High School Students from Iwate Prefecture Participate in the Rose Parade in Los Angeles and Experience American Culture
From December 26, 2015 to January 9, 2016 for approximately two weeks, the second TOMODACHI Honda Cultural Exchange Program 2016 took place. Last year participants were selected from Miyagi prefecture, and for 2016, twenty high school students from Iwate prefecture who were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake visited Los Angeles, California to participate in this program.
Launched by the TOMODACHI Initiative and Honda Motor Co., Ltd (Honda), this program develops and deepens exchanges among the next generation of leaders from the United States and Japan, and invites students from areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake who are engaged in music to visit Los Angeles, California for a cultural exchange program.
During the program, the students participated in an iconic American New Year’s tradition, the historic Rose Parade, sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., learned about Japanese Americans and the U.S.-Japan relationship by visiting the Japanese American National Museum, and experienced a homestay. They also participated in volunteer activities, visited a university and met with local high school students.
After arriving in Los Angeles, the students attended a reception in which Steve Morikawa of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., U.S.-Japan Council member Henry Ota and host families welcomed the participants. Prior to the new year, the students practiced several music pieces in the auditorium of Torrance High School in preparation for performing at the Rose Parade, under the leadership of Grammy Award Winner Daniel Ho. Between practices, they participated in cultural exchanges and volunteered for community service, and immediately before the Rose Parade, they had an opportunity to visit the main office for the Rose Bowl. They learned about the history of the Rose Parade, learned about the process of creating the Honda float’s design, and helped decorate the float along with local volunteers.
On January 1, 2016, the students departed at four in the morning to participate in the Rose Parade. They rode the largest float that led the parade, and for approximately two hours performed with a smile as a way to express their gratitude for the support the United States provided for the Tohoku region. The students had a look fulfillment and accomplishment after the parade, which was the highlight of the program.
Quotes from the Students
“During the TOMODACHI Honda Cultural Exchange Program, many of the people I met told me that participating in this program is only the first step. While visiting the United States, I made many friends and also have a new family. I believe it is our responsibility to cultivate this friendship and connect it to the future.”
“I had an opportunity to go to the beach with my host family during the program. I had not seen the water since the disaster, and I was able to naturally share my experience during the disaster with my host family. I was only able to connect words to describe the experience but my feelings were communicated. As I spoke to them, they patted my shoulder for support and encouragement. I believe that the way I can give back is by doing my best and moving forward.”
- For more information on this program, click here
