Madison County delegation reports cultural, education ties after Hokuto, Japan visit

Madison County Fiscal Court members heard a detailed report Dec. 16 from Kent Gilbert and others on the county’s long-standing sister-region relationship with Hokuto, Japan, and the recent October delegation visit.

Gilbert, who leads the county’s international committee, said the relationship dates to the 1980s and now includes student exchanges, business delegations and arts collaborations. "Madison County has a very unusual and very long standing sister region relationship with Hokuto, Japan," Gilbert said, describing school exchanges, trade demonstrations and joint cultural events. He said the delegation participated in a Paul Rush Festival event where Madison County artisans were featured and that Hokuto donated a koto instrument now housed at the Richmond Area Arts Council.

Court members noted educational programs already in place: a middle-school homestay program that will send 10 Madison County students to Japan next summer, and a high-school homestay partnership between Berea High School and Koryo High School that the presenters said has grown each year. Participants cited benefits for students and local artists and urged continued county support. Mayor Bruce Fraley led part of the adult delegation and was identified as head of the trip.

Delegation leaders also outlined plans for artist-to-artist exchanges, a proposed off-year artisan presence at Hokuto’s festival, and ongoing efforts to link local businesses and Berea College with opportunities spotted during the visit. Gilbert and Mayor Fraley said Hokuto’s newly elected mayor, Konika Oshiba, personally greeted the Madison County delegation and invited continued exchange.

The court accepted the presentation and the delegation left a Hokkaido/ Hokuto flag with the county. Officials said they will bring dates and logistics to the court when the Japanese delegation visits Madison County in fall 2026.