What I Learned in Japan
Each year, the national FFA officers travel to Japan for an International Experience Program, where they experience Japanese culture and agriculture in partnership with the Future Farmers of Japan. In the process, the officers develop language skills, business practices and communication techniques, and better understand the complexities of agriculture as part of the international landscape. Here, the 2025-26 national officers sound off on one important lesson they learned on the trip that other FFA members can use to grow as well.
Our international experience in Japan was incredible. The takeaway that continues to stick out even months after the trip is the level of respect students carried for each other and mentors. From interactions with our liaisons to individuals we met on tours, they all showed the utmost respect to absolutely everyone. Even across the world, students carried the same level of respect for their agricultural instructors that we see in the United States.
– Trey Myers, National FFA President
One of the most meaningful lessons I learned in Japan came from a conversation with a student named Yumeko. Despite our language differences, it didn’t take many words to realize what we had in common. We shared the same passion for agriculture, belief in its values, and hope for its strong future. That moment reminded me that agriculture truly has a unique way of uniting us, even from across the globe.
– Lilly Nyland, National FFA Secretary
Our time in Japan was eye-opening. One of my favorite memories was when we were at the Tokyo Metropolitan School of Agriculture with Future Farmers of Japan students. They gave us a tour of their farm and all the things they grew, including a special variety of wasabi. The students had an English-translated presentation for us. My teammates and I were fascinated at their ability to speak clearly with us and their undeniable passion for what they had grown. It showed us that agriculture connects us all, country to country, no matter who we are or what agriculture looks like.
– Claire Woeppel, Central Region Vice President
I learned that fulfillment comes from a life of service and a willingness to share joy with others. Our team met a 91-year-old farmer on the south coast of Japan who welcomed us into his fields, introduced us to his family and cooked for us. While showing us his harvest technique, he suddenly dropped to the ground, pretending he had fallen. He stood up laughing at us, and we could breathe again. It reminded me that a life well lived is filled with service and humor.
– Joey Nowotny, Eastern Region Vice President
The greatest lessons aren’t always found in the places we visit, but in the people we meet. At Miyajima Cattle Farm, I learned how sustainable practices can transform agriculture. Later, we experienced farm-to-fork by enjoying the Wagyu beef we had just seen produced at K’s Village, a restaurant run by the farmer’s brother. After I gave our waitress, Aiko, an FFA keychain, she immediately gifted me the pin of her dog from her apron. Though we needed a translator to communicate, her gesture reminded me that kindness is a language everyone understands.
– Jael Cruikshank, Western Region Vice President
One of the greatest lessons I learned in Japan was to think less about myself and more about serving others. I saw that mindset in a 91-year-old radish farmer who lived on the side of a volcano. Every day, he worked with incredible purpose because he believed his work helped feed and strengthen his community. His humility reminded me that true leadership isn’t measured by recognition or titles, but by the quiet, consistent ways we choose to serve others every single day.
– T. Wayne Williams, Southern Region Vice President
