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 (usually 70-80) travel to Yakima and live with the host families of students who attend Davis and Eisenhower high schools.
Students from other Yakima area high schools may be considered for participation if space allows. Participation requires superintendent approval 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 family for the 2025 exchange. Students may not fill out the host family application. It must be a parent/guardian. Thank you.
Yamate Japanese Exchange Host Family Application
Student 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—To serve as a student day host April 11-25, 2025, click the button below to apply.
Yamate Japanese Exchange Student Day Host Application
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
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.
2025 Calendar Of Events
April 11, 2025, 3:30 PM - 6:00 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 7:00 PM
Japanese Cultural Show (Eisenhower High School)
April 21, 2025, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Leavenworth excursion (Japanese students only)
April 23, 2025, 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
School planned activity
April 25, 2025, 5:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Japanese students depart (Stanton Academy)