Memories of Home Stay

It's great to be involved in an International relationship

Mitsutaka Nakajima

When we were asked the question: What did you learn through your international relationship? Most of us would answer "My English improved". I think this is true but there is more than this.
I think it's meeting of people. Compared with us Japanese, foreign people have a different color of skin or eyes, but furthermore they have a different perspective and way of thinking. In experience of international relationships, I realized that through the steps of getting familiar with one another, exchanging mutual opinions and understanding, wonderful friendships were built.
I think it is becoming more important to make many friends, to have a wide perspective and to have a broad mind for the future of the world.

Kaoru Mogi

Our family has hosted people from Coos Bay for the past five years. Every year we've had a great experience. Also, each member of our family has visited Coos Bay. Because of these exchanges we feel a very close tie with the people and the city of Coos Bay.

Summer is the best season to visit Choshi. We have the annual Choshi Port Festival, which includes fireworks, Japanese traditional dancing, carrying of many Shin-to shrines, a city parade and other Japanese traditions.

We believe the student and family exchanges are very valuable. It is important for us to understand each others ways of thinking and differences in customs. It is a new discovery for everyone involved. We think this is especially important for the younger generation.

We hope to continue to contribute to the Coos Bay / Choshi relationship as a host family in future years.