Asian-Pacific Children's Convention (APCC)

Exchange Program for Elementary School 5th Graders

Every year since 1989, Oakland has sent four fifth-grade students as Junior Ambassadors to the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (“APCC”) in Fukuoka. APCC was created as one of the commemorative events of the 1989 Asian-Pacific Exposition to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the founding of Fukuoka city.  The goal of APCC is to foster “Global Citizens” who are able to think of the world beyond national boundaries, and that the desire for world peace will be encouraged.  In the hope of helping this dream come true, the children who will shape the world in the 21st century gather together in Fukuoka and gain mutual understanding of different cultures and language through homestay and cultural exchanges.   

Every year, the APCC brings children from all over the Asian-Pacific region together to take part in this two week exchange program. During the exchange, the children have the opportunity to experience family life in Japan through a homestay. The APCC participants also introduce traditions from their home country to the other participants and the people of Fukuoka through taking part in an exchange camp and a performance event in Fukuoka City.  By taking part in these activities, the children are able to build a network of mutual understanding as they meet and make friends with children who look and speak differently from themselves.  It is also a chance for the citizens of Fukuoka and the surrounding areas to learn about other cultures first hand as they take part in our activities as a volunteer or as part of a Host Family. 

View our online photo album of the APCC.