The 1998 International Project 
On May 11, 1998 Ten Junior Ambassador Delegates joined the Port Angeles Mayor and Peninsula International Relations Association (PIRA) President Tad Price on a delegation destined for their sister city in Mutsu City, Japan. In full, the 25 member delegation included teachers, community members, college students, and high school students. 

The ambassadors goals were to strengthen their relationships with their Japanese school friends and nurture the bond between their two cities.  More Photo Archives The International Project Home Page  Delegation Preperation  Student Web Pages

 
Upon arrival at the airport students were excited to start their journey to meet their friends in Mutsu City, Japan.   
For some students this would be the first time traveling by air.   
The ten hour international flight was long, but students entertained themselves with music, stories, food, and movies.   
After arriving at Narita Airport, students were shuttled to Tokyo thanks to transportation provided by Daishowa America.   
After a short nights sleep students were up early touring Tokyo.   
It was fun touring Tokyo by train and subway. Not until the next day would students encounter the crowded Tokyo station.   
Students visited many historical and important sites. Here students drink at Meiji Shrine.   
Travel is never complete without taking time for shopping.   
After surviving the crowded subway station all members arrived safely at the bullet train that would take them to Mutsu City.   
Upon arrival in Mutsu City students were escorted to meet with their host families.   
Many of the hosts were familiar faces and families could not wait to show the delegates their homes.   
Led by Mayor Gary Braun and PIRA president Tad Price, official business took place while students spent a day in Mutsu City schools.   
In addition to city officials meeting, teachers also had time to share information and build stronger friendships.   
Students experienced Japanese schools first hand. While spending time in school, students studied, exercised, ate lunch, and made new friends.   
The second day in Mutsu City, students toured Shimokita Peninsula and saw many of the areas attractions.   
The first stop was the science center where students toured a nuclear powered ship, looked at science projects, and participated in experiments.   
The second stop was a lighthouse. Here students were allowed to hike to the top and look across the ocean to their home country.   
After lunch at the lighthouse students visited Mt. Osorezan. A sacred place where offerings are made to those passing to the afterlife.   
The day was spent touring, but the night was spent in Mutsu nature Institute. Here students stayed in Japanese style dorm rooms.   
At the institute students were well cared for by the staff. Students ate dinner, received snacks, and ate breakfast in the morning.   
In the evening students completed two projects. They carved hand launched helicopters and created personalized key chains.   
On day three students participated in Mutsu City schhols sports festival. A school-wide competition between classes.   
The hardest part was saying good-bye. The delegation was an incredible journey that secured life-long friendships.