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On May 12, 2015, Mike Turner, JSNO's President, appeared on WWL's morning news to talk about the TOMODACHI Exchange Program. To watch the video, you can click the title below.
The New Orleans-Matsue TOMODACHI Exchange (Exchange), originally a two-year cultural exchange program with our Japanese sister city, Matsue, was supported by the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) and the TOMODACHI Initiative (TOMODACHI). Based upon the success of that initial grant, the JSNO is raising funds to continue this exchange.
The TOMODACHI Initiative seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening US-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world.In August 2014, JSNO hosted seven participants and one group leader from Matsue on the first part of the Exchange for an exciting ten days in New Orleans. The group was accompanied by three official delegates from the city of Matsue. To see photos from the Exchange, visit our Facebook page.
The connections made between the citizens of both cities were truly invaluable and we hope this will lead to more and deeper connections between our cities and our nations. Therefore, JSNO is raising funds to support the next phase of the New Orleans-Matsue Tomodachi Exchange program. All donations received outside of regular membership dues go directly to future exchanges.