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Community Corner

Birmingham Residents Prepare for Goodwill Mission to Japan

A few spots still remain for the 12-day trip to Ritto, Japan in November, with applications due by July 1.

In spite of the earthquake and tsunami that faced Japan earlier this year, a group of Michigan residents will be making a 12-day trip to Ritto, Japan Nov. 7-19 as part of the Sister State Goodwill Mission Trip.

Ritto is located within the Shiga Prefecture, located about 450 miles away from where the majority of the earthquake and tsunami damage, according to Shirley Cook, co-coordinator for the mission.

The Sister City program, developed in 1968, began was a way to forge relationships between the residents of Birmingham and those overseas. The yearly exchange program — with Birmingham and Michigan residents traveling to Japan one year, and Ritto residents coming to Birmingham the next — began in 1976 and has served as the primary method for maintaining the bond between the two cities.

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There are 44 spaces on the trip, a few of which are still open. The trip lasts 12 days, five of which are spent with a host family. According to former Birmingham Mayor Robert Kenning, staying with the family was the highlight of his trip to Japan in 1976, the first year

“It’s a real good adventure and broadening experience,” Kenning said. “You have to go with the knowledge that it is a different culture and be sensitive to that.”

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For Kenning, immersing himself in the Japanese culture was difficult at times, but mostly a great experience. He noted that he has always been up for trying new things food-wise, which was helpful in his trips to Japan which he went on when Birmingham first became part of the program in 1976.

Kenning said he learned about the island nation, as well as plenty about traditional Japanese values. Kenning noted that not all of the host families speak English and interpreters aren't always around. When he was staying with a family that didn't speak any English, Kenning said he had to improvise.

“At home you learn to smile and bow a lot,” Kenning said. “To express your pleasure in something by smiling and opening your arms. Your body language is how you express yourself – there’s a lot of pointing and a lot of laughing.”

Aside from the unique cultural experience, lifelong friendships are made with the host families. According to Kenning, he and his wife, Shirley, send the Japanese couple they met a Christmas card every year.

An itinerary for the trip is already made up, but Cook said that additional items might be added as the trip approaches. Currently, Nov. 7-19 is packed with museum and temple trips along with other tourist sites and cultural experiences, including visiting a noodle factory and glass blowing museum.

“Michigan residents should go to experience first hand the kindness and gentleness of our Japanese friends,” Cook said.

The cost to attend the trip is $2,990 per person and includes round-trip air and luggage fare, hotel stay, some meals, ground travel once in Japan as well as tour and interpreter costs. Applications are available online at www.mishiga.org and must be returned to Shirley Cook at 1061 Orchard Drive, Marshall, MI 49068 or through email at craftcook@aol.com by July 1. A $1,400 deposit is required.

Residents under the age of 18 must have an adult accompany them on the trip. Any questions can be directed to Christian Wuerth, assistant to the city manager, at 248-530-1807. 

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