JACC Helps Out: One Young World Summit 2025
My name is Keiko Kubota. I was born in Japan and now live in Wellington, New Zealand.
This year, thanks to a scholarship from the Z Zurich Foundation, I had the privilege of representing both myself and as a coach at Mitey from the Sir John Kirwan Foundation at the One Young World Summit in Munich.
To my surprise, and deep honour I was also selected to be the flag bearer for Japan.
There was just one small issue: I didn’t know how to put on a kimono.
Anyone who has worn a kimono knows there is a real art to it. Layers, ties, precision; it’s not something you improvise the night before a global summit. So, I panicked. Then I turned to the internet to search for any Japanese association in Munich who might help. That’s how I found JACC, and how this whole story became one of connection, kindness, and culture.
Meeting JACC: Kindness Across Borders
I reached out to a few places, but it was Meli from JACC who responded.
She not only replied, she genuinely cared.
Meli connected me with Tomo, a university student in Japan who wears kimono daily and understands the tradition deeply. Before I even arrived in Munich, the three of us had a Zoom call so Tomo could reassure me that everything would be okay.
I was essentially a stranger asking for a big favour, yet both Meli and Tomo showed nothing but warmth, generosity, and openness. Their sincerity reminded me of the best parts of Japanese culture; hospitality, respect, and helping others without expecting anything in return.
A Taste of Home in Munich
When I finally arrived in Munich, Tomo greeted me not only with a beautifully prepared kimono session, but with an entire home-cooked Japanese meal.
Japanese tea, pickles, sesame-dressed salad, crispy karaage, miso soup, rice – the works!
Meli, Tomo and I spent hours talking about life in Japan, living abroad, cultural quirks, identity, hopes for the future. Sitting there, thousands of kilometres from home, I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and belonging.
Two people I had never met in person had welcomed me with such kindness. Thanks to JACC, Meli, and Tomo, I was able to proudly wear my kimono as Japan’s flag bearer, feeling not just dressed, but supported, seen, and connected to my culture.
My One Young World Summit Experience
The One Young World Summit brings together young leaders from more than 190 countries—a gathering of people who believe in creating a better future.
I attended as part of my role with Mitey, where I work alongside schools across Aotearoa New Zealand to co-design mental health education that fits each community’s unique context. No two schools are the same, so our approach shouldn’t be either.
My reason for attending was simple: to learn from others, to share how we teach mental health education through curriculum, and to connect with global changemakers who share the same drive to improve the wellbeing of young people.
For the first time in a long time, I felt like everyone was singing from the same song sheet. No convincing, no defending; just people who care deeply about justice, opportunity, sustainability, and humanity. It was hopeful, energising, and grounding.
Why All of This Matters
In a world often overwhelmed by negative headlines, One Young World reminded me that there are people everywhere choosing to work for something better. People with courage, ideas, and heart.
My experience with JACC was a powerful reminder of that too – how generosity and cultural connection can turn a moment of uncertainty into something meaningful.
I’m deeply grateful to Meli, Tomo, and JACC for their time, care, and support, and for helping make my time in Munich such a special experience.
ありがとうございました。
