BARRHEAD – Barrhead’s honoured Japanese guests from its twin community of Tokoro were feted at a friendship dinner with local dignitaries and community members March 9 at the Senior Drop-in Centre.
“I'm happy once again and appreciate you welcoming our students,” said Miwa Nakadai, the interpreter.
“We can only express our deepest gratitude for your generosity and your efforts for so many years.”
Town councillor Rod Klumph was the host of the evening delighting the crowd with his genuine kindness, care, poetry and humour.
“Canada and Japan share a very strong bond based on mutual respect as well as friendship,” stated Constable Ashish Ralh, representing the RCMP in full regalia.
“This is such a unique opportunity to come halfway across the world to come to a completely different culture,” said Reeve Doug Drozd of the County of Barrhead.
“We really want you to take away a lifetime of memories that you can share and cherish for the rest of your life.”
Three Japanese students, their teacher and an interpreter, came to visit Barrhead.
The interpreter, Miwa Nakadai, has been coming to Barrhead for more than 20 years.
The three students, Nao Nakamura, Mako Ishida and Momo Yoshida delivered a fantastic presentation at the friendship dinner with their teacher Kenji Ueki providing technical support.
There were special personal achievements by the students shared within the presentation.
Yoshida and Nakamura are curlers and showed videos of both students demonstrating their curling skills.
Yoshida is a talented saxophone player and ran a video of herself and her mother performing eloquently in a competition they won.
Nakamura and Ishida are both musicians and played in a band at a school event, playing a video for the friendship dinner in which Nakamura also sang.
The students described Japan and interesting facts about where they live.
Ishida lives on a farm with 52 “very cute” dairy cows.
Yoshida’s father is a dental technician making teeth, and her mother works in a nursery centre.
Nakamura’s family produces several food products including sauces and pastas. His mother works as a cook.
Judy LeFebvre, vice chair of the Pembina Hills School board commented that the students attended a thriving school with only 23 students.
County Councillor Walter Preugschas spoke about the history of the twinning initiative.
The interpreter, Miwa Nakadai, acknowledged many key figures that have made an impression on the Japanese group visits with special gratitude to Cheryl Calihoo.
There are plans for a Barrhead delegation to go to Japan next year.
Municipal leaders, the RCMP, the School Board, host families, committee members and friends gathered to break bread, make connections and share knowledge with a delicious meal catered by Lara Rose Catering
