FORT WORTH, TX – July 15, 2025 – The City of Fort Worth will welcome a delegation of Japanese students from sister city Nagaoka as part of the Harashin Scholar reciprocal exchange program, July 18-26, 2025. After the conclusion of the Fort Worth program, Fort Worth Ambassadors will travel to Nagaoka for a reciprocal experience. The prestigious cultural exchange is made possible through generous funding from Mr. Kazuhiko Hara of the Harashin Company, continuing a longstanding partnership that strengthens international ties between the two cities.
The visiting Nagaoka Ambassadors will participate in a comprehensive nine-day program designed to showcase Fort Worth’s unique blend of Western heritage, modern culture, and educational opportunities while sharing their own Japanese traditions with the local community.
“This exchange program represents the very best of sister city partnerships,” said Chairwoman of the Board Cindy Johnson. “Thanks to Mr. Hara’s continued support through the Harashin Company, we’re able to provide these young ambassadors with an authentic Texas experience while building lasting cultural bridges between our communities.”
The program features a comprehensive itinerary showcasing Fort Worth’s diverse attractions. Students will experience historic Fort Worth Stockyards, witnessing the world’s only daily cattle drive, exploring Western heritage sites, and attending an authentic Texas rodeo at the Cowboy Coliseum. Cultural district exploration includes visits to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, plus access to world-class museums including the Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, and Modern Art Museum.
The ambassadors will enjoy an all-American baseball experience by attending a Texas Rangers game at Globe Life Field. Educational components include a Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour, TCU campus visit, and pioneer history exploration at the Log Cabin Village.
The program concludes with a cultural exchange celebration featuring Japanese cultural presentations, traditional Jinku dance instruction, and Texas line dancing lessons.
The program emphasizes reciprocal cultural sharing, with Fort Worth Ambassador students serving as hosts and tour guides throughout the visit. Local host families will provide accommodations and authentic American family experiences for the Japanese visitors.
The Harashin Scholar exchange program is a reciprocal initiative that allows students from both Fort Worth and Nagaoka to experience immersive cultural exchanges in both cities. The program serves as a cornerstone of this partnership, developing young global citizens who serve as cultural bridges long after their exchange experience.