In early July of 2024, Sean Gadberry traveled to Japan through the Sister Cities exchange program with a group of eight students. Although the trip lasted only 12 days, it left a deeper impression than he expected. When Sean returned to Livingston afterward, he spent a couple of months settling back into his regular routine, the more time that passed, the more he realized that his stay in Japan had ended far too quickly. Not long after his return, Sean learned about the “Youth for Understanding” Exchange program that would let him return to Japan for nearly a year. Determined and motivated, he spent many months back in school at Park High School working hard and saving money so he could afford the 10 month stay. The more he prepared for his exchange program, the more he realized how much he missed Japan’s beautiful culture.
The program accepted only six students from the United States. Students from other parts of the world varied widely, two students came from Thailand and South Korea, and a much larger group of about twenty-five came from Germany. After a four-day orientation that brought the international mix of students together, everyone left with their host families scattering across Japan filled with excitement for the upcoming 10 months.
Sean’s exchange officially began on March 24, 2025 and will end on January 8, 2026. During his stay there, he had the opportunity to explore a wide range of places, traditions, and environments. Two of his most memorable adventures were when he hiked Mount Fuji and Tanigawadake. Both hikes were experiences that challenged him physically and left him with unforgettable views and an appreciation for Japan’s natural beauty.
He also enjoyed smaller but equally meaningful moments, such as visiting the Tokyo Skytree with his host mother.
One major highlight of Sean’s exchange was his school trip to Okinawa in southern Japan. The trip lasted four days. He and his classmates visited many great historical and cultural locations, but his most favorite memory was going to the Himeyuri Peace Museum. He learned about the tragic stories about The Himeyuri student nurses, which were student nurses, mainly girls, who had to serve as medical aids for the horrific battle of Okinawa in 1945. Seeing the exhibits firsthand gave Sean a new perspective on war and the importance of peace. School life in Japan was another unique part of the exchange. Unlike in the United States, Japanese students mostly stay in one classroom while teachers move from room to room. Sean’s school operated on a schedule of six 55-minute periods with 10 minute passing periods, although some schools used a seven class period system three days of the week. He appreciated many aspects of the Japanese school system, “I prefer the structure, community focus, and sense of routine more than an American school but, there are still flaws just as the U.S schools system have.” Going to school in Japan has been on his bucket list for a very long time now.
Sean stated how he preferred life in Japan overall compared to life in the United States “I like the country of Japan more,” he said. “It’s safer, cheaper, cleaner, nicer, and even though the work culture is terrible, America is the same in that regard.” The daily environment felt way more comfortable to him, and he found himself fitting naturally into the Japanese lifestyle.
Throughout the entire exchange, Sean formed close friendships and collected countless memories, which made choosing a favorite moment absolutely impossible. His time in Okinawa, the challenging mountain hikes, and camping with his friend Hiromu all played major parts in shaping his exchange year to be perfect. Each moment added something special to his year, making memories he knows he’ll remember for the rest of his life.
These memories brought a desire to return to Japan yet again. In fact, Sean hopes to come back after graduating high school at Park High in 2026, moving to Japan to attend college. For him, Japan is no longer just a country he visited, it has become his second home, and he can’t wait to begin the next chapter of his life there.
