Students of Fudai Kagura Circle of Iwate joined the Japan-America Grassroots Summit in San Diego Region
From September 23 – 30, 2014, a total of nineteen students (18 middle school students and 1 young adult) and 5 chaperones attended the 24th Japan-America Grassroots Summit 2014 in San Diego Region. The students are members of Kagura Dance Circle of Fudai-mura, Iwate prefecture, which was affected by the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.
The Opening Ceremony of the Grassroots Summit was held at PETCO Park (the San Diego Padres ballpark), and the students performed on the field before the game began between the Padres and the Rockies. Their dance was shown on the giant screen and was uploaded on the Padres Homepage.
- To view the video, click here (following the commercial)
The students also showed their dance at the local high school, San Dequito Academy, and at the San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden.
During the eight day program, they participated in a three night homestay where they had an opportunity to experience a real American life, enjoyed cultural exchange activities, and visited local companies and schools.
Voices of the Students
“I did not want to come back to Japan. It’s over now, but my desire to go to America again is becoming stronger now. It may affect my future”
“I learned a lot in America. I never forget them in my life, and those memories will connect me to the future”
“I was very nervous when performed the dance, but could do my best, showing what I practiced before. I am sure that people in San Diego were happy to see the dance. I was so impressed when I got their big hands”
“It was a good experience. My view was widened through seeing many things and various experiences. I would like to make my English fluent by the time when I go overseas next time”.
About the Japan-America Grassroots Summit
The Grassroots Summit is an annual event organized by John Manjiro Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange.
