Impressions of recent Naka Town visit to Oak Ridge: I'd like to say every member did express thanks for Oak Ridge people's kindness. Thanks to all of you we could spend good time in Oak Ridge. Kazumi Koizumi

Yasuko Komuro
In Oak Ridge there are many people who join in volunteer work and do a wonderful job in many places. That really touched me. In the field of volunteer work we wish to catch up with and surpass America.

Hiroko Kamoshida
When we went to the disco and the show was at its peak, the national anthem of the US was played. I felt Americans are very proud of and love their country and have confidence as Americans. At the same time I thought we were all a harmonious whole, beyond any race. It was wonderful. Without loving the town, we aren't able to develop the town. I also want to love Naka town more.

Fukumi Nakamura
The beauty of the streets and the houses of Oak Ridge impressed me a lot. I felt the ringing of the peace bell between the Japanese heart and the people of sister cities. The world peace is forever and ever.

Takako Kashimura
This is the first time for me to go abroad. The first people I have met in a foreign country are the Oak Ridge people. I was very happy to visit not only for sight seeing but also for studying. Although I couldn't make myself understood in English, I could communicate with my heart. Everyone especially women I met in Oak Ridge, whose eyes were shining brightly, were marvelous including the former mayor Ms. Kathy Moore, the teachers in the middle school, YWCA and many others. From now I` d like to put my experience to practical use in my home, in Naka town and in my work.

Toshiko Hirayama
I was moved by the passionate activities of volunteer workers in Oak Ridge. I want to cultivate the volunteer spirit in Naka town.I clearly remember the excellent autumn tints I saw in Oak Ridge and hope them to paint.I eagerly hope to go to Oak Ridge again.

Kazumi Koizumi
I was surprised to see many women taking an active part in various positions. From the former mayor, who is a woman, to workers in the museums, YWCA, the recording for the blind, the day care centers and the schools, women work powerfully with confidence.

Mitsuko Matsumoto
Canada geese and Halloween pretty pumpkin witches, jack-o'-lanterns and Boo!! I'll never forget the wonderful and fantastic Oak Ridge in my whole life. This visit made me recognize the necessity of studying English. If I have a chance to go abroad again, I'll surely study English harder.

Junko Kawasaki
I think it is wonderful that American women are participating in various social affairs. While cooperating with men, they take good care of their families and also do volunteer work very vividly, this impressed me.

Kimiko Teruyama
My mind and heart are rich with the beauty of Oak Ridge and its lovely streets and homes. I was also interested in cars because my husband runs an auto repair shop. In Japan on TV it is said to just "Fasten your seat belt when driving !" but I saw many cars with automatic seat belts installed. All the driver has to do is sit in the seat, start the engine and the seat belt automatically fastens around the driver. And I hear it is a dream for some Oak Ridge people to buy a certain Japanese car.

Katsuko Takahata
In June I was a host family for a junior high school student from Oak Ridge and in Aug. my son. Yuichiro (14), stayed with a family in Oak Ridge. This time I had a lucky opportunity to visit both of them. Through the home visit, I could feel the kindness of the people and the way they take good care of their families.

Toshiko Inoue
I was deeply impressed at the disco in Oak Ridge, dancing with the local people, singing their national anthem and the Tennessee waltz. I had never experienced anything like this in my life. Although she is always busy, the incumbent mayor's wife showed us splendid houses and furniture. While driving in beautiful scenery,we also saw many lovely gardens. On the last day, early in the morning we were given a warm send-off at the airport with red rice balls and many other Japanese foods made by Japanese Oak Ridge residents. I felt these foods were hundreds times more delicious than those we enjoy in Japan.

Keiko Kimura (Naka-Town office, planing division, Women Section)
I think it will be a very valuable thing for the future of Naka town and myself personally to have promoted friendship and mutual understanding between Oak Ridge and Naka-Machi on a civil level through the wings of women as a bridge.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Ken Luckmann, President, SCSO
The Oak Ridge Sister City Support Organization looks forward to future visits from our friends in Naka Machi. Our thanks to each of you for sharing memories of your recent visit to Oak Ridge. The spirit of the Sister City program is evident is each of your messages!