Hi! My name is Amarachi, and I’ve been accepted into a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad program to explore Japanese film and culture — and I need your help getting there.

Ever since I was little, I’ve loved movies. From dressing up as Miles Morales for Halloween to learning to play “Merry-Go-Round of Life” (From Howl's Moving Castle) on the piano in middle school, film has always been one of my favorite ways to experience stories. I’ve been moved by movies like La La Land, captivated by Studio Ghibli, and obsessed with anime series like Haikyuu!!, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Toradora.

Next January, I’ll be part of a unique course where I’ll study the art of Japanese filmmaking — including the work of Hayao Miyazaki and Akira Kurosawa — and how history, mythology, and culture come together through cinema. After two weeks of learning and film screenings at school, I’ll travel to Japan for 10 days to visit real film studios, historic sites, and the very places I’ve only seen on screen — from the bright lights of Tokyo to the temples of Kyoto.

As someone also passionate about photography (especially on film!), I’m incredibly excited for the chance to document this journey through my lens — capturing the people, places, and moments that bring Japan to life. I’ve always dreamed of walking the neon streets I’ve saved on Pinterest boards, and I can’t wait to bring my Canon AE-1 along for the adventure.

But to make this dream happen, I need help covering the travel and program costs. Your support, whether through donations or by simply sharing this page, means the world to me. Every bit brings me closer to this incredible experience.

Thank you so much for helping me on this study abroad opportunity!