The Yonsei Basketball Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1993 by a group of Southern California Japanese Americans interested in establishing a cultural exchange program for middle school-aged youth, using basketball as the vehicle. Today, the organization strives to provide eighth-grade boys and girls the opportunity to experience the Japanese heritage and cultural roots firsthand by coordinating their travel to prominent cities in Japan. Participants take part in a goodwill exchange by way of playing basketball and taking part in a home stay experience, learning and sharing the two cultures. As a result, lifelong friendships and experiences are developed.