At Cambridge-Isanti High School, students in the Japanese Club are part of something much bigger than their school. The club connects students in Cambridge, Minnesota, with students in Yuasa, a small town located on the other side of the globe. Through cultural exchanges, meetings, and travel opportunities, members learn about each other and form lasting friendships. The club has been active for decades and continues to give students a chance to see the world in a new way.
Mr. Tyler Hayft, one of the club advisors, said he joined because it offered both friendship and opportunity. “I really like to travel, and Mr. (Stephen) Larson and I were approached together. I do like Mr. Larson and hanging out with him, so it seemed like a good opportunity to travel and hang out with one of my friends.” His involvement also helps continue a long tradition. “I believe it was 40 years ago at this point, way before you and I were born, there was a relationship set up with Yuasa in Japan. We have just been continuing something that has been going on well before you and I were born.”
The club’s purpose goes beyond travel. It focuses on building understanding between people from different cultures. Mr. Hayft explained, “We exist within Cambridge, but also, we exist within the world. Having these cross-cultural relations is a very important thing, not only for us as people, but for our two countries.” This connection helps students see that their lives are part of a larger global community. It also teaches respect and appreciation for cultural differences.
Mr. Larson said he became involved “to help enrich the lives of our students.” He believes the club builds meaningful connections between two very different communities. “They wanted to establish a connection between these two very separate communities. Greater knowledge of each other’s culture brings about an understanding that the world is a smaller, friendlier place.” He also shared that the students from Yuasa are unforgettable. “The people in Yuasa are some of the friendliest people that I have met.”
Abbie Govednik
Students like Abbie Govednik see the club as a chance to grow and learn. She said, “I think it is to learn about different cultures and learn about the sister cities we have.” Members also have the chance to travel to Japan and experience life there firsthand. “We get a really cool opportunity to go to Japan, and we are going next year in 2027. You also get to meet a lot of really cool people,” Abbie said. She added that students from Japan will visit Cambridge in March, giving members another chance to connect.
Mr. Hayft encourages all students to consider joining, even if they are unsure about traveling. “Our meetings are pretty short, once a month. By joining the Japan Club, you are not necessarily signing up to go on the trip. The point is to be part of this community that stretches 9000 miles.” Through friendship, learning, and cultural exchange, the Japanese Club continues to bring students together. For many members, it is more than a club. It is a bridge to the world.
