Called TOMODACHI MUFG International Exchange Program, the two-week program in Japan for American high school students started on June 29 when 26 students and four chaperones gathered for bon voyage party and dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Torrance.
Hosted by major international liaison the U.S.-Japan Council and sponsored by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), which includes The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ and Union Bank, the exchange program includes a home stay experience with Japanese family, visits to cities affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, as well as sightseeing and cultural visits to cities of Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto.
The first exchange took place in August 2012, when 20 Japanese junior and senior high school students from the earthquake affected areas of Japan visited Southern California for two weeks.
The TOMODACHI MUFG in July 2013 is the second of a three year U.S.-Japan exchange program sponsored by MUFG to promote deeper understanding among Japanese and American youth.
The 2nd TOMODACHI MUFG tour will leave Los Angeles International Airport on June 30 and return July 14.
Additional organizations involved with the 2nd TOMODACHI MUFG International Exchange Program are the Japan America Society of Southern California and Experiment in International Living.