Poly and Nirayama High School Celebrate 15 Years of Cross-Cultural Exchange

During the week of November 13, Poly hosted sophomore students from Japan's Nirayama High School (NHS) at school and in community members’ homes. Now in its 15th year, the tradition highlights the importance of cross-cultural exchange and American hospitality. The group consisted of 39 students and three chaperones, including the school’s principal. The group joined Upper School students for morning meetings, advisory, and classroom visits. There was also a luncheon for 80+ Poly and NHS students. In June 2025, Poly will send a delegation of 10 students, led by Poly faculty and staff members Melissa Tomokiyo and Nathan Stogdill, to NHS in Izunokuni, Japan.

“It's amazing what Poly families do and their willingness to invite people into their homes,” said PolyGlobal Director Rick Caragher. “They take care of these visitors as if they're adopting them. They show them parts of Pasadena or other parts of LA, and in the end, the families are always clamoring, ‘Can we have them another night?’”

COVID precautions previously interrupted this tradition, making this visit all the more meaningful. A significant milestone was planting a tree on Poly’s campus to commemorate the 15-year relationship. Instead of a cherry blossom, Poly chose a California native tree to respect our land and commitment to sustainability.

“It’s always so great to see Japanese students visiting America for the first time; it gives us such a unique opportunity to appreciate where we live and all the idiosyncrasies of Los Angeles,” said Sophie A. ’26. “ My favorite moment was going to Trader Joe’s with my exchange student, Hinata. I’d never thought it was all that special, but watching Hinata enjoy herself gave me a new lens on the ordinary.”

We look forward to this tradition continuing for years to come.