PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend students showed solidarity for their Japanese counterparts Sunday during a sister city meet-and-greet session with exchange students from Ichikawa, Japan.
Nine middle school students were showered with gifts and well-wishes in the wake of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami March 11.
The Port Townsend High School Vocal Ensemble belted out the lyrics to “Lean On Me” for more than 120 guests who gathered in the second floor conference room of the Northwest Maritime Center.
The Ichikawa students had already scheduled a five-day visit when the earthquake hit, and it was uncertain last weekend if they would come.
But Ichikawa was outside of the earthquake zone. Group leader and translator Yoshiyuki Masuko said there was very little damage there.
But the effects of the quake and tsunami are felt throughout the country.
“I’m very sad about the Japanese earthquake,” said Kai Okumura, 14, of Ichikawa. “Many people died.”
Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval welcomed the students who arrived Saturday for the one-week exchange.
Guests were invited to sign a card that read: “Our thoughts are with our sister city and all of Japan as they heal from this terrible tragedy.”
More than 100 people signed the card.
“We’re anxious for them to be a part of our community for a short time,” Sandoval said.
“We also want to be sure that they know that our hearts are full for their tragedy, and that we in Port Townsend want to make sure that we send our love and our support along with our card back to Japan with them because we’re all thinking of the Japanese people.”
A group of Port Townsend students took a trip to Japan for the exchange in November. The Japanese students who hosted the Port Townsend kids are staying with the same students this week, said Jim Roberts, who helped form the first exchange in 1998.
Roberts said the program has opened the minds of the local students and brought the Japanese tragedy closer to home.
“They’re citizens of the world,” Roberts said.
Since 2002, an exchange program has taken place between Port Townsend and Ichikawa on alternating years.
The students pay their own way, but insurance and ancillary support are provided by the Jefferson County Family YMCA.
After the performance of the high school vocal ensemble Sunday, the Japanese students posed for photographs, snacked on food and shared laughs with their new peers.
Catherine McNabb, sister city liaison, has said the Port Townsend students were treated like rock stars on their trip.
Sandoval said she hopes Port Townsend will return the favor.
“We just want you know that our hearts and our prayers are with you and your people,” Sandoval said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
