Fremont-Yahaba Friendship City Program

02/11/2026

Saying goodbye to the "Premier" host family: the Muramatsu family. They have touched so many lives in Fremont with their generosity in hosting and coordinating events that have connected our two communities.

02/11/2026

While visiting Japan, Loren stopped by Yahaba and met with Mayor Takahashi and other government officials. There was a long meeting afterwards with representatives from the education department and members of the International Society. The folks have been working diligently to continue building support for the exchange program and the relationship between Fremont and Yahaba in the schools and local communities. Beginning with the students from Yahaba returning and giving presentations on American cultural topics and experiences to 5th-grade students. Also, business partnerships with the program. Finally, Loren ended up being interviewed for the local radio program; fortunately, it was prerecorded, and much of his Japanese was edited for the sake of understanding!

01/17/2026

What a great level of interest from the 8th-grade class in being part of the delegation traveling to Yahaba, Japan, in 2026. This year, we had 20 students apply. The students selected will have gone through two rounds of interviews. This is no small feat, answering questions in front of up to 10 adult representatives from the Fremont community and school. This year's group of students interviewing was especially impressive with their depth and quality of thoughtful answers. We are proud of all 20 students who applied and recognize the challenges in selecting only eight.

11/06/2025

Pathfinder Trunk and Treat! Jalisa Danhof from Camp Newaygo.

11/02/2025

ただいま！
We’re back to Iwate!

11/01/2025

3:30 am
Saying goodbye to our wonderful host families!
5:30 am
Arriving at the airport.

11/01/2025

The journey home begins! Safe travels!!

10/31/2025

Halloween in America.
We went to an elementary school in the afternoon and handed out candy to around 400 students. Then we went back to the junior high school for a Halloween party/dance. After that, the students are going to go trick-or-treating.
Happy Halloween!

アメリカのハロウィン。
午後に小学校へ行き、およそ400人の生徒にお菓子を配りました。
そのあと中学校に戻って、ハロウィンパーティー（ダンス）をしました。
その後、生徒たちはトリック・オア・トリートに出かけます。
ハッピーハロウィン！ 🎃

10/30/2025

Recognized on behalf of the City of Yahaba, Chairman of the City Council Kiyomi Hirota presented a plaque to Mayor Jim Rynberg, Friendship City Director Loren Edwards, and later to President of the Board Mike Paige. The plaque reads, 30th Anniversary of the Friendship City Relationship.

10/29/2025

Fun in Fremont!

10/29/2025

10/29/2025

Congratulations to Dick Kallenbach on being recognized with the 2025 Raymond Rathbun/Ryzuo Takahashi Service Award. He and his wife, Martha, have traveled to Yahaba and hosted multiple times. Both of their children, Katie and Alex, were delegates while in 8th grade. Dick currently serves on the Friendship City Board. When it comes to stepping up and helping out, both Dick and Martha are first to volunteer. We can't thank them enough!