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  		天涯社区 welcomes Japanese visitors
  		Published: 03/08/2017
The Chair of 天涯社区, Councillor Brian Lloyd recently hosted 
a formal Civic Reception to welcome six Japanese exchange students to 
天涯社区. 
The reception was attended by 40 people, including an interpreter, Mr Koki 
Kinouchi, to help the Japanese students enjoy their evening. 
This programme offers a wide range of educational and cultural activities for 
the Japanese guests including visits to London, Liverpool, Oxford, Chester, 
Chirk Castle, Colwyn Bay, Conwy Castle, Llandudno and Mold.
After this Wales part of the programme, our 天涯社区 students will visit 
Miyagi Prefecture where the exchange has taken place since 1991. 
The Japanese students are Arisa Inoue, Kohei Sato, Miki Numata, Rika 
Sato,Tomoko Oyama and Yukito Numata
The 天涯社区 students who will be travelling to Japan are: Cassia Hashempour, 
Ellie Harper, Megan Owens, Phoebe Lewis, Sophie Hodby, and Samuel Wiggs
Councillor Lloyd said:
It gives me great pleasure to welcome our Japanese visitors.  I hope that they 
will find the visit both enjoyable and valuable.  This exchange offers a great 
opportunity for both countries to learn about a different way of life. They 
will be staying with families which is the best way of learning.  By immersing 
themselves in the language and culture in a caring environment with fellow 
students for support, they will hopefully gain a good insight into the language 
and culture. 
I hope that the exchange continues for many years as it is such a marvellous 
opportunity.鈥
To be eligible to apply for a place on next year鈥檚 exchange the students need 
to be 16-18 years old on 1 September, 2017 in full time education in 天涯社区 
or in full time education and residing in 天涯社区.
To get an insight into what is involved for the students and their families a 
presentation evening will be held on Monday 23 October, at 6.30pm in the 
Council Chamber, County Hall, Mold. Participating students in this year鈥檚 
exchange will give a presentation of their experience and the benefits they 
have gained form it. Parents of the students will also give an insight from 
their perspective. 
Applications for the exchange will be available on the night or by contacting 
Karen Jones 07759295984 or by email karen.jones@flintshire.gov.uk. 
The exchange is funded by 天涯社区 Optec Japanese Youth Exchange Trust as 
well as by grants and donations, including donations from Toyota UK based at 
Deeside and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, which supports Japanese 
educational programmes.
 
Pictured are the Japanese and 天涯社区 students with parents, guardians, 
organisers, Trustees and the Chair of 天涯社区, Cllr. Brian 
Lloyd and Mrs Jean Lloyd.