BE A HOST FAMILY!
We are looking for families to host high school students from Kurashiki, Japan (Kansas City’s sister city) for one week.
We have 2 weeklong blocks available:
July 28th - August 3rd
August 3rd - August 8th.
You can help these Japanese students become fully immersed in the United States life by providing a home away from home. You’ll also be a part of some fun group activities and have time to yourself.
If you are interested leet us know a little about your family, please fill out a Host Family interest form:
For more information, contact Jun H. Shrout at jhshrout@comcast.net or (816)590- 3747.
About our program
Kansas City, Missouri -- Kurashiki, Okayama
Established: May 1972
Annual student exchanges -- to and from Kurashiki;
Adult exchanges on each 5th year anniversary -- to and from Kurashiki;
For the 25th anniversary in 1997 of the Sister Cities relationship -- Kurashiki donated 25 Yaezakura double flowering cherry trees that were planted in a midtown park (Loose Park) in Kansas City -- Kansas City donated 25 Flowering Dogwood trees (the State tree of Missouri) that were planted in the heart of the city of Kurashiki in Friendship Square;
For the 30th anniversary in 2002, the Kurashiki government and citizens donated monies for a Japanese Tearoom and Garden that was placed in Loose Park -- the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department and Greater Kansas City citizens donated monies to fully fund the project (the Tearoom and Garden were dedicated in 2006 with Kurashiki Mayor Furuichi and a delegation from Kurashiki and local Kansas City governmental officials and citizens);
For the 35th anniversary in 2007, Mayor Kenzo Furuichi brought 480 Kurashiki governmental officials and citizens to Kansas City for a week's stay on a JAL jumbo jet to celebrate this special anniversary -- many activities were planned for the delegation during their stay -- this was probably one of the largest Sister City delegations to come to its Sister City in US history!;
2019 Delegation
2018 Delegation 2017 Delegation
