Japantown Navigator Program
Become a Cultural Ambassador & Community Leader and make a lasting impact
The Japantown Navigator Program is sponsored by the Japantown Task Force and Japantown Cultural District, with generous funding from the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) and Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD).
Learn more about this program offers and how apply for a chance to engage with Japantown San Francisco.
The Japantown Navigator Program is a paid workforce development initiative that empowers high schoolers, college students, and seniors with practical skills in hospitality, marketing, business, and entrepreneurship.
As a Navigator, you will serve as the face of the San Francisco Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center, gaining valuable career experience while supporting local small businesses, sharing rich cultural heritage, and making a lasting contribution to our community.
Program Navigator Overview
Learn directly under experienced supervisors at the Visitor Center while building interpersonal relationships and skills through community-building and cultural events with instructors, community members, and daily visitors.
Hands-On Mentorship
Develop real workforce skills that translate across any professional industry setting through direct training for hospitality, digital marketing, customer service, and business operations.
Career-Ready Skills
Work alongside a diverse cohort of high school, college, and senior participants across a large network of non-profits, hotels, local businesses, representing the Japantown San Francisco’s diverse and expansive community.
Intergenerational Community
“Learning to interact with daily visitors from all over SF and the world that stopped by was something I really enjoyed.”
“I really enjoyed learning about all the local businesses, non-profits, visitors, and community that make up our Japantown.”
“The biggest challenge I grew to appreciate was was learning how to work with such a diverse group with people of all ages.”
Expectations
Schedule: Available to work several weekend days per month from April 1 through September 30, 2027.
Mandatory Orientation: Attend in-person training on Saturday, April 4 & Sunday, April 5 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM in SF Japantown).
Interview Availability: Complete a brief in-person interview on March 21, March 22, or March 28 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM by appointment).
Shift Duties: Duties as a Program Navigator include opening, closing, and
To participate in the Navigator Cohort, applicants must meet the following commitment requirements.
Interested in Applying?
More information coming this November, 2026.
Interested early?
Email us directly for more information on what to expect and how to apply for the 2027 Program Navigator Cohort.
Program Navigator Director
aklenk@japantowntaskforce.org
Program Navigator Supervisor
jshao@japantowntaskforce.org