The fourth annual visit of students from Arlington's Japanese sister city, Nagaokakyo, came to a close May 4, as 16 middle-schoolers and three teachers returned to Japan. Here is a diary, in pictures and words, about their visit:

Saturday, May 3 

The group of Nagaokakyo students and teachers visited the Museum of Fine Arts on Saturday morning.  They heard a lecture about MFA's vast Japanese collection and its history, ancient Egypt art, and Americal art history. After about 30 minutes of lecture by Arlington's volunteer staff members, students used their free time to enjoy the art works of their choice.

At 4:30 p.m., all Japanese guests and their host familied gathered at Arlington Senior Center. The girls were clad in traditional Kimono. They were joined by many officials of the town. The farewell speeches were spoken by the chairman of the board of selectmen, Clarissa Rowe, (who brought Arlington's  200th anniversary hats for the students); Town Manager Brian Sullivan, Superintendent of Schools Nate Levenson, state Senator Jim Marzilli, state Representative Will Brownsberger; five School Committee members -- Joe Curro, Leba Heigham, Ron Spangler, Sue Sheffler and Jeff Thielman -- and Dick Smith, an Arlington resident who founded the sister-city program in 1984 and visited Nagaokakyo 23 times in the 1970s and 1980s.

In return, student leader Yuuna Benzaki and Principal Matsumiya made speeches in English. Benzaki thanked the hospitality of host families and the town and said they learned a lot about Arlington and the U.S., and would love to come back again. Principal Matsumiya thanked the town as well and said even though he didn't know what each student felt, thought, said, and heard, he was sure that these experiences will have profound effect on their lives.

Nagaokakyo students showed their appreciation to the people of Arlington by singing four songs, both in English and Japanese. They sang two Beatles songs first  --  "Hello Goodbye" and "Let It Be."  Then they sang "Furusato," an old Japanese song about a hometown far away. One of the students recited the translation in English, while other students quietly hummed background. After this nostalgic song, they sang happily with the audience "If You're Happy and You Know It."

After singing, they danced the traditional "Nagaokakyo Ondo," which they performed at
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church on April 2, and were joined by the audience.

After playing games, taking many pictures, and enjoying the snacks brought by host families and volunteer staff members, the students and teachers of Nagaokakyo walked to the Town Hall to attend the Arlington High School Pops Concert.  Not only they were invited as honored guests, they were also asked to perform at the concert.

At second half, they performed Naruko-Odori, which they performed at Hardy Elementary School and Ottoson Middle School,  Before the performance, one of the students, Saki Morimoto spoke to the audience in English about this dance, which derived from traditional folk dance of fishermen in Northern part of Japan.

Their performance was received with an enthusiastic applause.

Walking out of the Town Hall, some students were caught whispering in Japanese, "I don't want to go back to Japan!"

"Me, neither!"

"Why don't we lose the passport on purpose?"

"Hey, that's not such a bad idea...."

Saturday was the last day of their activity.  The group leaves Arlington to return home on Sunday, May 4.

FRIDAY, May 2

The group of students and teachers from Nagaokakyo were joined by members of their host families to board a whale-watching boat from the Gloucester. After 45 minutes of travel, the boat "Yankee Clipper" arrived at the summer habitat of humpback whales.  There were no other boats in the area, and Yankee Clippers was able to observe one group of whales -- a mother, a calf, and an escort -- for an hour an half without any interruption. The sea was calm and students were awed by the beauty of those magnificent creatures.

After the boat landed, the group headed to Rockport. Julie Dunn, an Arlington resident and a supporter of this exchange program, opened her house near downtown Rockport for the group. The group walked over the rocks with a view of the harbor and Bearskin Neck, had lunch at Top Dog, A hot dog shop. They strolled downtown and took pictures before heading back to Arlington.

In the evening, some of the host families and Nagaokakyo students attended the performance of "Swan Lake" by Boston Ballet.

The excursion s,both whale watching and Boston Ballet, were made possible by generosity of former Arlington resident and pharmacist, Donna Harris, who was a member of the group who established the sister-city relationship between Arlington and Nagaokakyo. In the 1980s, she visited Nagaokakyo three times as a member of adult exchange program. She accompanied the group all day and the group brought gifts, both from the group and from individuals, as the token of their appreciation for her kindness.

On Saturday, May 3, the group plans to visit Museum of Fine Arts in the morning and host families will hold a farewell party at the senior center in the afternoon.  They are also invited to the annual Arlington High School Pops Concert as honored guests.  They will perform their dance at the beginning of second half of the concert.  They will leave Arlington on Sunday, May 4.

Thursday, May 1

{mosimage}A bit tired from the excitement of the previous night at Fenway Park, but still happy and energetic, the group arrived at Ottoson Middle School.

Principal Judy Malone Neville was out of country, but Assistant Principal Eric Saum welcomed the group warmly. Members of PTO, host family members Cindy Starks and Kim Kay Holt, and the students who volunteered to be shadowed by Nagaokakyo students whose host family had no Ottoson students were there to welcome the group at the Media Center.

After the gift exchange and speeches by Mr. Saum, student leader Yuuna Benzaki, and Principal Matsumiya from Nagaoka Dai-yon Middle School, Nagaokakyo students went off to the classrooms and shadowed Ottoson students until the end of lunch time.

Meanwhile, the teachers from Nagaokakyo observed eighth-grade English, World History, and Gym classes during the morning periods. Mr. Kawashimo, an English Teacher from one of the four middle schools in Nagaokakyo, said he was very impressed with Ottoson's classes and the ability of students in classrooms to discuss and articulate their thoughts.

After lunch, Mr. Saum gave the group a school tour. The group walked through the school building and learned about Ottoson's curriculum, the role of administrators, and about detentions. Japanese school administrators do not use detensions for discipline.

At seventh period, the Nagaokakyo group was treated with the Ottoson chorus practice.  At the end of period, the group performed Naruko-Odori and sang two songs -- "Let It Be" by Beatles and Japanese song, "Furusato."

The Nagaokakyo students also demonstrated Japanese traditional art and games from 2:30 to 3:30. With Ottoson students, they did Origami, calligraphy, and played Japanese traditional games such as Kendama, Daruma-otoshi, and Koma (Spinner).

On May 2, the group plans to go on a voyage to watch whales and spend time in the town of Rockport.  In the evening, many tour members of the group will attend the performance of "Swan Lake" by Boston Ballet at Wang Center.

Wednesday, April 30

The Nagaokakyo group visited the Hardy Elementary School and Arlington High School. Their day started at Hardy at 8:30 a.m. The students from kindergarten through second grade welcomed the group with their songs. The Nagaokakyo group responded by performing their dance, Naruko-Odori. The student leader, Yuuna Benzaki presented principal Deborah D'Amico a beautiful traditional painting as a gift to the school.

{mosimage} After the musical welcome, the group left Hardy and went to Arlington High School, where they were greeted by Chorus Director Cheryl Christo. She was one of the chaperons when AHS students group visited Nagaokakyo last summer.

The group visited the superintendent's office. The gifts were exchanged and Superintendent Levenson talked about the one-year study program which Arlington High School offers to Nagaokakyo students.

The group participated in cookie baking at culinary class, followed by the meeting with Principal Charles Skidmore. They exchanged gifts with the principal, and then went off to the school building tour with AHS students as the guides. After the lunch at AHS cafeteria, a school bus took the group back to Hardy Elementary School.

Katherine Goldman, who was a teacher at Hardy and now is teaching in Nagaokakyo, met her former third- and fourth-grade students in the cafeteria. She talked to them about her experience and the elementary school life in Japan. After answering many questions from eager students, Ms. Goldman were joined by Nagaokakyo students, who had been observing first and fifth-grade classes.

Nagaokakyo students demonstrated some traditional Japanese games such as kendama, spinners, and origami. They taught Hardy students how to play those games and also how to make origami shapes until dismissal.

In the evening, many members and friends of host families and all members of Nagaokakyo group met again at Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox and Blue Jays.  Luckily, Daisuke Matsuzaka was the starting pitcher of the game and Japanese students were very excited. They cheered Dice-K and held up a hand-made signboard at the end of each inning. They left the stadium very happily after seeing both Japanese players -- Dice-K and Hideki Okajima -- and witnessing the dramatic walk-off victory by Red Sox. 

Tuesday, April 29

The students and teachers from Nagaokakyo visited Harvard Yard, the State House, and Quincy Market on a rainy day.

The tour started from Alewife, where the group boarded a Red Line train to Harvard Square. They listened to the story about the bequest for the Widener Memorial Library and the famous John Harvard statue, before they went to Harvard Coop and bought souvenirs for their classmates, teachers, and family members back home. Some of the students bought a couple of dog collars with Harvard logo.

Then the group took the Red Line again to go to the State House, where Paul Schlichtman and state Senator Jim Marzilli greeted them at the entrance. Schlichtman led the group to the Gardner Auditorium, where the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) was holding its annual "Day on the Hill" conference. The group was introduced to the whole assembly with an applause from the School Committee members across the state.

Senator Marzilli took them to the State House tour after the appearance before MASC.  The group visited both the House Chamber and the Senate Chamber,  learned about the structure of the state government and legislatures. State Rep Sean Garballey and state Rep Will Brownsberger joined them at the House Chamber before going into session to discuss the state budget.

After the State House tour, the group walked through rain and wind to the Quincy Market, where they ate lunch and spent a couple of hours shopping.  At 3:30 p.m., the school bus picked them up and transferred them to Arlington Studio.

Danny Wolf, a member of Ottoson News Network, and Jeff Munro of the Arlington Studio greeted the group. The Ottoson News Network was creating a special program featuring the Nagaokakyo group and invited the whole group for a studio interview.

With the help of an interpreter, Danny asked many questions to the group while the Arlington Studio staff and other member of ONN videotape the interview. There seemed to be a lot of friendships born at the studio between the Arlington Studio staff member, ONN members, and Nagaokakyo students. 

Monday, April 28

The group of students and teachers from Nagaokakyo gathered at Arlington Town Hall at 10 a.m., joined by several host family members. Selectman Jack Hurd and Marie Krepelka, the board administrator, welcomed the group. Hurd explained the Town Meeting system of government in Arlington, which is completely different from the city governments in Japan.

Town Manager Brian Sullivan joined them after Hurd's explanation. After group photos were taken, gifts were exchanged between Arlington and Nagaokakyo.

The student leader, Yuuna Benzaki, presented the gift they were entrusted from Mayor Oda of Nagaoakyo, a beautiful fan (see link to photo album).

Sullivan predented the gift of beautiful color drawing of Arlington Town Hall.  Also, each student received a gift bag from Ms. Krepelka.

Sullivan then talked to the group about the history of Town Meeting in New England.  A student asked a question about campaigning for town election.

After that, the group walked to the Robbins Library, where library director Maryellen Loud greeted them at the front door. Ms. Loud gave the group the tour of the entire building and talked about the history of the library and the Robbins family.  The students were very impressed with the architecture and the quality of service of the library. Some students commented that they wish they had such a beautiful and well-run library in their town.

After pizza lunch in the Town Hall, they visited Lexington visitor center and National Heritage Museum to learn about the first battle of the American Revolution. They also briefly visited the Old North Bridge in Concord.

After some rest and dinner with their host families, the group came back to the Town Hall at 8 p.m. to visit the opening of the 2008 Town Meeting.  They were impressed with the militia band, which marched onto the Town Meeting floor with fife and drums, and then played "The Star-Spangled Banner. "

Sunday, April 27

The students and teachers of Nagaokakyo made their first public appearance at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington. After the service, 16 students all clad in Japanese traditional clothing came into the sanctuary.

After one of the host family members and UU church member, Anne Goodwin introduced the group to the audience, the student leader, Yuuna Benzaki (ninth grade) made a well-prepared speech in English.

She thanked the town of Arlington for hosting them and said they were very excited to be here.  She also explained about the song they were about to dance to.  "Nagaokakyo Ondo" was specially written for the city on Nagaokakyo and its lyrics features much of Nagaokakyo's beauty throughout the four seasons. 

After her speech was received enthusiastically by the audience, the students of Nagaokakyo formed a circle around the pews and invited the audiences to join them.  The music started, and so did their dance. The choreography consists of several movements and soon, Arlington residents were dancing with Nagaokakyo students, going round in a circle. 

After the dance performance was over, they joined church's coffee time.

April 27 was mostly "host family day," and visitors spent the afternoon and evening with their host family.

On April 28, they will visit Town Hall in the morning and have a historical tour of Lexington and Concord to learn about the beginning of the American Revolution. In the evening, they will visit and observe the opening of Town Meeting 2008. 

All students, teachers, including Katherine Goldman of Hardy Elementary School, and Sonoe Toyama, the coordinator of Arlington-Nagaokakyo program in Nagaokakyo, have arrived safely. Two Japanese teachers are Mr. Matsumiya, the principal of Nagaokakyo Dai-yon (Fourth) Middle school, and Mr. Kawashimo.

Ms. Toyama has been the coordinator since this exchange program started in 2004 and has been coming with the group every year.  She was also among the delagation with Mayor Oda when they visitedArlington in 2004 for 20th anniversary ceremony.  She coordinates both Nagaokakyo students visits to Arlington and Arlington students visits
to Nagaokakyo.

After retrieving their luggage on Saturday, April 26, the group was transfered to the Senior Center in Arlington, where host families were waiting to meet them. After a brief reception, each family took their guest home.

Students and teachers will stay with host families in Arlington, and they will have many public appearances throughout their stay. This includes visits to Town Hall, Town Meeting, the Hardy Elementary School, the Ottoson Middle School, the Arlington High School and a special appearance at an AHS Pops Concert.

The group from Japan will also experience a Red Sox game at Fenway (to cheer for Japanese players, no doubt), visit the State House and see Sen. Jim Marzilli, go whale-watching and perform dance at Arlington's Unitarian Universalist Church.

This program is supported by many volunteer efforts, including host families and other helpers.

Sue Sheffler, a School Committee member, is in charge of matching host family and students. She has been the main force of this exchange program since it began, in 2005.

No taxpayer's money is spent on this program. It is supported by many volunteers, including the host families, and the Japanese group pays all of its own expenses.

June, July '07: Arlington students take a sister-city sojourn in Japan

Rieko Tanaka is a schedule coordinator for the visit. She will accompany the group on all of its official visit and most of other activities as a interpreter plus a tour guide.