Congratulations to Seira Kitagawa, the 2026 recipient of the AAJA-SPJ Emerging Northwest Journalists Internship.

Kitagawa graduates from the University of Oregon on June 15 with a degree in journalism and a minor in global studies. She lives in Eugene, Oregon, and Tokyo, Japan. She describes herself as passionate about bringing stories to people from different perspectives.

As our intern, Kitagawa will work for 10 weeks this summer at Lee Enterprises’ Albany Democrat-Herald and Corvallis Gazette-Times. She previously interned at Eugene Weekly as a Charles Snowden intern. She also wrote for the Daily Emerald at the University of Oregon.

Here’s an introduction to Kitagawa.

Q: How and when did you get into journalism?

A: It was towards the end of my freshman year in college when I learned that journalism was a major that I could pursue and something I might enjoy. My friend shared her concerns about her reporting assignment one day, and I could not stop my curiosity and desire to learn more about what it is like to do storytelling. 

Q: What do you find interesting or compelling about journalism?

A: I find so much joy getting to meet people and listen to and tell stories. It is a unique and interactive way to learn about the world.

Q: What is your favorite journalistic story or project that you’ve worked on so far, and why?

A: I love so many stories that I got to write about. But my most recent project, my first podcast ever, The Stories in Between, has been my favorite. I’ve interviewed people who hold cross-cultural narratives between Japan and the U.S., and I put myself as a navigator through the storytelling. It was special to me because of my personal connection to the topic as well. Check it out on Spotify or YouTube! 

Q: Why did you apply for the AAJA-SPJ Emerging Northwest Journalists Internship?

A: I applied for this internship opportunity because of a kind local photographer who shared it with me – thank you! I enjoyed working at Eugene Weekly and I found the value and impact that a local news outlet can bring to a community. I hope to bring a positive impact wherever I go. 

Q: What do you hope to achieve or learn during your internship?

A: I hope to apply what I have learned in previous newsrooms and reporting experiences. I hope to also challenge myself to seek ways to be more engaged with the community. 

Q: Who inspires you as a journalist? 

A: Hanako Montgomery, a CNN correspondent in Tokyo, inspires me as a journalist. I admire her bravery as well as her perspective on stories that are unique and in-depth. 

Q: Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years? 

A: Wherever my life takes me, I hope I never stop learning and connecting with new people. In 10 years, it would be great if I could visit several places in the world that I want to tell stories from.

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Past AAJA-SPJ Emerging Northwest Journalists interns:

• Alexander Banks, Yakima (Wash.) Herald-Republic 
• Jamie Diep, KTOO, Juneau, Alaska
• Donald Orr, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)
• Matthew Park, KGW TV
• Chiara Profenna, The Oregonian/OregonLive 
• Sukhjot Sal, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)
• Celina Tebor, CNN, Los Angeles

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About AAJA: AAJA’s Portland chapter works to advance diversity in Oregon and southwest Washington newsrooms.

About SPJ: SPJ Oregon works to advance government transparency and public records reform, and provide networking and training opportunities for journalists and media professionals.