What began simply in 1992 with a straight forward student exchange of 5 Japanese 8th grade students and two teachers visiting a friendly Western Michigan school for 10 days has blossomed into a full fledge Friendship City Program. Yahaba now has over 18 students and teachers visiting every fall with 20 adults coming approximately every other year during the summer. Approximately 10 years ago the government of Japan was looking for a way to reward the people of the country for a number of years being economically successful. They gave to the local government a large sum of money for each city to do as they wish. A number of cities developed exchange programs with cities around the world. The idea of global thinking and preparing their children for the future has always been a priority for Yahaba.
The Fremont/Yahaba Friendship City Program has been in formal existence since the signing of the Friendship City Charter July 23, 1995 during the National Baby Food Festival. Previously, the respective mayors of Yahaba, Iwate and Fremont, Michigan recognized the start of their relationship with Fremont hosting the first exchange of students, teachers, and community representatives January 6, 1992. Since then a Friendship City Advisory Board of Directors in 1995 and Action Committee Members Group in 1994 has been formed to create and carry out the Vision Statement and Goals of the Friendship City Program. The ten advisory board members are nominated members meeting four times a year. The action committee meets approximately once a month and is made up of past adult delegation members and anyone with an interest in international exchange or young people.
