Each year, Winona students in grades 8 through 12 are invited to apply to be an ambassador to Winona’s sister city of Misato, Japan. Ambassadors have been chosen for the 2026-2027 school year. 

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​Who can become an ambassador?

Any student entering 8th through 12th grades for 2026/27 school year. Students can attend any public, private, charter, or home school located in the City of Winona. 

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What does it mean to be an ambassador?

A successful student ambassador is someone who represents their school, community, and country with respect, curiosity, kindness, and responsibility. Ambassadors will spend the school year learning about Japanese culture, hosting fundraising events to help offset travel fees, and ultimately traveling to Misato, Japan.

 

Cost?

The program typically costs about $3,000 per person prior to fundraising, but this number can fluctuate from year-to-year with flight prices and ground costs changing. The program does offer scholarships for students in need.

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What is the commitment required?

Ambassadors are expected to sell event tickets (when necessary) and work a shift at each fundraising event. There are typically 5-7 events throughout the school year. Ambassadors are also expected to attend a twice-monthly cohort meeting. Meetings will become more frequent as travel gets closer in April. Students chosen are expected to host a Japanese student in their home when the Misato ambassadors are in Winona from October 8-12, 2026.

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What is Winona's history with Misato, Japan?

Misato is a small city in Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture. Misato and Winona formed their sister city relationship in 1997. The first year that Winona sent students to Misato was 2003 when ten 8th-grade students and ten chaperones made the trip. About 900 Winona students and adults have now visited Misato.

 

Hiroaki Kamata is a chairman of the Misato International Friendship Association (MIFA). Kamata believes that “mutual understanding, friendship, and peace” are gained by the relationship. All the citizens of Misato who have participated in the exchange have “touched a different culture, met with many friends, spread the world’s perspective, and have a positive impact on life,” Mr. Kamata said.