The Alaska Japanese Club of Homer is going to take seven student ambassadors and four chaperones to visit Homer’s sister city, Teshio, Japan, for two weeks in May.

Four of the student ambassadors, Finn Brewer, Elayna Wilson, Sei Beams and Rei Beams, provided a presentation to the Homer Rotary Club at their meeting on Thursday, Jan. 2 at the Bidarka Hotel.

The student presentations were introduced by Megumi Beams, sister city liaison and interpreter, who gave an overview of the Japanese Club’s programs. These include language lessons, art, cuisine and Taiko drumming.

2024 was the 40th anniversary of the Homer-Teshio sister city relationship, which was originally organized by Steve Yoshida. In addition to the sister city program, Yoshida and his wife, Noko, also helped coordinate a high school exchange program.

After Beams’ initial introduction, each student provided a cultural-historical overview of the cities they will be visiting during the spring trip. Their presentations included information about local food, clothing, annual events and features of the geographic landscape and climate.

Brewer provided the presentation for Tokyo. Sei Beams covered Osaka. Rei Beams covered Kyoto and Wilson discussed Hiroshima.

Members of the Rotary Club were provided an opportunity to ask the students questions after their talk.

Sarah Brewer provided information on where people can contribute to fundraising efforts if interested. Other upcoming events for fundraising will include a Japanese cuisine dinner later in January. Details for the dinner will be provided when available. Readers can also contact the Homer Foundation for more information on fundraising.