We proudly present しおくん (shio-kun), our official yuru-chara for 2021-2022!

In Summer 2021, the nine participants created their original yuru-charas of Hakodate with the local supporters. Then we held the Yuru-chara Championship (online voting by people in Hakodate and anyone who is interested), and Shio-kun won the first prize by getting 60 votes out of a total of 259!

Shio-kun has turned into a button badge. He will cross the sea and disseminate information about Hakodate and the HIF Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program around the world!

Name:

Laila Burke-Graves

University:

University of Michigan

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Studying abroad in a different country can no doubt be an intimidating experience, however ...
Name:

Alan Hoang

University:

University of
Washington

I came to HIF with the goal of improving my Japanese while learning about Japanese culture, and I certainly achieved that and so much more ...
Name:

Darwin Restrepo De La Cruz

University:

Yale University

I walked away from HIF with confidence in my Japanese speaking ability, but more than that, love for the city of Hakodate. Spend time learning ...
Name:

Justin Su

University:

University of
North Carolina at
Chapel Hill

If you're considering between HIF and another study abroad programs, wonder no longer. Between the staff, teachers, community, and ...