will join. I think this program is valuable in terms

this "creation process" is important, because it strengthens the unityof connecting cultures, countries and people. (Marius Germany)of the team and embodies the fact that we can understand each・ By participating in this project, I was able to reaffirm theother even if we don’t speak the same language

meaning of traveling in different cultures and meeting new
people. That's because I've turned off the internet for theInteraction with Brazilian High School Students

past two weeks and valued the time I faced myself andMany Brazilians live in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture. Somethe person in front of me. I learned the importance of living

Brazilian high school students do not understand Japanese.

simply. (Tylene, America)

We did an activity called "Take A Stand" and asked them to

Host Family Comments

look at the world from a broad perspective, asking themselves

・ I learned that it is important to just accept differences among

why they are in Japan and whether they can change theother people, even if the culture and language are different. I

world. Cast members and high school students had a great

was able to talk about politics, religion, and family relationshiptime dancing, miming, and thinking and laughing together.

that I hadn’t been able to talk about before. I was able toconvey my thoughts and listen to others. I was impressed withAn Inspired Goodbye Party

the idea of world peace, which is embraced by the Onigiri

Member’s host families and Common Beat gathered for a final
Farewell party in Gunma! Even though our nationalities, ages, and languages were different, we got to know each other in a week!

Yuka Shimabayashi

compared the rice balls because each one tasted different. We

importance of communicating with others. Even if we couldn't

enjoyed a pleasant meal, cast members played with children,

understand each other’s language, the participants enjoyed theirand we performed the final show. It was the most memorable

stay with their Japanese host families, and many commented

performance we have ever had. People who watched said,“Thethat "Hospitality (Omotenashi) is amazing!" Although our stay

performance brings peace.”“I was really moved, and it was goodJapanese culture, such as visiting Kokugakuin University to get achance to experience Shinto and traditional Japanese dance.
I am Yuka Shimabayashi, the leader of the World ONIGIRIFriends Project. This year marked the third year of thisproject. I would like to introduce our activities, thoughts, andimpressions of the participants!

・ Even if I didn't understand the words, we were able tomade rice balls. Even though the same ingredients were used, weare graduates of Up with People, and many were aware of thein Tokyo was short, the three-day experience was filled with

Friends Project. Also, the show was so great! (Mr. Imai, Gunma)party in Gunma with a total of 60 people. Before the party, we

communicate with each other in various ways, and now
when I look at foreigners, it makes me want to talk to them.
It was less than a week for both children and adults, but I
can say that the days were full of great progress in my life.
(Mr. Kubota, Gunma)①Collaborating in nature, cutting bamboo for“flowing somen,”and mowing grass !! ②Many“first experiences”in life! Enjoying Japanese food with the host family. ③Creatinga performance that only we can do? Starting to get to know each other! ④Game in 3 languages! It took 3 times longer than usual, but 3 times more interesting than usual!!

1

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6-day Stay in Nakatsugawa
The real pleasure of this project is being able to experience bothurban and rural surroundings. Nakatsugawa is a town rich in nature, andwe were blessed with the opportunity to perform at a Kabukiza called<Summary of the Project>■ Period: July 17 (Wed) -31 (Wed) 2 weeks＊During the period, we home-stayed with Japanese families■ Location: Tokyo, Nakatsugawa (Gifu), Gunma■ Participants: 15 people, 6 countries (US, Korea, Belgium, Germany, China, Japan)

It is important that the“program is created by everyone”

Tokiwaza, an important cultural property and historical theater. We had
an opportunity to meet local people and children. Our performance wasalso a good opportunity for local people to visit the Tokiwaza theaterand for the children to get in touch with traditional culture.
3

The Mixing of Diverse Cultural Values
In the process of creating a performance from scratch, we set

Initially, we focused on activities such as team building toaside time to think deeply about the message that we wanted toconvey the importance of being proactive rather than being

convey to the Japanese people. There were opinions such as, "I

passive. I spent time explaining the origins of the program, whyknow that people are so busy that they do not have time to spend

this program has continued, and my appreciation for the people

with their families. I want to ask people what is important to them.”

who have supported the program. Most of the cast members

An important moment in preparing for the program was when the9

OCA Report 20194

OCA Report 2019

10

May
Future Plans

in the two weeks – something that cannot be experienced during regularI started this project because I had participated with Up with People

travels. I hope that this project will continue to provide opportunities forand was really happy to have spent time with host families and makepeople to meet each other and add interesting spices to their lives. If you

friends with castmates all over the world. I wanted people to be able toare reading this, it’s your turn now. Please invite cast members to yourexperience the same in Japan. A lot of heart-to-heart exchanges take place

local community. Let's create a wonderful program together!

Thai Students Japan Study Program Thai
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

May 22～31

A heartfelt performance that comes from the joys of understanding differences. This is where world peace begins.

Participants of the Onigiri Friends Project, Up with People year of participation
Cast

Cast

Cast

Cast

Visit Osaka Castle

Cast■ May 23
We visited to Osaka University and received a special lecture on"Globalization and Economic Development" from Associate Professor Kato of

Koji Okumura
Danielle

GG

United States

Belguim

B18 & A19

Cast

B16

Santa

United States

AB17&B18& A19
Cast

Cast

TyleneMarius

B18 & A19

B16

United StatesCast

the Faculty of Economics. After that, we visited Osaka Castle with students
from Osaka University. In the evening, we had a social event at a“kaitenzushi”
a restaurant where sushi is served on a revolving conveyor belt.
With Kwansei Gakuin University students

Germany

Cast

This year, 12 students and one professor from Chulalongkorn University
participated in the 10-day study program that took place from May 22nd to the
31st. The goal of this program was to deepen understanding of Japanese culture
and life through exchanges between Thai students and Japanese university students.
The group visited Kwansei Gakuin University in Hyogo and Osaka University in

JiaYu

Goun

China

South Korea

B18

Cast

MK

Staff

MichaelUnited States

United States

B15 & A16

Staff

Liam

United States

B17

Staff

B18 & A19

Staff

Osaka, experienced homestay in Nakatsugawa, Nagoya, and visited Chuo University,
Saitama University in Tokyo. About 85 Japanese participated in the program.
■ May 22
This year, we held an exchange with Kwansei Gakuin University for the first time.
Professor Kurita of the Faculty of Economics and 17 students from his seminar welcomed
the group and took them on a field trip in the community. Thailand has the same aging
problem as in Japan, and we visited a geriatric facility which employs the latest elder caretechnology. We also visited the Nishinari area, a low-income neighborhood that is home
to people who were left behind by Japan's rapid economic growth. During dinner at an

Erika

United States

11

OCA Report 2019

Yuka

Project Leader
A&B16

Poco

gunma Cordinater
A14

Yuki

Nakatsugawa Cordinater
B18

Sae

Film Crew
B17

Izakaya (tavern), the students reported their experiences of walking in pairs and projected
photos of their time together. Some students couldn’t talk because they became tearfuland emotional. It was a great opportunity for students to interact in an open atmosphere.
OCA Report 2019

12

1

2

May Thai Students Japan Study Program
Thai Student Visit Training Program

Participants of Thai Student Japan Study Program

3

4

6

5

7

Professor
SomboonMy students and I had
108

valuable experiences①With the host families of Nakatsugawa② Wearing costumes from the Warring States
period at Tsumago③With Nakatsugawa host family④ With Ambassador to Japan Bansarn Bunnag⑤Courtesy visit to the Thai Embassy in Japan⑥At Chuo University Campus⑦ With Professor Komoriya, Faculty of
Economics, Chuo University⑧At the Saitama University Campus⑨At teamLab Borderless⑩At teamLab Borderless

9on this OCA program.
Although I have been

in Japan several

times, the program
cannot be comparedwith my other visits.
Thank you to the MRAFoundation, steeringcommittee (Takahashi,
Boo-chan,and Ted) andFaculty of Economics of■ May 24

using software on their mobile phones.

the various universities

We walked through the streets of the historical town of Tsumago along■ May 29

activities.

the Nakasendo highway where the Edo period town has been preserved.

In the morning, the group paid a courtesy visit to the Thai Embassy in

We were guided by Mr. and Mrs. Okada and Mr. and Mrs. Mori, whoJapan. Ambassador Bansarn Bunnag welcomed the group at the door andarrange host families every year. At night, we stayed at a "guest house”

talked about the strong connection between Thailand and Japan for anwhich was designed by local high school students and enjoyed a BBQ

hour and a half. Students from Chulalongkorn, Chuo and Saitama universities

party with people from the local community. Thai students cooked their

participated in this event. In the afternoon, the group visited“teamLab

national food with Thai flavors and ingredients purchased in Osaka.

Borderless”in Odaiba which has been attracting worldwide attention.

■ May 25

■ May 30

A welcome party was organized by host families who have been taking

The group visited Saitama University. The Japanese students

care of Thai students every year. The families brought home-made foodgave an introduction to student life in Japan, and the Thai students

for the party, which was held in the garden of Mori-san’s home. Twelve

introduced life in Thailand simulating a game using mobile software.

host families and their children met the Thai students and then took themAfter that the Saitama university students guided the group throughhome with them. The students, although initially nervous in the beginning,

the historical town of Kawagoe from the Edo period. At night, atruly enjoyed their experience of living with Japanese families.

farewell party was held at an izakaya near the hotel, and everyone■ May 28

reflected and spoke about their experiences with the program.

The group visited Chuo University and were welcomed by Professor■ May 31

Komoriya of the Faculty of Economics and students in his seminar.

The group returned to Thailand from Haneda in the morning.

Professor Komoriya is new to our program this year. After receiving a

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to interact withlecture from Associate Professor Matsuura of the Faculty of Economics,

faculty and students of Kwansei Gakuin University for the first

the Chulalongkorn University students also gave a presentation on life

time. We are also grateful for the families who hosted thein Thailand. The students presented information by simulating a gamestudents in Nakatsugawa.

13

OCA Report 2019that supported these

Comments from Host Families
Mr. Tomotada Tate

Mr. Masanobu Kanazawa

Praew, who stayed with us, always had a smile. She made friends“No, no way!”was my son’s initial reaction when I told him

with our children and it felt as if we had a new family member.

that I wanted to host a student. I told my son that it would

Although the homestay was only 2 nights, it was a valuable

be a good opportunity, but I was also a bit worried. Despite

experience for our family. Hosting a homestay student had been a

my concerns, Mindy turned out to be a very mature person

dream ever since I was young. The time spent cooking together andand we had a wonderful time together. We took walks incommunicating with each other remains an irreplaceable memory.

nature, visited historical sites in our city, made Japanese

Although I did not understand Thai, we were able to communicate

and Thai food together, and taught each other about ourusing the little amount of English that I had learned as a student

cultures. By the time my son started to use English andalong with gestures and facial expressions. It was a valuable

express his joy, it was time to send Mindy off. We have aexperience for our children to communicate using a little English,

candle that Mindy gave us in our home. The greatest gift

gestures, and facial expressions. Our children are in the 4th and 1st

was the experience. Thank you very much.

grades, and it was a valuable opportunity for them to be exposed toanother culture culture at their age. As a parent, I was happy to hear
my children say that they want to go to Thailand someday to see
Praew. Thank you for giving us such a valuable opportunity.

OCA Report 201914

November
Seminar at the Chulalongkorn University

Northern Thai Project
November 2～10

Japanese students and Thai students visit northern Thailand to learn about
the local economy and interact with local people and university students

In front of the Faculty of Economics at Chulalongkorn University

Chuo University Faculty of
Economics Associate Professor

Yoshimasa Komoriya

that even Thai students learned a lot through their interactions
With the retirement of Professor Satoshi Hasegawa (nowmeals and attending parties together.

University Faculty of Economics participated in the 2019Students in my seminar are usually busy with their study groups

Northern Thailand Tour. I frequently visit Bangkok for work, but I

during the school year and I was concerned about how they felt

had not visited other cities in Thailand for a long time. I thought

about the busy schedule that awaited them by participating in

I had visited Mae Fang Luang University (MFU) in the past, but I

the Norther Thai Study Project. But I found that my worries had

wasn’t sure. (Later, I confirmed that I had visited MFU to conduct

been unfounded. I was initially a bit frustrated by watching thea field survey in March 2013).

Japanese students preferring to eat Japanese food instead ofThroughout this tour, students from my seminar and Saitama

Thai food. But I was impressed with the way the students actively

University students shared time with Chulalongkorn University

interacted with students from MFU, CMU, and CU. I was also(CU) students. MFU students in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai

able to see different sides of students that I am not able to see

University (CMU) students in Chiang Mai also spent time withwhen I am on campus. Last but not least, I would like to express

us in Northern Thailand. I was very curious about what students

my deep gratitude to all the people who supported the Northernfrom different countries would see and feel spending time in an

Thailand tour.

15

OCA Report 2019the lives of ethnic minorities and the Thai people in northern Thailand. After

project took place for the second time following last year. This year, a groupdinner we sang and danced with the children at the orphanage. After that,

8 students from Professor Komoriya’s seminar at Chuo University Faculty ofwith the children we placed Thai lanterns decorated beautifully with flowers

Economics were joined by 3 students from Professor Nagashima’s seminar

into the river. The lanterns had been made by Ms. Anuluk, who runs theat Saitama University Faculty of Economics, 4 students from Chulalongkorn

orphanage. We also released "Khom Loy”lanterns into the night sky. The next

University and 2 OCA staff members. The group arrived in Bangkok onday, everyone who spent the night together took three Jeep buses to visit theNovember 2nd and we visited Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Economics

villages where the Akha tribe lives and rode elephants in the river. After lunch,on November 4th. After Chuo University students presented their research,

we headed to the border town of Mae Sai and experienced a walk across

we attended a welcome party which was attended by Professor Warawet,

the border. We crossed the border bridge over a small river and entered

Professor Sirima, and Professor Somboon of the Faculty of Economics at

Myanmar. We took a "Tuk-Tuk" to visit the border city of Myanmar, thenChulalongkorn University. On November 5th our group headed to Chiang

returned to Thailand and headed to the "Golden Triangle." The sun had fallen

Rai in northern Thailand to visit Mae Fah Luang University where Professor

when we arrived, but Chulalongkorn University students boldly negotiatedRapipong welcomed us. Saitama University students gave a presentation, andwith officials and as the last guests we were able to enter an area along thethen 10 students from Mae Fah Luang University joined the group to visit the

Mekong River, which crosses across the three countries of Thailand, Laos and

Mae Kok Foundation, an orphanage for children of the hill tribes. Professor

Myanmar. The sun had set on the hill overlooking the "Golden Triangle," andTobe, who was involved in the establishment of this facility, talked aboutacross the riverbank we could see the lights of Laos and Myanmar.

with our Japanese students, exchanging their ideas and sharing

Emeritus Professor), my seminar students and I from Chuoenvironment that is not part of their daily lives. I am convinced

The 9-day tour from took place from November 2nd to the 10th . The

Mae Fah Luang University

OCA Report 201916

November Northern Thai Project

November Northern Thai Project

Friends from Mae Fah Luang University

Chuo University

Riding elephants

Visiting a minority village

We stayed at the "Imperial Golden Triangle Resort" and took

On the hill overlooking the Golden Triangle

with Chiang Mai University students until late at night.

a five and a half-hour bus ride from Mae Sai to Chiang Mai on

On November 9th, we safely returned to Bangkok and had a

November 7th. We visited Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai.

“farewell party”in the evening. Each participant talked about theirDr. Nisit Panthamit gave lectures on "History and Economy of

impressions of the tour, which brought tears to everyone.

Thailand" and "Life of Bangkok and Local cities." After the seminar,

This was the second "Northern Thailand Project" and having

six Chiang Mai university students joined us on a visit to“Ban Rom

students from Saitama University join students from Chuo University

Sai,”where children and orphans having been affected by HIV. We

students and Chulalongkorn University provided new opportunities.

separated into Japanese and Thai language groups and received an

We divided everyone into four groups and had daily groupexplanation about the history and current status of the orphanage.

discussions. Everyone gained valuable experiences from taking on

We stayed at "Hoshihana Village," which is managed by Ban Rom

leadership roles, getting a new glimpse of the world, establishing

Sai. We presented T-shirts designed by Japanese students for thisstrong bonds with fellow Chulalongkorn students, and making andtour. Everybody wore one at a dinner, and we had an exchange

new friends in each region.

SAYA

REINA

滝 早絢
Saaya Taki

SHUNTA

松嶋 駿汰
Shunta Matusima

FUNA

織田 麗奈
Reina Oda

阿波連 楓菜Funa Aharen

FUTA

RYOSUKE伊東 風汰
Futa Itocan contact them in the future. Being able to participate in this project was a valuable

the national borders or nationalities. To be honest, this tour was not easy. However,experience for my future life. As someone from China, I sometimes speak English andas the days went on, Thai students took the initiative to reduce my burden, and mysometimes Japanese and it can be confusing, but both the Japanese and the Thai I

school colleagues thanked me. Above all, on the last day, I was told that I was a goodmet were very kind. We had a great time together. The best thing about participating

leader and things would not have worked out if I had not been the leader. I am notin the project was the opportunity to re-examine myself.

exaggerating when I say that I will remember these comments for the rest of my life.

(Saitama University, Faculty of Economics, Wang Jiaxing)

RYU

高橋 龍司
Ryuji Takahashi

Professor

永井 綾祐
Ryosuke Nagai

小森谷 徳純Yoshimasa Komoriya

Saitama University

Comments from participants●It was a trip that made me strongly feel that I was not alone even when I crossed

NAMI

池内 波美
Nami Ikeuchi

It made me feel warm, realizing that someone will always notice me no matter what I
do. (Chuo University, Aharen Funa)●I was so lucky that I had an opportunity to join this trip to Chiang Mai and Chiang

AKITAKA

Rai. I really enjoyed every day and every place we went. The most important thing that
● I was very happy to have a valuable experience through this trip. Above all, I would

I got from joining this trip is the good relationships with all my best Japanese friends!

like to thank everyone who made this experience possible. It was a lot of fun to travel

Thank you so much. (Fame)with everyone. I am really thankful to you. (Chuo University, Taki Saya)
did a lot of activities and spent good quality time in many places. I was quite excited

In addition, I am convinced that the trip was made much better because of all theand nervous the first time I met all of you, but then the nervousness disappeared whenkind Thai students. It was really fun and I look forward to seeing you again.(Chuo

we began to talk and get to know each other. Thank you for the past 4 days! Hope weUniversity, Ito Futa)

will be together again! (Som)● This tour was an irreplaceable experience for me. During the orphanage tour, I felt

●This trip was wonderful! I can’t believe how it was incredibly fun! ^_^/ I made lots ofa closeness with both of the orphanages in knowing that they were established andnew friends during this trip (Some of them

supported by the Japanese people. The Thai people were kind and had such nice smiles,

are my close friends now). Even after theand they talked with me in such a cheerful way. I would like to thank you the program,trip is over, we still keep in touch. Thisfor being able to make friends with people like them, and for being able to stay in touch

was a great and obvious evidence tothrough SNS even after the tour. I hope that the next generation will be able to experienceshow that“A strong friendship doesn’tthese wonderful opportunities as well.(Saitama University, Sato Akitaka)need daily conversation or being together.

SHOGO

王 家祥
Jiaxiang Wang

松田 章吾
Shogo Matsuda

Chulalongkorn University●It was a great experience when we were in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai together. We●The nine days I spent in Thailand have become an invaluable experience in my life.

WANG

佐藤 耀天
Akitaka Sato

IngdinSiradanai
Sintusai

Somm

Phichaporn
Suramanont

Fame

Yanaluck
Wongjinda

Mark

Tatsakorn
Ouwuttipong

As long as the relationship lives in the●Originally, I was very confused about whether or not to participate in this tour, but I
am glad that I was able to. It was a very interesting experience. I would not have beenable to have such valuable experiences nor to visit certain places if I had traveled toheart, true friends never part. (Endgin)

Farewell party

Thailand on my own. I made wonderful memories with Thai friends, friends of Saitama
University, and OCA staff. I hope the students who are juniors at my university will alsojoin this experience next year. (Saitama University, Matsuda Shogo)● I was able to expand my horizons by participating in the 8-day Thai tour. I madefriends with Thai students and connected with them on Facebook and Twitter so that I

17

OCA Report 2019

Staff

Dear

Chongrak Thongsom

Staff

Puen

Prasit Ninsang

OCA Report 201918

Northern Thailannd Orphanage Support ProjectNorthern Thailannd Orphanage Support Project2019 Support Activities for the Mae Kok Foundation

Since 2013, OCA has been making financial donations to theMae Kok Foundation, an orphanage for the hill tribes in Chiang

In 2019, the Asian Beat Project spent 3 nights and the NorthernRai, and to Ban Rom Sai, an orphanage for HIV-infected orphans inThailand Project spent one night and two days at the Mae Kok

Chiang Mai. OCA program participants continue to interact withFoundation and interacted with the children by dancing and singing

the children. We would like to introduce the activities of this pastwith them. The latter group, along with the children, released Khomyear and next year. We look forward to your continued support.

Loy lanterns into the sky full of stars, and cast lanters into the Kok

Elephant ride near Mae Kok Foundation

Floating lanterns on Kok Rive

Releasing Khom loy with Ban Rom Sai children.

River to celebrate the Loy Krathong festival. We had a great time again

Support for the Mae Kok Foundation

this year. Ms. Anuluk, however, mentioned that a Thai businessman

performance. Thank you, everyone. On January 10, Mr. Koinuma

prejudice about HIV infection, and the staff of the orphanage

Mae Kok Foundation is an orphanage for hill tribes and is run by

who had donated 500,000 yen every year was not able to donate

took the funds to Mae Kok Foundation.

were worried that the children could not get along well with

Ms. Anuluk. The orphanage was established in 1988 by Ms. Anuluk’sthis year because of the poor performance of his own business andDonations for Mae Kok Foundation will be also needed in thethe local children. With the help of OCA, Ban Rom Sai enrichedlate husband, Pipat Chaisurin, and Professor Tobe. People in Northern

therefore Mae Kok Foundation could not be managed as it had been.

Fiscal Year 2020. We are currently considering the following plans.

the library and started to run a library program. They invited theThailand have suffered from opium addiction ever since Japanese troops

We, therefore, sent an email to everyone on December 7th asking

cultivated and sold opium during World War II. Mae Kok Foundation

for donations for the Foundation. At this point, we have been able towas first founded as a rehabilitation facility for opium addiction andcollect the following donations.

has developed into an orphanage for children whose parents died fromaddiction and HIV/AIDS. Mae Kok Foundation currently cares for 25
children between the ages of 5 to 18. Ms. Anuluk plays a leading rolein making delicious meals, sending children to a nearby elementary
school, and teaching them to be self-sufficient until they are 18 years2) Develop a charity dance class nationwide.
3) Sell T-shirts at Common Beat performances.

1) Donations received:

435,000 yen

2) Charity dance class:

74,100 yen

3) T-shirt sales:

125,000 yen

Total1) Recruit sponsors for the monthly support.

634,100 yen

4) In addition to collecting donations, launch a project to
go to Mae Kok Foundation to do volunteer work.
We will contact you shortly, and we hope that you will donate

do their homework along with the children at Ban Rom Sai. There
are now 224 members of the library including local children, andabout 40 children a day use the library and interact with children
in the orphanage. Cast members of Asian Beat visit Ban Rom Sai
every November and hold a song and dance exchange eventwith the children.

and participate in the program.

of age. Since 2013, OCA has sent an annual donation of 400,000 yen.

The charity dance class was organized by Momoko Hoshino

Participants in the OCA program visit Mae Kok Foundation twice a yearin Tokyo and Osaka. Twenty participants in Tokyo and 30

through the Asian Beat and Northern Thai Project and interact with theparticipants in Osaka made donations. Fifty t-shirts that were

Ban Rom Sai is an orphanage for HIV-infected orphans which

designed by Ms. Anuluk were sold at the Common Beat Tokyo

was founded in 1990 in Chiang Mai. Currently, 24 children live

children and the people of the hill tribes surrounding the orphanage.

local children to the library and use computers in the library to

Support for Ban Rom Sai

in this facility. HIV-infected children have been able to survive
1

3

because of the availability of good medicine. When OCA started
to donate to Ban Rom Sai around 2012, there was strong
A child playing with an Asian Beat cast member

2

4Studying with local children in the library.

19

OCA Report 2019

① Children at Mae Kok ② Selling T-shirts at the Common Beat Performance ③ Mr.
Koinuma handing the donations to Ms. Anuluk on January 10th ④ Participants at
Momoko Hoshino’s charity dance class

Ms. Natori, the founder of Ban Rom Sai and the children.

Doing homework with other children

OCA Report 201920

School Project Expands
Across the Country to 40 Schools

School Project Expands Across the Country to 40 Schoolsof members who are taking leadership within the group.

●Increase in the Number of Visits2017: 2,393 students
2018: 3,854 students
2019: 2,253 students“At first, I didn't like to dance, but as I learned about different
countries, I felt like I was dancing with the people in those countries,
and I was able to enjoy it. It was more fun because I didn't dance by

Mihoko Kitano

myself but with everyone. "・ Children's voice ②"I don't like physical education or moving my body, but for this class, I
want to take the class everyday. I want to learn about all the countries! I
really want to ask to my teacher so they will ask you to visit again. "●What is the School Project?
In a rapidly globalizing society, opportunities for collaboration●Goals for 2020
Our goals for 2020 are based on the following threeperspectives:① Respond to the current conditions by designing a newprogram based on SDGs.
⇒ Develop a program from the perspective of SDGs as afollow-up to the Olympics and Paralympics games.

・ School Cast Member’s voice①② Creating a system that can provide programs nationwide“I hope that this was an opportunity for children to learn a variety of⇒ Develop an effective and efficient management systemthings through their bodies and five senses while having fun. I also

and a sufficient number of facilitators to prepare for awith people from different countries and cultures will continue towanted to see more of the world so that I can convey it to the children.”increase. In addition to acquiring language skills such as English,

・ School Cast Member’s voice ②

it is important for people to develop respect for diverse values,“So many children and adults have to restrain themselves, and soan ability to connect with people through communication otherthe class provided a valuable time for children to move their bodies⇒ Increase the number of requests by establishing effective

than language, and the ability to express one's own culture andand learn how to communicate beyond words. The children were sosales methods for schools, participate with exhibits at

opinions. Furthermore, it is important for people to be able tohappy and expressed their true joy. It was also an opportunity for me

educational events, and enhance internal planning.

work in teams to tackle various social problems together. Our

to reflect on my inner power to express and to live.”

nationwide expansion of the program.
③ Enhance sales and PR capabilities and take a proactive
approach to the outside world!

School Project conducts activities in school to provide children
with the opportunity to acquire such life skills.

The New MRA House●What is the World Dance Class?
The program facilitates cross-cultural understanding throughphysical movement and learning dances and music from aroundthe world such as Brazilian samba, African music from Kenya, andWe will be returning from our temporary office in Roppongi where we spent nearly three years to the newly renovated officefamous pop music in Thailand. In addition to dance and music,

in Azabu after May 2020. The original MRA House opened in April 1954 and was rebuild in 1969. The new building will be thewe present information about different cultures using a variety ofthird headquarters.

approaches such as teaching greetings and introducing nationalflags, cultural quizzes and showing photographs●2019 Achievements
・Number of visits: 36, Number of Children & Students: 2,079●Regional Development
Until recently our visits involved metropolitan schools in Tokyo,(based on grants from OCA)

but in 2019 we were able to expand our activities to other・ In addition to regular classes, we have received requests forregions such as Tohoku, Kansai, and Kyushu. This year, I was

new types of programs such as teaching at children’s clubs,able to experience how there is a growing need for this project

parent-child expression workshops, and classes to improvethroughout the country.

expressive abilities for school plays. We have noticed thegrowing need for expression education.
・ We have received many requests to provide programs
outside of Tokyo, and we were able to start to build many

●Facilitator Development
Currently, the following 6 people are providing on-site guidance
as officially certified facilitators:

relationships that will serve as the foundation of expanding

Mari Muraoka, Sae Uehara, Kana Yamase, Yuka Shimabayashi,

our program nation-wide in 2020.

Kaede Mitsuya, Mihoko Kitano●Voices of the Children and School Cast members
・ Children's voice①

21

OCA Report 2019

In addition, there are 5 members under training who are all
UWP alumni with international experience, increasing the number
OCA Report 201922

OCA Operation Policy
Organizational structure:

OCA operates as a program under the direct control of MRA Foundation

Policy:The goal of OCA is to foster global leadership through interaction with local
communities and cross-cultural exchanges with other countries.

Budget for Activities:

The budget for activities is based on the annual budget of the MRA Foundation,
which is financed by its endowment and management of basic assets.

Annual Budget

OCA activities and the expenses of the fiscal years 2019 (actual)and 2020 (budget) are as follows:

時期

プログラム

FY 2019 (Actual)Thai Student Study Program

543,732

900,000

July

Onigiri Friends Project

681,0010

September

Summer Camp

185,138

209,000

October

Overseas Volunteer Project0

680,000

NovemberJapan Thai Students Northern Thailand Study Tour

1,165,416

1,222,000

November

Asian Beat Project

1,796,250

1,722,000

DecemberChristmas Party

18,495100,000

School Project

1,193,251

1,500,000

Donations to Mae Kok Foundation, Ban Rom Sai

800,000

800,000UWP Japanese Participants Support

500,000

1,000,000

Overseas Travel Expenses

815,200

1,804,000

Outsourcing Resources

3,319,950

3,757,000

General Expenses

1,734,131

2,500,000

667,903

600,000

13,420,467

16,794,000

Total(Yen)

Off Campus Activities under MRA Foundation

FY 2020 (Budget)May

OCA Report Printing Costs

OCA Report 2019

Steering Committee:

Sato, Kehara, Koseki, Takahashi, Shimizu, Adachi, Agatsuma, Takizawa, Koinuma,			Okumura, Kitano, Akiyama, Shimabayashi, Kanbe, Mitsuya

How to Join:

OCA does not have a membership system. No membership fee is required.
Information on OCA activities are available on the MRA Foundation website.
Please contact us from the website.

Contact:
OCA International Exchange Program, MRA Foundation
4-9-17 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Telephone 03-3445-5111, FAX 03-3445-5112
Website:http://www.mrafoundation.or.jp/

Having Fun ・Making Friends・International Exchange