Salem, Massachusetts, is preparing to welcome a new cohort of students from its sister city, Ota-ku in Tokyo, Japan, this summer. The Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange is actively seeking host families for five female middle school students, offering North Shore residents a unique opportunity to share their culture and build lasting international friendships. This year’s exchange holds particular significance as Salem and Ota celebrate 35 years of sister city relations.
For over three decades, the City of Salem has fostered a deep cultural connection with Ota, a special ward of Tokyo. The relationship began in 1991, stemming from a long-standing affiliation between Salem’s Peabody Essex Museum and the Ota Folk Museum. Each year, the Ota City Department of Education sends 28 students, aged 13-14, to Salem for a week of English language immersion and cultural experiences. The program aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and friendship between the two cities.
A Tradition of Hospitality
The cornerstone of the exchange is the homestay experience. Each student from Ota lives with a volunteer host family in Salem and surrounding North Shore communities. This tradition has created rich connections and lifelong friendships, with over 800 Japanese students hosted by Salem families and more than 120 American students visiting Japan through the program over the past 30 years. Host families provide a bed for the student – sharing a room with other children is acceptable – and incorporate them into their daily routines. The Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange emphasizes that families don’t require to plan elaborate activities; simply sharing everyday life is a valuable experience for the visiting students.
This year’s students will arrive on July 26th and remain in Salem until August 3rd. Host families are responsible for providing some lunches, transportation to and from the daily program in Salem (typically around 8:30 am and 4:30 pm) and a welcoming home environment. Notably, no Japanese language skills are required to host a student, as the participants have basic English proficiency, though they may be shy and benefit from encouragement.
Participating in Salem’s 400th Anniversary Celebration
The 2026 exchange is especially noteworthy as it coincides with Salem’s 400+ Anniversary and Heritage Day Parade on August 1st. The students from Ota will participate in the parade, adding an international dimension to the city’s historic celebration. Families are also invited to a special luncheon, presentations, and performances by the students on July 26th, as well as the communal Bon dance at the Peabody Essex Museum. Families often gather for group activities and events hosted by the Salem-Ota Club throughout the week.
Families interested in hosting a student must have at least one child in the home, ideally between the ages of 10 and 16. The program is designed to provide a supportive and enriching experience for both the visiting students and the host families’ children, fostering cross-cultural understanding and creating lasting memories.
How to Acquire Involved
Those interested in becoming a host family can sign up online or contact the Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange directly at [email protected] for more information. The deadline to apply is approaching, and the organization is currently seeking families to accommodate the five remaining female students.
The Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange’s mission is to promote cross-cultural understanding and friendship between Salem, Massachusetts, and Ota, a borough of Tokyo. The program has involved thousands of individuals over the years, including students, educators, cultural representatives, and municipal officials. The exchange not only brings visitors to Salem but also provides opportunities for Salem residents to visit Ota, fostering a reciprocal relationship between the two communities.
The next key date for prospective host families is the application deadline, which is quickly approaching. Those interested in learning more or applying to host a student are encouraged to reach out to the Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange as soon as possible. The program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to international understanding and create a memorable experience for both the host families and the visiting students.
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