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The 19th America-Japan Grassroots Summit 2009 will be held in Miyagi prefecture, Japan.
It will take place from the end of July to the beginning of August. Many summer festivals are held in the northern part of Japan during that time.
Miyagi is famous for its geography and abundant nature, which has given the area many delicious local delicacies and has led to Miyagi being known as the "Food Kingdom."
Delicious rice, such as the well known "Sasanishiki" and "Hitomebore" brands are grown in Miyagi, and oyster, tuna, shark fin and other seafood are caught from the sea. Miyagi's sake (rice liquor) and sasakamaboko (fish sausage) are famous all over Japan.
Miyagi is full of stunning sightseeing spots; the Michelin Travel Guide gave three stars to Matsushima, Zuiganji and Matsushima-Shidaikan, with 12 other areas receiving 2 stars and 10 areas receiving one. |
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  Miyagi's international exchanges date back 400 years to when Masamune Date, the then feudal lord of Miyagi, sent a mission to Europe led by General Tsunenaga Hasekura. They sailed in the "Sant Juan Bautista" and a replicate of the ship can be found in the Ishinomaki area.
Foreign missionaries have also long enjoyed visiting Shichigahama, near Matsushima, as a summer retreat.
One of the best aspects of Miyagi is its people. The men and women of Miyagi are known all over Japan to be very kind, compassionate and hospitable. Moreover, Masamune Date, the feudal lord of Miaygi 400 years ago, was well known for his fashion and style, which led to the term "Date-otoko", which is still used to describe the stylish men of Miyagi today.
The Grassroots Summit will be held in locations all over Miyagi. The key-persons and volunteers of 15 cities and towns are busy preparing to welcome their guests from overseas next summer. They are all looking forward to meeting and making lasting friendships with you!
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| July 27th (Mon.) |
Depart United States |
| July 28th (Tue.) |
Arrive at Narita (Tokyo) Airport / Bus ride to Matsushima
Overnight at traditional Japanese hotel in Matsushima |
| July 29th (Wed.) |
Opening Ceremony & Welcome Party in Matsushima
Overnight at traditional Japanese hotel (same as Tue.) |
| July 30th (Thu.) |
Local Session (Homestay Program) |
| July 31st (Fri.) |
Local Session (Homestay Program) |
| Aug. 1st (Sat.) |
Local Session (Homestay Program) |
| Aug. 2nd (Sun.) |
Depart local area for Closing Ceremony & Farewell Party in Sendai
Overnight at hotel in Sendai |
| Aug. 3rd (Mon.) |
Depart Sendai for Narita (Tokyo) Airport and for the United States |
* There may be changes in the schedule and program due to unforeseen circumstances.
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The best part of the grassroots summit is the "local sessions (homestay program) ".
In Miyagi, the local sessions will start on July 30th, for 4 days and 3 nights. The participants will experience person-to-person exchange and the unique culture of the local area with their host families.
There are 15 local session areas in Miyagi, and participants are able to choose one of them.
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Volunteers play a crucial role in organizing and running the summit. It is thanks to the efforts of these numerous volunteers that participants of the Summit have such rewarding experiences.
The Miyagi Summit Volunteer Committee runs the Summit jointly with Center for International Exchange (CIE).
Below are welcome messages from the executive committee members of the Miyagi Summit Volunteer Committee and Chaiman of CIE.
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The Grassroots Summit starts with an Opening Ceremony and Welcome Party. Participants from America and other overseas, Japanese volunteers and others connected with the Summit gather to enjoy the welcome provided by the Volunteer Committee.
The Closing Ceremony and Farewell Party are the final events of the summit. They are attended not only by the visitors and Japanese volunteers, but also the host families and others who have connections with the summit. This is the start of the true grassroots exchange.
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Please click the button below for the cost of participation, some local tours in Matsushima, other important additional information, etc.
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For those who wish to experience more in Japan, several optional programs will be held after the summit. Participants will be able to visit other regions of Japan, with both hotel and homestay options.
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To register, please click the link below for the Application and Home Stay form. After completing the form, please send it to the travel agency, with the deposit check.
Online registration will be available soon.
The program organizers reserve the right to approve, deny or cancel any application at their discretion and to alter the program and activities at any time.
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Please contact TCC with any queries regarding travel arrangements.
If you have any queries about the Summit, please contact our Summit Volunteer Coordinator.
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REGARDING TRAVEL (special flight arrangements or considerations):
Kintetsu International Travel Consultants Company (TCC)
Mr. Matsumura, Mr. Mitsumura, Mr. Yamakoshi
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1325 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2002, New York, NY 10019 |
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212-259-9640 |
| E-mail |
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Manjiro@kintetsu.com |
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9:00 am - 5:30 pm EST, Mon.- Fri. |
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REGARDING THE SUMMIT:
Mr. Richard Forrest (Summit Volunteer Coordinator in the U.S.)
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