INBOUND Yamate to Yakima
2027 Yakima Yamate Japanese Exchange
The 2027 INBOUND trip occurs April 9 - 23, 2027.
The INBOUND portion of the Yamate Japanese Exchange is when Japanese exchange students from Yamate Gakuin High School (approximately 76 students and 4 teachers in 2027) travel to Yakima to live with host families. The Yamate Gakuin students will attend a high school in the Yakima School District. A host family is required to host two same-gender Japanese students. They can share a room as long as there are two twin beds or one Queen bed or larger.
Host families 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 for the 2027 exchange. Students may not fill out the host family application. It must be a parent/guardian. Thank you.
Host Family Virtual Info Meeting: TBA (likely in October 2026)
Event for Confirmed Host Families: TBA (likely in February 2027)
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
2027 Calendar Of Events
April 9, 2027, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Welcome Banquet (Stanton Academy)
April TBA, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Seattle excursion (Japanese students only)
April TBA, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Japanese Cultural Show (Eisenhower High School)
April TBA, 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Leavenworth excursion (Japanese students only)
April TBA, 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 TBA, Evening
Host Families - please reserve this evening for the Yamate Gakuin students to pack for their early morning departure the following morning.
April 23, 2027, 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:
Jessica Lara
Questions? lara.jessica@ysd7.org
2027 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.