TOMODACHI NAJAS Grassroots Exchange Program: High School Students from San Antonio Visit Sister City Kumamoto

From June 14 to 22, 2025, four high school students from San Antonio, Texas participated in the TOMODACHI NAJAS Grassroots Exchange Program – San Antonio and Kumamoto. As part of the program, they visited Kumamoto City, Japan, which is the sister city of San Antonio.
During the program, the participants visited iconic sites in Kumamoto, including Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Jojuen Garden, and the caldera of Mt. Aso. These experiences helped the students learn about the region’s history and culture, and also served as conversation starters when interacting with local residents, deepening mutual understanding.

 

They also visited a junior high school, a senior high school, and a university in Kumamoto. At the junior high school, they introduced themselves in various classrooms and enjoyed short conversations with students in the hallways and during class activities in both English and Japanese. At the high school, they participated in after-school club activities. In the calligraphy club, they wrote their chosen kanji on uchiwa fans, and in the taiko club, they enjoyed a performance and even joined in by learning a few musical phrases and playing with the group. At the university, the students learned about a study abroad program connected to a university in San Antonio, which sparked interest in the possibility of studying in Japan.
One student reflected: “This program has provided me with the opportunity to actually meet new individuals as I was able to connect with others and learn about what they do for work, their families and culture. Looking ahead, my goals about wanting to study in Japan and learn more about the culture and language have intensified as this trip has solidified my desire to pursue an education in Japan. I will forever remember this positive experience about the program, the people and Japan.”

 

As part of the program, the students also experienced homestays with local families in Kumamoto. Through daily conversations in Japanese and English with family members of different ages and visits to local points of interest, the participants enjoyed more personal and heartwarming experiences. A student shared: “I loved this program. I met so many kind people, like my host family. It has inspired me to look into more ways I can contribute to Japan-America relations.”
After returning from the homestays, the participants shared their experiences with one another. Combined with local meals and interactions throughout the week, these moments offered valuable opportunities for the students to reflect on Japan–U.S. relations and their own future possibilities. It is expected that the learning and connections formed during this program will serve as a meaningful foundation for the participants’ future endeavors as bridges between Japan and the United States.