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Koshigaya International Association
Koshigaya International Association (KIA) established at Koshigaya Saitama Japan in 2001, does a lot of volunteer activities for promoting international friendship.
About Us
Koshigaya International Association (KIA) has active exchanges with its sister city Campbelltown (Australia) and other foreign cities, and the foreign people living and/or working in Koshigaya City to promote mutual understanding, deepen friendship and to contribute to the development of its citizen's lives.
Activities
KIA comprises five committees: the General Affairs Committee, the International Exchange Program Committee , the Local Exchange Program Committee,Multi-Cultural Festa Program Committee and Youth Exchange Program Committee. Operating on a volunteer basis, these committees hold various programs encouraging foreign people living and/or working in Koshigaya City to join the local festivals and actively participate in the city's activities.
Please Join Us!
Membership is open to anyone living and/or working in Koshigaya City. You may apply by coming directly to the KIA office, by e-mail, or by sending an application to our office by mail.
Annual Fee
- Corporate Membership 10,000 yen a year
- Group Membership 5,000 yen a year
- Individual Membership 3,000 yen a year
- Student Membership 1,000 yen a year
Membership Benefits
- Participate in the Association's International Exchange Programs.
- Access to the Association's activities through its newsletter and home-page.
- Enjoy special membership rates for some restaurants and schools.
General Affairs Committee
Introducing you the General Affairs Committee's Activities
Homepage Updates
To maintain the homepage and update essential information as well as responding to e-mails.
Publication regarding "Koshigaya International Association"
To provide information and explanation about the Association's activities and events.
Collect and provide information regarding international events, etc.
To provide members and citizens with information on international events and others.
International Exchange Program Committee
Introducing you the International Exchange Program Committee's Activities
The 16th Annual Koshigaya Youth Delegation
The 16th Annual Youth Delegation (comprising people between 13 and 20 years old) went to our sister city Campbelltown for 15 days, from July 28, 2001 August 11, 2001. The delegation stayed with families in Campbelltown, experienced school life and came to understand a lot about the Australian people. The delegation had the large task of promoting mutual understanding and friendly relations with the people of Campbelltown.
The Campbelltown Youth Baseball Delegation
The Youth Baseball Delegation from Campbelltown was in Koshigaya for 10 days from October 2, 2001 October 11, 2001. While the delegation were experiencing Japanese life through home stays within Koshigaya, they participated in baseball friendship and school matches, took part in the Koshigaya Autumn Festival and exchanged ideas with the citizens of Koshigaya. It was not all about baseball. The delegation took part in cultural activities like tea ceremony, flower arrangement and Japanese archery. While they were here the delegation created unforgettable memories with the people of Koshigaya. They returned home with the great memories of Koshigaya.
Campbelltown Youth Delegation 2002
Junior High School Delegation 2002
The delegation will go for 12 days from March 27, 2002 April 7, 2002. Comprising of 15, 2nd year Junior High School student delegates from Junior High Schools in the Koshigaya area and 2 adult delegation leaders. The Koshigaya Junior High School delegations have been sent to Campbelltown, having been subsidized by Koshigaya Shirakobato Foundation, since 1991. The purpose of this delegation is to further strengthen the friendly relationship between Koshigaya and Campbelltown.
English Classes for Koshigaya International Association Members
Local Exchange Program Committee
Introducing you the Local Exchange Program Committee's Activities.
The 27th Annual Koshigaya Citizens Festival
Koshigaya citizens participated in the Koshigaya Citizens Festival on September 30, 2001. 'Campbelltown Corner' booth started following the opening parade. At 'Campbelltown Corner' booth there was a quiz and information presented on Australia. This year was the first year for the 'Foreign Language Corner' booth. Non-Japanese people living in Koshigaya spoke about their respective cultures. At lunchtime there was a Peru Dance, which made for an extraordinary fun day.
Japanese Classes for Non-Japanese speakers 2001
Classes started from October 2, 2001. It is a 12 lesson course that runs at the Koshigaya Central Community Center from 7pm until 8:30pm. There are approximately 40 people from 18 different countries, interested in learning Japanese who come together with Japanese volunteers to study.
Oshaberi Salon
On October 2, 2001 "Oshaberi Salon" started. We had many people participating in the cultural understanding in Japanese, between people from different nationalities and Japanese people. There have been various topics discussed including the family, differences in customs, explanations on one's home country and hometown. Oshaberi Salon will run on the first Tuesday of February and March, 2002.
the 8th Annual Japanese Speech Contest
Multi-Cultural Festa Program Committee
Introducing you the Multi-Cultural Festa Program committee Supporting co-existing with multi-cultures through various events.
*Participation in Shimin Matsuri.
*Planning and executing the festa- related events for co-existing with multi-cultures.
Youth Exchange Program Committee
Introducing you the Youth Exchange program committee Supporting mainly the students and the youth to promote international understanding.
*Planning and executing events for the students to promote international understanding and international exchanges.
*Planning and executing events for the youth to promote internatinonal understanding and international exchanges.
Multi-Cultures and Citizen Committee
Introducing you the Multi-Cultures and Citizen Committee's activities.
The people with background of Japanese cultures and those with multi-cultures work together to create new citizen cultures.
1.To increase the KIA's associate members of restaurants and schools to 100.
2.To provide Koshigaya city's information for the people with the multi-cultural background by appropriate ways.
My Experiences in AUSTRALIA
Crossing the border, this summer
Koshigaya Kita Junior High School: Kohki Itsushima
There were two reasons why I made an application for this program;
one was that I would like to brush up my English capability in Australia as I have little opportunity to speak English in Japan, another one was that I wish I could become “ Bridge” between Japan and Australia.
In the beginning of the orientation, I was very nervous because I was not familiar with other participants, besides only I and Mr. Miura were males among 15 participants. But as the orientation proceeds, we became familiar with each other and could make every effort to practice performances for success.
But I was still nervous with home stay in Australia. Appreciating them for the kindness to accept my home stay for two weeks, I wonder what the host family is like, or if I will be able to get on well with the host family, and my nervousness continued. But as soon as I met Dad and Mom who welcomed me with smile at the Japanese garden, my anxiety disappeared at once, because Dad is cheerful and Mom is very kind. And I, an eldest son in Japan, had elder brother and sister at the same time in Campbelltown. Two reliable brothers!! Sean, one year older brother, and I enjoyed TV game.
As soon as we arrived at Campbelltown, we started busy activities. Every morning, the host family brought us to the Koshigaya park by car, from where our activities started. It was first experience for us to know that ”Aborigines” lived in Australia, and to learn their cultures. I was very much impressed to see the world heritage “Opera House”.
Among schedules, there was welcome party sponsored by the mayor of Campbelltown. I was in charge of making speech on behalf of the mission.
Although I made preparation for the speech beforehand, I was very much nervous to make an actual speech. I paid much attention to speak slowly so that they could understand my speech. After that we made performances. When local attendants joined our performances, I was pleased to find that they were very frank.
During our stay in Campbelltown, time flied like an arrow. When I returned to Japan and looked up the sky, I wondered what the national boundary is. I would like to go beyond the national border by making the best use of my experiences in Australia.
Lastly I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all people concerned for their full support. Thank you again.
Valuable experiences
Koshigaya Eishin Junior High School: Haruka Shimizu
I have a dream to become an English teacher in future. In order to realize the dream, it is necessary for me to study English in the foreign country where they speak English like their native tongue, I think. I am very happy to have an opportunity for that this time.
We left Japan for Australia on July 23. I t was my first experience to have a ride in an airplane and to go abroad. I could not sleep due to mixed feelings of expectation and uncertainty in the airplane.
In the next morning we arrived at Sydney airport, and were very much impressed to find English is prevailing. I was very much surprised to find “Koshigaya Park” in Campbelltown. When I met the host family, they hugged me saying “Hello Haruka”. As they looked gentle I was relieved a little. On the way to the house by car, I introduced myself and told them about the recent disaster in Japan. I had no confidence to speak English. But I was very much pleased to find that they began understanding what I said, after my strenuous effort.
I enjoyed food, shopping mall, beach and having chats with them. One of the best memories was having stayed with them. On the first day, I was so nervous and uncertain that I wanted to go back to Japan. But thanks to the gentle and kind host family, I gradually began enjoying my life there. I learned the differences of habits and customs of life. Australian people pay much attention to saving water. I found the difficulty to take a bath within 5 minutes.
I appreciate them for their kindness to bring us to many famous places; Blue Mountain with beautiful scenery, beautiful town Sydney and Canberra where it was a little cold, full of nature. Besides in Australia I found many greenery places, clear sky and many wild animals. Thanks to such beautiful experiences, I have had a feeling that my heart has become clean.
The most impressive for me is that many Australian people are very much large –hearted; always smiling and talked to us positively. I would like to recommend the Japanese people to follow suit their behavior.
During our 13 days stay in Australia, I learned 2 things. One was ” the importance of language”. We cannot convey our thoughts to others without language. Another one is ” bondage with family and friend”. I think that I could not safely stay in Campbelltown without the support by my family in Japan, the host family and our friends. I could get communication capability with foreign people.
Lastly, I would like to say “Thank you!!” to my family, the teacher, the leader, the mayor and all other people concerned. Thank you!
Thank you!
Koshigaya Osagami Junior High School: Tomomi Someya
Through 2 weeks' home stay in Australia, I could well understand the importance of family and friends. The host family in Australia, my friends of the same mission and my family in Japan fully supported me this time.
I remember I was very nervous on the first day. I wondered what the host family is like, or if I will be able to get on with the host family. I felt depressed. But contrary to my anxiety, I am very happy to find that the host family came up to me saying "Where is Tomomi?", and welcomed me with hug. My English is poor, but in accordance with the proverb "Practice makes perfect" I tried to speak English more positively than ever. Host family tried to understand what I am saying.
I have two very impressed memories; Sydney and zoo. I visited Sydney three times. It was the first time for me to see the Opera House which looks bigger than one broadcasted by TV. I enjoyed ferry and water taxi, and I remember the sea was very beautiful. On holiday I visited Sydney where I enjoyed shopping and taking pictures. So I have become fond of the host family more than before. In the zoo, I could touch kangaroo and koala first time. In Australia, there are so many animals not seen in Japan.
Other natural sceneries are also very beautiful and impressive. All places, including Blue Mountain and Royal Botanical Garden, I visited are new world for me. Bondages among friends have been strengthened much more than before.
Time flies. When I became to be able to communicate with host family in English, time is up for us to leave Campbelltown. I am very happy to have an opportunity to watch myself this time. I hated to part from the host family, so I burst into tears. The host mother was very kind enough to say to me "I love you" and "See you soon" again and again. I resolved to study English much harder, and come back to the host family again. After returning to Japan, I still continue exchanging e-mail with the host family. I would like to be attentive to the new family forever.
I will appreciate many people for their support. I will make the best use of my valuable experiences in future.
As a leader of 23rd Koshigaya Junior High Delegation
Kenji Komiya (Leader)
I played the part of leader of 23th Junior High School Mission. To begin with, on June 12th, 1st orientation was held. This was first meeting for us.
I have already had experiences to lead Junior High School students as a teacher. But I was very much nervous at the first meeting because I wondered if all 15 members can safely return to Japan. I am sure the students were also very much nervous at that time, because they are leaving their family for 13 days.
At the 5th orientation, we focused on teaching English conversation and learning about Campbelltown. In the beginning, I worried that it took long time to select performances to be executed at the reception in Campbelltown. But gradually they began cooperating to select and practice performances.
I would like to tell you three of many other comments as for this mission as follows. First one is that I could reconfirm the existence of diversified cultures. English in Australia is dubbed "Aussie English". A is pronounced "ai" in general. I was very much surprised to know that they have habits of morning tea, and take their own refreshments at school. Their main dish in Australia is meat, so their food life and Japanese one is quite different.
Second one is that the students dramatically changed from the first stage. After they met the host family at "Koshigaya Park" in Campbelltown, they went to their host family separately. Only English conversation is the means to communicate with the host family. They looked very much uncertainty when they started for their host family. On the second day, some students said "I want to go back home", and others looked up to the sky with tears. But they gradually became familiar with the local situation. After one week or so, they could communicate with the host family in English. Many students said "I would like to stay here longer". I was very much encouraged to know how much adaptable they are.
Third one is that I would like to express my heart-felt appreciation to Australian people for their good support. This year is 27th Anniversary since the start of the sister city relationship. The bondage between Campbelltown and Koshigaya is becoming stronger and stronger. Some students said "I would like to study English harder enough to communicate with host family in English and come back to Australia again". I hope they will be able to utilize this valuable experiences in future.
Lastly, I would like to appreciate Campbelltown city, Koshigaya city and all other people concerned for their giving me the opportunity to have precious experiences like this.
Joining Koshigaya Youth Delegation
Yuta Suzuki
I had home-stay in Campbelltown for 12days, from July 23 to August 3.
Actually, I had been interested in this program for long time. There were two reasons why I joined this program. One was that I would like to have experience available only in Australia. The other one was that I would like to improve my communication capability in English.
My biggest hope in Australia was to stay with host-family. But I had no confidence to communicate in English. I wonder if I could stay in foreign country. Such expectation and anxiety were mixed so heavily that I could not sleep well in the airplane.
When we landed and got out of Sydney airport, only English was spoken, that gave me a sort of curious feeling. I was very much relieved to see the faces of the mother and the father of the host-family. As soon as the mother hugged me saying "Nice to meet you Yuta!", my fatigue of the flight disappeared at once.
In the first day, I was very much shocked because I could not well convey my intention to them. But I decided "Never give up". I continued to make every efforts to speak to them utilizing electronic dictionary. The host-family kindly supported me. And at last I could enjoy everyday as a member of the family. I enjoyed cooking in the evening, baking cakes, playing games, shopping, playing at the beach and etc. My best memory was that I stayed with the family.
We visited many places which include scenery spots, Robert Townson elementary school, Sydney, Manly Beach, planetarium, police office and etc. We saw koalas, wallabies, kangaroos. All they were very impressive.
When the mother said to me "You are my son" on bidding farewell, I was very much pleased. Home-stay in Australia has become one of my treasures in my life. I would like to express my appreciation to everyone concerned. Thank you.
About Australia
Aoi Amaki
My first impression at Sydney airport was how large the earth is, because it is winter now in Australia in spite of the fact that it is summer now in Japan.
I joined this program because of the following two reasons. First one was that I would like to know foreign cultures. Second one was that I would like to develop my communication capability in English.
I have had much interest in English for long time, because my parents gave me many opportunities to listen to English music and to see English movies from my child-hood. But I had no confidence to communicate in English. That why I wondered if I could not stay for 12 days with the host-family.
Actually when I met the host-family first time, I could not understand what they were saying. So, I impulsively thought I wanted to return to Japan. I had many difficulties, but fortunately the host-family was very kind enough to support me during my stay in Campbelltown. My impression was that they keep good communication among them during breakfast, lunch and dinner. I thought that Japanese family should take in such habit.
I appreciate their kindness to take us to various places. Australia is rich in greenery. Sky is very wide and clean. The roads are wider than those in Japan. There are wide grassy plains near the houses where wild animals such as cows, horses, sheep and so forth, live. Due to wide land, almost of houses are one story. We can seldom see two story buildings in Australia. All Australian people I met were frank and kind.
On August 1, my host-family took me and my friend to the sea which had no litter and was cleaner than Japanese sea. I strongly hope Japanese sea will become clean just like one in Australia.
We visited Robert Townson elementary school. The pupils were very cute. I was very glad to see that they willingly talked to us and requested us name cards.
We instructed them how to make cranes with ORIGAMI and they enjoyed it.
At the reception, we performed English songs and SORAN BUSHI. I thought it was successful, because the host-families and other guests enjoyed them.
I understood that English is very difficult for me through this home-stay. Therefore I resolved to study English harder. I appreciate everyone for giving me opportunities to have good memories. Thank you.
Touched warm heart
Leader Yukako Shibata
When I was nominated as a leader of Koshigaya Youth Delegation to Campbelltown, I was very much surprised, and I wondered if I could not play the role, or it is physically impossible for me to go abroad because I am a housewife.
But my family supported the program because it is good opportunity not only for me but also for my family.
We leaders were expected to meet the students and their parents on June 12 for the first time. Mixed feelings of nervousness and expectation were observed among the students. On the other hand, we felt strong sense of responsibility to take care of them. The die is cast. We had 6th orientations. In the beginning, the students were very shy, but they became familiar with each other at last. In order to cover our shortage of information, we leaders also asked many questions to the people who had already stayed in Campbelltown.
When we paid a courtesy call to Koshigaya city office, we were welcomed and encouraged by the mayor and many other people, that made us realize we are representatives of Koshigaya city.
In Campbelltown, the host families warmly welcomed us, but the students were very nervous. On Sunday, we atayed with host families. According to the schedule, all of us were making bus-tour together from 4th day to 8th day. In the bus, they began talking about the different cultures they experienced. Several members of Campbelltown Association escorted us. Driver and the escorts were always paying attention to the students to make comfortable atmosphere. They appreciated their good will using correct English after confirmation. In the morning, they saluted in English each other "Good morning". When we visited Robert Townson elementary school where they learn Japanese, they welcomed us in Japanese. We enjoyed songs of both countries, ORIGAMI, sports, and therefore we could exchange cultures. I am sure that it was very impressive for both students.
At the welcome party sponsored by the mayor, the students performed YOSAKOI SORAN and TOKYO ONDO odori in 'kimono' with the host- families.
At this moment, I felt authentic cultural exchange with Campbelltown people, that was very much impressive.
We learned a lot during our wonderful stay of 12 days in Australia; what the Australian history is like, how much they are paying attention to saving water, how large the land is and so forth. My good memories in Australia are big treasures in my lifetime.
Lastly, I appreciate Campbelltown people for their kindness and good support during our stay in Australia. Thank you.
Escorting 24th Youth Delegation and Bonds
Leader Yuji Kitago
Before starting for Australia, I was quite uncertain and worrisome about going abroad. How are the students like? Can we return safely? Can they be familiar with the host-families? Can I communicate with Australian people in English? I had very precious experiences in my life in Australia. I have ever been abroad, but home-stay was first experience for me this time.
When I first met 15 Youth Delegation members on June 12, they were very nervous, that was very impressive and unforgettable. At the first stage of the orientation program, some were insincere, and others were negligent, therefore it took long time to decide performance to be done in Campbelltown. But as the orientation program proceeds, I understood their good personalities, and my worries disappeared.
26 years have passed since the sister agreement was signed between Koshigaya and Campbelltown. During the period, our predecessors have established good relationship and deepened mutual understanding between Koshigaya and Campbelltown. Mr. Mark Annett, president of Campbelltown-Koshigaya Sister Cities Association, the association members and the host-families extended us the warmest welcome.
We had many experiences; stayed with the host-family, sang songs for example "UEO MUITE ARUKO", performed odori for example "TOKYO ONDO", visited Robert Townson elementary school, enjoyed natural scenery spots and departed with tearful eyes. My experiences in Australia are beyond description. The same thing should be said with the students. I strongly hope that they can utilize their experiences for their better life in future, and good relationship between host-families and the students, not to mention among the students will last forever.
In the end, I would like to express my heart-felt appreciation to Campbelltown people for their kindness and good support during our stay in Australia. Thank you.
The bridge between Koshigaya and Campbelltown
Koshigaya Hirakata Junior High School
3rd Grade Mina Hasegawa
I stayed in Campbelltown, Australia, from March 26 to April 6 this year, during which I learned a lot about Australian cultures and had close contact with many people. I had very much impressed by the experiences I never had in Japan before.
The biggest reason why I joined the exchange program this time was that I had wanted to have as many foreign people as possible understand Japanese cultures. Actually, it was very difficult for me to introduce them Japanese culture. I remember that I made every effort to teach them Japanese culture with broken English and gestures. They were very kind to try to understand what I was saying. To my surprise, elementary and junior high school children in Campbelltown could speak simple Japanese, for example 'KON NICHIWA'. I was very glad to know that many people were interested in Japanese languages.
The people in Campbelltown are very friendly enough to say hello to everyone encountered everywhere; at a station, shopping mall, park and so forth. I have a feeling that they so-called instinctively can say hello to others. I hope that Japanese people can also say hello to others without hesitation like them.
In Australia, there are much more forests than in Japan and I felt that air is very fresh and clean. I was very much impressed with so many kangaroos living at ease in the mountainous areas. The stalactite cave which I visited on March 30 is more mysterious and exciting than Japanese one. When I experienced the culture of 'aborigine', I got very much excited. I am very happy to say that I had directly experienced as mentioned above.
Through this program, I had much more concern about international exchange issues. Taking this opportunity, I would like to become a member of Koshigaya International Association, and make every effort to have as many as foreign people understand Japanese culture.
Thank you.
My home-stay experience
Koshigaya Nishi Junior High School
3rd Grade Mana Nakazato
I like English very much and have had strong hope to go abroad for speaking English for a long time. The dream has come true at last. Our junior high youth delegation left Japan for Australia on March 26. Home-stay is my first experience this time. I was too excited to sleep in the air plane due to mixed feeling of anxiety and expectation.
First meeting with the host-family was scheduled in the next evening. I was very much delighted to find out an acquainted face which I had remembered through e-mail picture. When one of the host-family members hugged me saying "Nice to meet you, Mana", all my anxieties were gone. In the car on the way to their house, they asked me something about Japanese life, but the speaking speed was too fast for me to follow. So, my challenge was to what extent I can brush up my English during my stay in Australia.
My host-family members, the Blackburns, are all fans of rugby. In the first day afternoon of home-stay, we enjoyed watching rugby game with loud music and bustling audiences, which is very popular in Australia. I found a kind of different culture there. They took care of me just like a real family member.
I had a very unique experience I never had in Japan before. The elder sister took me to the house where she serves as a baby-sitter. She took care of two boys. They freely tried to communicate with me without knowing I am a foreigner. I felt I realized true meaning of communication.
On the last day, we gathered in a local hall to introduce Japanese cultures; tea ceremony and Rock Soran Bushi. When I said "Good by" to the host-family, I could not stop crying. Even after returning to Japan, I have a feeling as if I were still in Australia. I am very happy to say that I enjoyed my stay in Australia, and could have confidence to communicate with foreign people.
Thank you.
We Love Aussies !
We went as delegates to Koshigaya's sister city Campbelltown in 2000. When we were there, the Aussies were kinder than we could have ever imagined and all of us have very precious memories of Australia because of that. We all became close friends with the children in our families. We were very moved when they taught us their games. The first thing they taught us was "Paper, Scissors, Rock" (The Australian Juanken) That was the first time that we had ever seen it because this game was exactly the same as the Japanese version. It made us very happy to be able to spend time together.
The week went by so quickly the before we knew it, it was the day of the farewell party.We had very mixed feelings about it. But as soon as the party started those feelings disappeared. Everybody loved the performance that we practiced so hard in Japan. When we started to sing the Australian national anthem, naturally the Aussies started to sing with us. It moved us profoundly. There were so many other wonderful things that we did but they cannot all be mentioned in this article.
We were able to exchange ideas with lots of people on this delegation and we all have precious memories of the trip.. We would like to keep in touch with those people we met then, and cherish the great experiences we had in Campbelltown.
Kie Abe 2002 Spring
I went to Koshigaya's sister city Campbelltown as a member of a junior high youth delegation in this spring. It was my first experience to go and stay abroad. I couldn't imagine how this stay would be at all. So I was really nervous. But the hearty reception of my cheerful and friendly host family and all the Australians who I met put me at ease. While I was spending time with Aussies, the most impressive memory was being received as a member of the family and a friend, not as a foreign visitor. My English was not good enough to communicate perfectly, but they tried to do everything in order to express their feelings and understand mine. Of course they asked about my opinions, and usually they asked me to help them in the home.
We were lucky enough to take part in the school sports of the junior high school there. We were puzzled over what to do and what to say at first, but the Australian students came up to us with smiles. Then we introduced Origami, Japanese calligraphy and so on to them, and we got them to introduce their Australian games too. I was really having a good time. Finally we exchanged e-mail addresses. I could make my first foreign friends at that time!
The last day in Australia, my tears never stopped thanks to such wonderful memories Even now, I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart that made my stay there comfortable and happy. These experiences broadened my outlook remarkably, and that gave me a new view of life.
Of course I really want to go back there soon, but I also want to go other countries I have never been to. I am sure it will be wonderful too if I take the challenge with my heart opened. This experience taught me so.
My Experiences in JAPAN
Aaron Morellini
This trip has been absolutely amazing! So much fun! During my time here in Japan I have gotten everything I hoped for and more.
The activities we participated in were fascinating; it allowed us to have a real taste of Japanese history(castles and shrines), culture(tea ceremony) and lifestyles(high school).
The second I arrived here, I felt welcome by the staff of KIA and by the host families. This greatly helped ease homesickness.
My impressions? This trip has been perfect! From a delegate's point of view, nothing could have been better! This trip has even made me want to move to Japan one day.
I would like to thank Koshigaya City for establishing such an incredible sister-city relationship with Campbelltown, because it has shown me the beauty of a completely different society.
Julie Broekhuyse
So far, I have been having so much fun and I can honestsly say this is one of the best times in my life. My host family are extremely nice, kind, comforting and I am having such a great time. They have been giving me traditional Japanese food, which I absolutely love. They have taken me to so many places, I am lucky and I am really grateful.
Hakone and sightseeing Mt Fuji was just indescribably beautiful!!! The school was awesome. We felt like we were famous and they treated us as if we were royalty, it was heaps of fun. I really enjoyed it.
I love Japanese culture and tradition! We are so lucky to be here and the weather has been great which is good. Disneyland was the best! Actually, everywhere has been good. I have no complaints, everything is perfect!
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I love Japan!!!
Rebecca Blackburn
I found Koshigaya to be a nice place. The people were friendly, kind, and always willing to help. Our daily outings were always fun and interesting. My personal favorites were the visits to Disneyland and Ohsagami Junior High School. I enjoyed visiting the school a lot because it allowed me to experience how students of similar ages in different countries manage at school.
I also really enjoyed visiting Hakone and Nikko. Both of these places had snow, which made them fun, but also the Japanese history and culture at both places were amazing. Odawara Castle was particularly interesting as it contained so much information about Japanese culture and heritage.
My host family are kind and understanding just like all the other people I have met here in Koshigaya. It has been a wonderful experience and has left me many pleasant memories.
Koshigaya Introduction
Outline
From many years in that past, Koshigaya was known as a riverside district blessed with rich natural surroundings.
The rivers and irrigation canals in the area include the Moto-Arakawa, Furu-Tonegawa, Ayasegawa and Naka rivers, all A-class rivers, and the Kasai, Sueda, and Yakota irrigation canals.
Located within 25-30 km radius of central Tokyo, Koshigaya in December 1996 became the sixth city in Saitama Prefecture with a population of over 300,000.
It has developed as the core city in the southeastern part of Saitama Prefecture and is currently preparing itself for the twenty-first century by promoting safety, convenience, and comfort under the theme of a "A vigorous, culturally-oriented city that cares for its citizens and is blessed with ample water and lush greenery."
Location
Koshigaya city is located in the southeastern part of Saitama Prefecture, 25km-30km from the center of Tokyo.
The city area is located on the alluvial plain in the basin of the Nakagawa river, wedged between the Omiya and Shimousa plateaus, including the Furu-Tonegawa and Moto-Arakawa rivers and Kasai irrigation canal.
Originally, a small community settled on the natural embankment surrounding the ponds and marshlands in the area.
Afterward, low moist land was used to cultivate new rice fields.
Population
In the middle of every month, information regarding the number of households and population of Koshigaya is updated.
Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture Japan
Introduction to Koshigaya's Sister City, CAMPBELLTOWN
Overview
Campbelltown is located in New South Wales 53 kilometers southwest of Sydney. Traditionally, it was a prosperous rural district providing wheat for Sydney. Today, with rapid population growth it has transformed into a cosmopolitan urban city. Campbelltown is a beautiful green city with a land area of 312 square kilometers and a population of about 150,000 people.
Further, within the suburbs on the outskirts of Sydney, Campbelltown has been recognized for its extraordinary potential in industry, retail and building sectors.
Campbelltown has been sister cities with Koshigaya's City since April 11, 1984. The Sister City Associations of both cities are central to continuing the relation of friendship through Youth, Official, Sports and Cultural delegations.
History
In 1810 Governor Macquarie recommended the Campbelltown area for settlement and named the district Airds. By 1811 there were 107 settlers in the district. At the end of 1820, Governor Macquarie prepared to establish Campbelltown as the capital of the district. It was to be a center of religion and provide accommodation for travelers passing through. Campbelltown was founded on December 1, 1820. Governor Macquarie named it in honor of his wife, whose maiden name was Campbell.
In the early days, the area prospered through the harvest of wheat as the granary of Sydney. James Ruse, who died in 1837, was recognized as the founder of the Australian wheat industry and was buried in the Roman Catholic section of the Campbelltown Cemetery.
The history of local government can be traced back to 17 August, 1843. On this day, Governor George Gipps established the Campbelltown Local Government with his signature. Presently, Campbelltown is the joint amalgamation of Campbelltown and Ingleburn. On the third of May, 1968 the City of Campbelltown was proclaimed.
Fishers Ghost Festival
Every year in November many Campbelltown residents gather together in large numbers for the Fishers Ghost Festival.
This festival celebrates the legend of Campbelltown's Fishers Ghost legend, famous within Australia.
How would you like to participate in this festival and meet the Fishers Ghost?