Santa Clarita Welcomes Students from Matsudo, Japan

On March 12, 2026, Santa Clarita City Hall welcomed students from Matsudo, Japan, marking the fourth annual Sister Cities Matsudo Delegation Welcome and Youth Exchange. This program aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding between the two cities. The delegation consisted of students Terin Goto, Natsume Nemoto, and Masatoshi Mizutani, who were greeted by local host families eager to share their American experiences.

Building Cultural Bridges

During the welcoming ceremony, Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste expressed her enthusiasm for the program. “It’s a great pleasure seeing all these happy faces here. We’re very thrilled with our Sister Cities Program, and we always love meeting students,” she stated. Weste emphasized the value of youth exchanges, highlighting the opportunity for students to gain exposure to new cultures and perspectives.

Host families were also excited about the exchange. Top Nguyen, mother of students Aubrey, 15, and Lucas, 18, shared their eagerness to engage with their Japanese guests. “It’s our first time, and the kids are definitely excited. They were asked by a teacher if they were interested, and they jumped on it,” Nguyen explained. She added that the students would participate in classes and experience American high school life during their stay.

The Nguyens had little time to prepare, having only learned about the program weeks prior. They established connections with the Matsudo students online before their arrival, which helped facilitate a smooth transition. Nguyen noted, “They’re going to make friends, and they’re going to get to know each other and do things after school.” Plans included attending a volleyball game and visiting Disneyland, a highlight for both the hosts and their guests.

Personal Connections and Lasting Impressions

Another host, Vani Grandhe, mother of 17-year-old Abhi Bayya, recounted her own positive experiences as a host student in the United States. “They shared about this program through the Medical Science Academy. Abhi came back and said that we have the opportunity to host students, and we were very open.” Grandhe believes that understanding different cultures is especially vital today, noting that it fosters connections among young people.

Grandhe recalled her own experience of being welcomed into an American family, appreciating the warmth and generosity she received. “The hope is that they’re going to form a bond that’s going to stay beyond this week,” she said, looking forward to sharing her culture with Mizutani.

This exchange program is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Santa Clarita and Matsudo, reflecting a commitment to cultural understanding and cooperation. As the students embark on their week-long journey with their host families, both communities anticipate lasting friendships and a deeper appreciation for each other’s cultures.