Learning about Japan
Lambert students hear information about Montana’s sister state

By Bill Vander Weele
Sidney Herald
Published on Sunday, September 28, 2008 10:26 AM MDT

Students in Lambert got to know Montana’s sister state a little better Thursday morning.

Visiting the school was Kizuku Matsunaga and his family from the Kumamoto Japan Representative Office. They have lived in Helena for the past year and are now in the state to provide information about Kumamoto.

In 1982, at the urging of then U.S. Ambassador to Japan Mike Mansfield, Montana Gov. Schwinden and Kumamoto Prefecture Gov. Sawada signed a formal sister-state agreement that called for the exchange of information, ideas and people in the fields of education, government, culture and social relations. In 1983, the Montana Legislature passed a joint resolution endorsing Montana’s sister relationship with Kumamoto Prefecture. Beginning in 1984, the Kumamoto government has dispatched a staff member to live in Montana and promote cultural, education and business exchanges.

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Lambert principal Kara Watson said, “Part of the reason why they’re here is to spread their culture.”

Matsunaga said, “We love to introduce our pretty picture and Japanese culture to the children.”

One of the highlights of their visit was a tea ceremony, in which Lambert students Emily Carda and Jessica Williams took an active part.

“Emily and Jessica did a good job,” Matsunaga told the other students after the tea ceremony was finished.

Matsunaga also showed a PowerPoint presentation regarding Kumamoto. He explained to the students how crowded Kumamoto is especially compared to eastern Montana. He said Kumamoto is about the size of Richland County but has double the population of Montana.

He talked about volcanoes, hot springs, cherry blossoms and bridges. He also told students there are many beautiful ocean views in Kumamoto. He showed photos of sailing ships and dolphins.

Matsunaga said, “Kumamoto is very famous for introducing Western culture and Christianity in Japan.”

He also discussed the favorite foods of his native land.

“Do you like noodles? We also like noodles,” Matsunaga happily said to the students.

Less appealing to the students was a photo of Basashi raw horse meat. Matsunaga explained there are some meats eaten by Americans that Japanese don’t enjoy. “It’s a matter of culture.”

The presentation ended, “Please come to Kumamoto, Japan some day.”

editor@sidneyherald.com

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