home	International relations Creston option class Visitors to Kaminoho About Kaminoho
Mayor Kato had a vision to bring his community into the 21st Century. Japans' Ministry of Education is now considering having native English speakers in every classroom in Japan from grade 1 to 12. English is now being considered as an OFFICIAL SECOND LANGUAGE by the Japanese government due to its' prominance in international business and e-commerce.	Following the establishment of the twin city agreement, Kaminoho Village created the position International Relations and English Language Consultant. The position is intended for a Creston resident to represent the valley in Japan and assist with various functions between the two communities. A major function is the annual student exchange to Creston every August. The Creston option class is both an educational and cultural experience for grade 9 students in Kaminoho. Integration of a Canadian family in the village of Kaminoho is another major part of the International Relations. The vision of (then) Mayor Kato was to provide daily exposure to foreigners in all aspects of Japanese life. Having a Canadian family in the schools, attending local functions, and playing sports is all exposure the typical Japanese family does not receive. Having an English teacher in the Elementary Schools is also rare. Mayor Kato saw the growing need for his community to have access to native English speakers as it moved into the 21st century. He was ahead of his time as many Japanese communities are now modelling their program after the one in Kaminoho. As well, the federal government is now considering hiring native English speakers to teach in avery elementary school in the country. Other functions include organizing activities for visitors to Kaminoho, promoting the Village within Japan and Canada, and assisting with economic exchanges. In the future it is the economic exchanges that will be looked to in order to help the twin relationship grow. Building bridges since 1991 Kaminoho, in Gifu Ken, central Japan is the twin town of Creston, B.C., Canada For more information contact the International Relations Officer
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