Salem Seeks 5 Host Families For Japan Student Exchange

SALEM, MA — Salem is looking for host families for five female students who will visit this summer through the Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange, part of the city’s long-running sister city relationship with Ota-ku in Tokyo, Japan.

The students are scheduled to be in Salem from July 26 until Aug. 3.

Salem has had a cultural relationship with Ota for more than 30 years. Each year, the Ota City Department of Education sends 28 middle school students, ages 13 and 14, to Salem for a week focused on English language and cultural immersion.

Each student stays with a host family on the North Shore.

The 2026 visit carries added significance because Salem and Ota are marking 35 years as sister cities. The students from Ota are also expected to take part in the 400+ Anniversary/Heritage Day Parade on Aug. 1.

Families do not need Japanese language skills to host, according to the information shared by organizers, because the visiting students have basic English proficiency.

Students must have their own bed during the stay, though sharing a bedroom with other students in the home is allowed.

Host families are not expected to plan special activities, as the visiting students will be experiencing everyday life in Salem.

Host families must already have one or more children living in the home, ideally between ages 10 and 16.

Salem families have hosted more than 800 Japanese students over the past three decades, and more than 120 American students from Salem have visited Japan.

North Shore families interested in volunteering can sign up through an online form here. More information is also available by email at otasalem4@gmail.com.