Exchange student from Nayoro, Japan arriving in August

Host families still needed for one week commitment throughout summer

Culturally curious families are still needed to help host a visiting exchange student from Lindsay’s sister city of Nayoro, Hokkaido, Japan, as part of a cherished and long-running international exchange program.

The Kawartha Lakes–Nayoro Student Exchange Program dates back more than 50 years ago, with the first exchange taking place in 1973 and formal twinning of the cities established in 1987. Since then, 24 reciprocal exchanges have taken place, with 41 students from Nayoro and 43 students from Lindsay having participated in this unique cultural experience.

This summer, a high school student, whose family has hosted for many years, will arrive in Kawartha Lakes, eager to experience life in Canada, improve her English skills, and build lifelong connections with local families. In turn, Kawartha Lakes students will have the opportunity to visit Nayoro in a future exchange.

Yura Igarashi is in her second year of high school in Nayoro and is looking forward to experiencing life in Kawartha Lakes with multiple host families – but families are still needed to make the exchange possible.

Dylan Robichaud, head of the Lindsay-Nayoro Twinning Committee, said they are now inviting host families “to open their homes and hearts for approximately seven days between Aug. 9 and Sept. 7, offering a visiting Japanese student the opportunity to experience Canadian hospitality, family life, and the beauty of our region.”

No knowledge of Japanese is required to host. What matters most, says Robichaud, is a family’s willingness to welcome a young person with kindness, patience, and an open mind. Host families are supported throughout the program by local coordinators and volunteers, and translation assistance may be available if needed.

Robichaud says this is all about a long-standing relationship between two municipalities “that genuinely care about one another.”

“It’s built on friendship, and it’s meant to foster real, lasting connections and cultural understanding.”

One thing that makes the program different than many others is the flexibility of hosting, with most families only hosting for one week, although some choose to do more.

“Speaking from experience, I was an exchange student to Nayoro in 2009 and had the privilege of returning in 2019 for the 50th anniversary of our twinning. During my first visit, I stayed with a range of host families,” he recalls, from doctors, business owners, farmers and people “from all walks of life.”

“It also made me feel like I belonged to their community, even if just for a short time.”

Mark Hamilton’s connection to Nayoro is especially close. He, too, was part of an exchange under the twin city umbrella when he was a high school student at I.E. Weldon. The experience was so life changing for him he eventually made Japan his home, where he lives to this day.

“I think it is important to honour the many friendships forged over 56 years and to uphold the promises made in July 1969,” Hamilton told Kawartha Lakes Weekly. He is referring to the “Declaration of Twinning,” signed by Mayor John Eakins and Mayor Ikeda at the time.

It reads in part, “we citizens pledge to observe and uphold a sister-community relationship, and to join in the pursuit of peace, justice, and friendly cooperation in a manner which will make each of our communities windows towards international understanding.”

“The citizens of Lindsay and Nayoro share a mutual desire to foster an exchange of education and culture in art, religion, industry, economics, politics and sports.”

Hamilton says on a more personal note, “I truly hope for others to experience the life-changing encounters I enjoyed not only as an exchange student, but also as a host.”

“The greatest benefit is lifelong friendships. My host families and the friends I made through the sister city exchange remain cherished connections that have enriched my life beyond words,” Hamilton added.

Robichaud says the committee understands that hosting a student, even for a short time, can feel like a big step, especially for first-time hosts. “That’s why the twinning committee provides ongoing support, structure, and flexibility throughout the exchange.”

“We supply host families with an information package, emergency contacts, and a schedule of the student’s planned activities. We also check in regularly and are available anytime questions or concerns come up. Families are never alone in the process; we’re here every step of the way.”

Why Host?

Hosting an exchange student is a meaningful and rewarding experience. It offers your family the chance to:

• Learn about Japanese culture firsthand
• Share your own customs and daily life
• Build international friendships
• Enrich your children’s global understanding
• Strengthen the long-standing bond between Kawartha Lakes and Nayoro

About the Exchange Program

The exchange is a grassroots, citizen-led initiative, made possible by the passion and commitment of local families, educators, and volunteers. It has helped shape generations of globally-minded young people in both countries. Students participate in group activities, local sightseeing, school visits, and cultural exchanges — all made possible thanks to the generosity of host families. Ideally one of the hosts will have a high school aged member of the family that can escort our special guest to their first week of school in September.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in becoming a host family or would like more information, contact the Nayoro-Lindsay Twinning Committee Chairperson:

Dylan Robichaud at 

Fireside Publishing House – publishers of The Lindsay Advocate and Kawartha Lakes Weekly, are the official media sponsors of the Kawartha Lakes–Nayoro Student Exchange Program.