INBOUND Yamate to Yakima
2025 Yakima Yamate Japanese Exchange
The 2025 INBOUND trip occurs April 11 - 25, 2025.
The INBOUND portion of the Yamate Japanese Exchange is when Japanese exchange students (76 students and four teachers in 2025) travel to Yakima and live with the host families of students who attend Davis, Eisenhower, Stanton, or East Valley high schools.
Students from other Yakima area high schools may be considered for participation if space allows. Participation requires superintendent approval, an assigned coordinator, and a minimum commitment from three host families (to accommodate six or more Japanese students) from the interested school.
Host Families
Please click the button below to apply as a host the 2025 exchange. Students may not fill out the host family application. It must be a parent/guardian. Thank you.
Host Family Virtual Info Meeting: March 10, 2025 5:15-6:00 pm. To receive meeting link, RSVP to fitterer.kirsten@ysd7.org.
Event for Confirmed Host Families: March 20, 2025 5:30-7:30, Stanton Academy. Meeting, welcome sign making, dinner, social.
Yamate Japanese Exchange Host Family Application
Day Hosts
Each Japanese student is paired with a student day host at the school. If the host family has a high school-aged student, one of the Japanese students will be paired with that student, and another student at the school will be paired with the other Japanese student. If the host family does not have high school-aged students, both Japanese students will be assigned student day hosts.
STUDENTS—If you are interested in being a student day host, please contact the following:
- Davis High School: Assistant Principal, Lorenzo Alvarado
- Eisenhower High School: Assistant Principal, Henry Samson
2025 Calendar Of Events
April 11, 2025, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Welcome Banquet (Stanton Academy)
April 13, 2025, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Seattle excursion (Japanese students only)
April 17, 2025, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Japanese Cultural Show (Eisenhower High School)
April 21, 2025, 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Leavenworth excursion (Japanese students only)
April 23, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Closing Reception sponsored by The Blaine and Preciosa Tamaki Foundation: Yakima Valley Museum (Private event at the museum for host families and Yamate Gakuin students with access to the Land of Joy and Sorrow Exhibit.)
April 24, 2025, Evening
Host Families - please reserve this evening for the Yamate Gakuin students to pack for their early morning departure the following morning.
April 25, 2025, 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM
Japanese students depart (Stanton Academy)
Host Families: Want ideas for things to do in Yakima while our visitors are here? Click here.
Support the Yamate Japanese Exchange Program
For over 50 years, the Yamate Japanese Exchange has connected students from Yakima and Yokohama, creating lasting friendships and fostering cultural understanding. Your generous donation can help sustain this incredible program, supporting both the visits from Yamate students to Yakima and the experiences of Yakima students in Japan. We welcome contributions from past participants, families, Japanese-American communities, and businesses with strong ties to Japan, especially our local agricultural companies. To learn more or to offer your support, please contact our coordinator. Thank you for helping keep this cultural exchange thriving for future generations!
Coordinator:
Kirsten Fitterer, Email or 509-573-7000
2025 Host Family Flyer
Celebrating Connections: Highlights from the Yamate Japanese Exchange
Discover the vibrant interactions and cultural exchange that define the Yamate Japanese Exchange Program. This section showcases a collection of enriching resources that highlight the profound experiences shared between Japanese students and their peers in Yakima. From insightful articles to captivating photo galleries and engaging local news stories, explore how this 50-year tradition continues to foster meaningful connections and mutual understanding.
Yakima Herald Article: Delve into the history and impact of the exchange in "Exchange program brings together Japanese, Yakima students in 50-year tradition." This article explores the enduring bonds and educational benefits that have enriched both communities over the decades. Read here...
A Previous Japanese Cultural Showcase at IKE! The 2025 Japanese Showcase will occur on April 17, 2025, from 4-7:00 pm at Eisenhower.
Photo Gallery from the 2024 Inbound Visit: Browse through a series of photos capturing the memorable moments from the 2024 inbound visit. Witness the joy and learning that unfolded as students from Japan experienced life in Yakima. View here...
Yamate Japanese Exchange Welcome Banquet 2024 at Davis High School
KAPP TV Story: Watch "Exchange Students Learn Native American Beading" on KAPP TV. This story highlights a unique workshop where Japanese exchange students learn about Native American culture through the art of beading, bridging cultures through creativity and shared artistry.