Independence Japanese Sister City

02/06/2026

UPDATE - We've raised $1,225 dollars towards the $10,000 goal! Can we get to $3,500 by the end of February?

A group of 10 awesome students from Independence and Fort Osage have been selected for our sister-city exchange in Higashimurayama, Japan this summer.

This isn’t just a trip — it’s a two-week immersion where they’ll live with host families, attend school, explore history, practice Japanese, and build friendships across the world. They come back as cultural ambassadors with broader perspectives and deeper understanding — experiences that shape lives.

Our community can help support the costs for the students!

Check out the GoFundMe and consider donating, even $5 or $10 helps:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-sister-city-student-exchange-to-japan

Every share matters too — if you’re not in a place to donate, please share this with friends, family, or coworkers.

Let’s help these young leaders step into the world with confidence, curiosity, and pride in representing Missouri. ✈️🌸

Hello family, friends, and community supporters! We ar… Danijela Nenadic-Book needs your support for Support Our Sister City Student Exchange to Japan

12/29/2025

Hey friends — big ask with a huge payoff ❤️🌏

A group of 10 awesome students from Independence and Fort Osage have been selected for a rare sister-city exchange in Higashimurayama, Japan this summer. This isn’t just a trip — it’s a two-week immersion where they’ll live with host families, attend school, explore history, practice Japanese, and build friendships across the world. They come back as cultural ambassadors with broader perspectives and deeper understanding — experiences that shape lives.

But here’s the hitch: the cost for flights, insurance, transportation, and program fees adds up fast. That’s where our community can really make a difference.

Check out the GoFundMe and consider donating, even $5 or $10 helps:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-sister-city-student-exchange-to-japan

Every share matters too — if you’re not in a place to donate, please share this with friends, family, or coworkers.

Let’s help these young leaders step into the world with confidence, curiosity, and pride in representing Missouri. ✈️🌸



https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-sister-city-student-exchange-to-japan

Hello family, friends, and community supporters! We ar… Danijela Nenadic-Book needs your support for Support Our Sister City Student Exchange to Japan

12/02/2025

🎁 Help Us Build Bridges This Holiday Season! ✨ Goal: $5,000 by December 31

We’re raising $5,000 to support the 2026 Sister City Student Exchange — when students from Independence will travel to Japan in June, and host students from Japan in August. Your donation helps fund language prep, cultural programs, and our hosting activities that make the exchange possible. 💙 100% of funds go directly to the program — our committee is fully volunteer-run. Donate through the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (link in comment or in bio)

10/21/2025

Our next performance coming back to the Uptown Matsuri is the KC Kendo Club!

The Kansas City Kendo Club brings the art of Japanese fencing to life through a stunning demonstration rooted in centuries-old samurai tradition. Kendo isn’t just about competition — it’s about respect, focus, and self-mastery.

Watch the skill and precision of each strike and learn how this practice continues to unite students of all ages around shared values of perseverance and character.

Be sure to book your tickets today!

10/20/2025

🌸 Get ready for Uptown Matsuri 2025!
Join us Saturday, November 8 from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Uptown Market on the Independence Square for a full day of Japanese culture — music, art, food, and community!

From the thunder of Three Trails Taiko to the colorful Tatsumaki Yosakoi Dancers, every hour brings something new. Meet local artists, shop Japanese-inspired vendors, and enjoy performances that connect Independence and our Sister City in Higashimurayama, Japan.

🎟️ Buy your tickets today 👉 https://www.indepmojscc.com/uptown-matsuri-festival (link in bio)

10/20/2025

Start your Matsuri experience with the thunder of the drums! 🥁

Our festival begins the way it should — with Three Trails Taiko , whose dynamic rhythms and powerful movements awaken the energy of Japan’s traditional festival spirit. If you’ve never seen taiko before, this is the perfect chance to feel it with your whole body — the vibration of the drums, the synchronized movements, and the joy that fills the crowd.

This performance is one you’ll feel as much as you’ll see.

https://www.indepmojscc.com/uptown-matsuri-festival

07/08/2025

The Independence Sister City Committee is looking for one more welcoming host family for high school students visiting from Japan this summer.

We’re seeking a family who lives in or near Independence to host from August 3–17, 2025. We need to confirm this last family by the end of this week.

Hosting is a meaningful and fun opportunity to share your home, introduce a student to American life, and build lasting cross-cultural friendships.

✅ What’s involved?

Provide a bed, meals at home, and a warm environment

Drop off and pick up your student at a central Independence location on weekdays

Weekday activities are fully planned and supervised by the Sister City Committee

If you’re interested, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/woKsNHXqBT9goU9L7

For questions, email us at: [email protected]

Thank you for considering this unique way to be part of an international exchange right here in our community!

This application is to collect contact and address information about families interested in hosting either student or adult delegates as part of our sister city exchange program. Due to the nature of the exchange program, families that live in Independence or the Independence school district will be...