For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Madison County and Hukoto City Japan will revive their sister region cultural exchange program when Hokuto City Mayor Eiji Kamimura leads a four-day visit to Berea and Richmond beginning November 7.
Mayor Kamimura will be accompanied by city government, school, tourism, and local Chamber of Commerce officials. The visit will renew a bond between Madison County and Japan after a hiatus in the exchange program.
Welcoming the Japanese to Berea, Richmond and Madison County will be Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley, Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe, Madison County Judge Executive Reagan Taylor, as well as Berea College President Lyle Roelofs and Eastern Kentucky University President Dr. David McFaddin, among others. The Japanese visit is being facilitated by the Madison County International Committee (MCIC) and will include the formalization of an agreement to create a new educational exchange program between Model High School in Richmond and Koryo High School in Hokuto City.
