We are SO excited to announce that our very own beloved Sister City Izumo (located in Shimane prefecture), will be hosting the 23rd Japan-Grassroots Summit for 2013!! SCSCA had the lovely opportunity of participating in the summit when it was hosted in the Bay Area back in 2010. It is an absolutely wonderful experience, and we hope yours will be the same!
“Grassroots exchange” is what happens when ordinary citizens of different countries meet and make friendships with each other. Through participating in cultural activities and staying in each other’s homes, they discover much about the other person’s culture and way of life. It is our hope that “grassroots exchange” will lead to increased mutual understanding, respect and friendship between different countries.
The “Japan-America Grassroots Summit” is an annual gathering that provides an opportunity for such an exchange and is held alternately in Japan and the U.S. The program includes homestays, sight-seeing, and various cultural activities. During the Summit, citizens from both countries have the opportunity to get to know each other, have fun, and deepen their friendships.
People of all ages and backgrounds participate in the summit, but they all have on thing in common: a desire to create stronger ties and greater understanding between the people of Japan and America.
For more information, please visit the official site here.