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Homestay in Okayama Summer 2026

DATES: in Okayama: July 21-27, 2026 in person (in Japan!)

Who Can Apply: all verified high school students in Silicon Valley are welcome to apply
Deadline for Application extended : May 29, 2026 (extensions may be granted. Email: sjokayama1957@gmail.com)


Click here to go directly to the application: https://forms.gle/ZY3BPUmHG8xztGjp6

A group of young people and adults gathered for a recognition ceremony, smiling and posing together. They are wearing traditional Japanese jackets and holding a certificate. The background features a decorated wall with colorful patterns.
With Mayor Omori (Okayama City)
A colorful bento box featuring shrimp fried rice topped with scrambled eggs and parsley, alongside various side dishes including fried chicken, grilled fish, assorted vegetables, corn, cherry tomatoes, and a dessert.
Just one of the lunches!
A group of young people posing together outdoors with two individuals dressed in traditional samurai armor, smiling and making peace signs.
Greeting at Okayama Castle
A view of a lush tree with vibrant green leaves, set against a backdrop of greenery and a white railing along a path.
From Okayama airport to the city
A colorful statue of a cartoonish child sitting in a pink flower petal, located on a conveyor belt in a public space, with vibrant advertisements on the wall behind.
A document outlining student responsibilities for a program in Okayama, Japan, including travel costs, homestay arrangements, and participation in a welcome back meeting.
Promotional flyer for a homestay program in Okayama, Japan, highlighting details like application deadlines, activities, and cultural experiences.
Image of an informational poster for a student opportunity program, detailing application criteria, deadlines, and process. Includes a QR code and an application link.
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Happiness and Sorrow

We are excited to currently have six students signed up for the Homestay in Okayama this year, 2026!
Once in Okayama, the International Division of Okayama City and the host families they’ve approved, will take over for a wonderful program in Japan.

In 2027, SJOSC will be hosting eight students from Okayama in Homestays with families in San Jose.
If you are interested in hosting a student, please contact sjokayama1957@gmail.com.

In 2027 there will also be a delegation going from San Jose to Okayama for celebrations around the 70th Anniversary of the Sister City relationship. A delegation from Okayama to San Jose will travel to San Jose in 2028. We do not know how many people will be coming, but we can say that in 2017 for the 60th Anniversary, there were 115 people who landed in San Jose as part of the delegation! There is planning yet to be accomplished, so if you’d like to be part of it, please reach out!

SORROW

We lost one of our remarkable Homestay parents in San Jose on May 10, 2026. Ann Marie Murphy passed away from MBC on Mother’s Day. Despite her trepidation the first time, she and husband, Mal Murphy, signed up to be host families, first in 2019 before COVID 19 lockdown occurred and then again in 2025 after the in-person program was reinstated. We all miss you, Ann!

Group of individuals posing together at a night gathering, surrounded by decorative lights and greenery.
Spring adult delegation from Okayama hosted in San Jose
A group of officials stands together at a podium during a ceremonial event, with various flags visible in the background. The scene takes place in a council chamber, where attendees are seated behind a wooden panel.




Vice Mayor Pam Foley introducing the delegation from Okayama during a regular San Jose City Council meeting
A scenic pond with a small island featuring trees and a gazebo, reflecting the sunset sky in the water.
Koraku-en (the garden our Japanese Friendship Garden is modeled after)
A historic Japanese castle partially hidden by trees, set against a soft sunset sky, with a grassy field in the foreground.
Okayama CastleF
A group of people standing inside a quaint ticket booth with vintage decor, listening to a guide who is explaining something. The interior features wooden counters and large windows, with patterned tiled flooring.
Okayama students at History Park
Visitors seated in front of a traditional shrine with ornate decorations and inscriptions in a cultural exhibit.
Okayama students at History Park
Group of students gathered outside a modern building with large windows and an architectural design featuring horizontal elements.
Okayama students visiting San Jose City Hall
A group of visitors exploring a museum exhibition featuring displays of historical photographs and artifacts, including a concrete object with shells and debris on a pedestal.
Okayama students at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose
Entrance to a building with ancient-style columns, featuring a banner that reads 'WE'RE NET ZERO CARBON. YOU CAN DO IT TOO!' People walking towards the entrance surrounded by decorative plants.
Okayama students at the Roscrucian Museum in San Jose
A group of teenagers and adults enjoying a meal at a restaurant, sitting around a large table filled with food, including pizza. A television displaying a basketball game is visible in the background.
Pizza time! at Jtown Pizza, Japantown SJ
A group of young people smiling and posing for a photo at a dining table filled with food and drinks in a casual restaurant setting.
Wingstop! Hosted by Tony Lam (Homestay in SJ parent/family)
A diverse group of people, including teens and adults, standing outdoors in a friendly gathering, with trees and a building in the background.

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Momotaro Statue Stolen!

It was sawn off the concrete and the plaque was stolen also.
Whether the statue was stolen as a prank or whether it was stolen to be melted down for the money, the statue represents the near 70 year relationship between the City of San Jose and the City of Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

Goodwill in reporting anything you might know is appreciated.

kathysj

Danielle Garcia YAAS award winner!

Sister Cities International selected Danielle Garcia from San Jose as the Third Prize recipient in the 15yr-18yr Poetry Category in their Annual Young Artists & Authors Showcase.

Danielle was one of eight students who were selected to participate in the 2024 Homestay Student Exchange in Okayama City. Her poetry reflects the very personal experience and appreciation she has for that experience in eloquent and stylish verse.

We want to express our Congratulations to her with our heartfelt pride and joy in her accomplishment!

Read Danielle’s winning poem here.

WOW! We’re in Japan!