Japan Information Center

Welcome to the Japan Information Center (JIC)!

The JIC is the Cultural and Educational Outreach office of the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago, dedicated to promoting knowledge of Japan in the Consulate's 10-state jurisdiction.
 

• Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18: Anime Central (IL)


• Saturday, May 17 - Sunday, May 18: Skokie Festival (IL)


• Sunday, May 18: Fort Wayne Cherry Blossom Festival (IN)

  

• The Consulate holds two speech contests in the year - one for Japanese heritage speakers and one for Japanese language learners. Be sure to check out the Speech Contest page for information about the next upcoming contest (information released in late fall/early winter).

  

• A PDF listing some resources about Japanese language and culture studies.

   Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program

• Every year, the Japanese government invites thousands of young college and university graduates from overseas to participate in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program throughout Japan. Established in 1987, the program has earned a high reputation, both in Japan and overseas, for its efforts in human and cultural exchanges, and has become one of the largest cultural exchange programs in the world. Questions? Email us at jet@cg.mofa.go.jp.

  Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarships

• Monbukagakusho (MEXT), the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology offers four different scholarships for non-Japanese nationals wishing to study in Japan. Only U.S. citizens living within the following states can apply for a MEXT Scholarship at this Consulate: IL, IN, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI. U.S. citizens living in other states should apply through the consulate responsible for their state. 

  Youth Exchange Programs

• A list of programs that specialize in youth cultural exchanges to Japan.

  Cultural Resources

• The Japan Information Center provides cultural resources free of charge as available. We can answer basic questions, provide a selection of texts, posters, and periodicals at no charge, and loan cultural items to organizations and educators. For other inquiries not listed on the linked page, please send an email to the JIC information account: jic@cg.mofa.go.jp or call at (312) 280 - 0430.

  Cultural Presentations

• The JIC provides members of its staff free of charge to deliver presentations about Japan and Japanese culture to schools and community groups during our regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 9:15 - 5:00 PM). Our staff can visit area schools or groups, or welcome visitors from anywhere in our ten-state jurisdiction. Please refer to our pamplet for more information on school visits. If you have any questions or would like to receive detailed information about our presentations, please contact the JIC office.

  JIC Library

• The JIC maintains a library of books, periodicals, films, and CDs to help you explore and discover Japan and Japanese culture. Anyone is welcome to browse the library, but only residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin may borrow our materials. Please note that the library is intended as a source of general information on Japan and not as a research library.

  Nominal Support Submission

• Any organization or body, etc. planning a project and seeking the nominal support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) should read the following and file an application by mail with the required application documents. The same applies where an application is filed with a Japanese diplomatic mission abroad, such as the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago. Please note that nominal support may not be granted depending on the content of the project. 

  e-Japan Journal (archive)

• A monthly jurisdiction-focused e-newsletter once provided by JIC. For past newsletter interviews, please click here. 

  JIC Partner Organizations

• The Consulate and the JIC often partners with Japan-related organizations in efforts to promote Japanese culture throughout our 10-state jurisdiction. 
• Click here for a general list of Cultural Organizations. 
• Click here for a general list of Performing/Marital Arts organizations.
• Click here for a general list of Japanese Attractions and Homestays resources.