Letters of Appreciation - Officially Recognizing Japanese-Language Education Programs Across the US

The Japan Foundation Los Angeles is sending out official letters of appreciation to all institutions that have Japanese language education programs and participated in the 2024 Survey on Japanese-language education abroad, along with others confirmed through local consulates and teacher associations. These letters aim to recognize each institution's valuable contributions to Japanese-language education. 

Using these letters of appreciation effectively can lead to some great advocacy for Japanese programs. 

Some examples of how teachers have used them include: talking to school admins/department leaders about the letters, contacting school/local media (newspapers, etc.), showcasing them at an event or ceremony, and much more. 

Here are some samples of how these letters of appreciation have been used:

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Letter awarded to a J-LEAP Host School (10/21/2026)

Desert Hill High School (St. George, Utah)

JFLA Director Yasuko Uchida  visited Desert Hills High School in St. George Utah as part of her trip for the J-LEAP program and presented the official letter of appreciation to the principal, teacher, and students of Desert Hills High School's Japanese program. 

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Letters of Appreciation awarded at the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles' Official Residence (9/24/2026)

Pictured: Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School (Glendale, California)

JFLA Director Yasuko Uchida and Los Angeles Consul General Kosei Murota presented an official letter of appreciation to eleven institutions as part of a Japanese dual-language immersion (JDLI) and heritage-language education reception for the Los Angeles area. The following schools were awarded their certificates at the event:
・Amestoy Elementary School
・El Marino Language School
・Culver City Middle School
・Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School (pictured)
・Dunsmore Elementary School, Rosemont Middle School
・Crescenta Valley High School
・Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute
・San Fernando Valley Japanese Language Institute
・Venice Gakuen
・San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society - Connect the World After School Enrichment Program