Durham and Toyama, Japan, have been Sister Cities for over 25 years. As part of the Sister City relationship, delegations periodically visit each other’s cities, including educators, physicians, artists, and a variety of civic groups. Since 1995, Durham and Toyama have been exchanging delegations of middle, high school and college students. These visits have resulted in wonderful experiences for our young people in terms of intercultural communication and the forming of direct long-lasting relationships with friends across the globe.
Located on a delta plain between the Sea of Japan and the towering Southern Japanese Alps, Toyama was completely rebuilt after WW II bombing raids. It is now a thriving modern metropolis and a "City of Medicine." Its industrial parks boast state-of-the-art pharmaceutical and high-tech research and manufacturing companies. Another gem of the city is the Toyama College of Foreign Languages, an institution which sends college students to Durham annually for a 3-week exchange, and which will also host our visiting delegation.
Located on a delta plain between the Sea of Japan and the towering Southern Japanese Alps, Toyama was completely rebuilt after WW II bombing raids. It is now a thriving modern metropolis and a "City of Medicine." Its industrial parks boast state-of-the-art pharmaceutical and high-tech research and manufacturing companies. Another gem of the city is the Toyama College of Foreign Languages, an institution which sends college students to Durham annually for a 3-week exchange, and which will also host our visiting delegation.
Students: Cassie Allen, Katie Barnes, Oscar Flores, Andre Gavin, Robin Grissom, Alexander Johnson, Kenan Kaptanoglu, Jeremy Kilpatrick, Finn Lorenz, Zoe Thornton, Stephen Tizon, Hannah Wennerstrom, Margaux Winter, Donovan Yoshida, Kelsey McAdon
Chaperones: Sue Mathias and Mayumi Takasu |
Meet Our DelegationThe Toyama Committee of the Sister Cities of Durham is happy to introduce its 2016 delegation of Durham high school students heading to Japan this summer! These 15 amazing young people, representing six high schools throughout Durham, will travel to Japan for almost two weeks this July, visiting Tokyo and Kyoto, but spending the bulk of their time in Durham's sister city of Toyama. They will live with host families and have amazing opportunities to explore and learn about Japan, while also sharing their own culture.
We hope you enjoy our journal and the cultural links, where we'll share our ideas, hopes, and reflections about this journey. |