Fort Worth, Texas – June 21, 2024 – Fort Worth Sister Cities International is proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Harashin Scholar Program that has fostered cultural exchange between Fort Worth, Texas, and Nagaoka, Japan. Since 1990, the program, funded by the Harashin Company, has provided educational and cultural enrichment opportunities for a total of 240 Fort Worth students and 60 teachers.

The program funds scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel to Nagaoka each year. While in Japan, students participate in homestay experiences, attend local schools, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture. In return, the families of the Fort Worth program participants host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes, creating a reciprocal exchange that fosters lifelong friendships and understanding.

To commemorate this milestone achievement, FWSCI will be hosting a special celebration on July 25 at Tarrant County College. The event will honor Mr. Kazuhiko Hara, President of the Harashin Company, whose vision and generosity have made this program possible.

“For 30 years, the Harashin scholarship program has provided invaluable opportunities for Fort Worth students and teachers to experience Japanese culture firsthand,” said Chairman of the Board Greg Jackson. “We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Hara for his dedication to building bridges between our two communities.”