LANSCA Student Exchange Ambassadors Return from Cultural Exchange in Nagoya

J.K. YAMAMOTO/*Rafu Shimpo*
From left: Erika Lopez, chair, LANSCA Student Exchange Committee; Satoshi Ishiyama, International Relations Division, Bureau of Tourism, Culture and Exchange, City of Nagoya; exchange students Truman King, Lucas Yung and Maya Strickland; Jose Corado, chaperone for the students; Toshinori Matsuo, deputy mayor, City of Nagoya; Manabu Kato, Nagoya International Relations Division, Bureau of Tourism, Culture and Exchange.

As part of the Student Exchange Program administered by the Los Angeles-Nagoya Sister City Affiliation (LANSCA), four Los Angeles high school students — Maya Strickland, Spencer Doi, Lucas Yung, and Truman King — recently returned from a transformative cultural exchange in Nagoya.

Accompanied by chaperone Dr. Jose Corado, the program ran from July 11 to Aug. 2.

The exchange began with a two-week homestay in Nagoya, during which the students lived with host families alongside their Japanese host siblings. A week into their stay, the students received a gracious reception from both their host families and the broader Nagoya community at a welcome party, where they shared cultural performances and formed meaningful bonds with attendees.

During their time in Nagoya, the students visited Nagoya University Affiliated Upper Secondary High School, Kikuzato High School, and Aichi High School, where they were warmly welcomed by both students and teachers.

They also participated in immersive cultural experiences that deepened their appreciation for Japan’s rich heritage. Highlights included a visit to the iconic Nagoya Castle, famed for its two golden shachihoko (carp-shaped talismans), as well as excursions to nearby towns such as Arimatsu, where they learned the art of traditional tie-dye, and Osu Kannon, considered the birthplace of cosplay.

They also traveled to Takayama in neighboring Gifu Prefecture, where Edo-period architecture and scenic mountain views provided a striking backdrop for learning about traditional Japanese life and customs.

Photos by J.K. YAMAMOTO / *Rafu Shimpo*
From left: LANSCA Chair Teruko Weinberg, Nagoya Deputy Mayor Toshinori Matsuo, Consul General Kenko Sone and his wife Mami.

The final week of the program expanded their perspective even further, with visits to Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo offering insight into both Japan’s historical legacy and modern society.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, the students and Dr. Corado were honored at a luncheon hosted by LANSCA on Aug. 9 at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance. The event was also attended by Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles Kenko Sone, his wife Mami, and the visiting Nagoya delegation, including Deputy Mayor Toshinori Matsuo. Sone and Matsuo celebrated the success of the exchange and the continued strengthening of ties between the two cities.

Matsuo was part of the Nagoya contingent in the Nisei Week Grand Parade in Little Tokyo the following day. Mr. and Mrs. Sone, who represented the Japanese government in Southern California for three years, also participated in the parade, their last local event before returning to Japan.

The luncheon also served as a homecoming, where students shared stories from their journey with distinguished guests.

Reflecting on the experience, LANSCA Student Exchange Committee Chair Erika Lopez said, “In keeping with LANSCA’s cultural and educational mission, I am deeply proud of our students for stepping into the role of young ambassadors for Los Angeles. They not only shared their unique stories and cultural roots with warmth and sincerity, but also embraced the opportunity to learn first-hand about Japan’s language, history, and daily life.

“It’s these genuine connections that build bridges between our communities and inspire lifelong understanding.”

A group of students from Nagoya will visit Los Angeles next year.

LANSCA Chair Teruko Weinberg said, “LANSCA’s Student Exchange Program truly embodies the heart of our sister city mission, building lasting people-to-people relationships grounded in mutual respect, cultural exchange, and understanding. I am deeply moved to see so many young people form authentic friendships and return home with a broader perspective and a profound appreciation for the world beyond their own communities.

“As LANSCA celebrates its 66th year, I am excited that today’s luncheon also marked the launch of a new initiative — the NextGen L.A.-Nagoya Committee. Made up of student ambassadors, this committee will carry forward our organization’s mission, nurturing vital connections for generations to come.”

Former chair Peter Langenberg also spoke on behalf of LANSCA. Entertainment was provided by Hina Zhang, a master of the erhu, a two-stringed Chinese instrument.

The Student Exchange Program truly highlights the importance of mutual learning and cultural connection, with students not only experiencing Japanese traditions first-hand but also engaging in meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. This program represents a vital step toward fostering global citizenship and nurturing lasting international friendships.

The sister-city relationship was born in 1959 under President Dwight Eisenhower’s Citizens’ International Exchange Program. Sister relationships have also been established between the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Nagoya; Los Angeles Zoo and Higashiyama Zoo; L.A. Rotary 5 and Nagoya Rotary Club.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, visit www.lansca.org.