San Jose is opening up and we are opening up with it!
We participated in the Nikkei Matsuri Festival in Japantown San Jose on 4/24/22 with koi crafts crafts and a small raffle!
The Homestay Program and Student Exchange will once again be virtual this summer as Japan is not yet open to visitors and families here are also being cautious, as is wise, in sending students across the ocean. So, please keep looking for updates about applications for the program. We believe the dates will be sometime between July 28th and August 12th of this year (2022) as stated by the International Department of the City of Okayama, Japan. There will be eight positions available to high school or middle school students.
Although we do not know what our project within the exchange will be yet, you can take a look at some videos from our last virtual exchange in 2021 on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SJOkayamaSisterCities/videos/1650086492006790 AND you can look at other photos of the exchange there too.
In the spirit of all times there is a famous Hawaiian proverb to share:
‘A ‘ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia
No task is too big when done together by all
Messages from Okayama
“Thank you very much for sharing information. In Okayama City, one person was exposed to be tested last week and found to be infected by the novel corona virus yesterday. She is the first case in Okayama pref. We will see how the situation will be in Okayama.”
Ms Asami Kawata, International Division, Okayama City to Joe Hedges (City of San Jose) and Kathy Sakamoto (SJOSC) on 3/23/20
“I am very fine now in Okayama. But Corona virus infection has expanded all over the world. A patient in Okayama city has appeared …All schools were closed down. I am bored everyday. So, friends and I are renting tennis courts and play tennis together…
Koko, 2019 Homestay Student in San Jose from Okayama, Japan (3/24/20)
I pray for your health. Let’s meet again sometime🤩”
“I’m fine😊. I graduated from junior high yesterday.”-Sakura (3/14/20)
All communicated 3/14/20 Sakura, Sui, Sae, Anon, 2019 Homestay in San Jose from Okayama, Japan
“Don’t worry👍🏼 I’m fine! Me too. I graduated yesterday”-Sui (3/14/20)
“Long time no see..I’m doing fine! School is closed.”-Sae (3/14/20)
“I’m fine, too! I’m free from school because of the coronavirus. I want to see everyone again.😊 Everyone, be careful!”-Anon (3/14/20)