Our History
August 2021: Parents from the surrounding area gathered to tentatively operate a classroom for Japanese language learning (operated at the local library).
September 2021: Regular activities began every Saturday morning as the "Des Moines Kids Japanese Club".
September 2022: Group activities for children under 3 years old began.
October 2022: Activities were divided into preschool (Tamago, Nenchu) and elementary school age groups.
March 2023: Operation began as the "Iowa Heritage Japanese Language Classroom" under the umbrella committee Language School of the NPO Iowa Japan-America Society (JASI).
April 2023: Activities started remotely (both face-to-face and remote group activities began).
In January 2024: A pilot class for expanding remote groups commenced.
In March 2024: The name changed to "MUSUBI - Iowa Heritage Japanese Language Classroom" (hereinafter referred to as "MUSUBI" or "Musubi").
April 2024: The acceptance of remote activities expanded beyond the state.
Operating Team:
Representative: Akiko Iwama
Deputy Representative: Sayuri Kato
Teaching Staff: 2 members (as of April 2024)
External Affairs and Accounting: Satomi Fujimaru (JASI Operating Committee)