With much anticipation and excitement, the 2025 LANSCA (Los Angeles and Nagoya Sister City Affiliation) Student Exchange Alumni Reunion took place via Zoom on Feb. 22.

Erika Lopez, chair of the LANSCA Student Exchange Program, warmly welcomed former participants — students and parents — from both Nagoya and Los Angeles, as well as distinguished representatives from the Nagoya and Los Angeles mayoral offices.

The event also featured opening remarks from Ichiro Hirosawa, mayor of Nagoya; Wajenda Chambeshi, director of international relations for the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office; Consul General Kenko Sone of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles; and Teruko Weinberg, chair of LANSCA, all of whom expressed their excitement and enthusiasm about this occasion.

After the welcome greetings, the reunion began with participants taking a trip down memory lane, watching a slideshow of many captivating photos from past Student Exchange Program activities. While the images showcased Los Angeles and Nagoya high school students enjoying fun and laughter-filled moments in both cities, what truly stood out were the heartfelt reflections from the students themselves.

One student shared that her most cherished memory from the program was bonding with her host family, recalling moments when she cooked Japanese hamburg steak or folded origami stars with her host mother.

Another student said that the program’s greatest impact was the opportunity to create new experiences, including building friendships with others who shared similar interests.

A different student highlighted how the program allowed him to explore new cultures, especially given the diverse subcultures in Los Angeles.

Several students also mentioned the academic benefits they gained. One student shared how the program sparked a deeper motivation to learn English, ultimately helping him win the No. 1 spot in a Japanese national speech contest, which played a key role in his acceptance into a prestigious university.

Some parents also chimed in about hosting exchange students. One parent mentioned that hosting a student was equally fulfilling, especially seeing the student’s excitement “in their young eyes” as they discovered new things.

Another student echoed this sentiment, explaining that hosting allowed him to explore different parts of Los Angeles with the student from Nagoya — places where he might not have gone otherwise. He also mentioned that it is these small moments — like driving around town, looking at the Hollywood sign at night, watching movies together, and sharing those experiences with the exchange student — that became the most memorable.

Lopez wrapped up the reunion with her own reflections. She noted how the program helps build confidence in students. While some may start off shy, they quickly gain self-assurance as they navigate new environments, meet new people, and even interact with city officials. Additionally, she was happy to see that students acquire valuable knowledge and develop essential leadership skills through this program.

Weinberg further amplified the positive atmosphere by inspiring students to embrace leadership roles and become the next generation of ambassadors for LANSCA. By emphasizing the importance of their involvement, she encouraged the students to carry forward the organization’s values, drive change, and contribute meaningfully to its mission.

Energized by this call to action, the students responded with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, eager to play an active role in LANSCA. This uplifting moment marked a hopeful conclusion to the event, as everyone left with a shared vision for progress and growth.

For over 60 years, the LANSCA Student Exchange Program has offered countless high school students from Nagoya and Los Angeles the exciting opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures of both cities. If you are a former student from the program, become an ambassador. Contact Erika Lopez ([email protected]) on how you can help.

If you are interested in applying for the program, visit www.lanscastudentexchange.org.

The Student Reunion recording will be coming soon to LANSCA’s YouTube channel.

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