Building Professional Skills at Camp Zama: Meet the 2026 Summer Interns

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Thirty-one students from 15 universities across Japan are participating in U.S. Army Garrison Japan’s 2026 summer internship program at Camp Zama.

The students have been gaining hands-on experience in an English-speaking Army environment, developing professional skills, and learning alongside members of the Camp Zama community.

“The most interesting part of my job is talking with customers and getting to know them,” says Sara Tanaka, an intern at the bowling center.

“I want to gain communication skills and improve my English-speaking skills.”

Other participants are using the program to explore specific career fields.

“I wanted to learn something new, and I always wanted to be involved in social media,” says Naomi Beckham, an intern at the USAG Japan Public Affairs Office.

Working as a PAO intern for three weeks, Beckham explained her most meaningful experience has been interviewing fellow interns.

The experience not only helped her better understand what Public Affairs does, but also gave her the chance to learn about the different roles and experiences of interns working across Camp Zama.