Birmingham Offers 2017 Goodwill Mission Opportunity

From The City of Birmingham: The City of Birmingham invites individuals to take advantage of a unique opportunity to visit Japan during the 2017 Goodwill Mission, scheduled for September 5 through 15. The annual Goodwill Mission is a key component of Birmingham’s Sister City relationship with Ritto. It offers opportunities for Michigan and Shiga residents to deepen friendships and cultural understanding between our sister-states. Japanese language experience is not required. These trips are a truly unique cultural experience!

The Goodwill Mission in September will begin a year of celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Sister State relationship, culminating in September 2018. The Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board has invited 40 Michigan community members to enjoy a ten-day Goodwill Mission to Shiga, including home-stay experiences with Shiga families. The package includes:

• Roundtrip flight from Detroit Metro Airport and ground transportation
• Hotel (five nights) and homestay with a Japanese family (four nights)
• Most meals

Four days of sightseeing, including:

• Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples
• Ninja Village in Koka
• Japan Center for Michigan Universities
• Shopping excursions
• Lake Biwa Museum
• Traditional Japanese village on Lake Biwa
• Scenic boat rides on Lake Biwa
• Chikubushima Island
• Participation in the 50th Anniversary Ceremony (Sept. 9)

including:

• Keynote remarks by Governors Snyder and
• Mikazuki
• Special performances
• Formal dinner

Individuals interested in participating in the 2017 Goodwill Mission to Shiga may contact Joellen Haines at jhaines@bhamgov.org or Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board President Linda Beeman at lindajbeeman1@gmail.com. Find pricing information and the application form at www.mishiga.org/goodwill.

Application forms must be submitted by May 15, 2017.