The Story of a Shared Life-Changing Experience: Japanese Students Visit Findlay as Part of Kawaguchi Findlay Friendship City Summer Language Program
Cultural exchange brings out the best in us – it requires an open and curious mind; a genuine wish to connect; patience; and perhaps most of all, courage. Imagine being 15 years old, traveling to a foreign country across the globe where you must rely on a second language only studied in the classroom, and to kick it all off, introduce yourself onstage to an audience – complete with a performance.
While introducing herself, a Kawaguchi Findlay Friendship Program student shares an example of Shodō – a Japanese artform similar to calligraphy – that she enjoys creating.
The welcome ceremony for our visitors, held at the University of Findlay’s Alumni Union, was truly a cultural exchange. After presenting an introduction about themselves in English, the students showed us something they like to do. One shared a beautiful scroll of her Shodō – a Japanese art form using brush and ink to write Japanese characters. Another gave a soccer dribbling demonstration. Another, with all of the stage presence one can command – belted out an enthusiastic rendition of “How Far I’ll Go,” from the movie Moana, even rousing the crowd to clap along and sing. And Kimiko Choda took her place at the piano and played Findlay’s most beloved melody, “Down by the Old Millstream,” to the delight of the audience.
Takuma Kumagai riled up the crowd, performing a rousing rendition of “How Far I’ll Go,” from the Moana soundtrack.
A student introduces himself in English at the Kawaguchi Findlay Friendship City Summer Language Program.
Friendship Beyond Language
Kimiko, 15, stayed with UF student Caitlin England and her family during the weekend, and England served as a resident advisor in the dorm. Kimiko enjoyed ziplining at the Toledo Zoo, bowling in Bowling Green (wink wink), and playing putt-putt with the England family.
“Before I came I was so nervous,” Choda said. “I thought, ‘What if I cannot speak English well?’ But it is not true. I was able to make new friends. Everyone is so kind. Every experience here is treasured for me. I wish I could stay longer – I won’t forget it in 100 years.”
Kimiko Choda and Caitlin England, a UF student and resident advisor in the Japanese students’ dorm. England’s family hosted Choda over the weekend, and she greatly enjoyed making new friends and showing the students Findlay. “I realized we’re more similar than I originally thought.”
Along with leaders from the University of Findlay and local officials, Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development has helped to cultivate and maintain a flourishing relationship with Friendship City Kawaguchi since 2018. The Language Program and activities were organized by Dr. Hiro Kawamura, UF professor of Japanese and a partner to the FHCED office.
At the farewell ceremony eight days later, audience members were treated to a video recapping highlights from the week which included: A ceremony with city leaders planting a commemorative cherry blossom tree and plaque at Riverside Park; taking a picture with the Findlay Kawaguchi Friendship Cities monument at Riverside; building a human pyramid in front of the courthouse; a hilarious 3-legged race at Emory Adams Park; ziplining at the Toledo Zoo; ziplining and messing around on exercise equipment at Miracle Park; saying “Pizza Pizza” in front of Little Ceasar’s; cooking food and visiting with residents at Birchaven Retirement Village; playing pickleball; spending time in the FHS Japanese classroom; having football practice with Coach Adams, complete with pads and helmets; touring Millstream Career Center and meeting FHS Principal Meg Simon; dining at Texas Roadhouse; visiting and speaking at Rotary; practicing small talk; visiting with Findlay Mayor Christina Muyrn and checking out Findlay City Council Chambers; and of course, enjoying Dietsch’s ice cream.
They were busy!
After the video, the Japanese students, in turn, spoke about their experiences. They originally thought American and Japanese people were very different but now realize we are all the same. They were afraid of relying so heavily on English but were thankful that people were patient and helpful; communication can happen without perfect English. They gained confidence, and are motivated to further their studies in English. They made friends for life. And they were not ready to go home.
At the Friendship Program’s farewell reception, the Kawaguchi and Findlay students shared thoughts on the lifechanging week they experienced together.
The students perform an energetic dance they practiced together all week at the Friendship Program’s farewell reception.
Cultural Enlightenment
Also onstage, FHS students spoke about their experience as well, sharing similar sentiments.
“Before this program for Kawaguchi and us, I couldn’t express myself in Japanese,” said FHS senior Ramier Williams. “But I’ve learned so many things, and I know we’ll be friends forever. Our lives have changed. All of this has been so amazing and it’s so interesting from a cultural aspect – some of these guys have never had a hamburger, and they, in turn, are teaching us about kimonos. I am so grateful for this experience.”
Smiling and laughing, the Japanese students and their American friends then performed a vigorous, choreographed dance with glow sticks that they practiced all week to the tune of a Japanese song.
Yuhi Nozawa, 15, stayed with the Simmons family. He too, feared his English would not be enough to communicate, but learned you must have courage to speak and learn from one another. The Simmons took Yuhi to Kelly’s Island, where they toured the island in a vintage van. They saw the glacial grooves and gracefully worked through some difficulties with Google translate. They also took Yuhi to the Ohio State Fair in Columbus where they touched animals, enjoyed the amusement park, and had a chance meetup with Gov. Mike DeWine, even snapping a selfie together.
“I am a lucky boy. This is amazing,” Yuhi said of his brush with the governor.
In his farewell comments, Yuhi worked hard to express how he felt, thoughtfully planning his words.
“This was not only a good memory, this is special, a change for our life,” he said. “My perspective broadened. I will not forget our times. I like everyone. I am grateful for our trip, thank you.”
Using Google translate later, he shared that being exposed to the wider world has enabled him to adopt new perspectives and that this trip has shown him that, “the value of thinking for myself is of the utmost importance.” He intends to reflect further on the experience as he navigates life, and the trip will “surely serve as a catalyst for my personal growth and depth of character.”
The Simmons family hosted Yuhi Nozawa during his visit to Findlay. From L-R, Teagan, Acadia, Brexton, Yuhi, and John Simmons. Brexton Simmons traveled to Kawaguchi in the fall of 2025 as part of Kawaguchi and Findlay’s Friendship exchange program.
The Simmons and Yuhi had a chance encounter with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. DeWine enjoyed meeting Yuhi and learning about the Kawaguchi Findlay program. L-R are Yuhi, Gov. DeWine and Brexton Simmons.
Lifechanging Growth
Like our summer visitors, FHS students have the opportunity to visit Kawaguchi. Brexton Simmons, a senior at FHS, not only enjoyed participating in the role of host family, but stayed in Kawaguchi in the fall of 2025 as part of the exchange program. Simmons marvels that a city the size of Findlay is a Friendship City to Kawaguchi, “an incredibly ethnically diverse city of more than 300,000 people.”
“It’s such an opportunity, this merging of cities, on both ends,” he said.
Because his experience “changed everything,” in college Brexton plans to major in International Relations with a minor in Asian Studies, with the goal of working in a Japanese Consulate.
“I feel so much gratitude for this program every year,” he said. “The world can sometimes be a downer but a week in Findlay, Ohio can build a bridge across the ocean. It’s beautiful and I love this culture. These are amazing, courageous people who come here for this program, and I am so thankful.”
Findlay leaders in business, government and education have made it a priority for more than 40 years to build and maintain an exceptional friendship with Japan, with exchange programs and delegations connecting regularly. The Japanese students were accompanied by two representatives from the Kawaguchi Board of Education. One of the board members spoke at the farewell ceremony.
“I was very moved by this whole experience, but especially the (monument at Riverside Park) and the planting of the cherry tree,” he said. “I appreciate our longtime friendship. …My speech today will end, but our friendship will last forever.”
A group photo taken during the welcome reception for the Kawaguchi group. Representing Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development were Matt Gilroy, Katie Hite and her family, Sarah Mayle, and Pat Sadowski.
