Students Invited to Japan ‘Matching City’

Its industry, population, size and topography are similar to Camarillo’s, but the town is not in California--it’s in Japan.

Three Camarillo seventh-graders have been selected to visit Kota-cho, Japan, Camarillo’s matching town, in August.

The Japanese city has sent 12 to 18 junior high students annually on weeklong visits to Camarillo during the past seven years. As a way to show their appreciation for Camarillo’s hospitality, Kota-cho officials have offered to pay for three students to visit, so Camarillo children can be introduced to their culture.

Ava Avedissian of Cornerstone Christian School, Ashley DeCicco of Monte Vista Intermediate School and Taurean Smithe of Somis Middle School will depart for a weeklong stay in Kota-cho on Aug. 21. After arriving at Narita International Airport, they will take a bullet train to the Toyohashi station, where they will be greeted by Kota-cho officials for the last leg of their journey.

“Nothing broadens and expands the mind like travel,” said Gerri Junso, who will accompany the students. As area representative for the Educational Resources Development Trust, a nonprofit educational foundation, Junso has facilitated many of the Kota-cho students’ trips to Camarillo.

“Our kids have been learning about Japanese culture from them coming to our homes, and now it’s a chance for them to go to there,” Junso said.

The three junior high students, who were among 22 nominees from both public and private intermediate schools in Camarillo, were selected for their academic and leadership skills, Junso said.

Junso hopes to take the three semifinalists on the trip, but needs to raise approximately $2,300 to cover their expenses.

To contribute to the exchange program, call 388-4677.