Each year, Winona area students in 8th, 9th, and 10th grade are invited to apply to be an ambassador to Winona’s sister city of Misato, Japan. Ambassadors have been chosen for the 2025-2026 school year. 

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What does it mean to be an ambassador?

Ambassadors will spend the school year learning about Japanese culture, hosting fundraising events to help offset travel fees, and ultimately travel to Misato, Japan. 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. Students chosen are expected to host a Japanese student in their home in early October when the Misato ambassadors are in Winona.

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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.

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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. 

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If you have questions about the program, you can reach out to winonaifa@gmail.com.