Connecting the U.S. and Japan

Starts With You

Welcome to Showa Boston Institute,

the U.S. Campus of Showa Women’s University

Showa Boston Institute fosters educational and cultural exchange between the Boston community and Japan. Established in 1988 by Showa Women’s University in Tokyo, SBI serves as a study-abroad campus where students from elementary school through university develop their English skills, experience American culture, and connect with the local community.

Through academic programs, cultural activities, and partnerships with local schools, colleges, organizations, and businesses, Showa Boston creates opportunities for people to learn from one another and build meaningful connections.

We welcome the wider community to explore Japanese language and culture through our programs and events.

Photo of Showa's main building with cherry blossoms

Showa Boston’s campus is set in a quiet, residential neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, surrounded by greenery and within easy reach of Boston.

At Showa Boston, cultural exchange happens through meaningful connections between students, colleges, and the wider community. From bringing local college students together with Showa students to connecting Japanese students with Boston-area families and organizations, we create opportunities to share perspectives, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships.

Upcoming Events

  • Onigiri Night with TABLE FOR TWO

    October 29, 2026

    5-7 PM

    Onigiri Action is a charitable activity run by TABLE FOR TWO .

    Join us on campus to make and eat onigiri with Showa Boston students; photos posted from the event will help us donate to TABLE FOR TWO's Onigiri Action campaign.

    Space is limited.

    REGISTER

  • Showa Talks: Guest Professor Aya Goto

    November 4, 2026

    5-6 PM

    Rainbow Hall, Showa Boston

    Bridging Global & Local Maternal & Child Health

    Join us for a special talk with Dr. Aya Goto of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health as she shares insights from her work connecting communities in Japan and around the world through maternal and child health research and education.

    REGISTER

  • Friendsgiving with Showa Boston Students

    November 19, 2026

    5:30-7:30 PM

    Join Friendsgiving at Showa Boston for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings!

    Share in the spirit of gratitude, enjoy delicious food, and exchange cultural traditions with our students for a memorable celebration of friendship and community.

    Space is limited.

    REGISTER

News & Updates

On October 8, we were thrilled to welcome over 60 students from @bostonu, @umassboston, @wellesleycollege, @northeastern, @simmonsuniversity, @bunkerhillcc, @emmanuelcollege, @massart, and @wentworthinst, for our first Japan College Night! The visi
On October 8, we were thrilled to welcome over 60 students from @bostonu, @umassboston, @wellesleycollege, @northeastern, @simmonsuniversity, @bunkerhillcc, @emmanuelcollege, @massart, and @wentworthinst, for our first Japan College Night! The visiting college students joined around 100 of our students for a Japanese dinner and conversation, followed by a reception. Students shared their interests and experiences relating to Japan and the U.S., ranging from college life, food, music, anime, and other topics. We look forward to hosting more Japan College Nights in the future to promote cultural exchange, build peer relationships, and strengthen connections across campuses. Thank you to everyone who attended and represented their schools! #ShowaBoston#StudentConnects#StudyAbroad#JapanUS#BostonColleges
We were happy to welcome students from CityLab Charter School in Revere to Showa Boston for two recent visits as part of our long-standing partnership. Through classroom exchanges, conversation, and lunch together, students had a great opportunity to
We were happy to welcome students from CityLab Charter School in Revere to Showa Boston for two recent visits as part of our long-standing partnership. Through classroom exchanges, conversation, and lunch together, students had a great opportunity to connect, learn from one another, and build new friendships. We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership! #StudyAbroad#ESL#CulturalExchange#Classexchange
Last month, it was our honor to feature Masaaki Maeda, Executive Director of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, Inc., and former President and CEO of NTT Docomo USA, Inc., as a speaker for our Bunka Koza. In his seminar titl
Last month, it was our honor to feature Masaaki Maeda, Executive Director of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, Inc., and former President and CEO of NTT Docomo USA, Inc., as a speaker for our Bunka Koza. In his seminar titled, “25 Years in America: What I Learned about Business, People, and Japan,” he spoke of his time as an MBA candidate at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, building business in the U.S., importance of learning from failures, differences in corporate meetings in Japan and the U.S., and Japanese business community in New York City. The event was attended by over 60 students, and led to a lively discussion. Thank you, Maeda-san, and we look forward very much to the next opportunity for collaboration. #ShowaBoston #ESL #JapaneseChamberOfCommerce#JapanUSRelations #BusinessLeadership #CrossCulturalLearning #StudyAbroad
Showa Boston Institute is pleased to congratulate Dr. Bruce Stronach, our past president, on receiving the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for FY2026. The commendation recognizes his contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Japa
Showa Boston Institute is pleased to congratulate Dr. Bruce Stronach, our past president, on receiving the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for FY2026. The commendation recognizes his contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States through his work in international education and his long-standing involvement with the Japan Network for International Education (JAFSA). We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for Dr. Stronach’s years of commitment to strengthening connections between Japan and the United States. #ShowaBoston #ForeignMinistersCommendation #JapanUSRelations #InternationalEducation #JAFSA #CulturalExchange #ConsulateGeneralofJapaninBoston
On October 8, we were thrilled to welcome over 60 students from @bostonu, @umassboston, @wellesleycollege, @northeastern, @simmonsuniversity, @bunkerhillcc, @emmanuelcollege, @massart, and @wentworthinst, for our first Japan College Night! The visi We were happy to welcome students from CityLab Charter School in Revere to Showa Boston for two recent visits as part of our long-standing partnership. Through classroom exchanges, conversation, and lunch together, students had a great opportunity to Last month, it was our honor to feature Masaaki Maeda, Executive Director of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, Inc., and former President and CEO of NTT Docomo USA, Inc., as a speaker for our Bunka Koza. In his seminar titl Showa Boston Institute is pleased to congratulate Dr. Bruce Stronach, our past president, on receiving the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for FY2026. The commendation recognizes his contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Japa

Opportunities on Campus

  • Four US and Japanese students playing a sanshin and looking at a music book.

    Community Programs

    Join the Showa Boston community by applying for one of our programs.

    DISCOVER OPPORTUNITIES
  • A Japanese student helping an American student with her Japanese

    Learn Japanese From Spring 2027

    Whether you’re planning for your next trip or looking to obtain professional proficiency, we’re here to help you achieve your Japanese learning goals.

    LEARN ABOUT OUR OFFERINGS

  • College Connection Program

    The College Connection Program pairs Showa Boston students with Boston-area college students for informal cultural exchange, shared campus experiences, and meaningful connections across cultures.

    CC APPLICATION FORM

  • Showa Friendship Circle

    The Showa Friendship Circle connects Showa Boston students with local individuals and families for cultural exchange, conversation, shared activities, and lasting friendships.

    SFC APPLICATION FORM

Stay informed, or ask us a question!

Join the Showa Boston mailing list to ensure you don’t miss out on upcoming events, classes, and community programming. Or, use this form to ask us a question - we typically respond within 1-2 business days.

Disclaimer: By filling out the form, you agree to receive emails from Showa Boston. You can remove yourself from our mailing list at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” at the bottom of our email newsletters, or by contacting social@showaboston.edu.

 
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