Supporting local connections & exchange between Independence and Higashimurayama
Travel to Japan on the sister city exchange program!
High School & College Students that are residents of Independence, Missouri have a travel opportunity for a two week home-stay in Japan and be a Student Ambassador to our Sister City, Higashimurayama!
Opportunities in Japan
By the end of the experience, you will have not only been able to visit Japan, but will have a Japanese family, feel a part of the community by living with a host family, experience real Japanese life, and have friends for a lifetime.
Host a Japanese student
Be a Host Family for a sister city student from Higashimurayama, Japan
Families, preferably with teenagers at home, can host one of the Higashimurayama Students for their stay in Independence. Families will not only give them a place to sleep and live while they are here, but also share their daily lives with them.
Independence Uptown Matsuri (Festival)
The Uptown Matsuri is a festival in Independence, is about the shared relationship between Independence and Higashimurayama.
Experience Japanese culture with:
Aikido Martial Arts Demonstration
Glendale Japanese Club performance
Japan Club of KC
Three Trails Taiko Group, a band of Traditional Japanese Drummers
Japanese Language School
Game Cafe and Design Living
“Carp flags are flown as symbols of prosperity and promotion of life, because a carp is said to be always swimming upstream. Those involved in the Independence Sister City Committee are in many ways like the carp, which in a town of Truman and wagon trails have brought a new culture and friendship from thousands of miles across the globe.”
— Alonzo F., School Principal
