Six Students from Texas Visit Japan on the TOMODACHI Dallas-Sendai Young Ambassadors Program

Six high school students from the Dallas, Texas area were selected for the 2016 TOMODACHI Dallas-Sendai Young Ambassadors Program which is part of the TOMODACHI NAJAS Grassroots Exchange Programs. The program took place in Sendai and the surrounding area from June 27 – July 5, 2016, and the itinerary in Japan was organized by SenTIA (Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association). The purpose was to further friendship between the people of Dallas and Sendai while cultivating young leaders to become future stewards of the U.S.-Japan relationship.

The students participated in four days of organized activities that introduced the culture and history of Sendai and offered opportunities for team-building, leadership development, and cultural exchange. Group outings included an official welcome at Sendai City Hall; visits to a Japanese high school and to Tohoko University; tours of Aoba Castle, the Kamei Collection, and Sendai City Museum; and a visit to Matsushima, designated a “Place of Scenic Beauty” by the Japanese government. To strengthen JASDFW’s existing friendship with Sendai’s Mori no Sato Nursing Home, damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the students performed songs in English and Japanese for the residents. The students also toured the disaster-affected area in Shichigahama and visited Sendai’s 3/11 Memorial to learn about recovery efforts over the last five years. The week culminated in a farewell party with a Texas-Japan theme attended by approximately 40 guests, including SenTIA staff, the Tohoku America-Japan Association, Sendai Kite Club, host families, and other community members.

In addition, each Young Ambassador stayed with a local host family and experienced Japanese daily life. Two 2015 Young Ambassadors from Sendai hosted Dallas students this year, and all six 2015 Young Ambassadors and several from 2013 Ambassadors participated in the itinerary, further strengthening existing friendships. At departure, it was clear that both students and host families had been deeply affected by the week’s experience and formed lasting bonds of friendship.

“This trip opened by eyes and heart in many ways…the warmth and gentleness of my host family and my other Japanese friends reminded me of my own home…This week was truly full of fun moments that will stay with me forever, and I will share my love for the people of Sendai with my own community. Going to Japan has encouraged me to be more open-minded and learn more about other cultures and languages.”
– Katherine Alejo (Age 16)

“This past week in Sendai has been one of the best weeks of my life…The opportunities given to us, such as visiting the NEC Corporation, Tohoku University, and Daini High school, have opened my eyes to new possibilities for myself, such as studying abroad and further travel to Japan and other countries around the world. I am incredibly grateful for this experience.”
– Janrose Samson (Age 16)