For over 30 years now, a small group of youngsters from Marshalltown and Minami Alps City, Japan have participated in a two-year exchange program that involves the Japanese students coming here for about a week and a half one year and the Marshalltonians visiting Minami Alps City one year. Throughout this week, the Marshalltown group, under the leadership of Director Kris Alman, has been hosting six Japanese youth and two adult chaperones and participating in a wide range of activities to foster cultural understanding and friendship. On Tuesday, the students will head home and prepare to welcome their new friends from Marshalltown to Minami Alps City next summer. Conversely, Emma Richardson said that even in the short time she's spent with her guest, Mana, they've grown close and built a strong friendship. As they look forward to next year, Daniel Goslinga is excited to try out new Japanese foods.