International Connection Through Storytelling
Higashiomi, Japan Experience
In July 2025, I joined a seven-person delegation from Marquette, Michigan, on an 11-day trip to Higashiōmi, Japan, the city’s long-standing sister city. I had the opportunity to represent Marquette while creating an international production for WULC-TV6.
During my stay, I documented a wide range of experiences — from cultural exchanges and meetings with municipal and business leaders to immersive moments living with host families in Higashiōmi. My goal was to capture not just the formal aspects of diplomacy, but the personal stories that animated the trip: local traditions, daily life in Japan, and the warmth of cross-cultural friendship.
I had the opportunity to produce three productions sharing the perspectives of the trip by offering the Upper Peninsula audience a firsthand window into the trip's highlights and the deeper meaning behind the sister city bond.
My storytelling contributed to strengthening the narrative around the 46-year relationship and spotlighting the ongoing commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy bridging an international experience back to the Upper Peninsula audience, celebrated the historical sister-city relationship, and reinforced the value of personal connection in global partnerships.
International Connections
Learning and supporting different cultures is a passion of mine. This was my second international trip with my first being Guatemala. Japan is near to my heart because of my love for the culture. It was an honor to be there for two weeks and have the chance to produce my experiences and share with the Marquette and Upper Peninsula communities. Click the links below to follow the journey of the Marquette Sister City Delegation.
Sister City Delegation Leaves for Japan
Producing each segment for the morning and evening newscasts was both exciting and energizing. Working with limited equipment, navigating the time-zone challenges, and balancing city business with on-the-ground reporting pushed my production skills to a whole new level—and made the project even more rewarding.
My host family and I became so close. It was hard to leave my host parents and their families. We communicate often and I cannot wait to go back soon.
Experiencing new food at the summer festival was so much fun. This is my host family's son-in-law. Spending time immersed in culture as exciting.
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Being selected to represent Marquette, MI and present the Sister City statue was an honor. I learned so much during my time in Japan.
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Tarabo Shrine Rockway
Birthday Celebration
