In the spring semester of 2026, students will take part in the inaugural GSPP Japan Trek. UC Berkeley students in the Goldman School of Public Policy will participate in a course dedicated to fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas between students and leading academics, practitioners, and policymakers in Japan. This initiative includes both Berkeley-based preparation and a field component in Tokyo, where students will engage with pressing issues central to both countries. These include economic revitalization, technology and innovation policy, energy and climate transition, demographic change and aging, labor markets and migration, corporate governance, supply-chain resilience and trade, national security and regional strategy, disaster risk management, urban planning and rural revitalization, entrepreneurship, and social protection.

Through on-site visits to ministries, local governments, firms, and civil-society organizations, our group will gain firsthand insight into Japan’s current policy challenges and analyze cross-cultural approaches to governance and business strategy. This experience will strengthen our skills in organizing international policy dialogues and professional visits, while helping us develop global perspectives by engaging directly with practitioners and stakeholders in Japan. More information about the initiative can be found here.

We are seeking support to help cover student travel and programming costs while in Japan. Your contribution will make it possible for us to participate in this unique learning opportunity, deepen our understanding of global policy issues, and bring valuable knowledge back to our community.

Our goal is $20,000 in order to support all student participants.

$200 can help cover 1 lunch for the students.

$600 can help cover the costs of hotels for 1 student.

$1,000 can help cover the costs of flights for 1 student.

Thank you for making this trip and experience possible for us!

Contributions made through this GoFundMe campaign are not charitable gifts to the University of California, Berkeley and are not tax deductible. Funds raised will be distributed directly to the participating students and will be used solely to help cover individual trip-related expenses.