Madison County International Committee

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Madison County International Committee The MCIC helps manage and promote the sister city/region relationship between Madison County, Kentucky and Hokuto City, Japan.

The Madison County International Committee fosters the relationship between the people of Hokuto City, Japan and resident of Madison County, Kentucky. This sister-region relationship was founded in 1988 and its yearly delegations from both countries is one of the longest of its kind. Working in a partnership with the City of Berea, the City of Richmond, The Madison County Fiscal Court here, and Hokuto City, and The Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project in Japan, strong ties have been forged. Our mission is to deepen friendship and mutual understanding between the two regions through educational, cultural, industrial and commercial exchanges, and to promote the welfare of the citizens of both regions, while embracing the firm belief that such objectives will strengthen the ties between Japan and America and contribute toward the peace and prosperity of the world. Hoping to build a world based on mutual respect and understanding between peoples, this exchange program, and all others like it, play a vital role in connecting the separated hearts and minds of humanity. Through delegations of both adults and middle-school participants, there is the opportunity to learn about other cultures. There is the opportunity to meet people and form new friendships. There is the experience of international travel and sightseeing. There is the satisfaction of natural curiosity about other people and countries. All of these combine to make the sister-region experience an immensely rewarding personal adventure!

10/06/2026
10/05/2026
Welcome to our sister City delegation from Hokuto City, Japan! Flight was 3 hours late, so we're all a little tired afte...
10/02/2026

Welcome to our sister City delegation from Hokuto City, Japan! Flight was 3 hours late, so we're all a little tired after getting in at 3am, but we had a great lunch at Apollo's Pizza who fed us so well. Next stop was Keeneland!

Exciting News! Hokuto City Delegation Arrives October 1!Madison County will welcome Mayor Kunihiko Ōshiba and 14 other d...
09/24/2026

Exciting News!
Hokuto City Delegation Arrives October 1!
Madison County will welcome Mayor Kunihiko Ōshiba and 14 other delegates from our sister city. Learn more and join us at a special party, October 6, 6:30pm at the Acton Folk Center. Learn more, make donations and RSVP here: https://givebutter.com/c/2026HokutoVisit

🇯🇵 How the Middle School Exchange Program WorksSummer 2027 🇺🇸You will host a Japanese student in your home for one week....
09/07/2026

🇯🇵 How the Middle School Exchange Program Works

Summer 2027 🇺🇸
You will host a Japanese student in your home for one week. During their visit, you will participate in MCIC group activities and have family days to spend time together doing what you choose.

Summer 2028 🇯🇵
You will travel to Japan and stay with the same student and their family. You’ll take part in group activities, explore Japan, and experience everyday life with your host family.

Heading home to Kentucky with full hearts. ❤️🇯🇵🇺🇸This week was about so much more than travel. It was about friendships,...
08/05/2026

Heading home to Kentucky with full hearts. ❤️🇯🇵🇺🇸

This week was about so much more than travel. It was about friendships, shared experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.

A huge thank you to our incredible host families in Hokuto for welcoming our students with such kindness and making them feel at home. We are also so proud of our students for representing Madison County so well.

As we say goodbye, we’re reminded of 一期一会 (Ichigo Ichie)—a reminder to treasure moments like these because they can never be recreated in exactly the same way.

Thank you, Japan. Until next time.

08/02/2026
🇯🇵 Check out our MCIC students!They’ve been busy exploring Japan, trying new things, hanging out with their exchange stu...
08/02/2026

🇯🇵 Check out our MCIC students!

They’ve been busy exploring Japan, trying new things, hanging out with their exchange students, and making some pretty great memories along the way.

It’s been a fun week watching these kids experience Japan together.

Here’s a little look at what they’ve been up to! 👇📸

The best part of the MCIC Exchange Program isn’t just the places we visit—it’s the friendships we build. ❤️🇺🇸🤝🇯🇵From Dis...
07/31/2026

The best part of the MCIC Exchange Program isn’t just the places we visit—it’s the friendships we build. ❤️🇺🇸🤝🇯🇵

From Disney Sea and Chureito Pagoda to traditional Japanese meals and conveyor belt sushi, our students have shared incredible experiences while creating memories that will last a lifetime. These are the moments they’ll never forget!

Our middle school exchange is officially underway! Our students have already enjoyed visiting the Paul Rush Museum, expe...
07/30/2026

Our middle school exchange is officially underway! Our students have already enjoyed visiting the Paul Rush Museum, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony, traveling to Station 5 of Mount Fuji, and so much more. We are excited for the many unforgettable experiences still ahead!

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Berea, KY
40403

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