The cities of Bellefontaine, Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Findlay, Marysville, Sidney and Troy will be hosting local sessions for international travelers from Japan as a part of the Japan-America Grassroots Summit. Summit participants will arrive in Columbus on September 19 and will move to local sessions on September 21.
Participants leave Columbus the morning of September 21 for their home stay town and stay with their host family for four days and three nights. Guests pre-select a “Local Session” of interest to them based on previews they receive in a brochure. During the home stay days, local city leaders and host families work together to share the best that their community has to offer.
The city is seeking 10-12 host families to provide three nights of lodging in their homes for our Japanese guests. Host families will also be asked to provide some meals and transportation outside of the pre-planned local activities. In addition, host families will be asked to plan and provide activities for their guests on September 23. The Saturday activities can be something simple, such as taking the guest to a child’s sporting event, eating lunch at your favorite place or visiting a nearby park. Host families and their guests will be invited to the Columbus Zoo on September 24, where the Summit closing ceremonies will take place.
The host family experience is the most important part of the Grassroots Summit. It is during this time that guests and hosts make meaningful memories in the spirit of genuine omotenashi -- hospitality and open-hearted friendship.
The city has been told to expect between seven to 15 guests for the local session. The typical guest is between the ages of 50 and 70.
Residents interested in applying to become a host family from September 19-24, 2023, should complete the Host Family Application form found on the JASCO website.