By Mari Radtke
From time to time, Brad McDowell of Primghar informs “O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier” of the status of the 90-year+ relationship between the two cities. We are honored to share a new update from Japan.
Junko Sugawara a member of the Isehara Board of Education sent an email to Brad and Jane McDowell. The message made a lovely Christmas Eve message.
Each March 3, Hina Matsuri is celebrated throughout Japan. Hina Matsuri, or Doll Festival was recognized in 1927 by children, through U.S. churches sent 12,739 friendship dolls to children in Japan as a goodwill mission.
Much has happened in Japan and in the world since 1927. Important to Primghar is a doll sent to a child in Isehara from a child in Primghar survived. That doll remains in the city and is a feature of its proud public culture. It is on display at Oyama Elementary School and her name is Ruth Jane.
The message provided an English website about the city of Isehara Kanagawa Japan. Sugawara requested visits to the website and comments or feedback including additional information. The web address is https://www.city.isehara.kanagawa.jp/bunkazai_en/docs/2021072700115/
Sugawara tells us that the website has many parts and is a great place to learn and become interested in their city and culture.