New School Committee member Joe Curro and his daughter join a dance at the Senior Center on May 3.

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.

Dick Smith launched sister-city effort in 1984.

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.