Farewell Chiba, Hello Houston

On June 15th (Thursday), the Youth Ambassadors said their farewells to Chiba City, their host families, and the principal of Chiba Municipal Inage Junior High School before heading to Haneda Airport.

The group enjoyed a few final moments on the streets of Edo (Edo Koji and Haneda Nihonbashi) at Haneda before boarding their plane and returning to Houston.

Upon arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the group was met by JASH representatives before receiving a warm welcome from family and friends at River Oaks Baptist School.

We are grateful to Chiba City, the Chiba City International Association, Chiba Municipal Inage Junior High School, and the host families for making the return of the Houston-Chiba Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Program possible.

The 2023 Youth Ambassadors had an experience of a lifetime!

-Images courtesy of Chiba City International Association and JASH

Meeting the Host Families

On Friday, June 9th, the Youth Ambassadors met their host families at a welcome party at Inage Senior High School Affiliated Chiba Municipal Inage Junior High School.

The students will attend Inage Junior High School from June 12th to June 14th with their host siblings. While at school, the Youth Ambassadors will experience Japanese junior high school classes, school lunches, and extracurricular activities.

Special thanks go to the Chiba families that have welcomed the Youth Ambassadors into their homes.

-Images courtesy of Chiba City International Association

Touring Tokyo

On June 8th and 9th, the Youth Ambassadors spent time in Tokyo to experience other facets of Japanese culture.

The group’s Tokyo visit began with a stop in Asakusa. In addition to touring Sensoji Temple and exploring the many unique eats and treats of Nakamise Dori, one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, the Youth Ambassadors stopped by Wanari-ya for a lesson on the art of Edo textile dyeing.

With custom indigo-dyed handkerchief in hand, the Youth Ambassadors also made stops at Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku and Meiji Jingu.

-Images courtesy of Chiba City International Association

Getting to Know Chiba City

After paying courtesy visits to Chiba City leaders, the Youth Ambassadors were given a special introduction to Chiba City at Chiba Shrine (Chiba Jinja) and Chiba City Folk Museum.

The Chiba City Folk Museum, which was constructed in 1967 on the former site of Chiba Castle, collects, preserves, researches and displays historical materials related to the culture and history of Chiba City and the Chiba Clan.

The group’s time spent at the Chiba City Folk Museum was featured in June 6th edition of the Mainichi Shinbun-Chiba.  In the article, Emma A. was quoted as saying that she “felt as though wearing the samurai helmet made her stronger.” James G. was cited for his remarks on the weight of the samurai armor and for how fascinating he found the museum’s collection of swords and guns.

May the Chiba Clan warrior spirit remain with the Youth Ambassadors throughout their time in Japan and beyond!

-Images courtesy of Chiba City International Association

Youth Ambassadors Meet Chiba City Mayor, Assembly Chair & Superintendent

On Wednesday, June 7, the Youth Ambassadors had the opportunity to meet with leaders of Chiba City.

• Shunichi KAMIYA, Mayor, Chiba City

• Hiroshi ISHIKAWA, Chairman, Chiba City Assembly

• Katsuhiko TSURUOKA, Superintendent, Chiba City Board of Education

Each courtesy visit included remarks from a Youth Ambassador. James G. greeted Mayor KAMIYA and shared why he applied to be a Youth Ambassador. Emma A.’s remarks to Chairmain ISHIKAWA highlighted her deep interest in Japanese culture as well as her Japanese language skills. And Campbell P. gave Superintendent TSURUOKA insight into what she is looking forward to the most while attending Chiba Municipal Inage Jr. High School.

The remarks were followed by gift exchanges.

The Youth Ambassadors carried out their official duties most honorably!

-Images courtesy of Chiba City International Association

Orientation at Chiba City International Association

On June 6th (Tue), the 2023 Houston-Chiba Sister City Youth Ambassadors visited the Chiba City International Association (CCIA) for a program orientation.

Following formal introductions, Youth Ambassador Evan G. greeted the assembled leaders.

In his remarks, Evan G. went on to say:

"My grandmother had a connection with Japan, and I had heard about Japan from her. So, when there was a recruitment for this youth exchange program, I applied first. I want to enjoy Japanese food in Japan."

The CCIA presented the Youth Ambassadors with gifts featuring the prefecture mascot — Chiba-kun, and writing utensils depicting the local professional baseball team — the Chiba Lotte Marines. In return, the Youth Ambassadors presented CCIA staff members with official Houston Astros goods.

Day 1 of official duties complete!

-Images courtesy of Chiba City International Association

Youth Ambassadors Arrive in Japan

Image courtesy of Chiba City International Association

Houston, we have contact!

The 2023 Houston-Chiba Sister City Youth Ambassadors have arrived in Japan!

Over the next ten (10) days, the group will serve as representatives of Houston in Chiba City.

Official duties will include marking the program’s 40th anniversary through courtesy visits to the Mayor of Chiba City, the Chiba City Assembly Chairman, and the Superintendent of the Chiba City Board of Education.

In addition, various cultural activities and tours will provide the Youth Ambassadors with the opportunity to learn more about Japan and Japanese culture.

Excitement abounds!

Departing from Houston: A New Adventure Begins!

Meet the 2023 Houston-Chiba Sister City Youth Ambassadors!

• Emma A.

• Campbell P.

• Evan G.

• James G.

  *from left to right

On Sunday, June 4, this group of exceptional students and their chaperones from River Oaks Baptist School departed for Houston’s Sister City in Japan — Chiba City.

Many special opportunities await the 2023 Youth Ambassadors in Chiba City.

We with the group all the best as they begin this journey of a lifetime!