John Muir Middle School Hosted Japan Day Celebration
The Burbank school welcomed thirteen students from Rebun High School for their thirteenth annual cultural exchange event.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education
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John Muir Middle School in Burbank held its thirteenth annual Japan Day on September 18, 2026. The event featured a cultural presentation attended by 1,400 people and included a traditional Soran Bushi dance performance by visiting students.
Why it matters
The exchange program was established to support Rebun Island students following economic challenges in their local fishing industry. It simultaneously offers Burbank students a firsthand look at Japanese culture and international perspectives.
Thirteen students from Rebun High School participated in the program, staying with ten host families for six nights. Rebun High School currently maintains a small enrollment of 13 to 20 students per grade level.
The players
Akiko Agishi
She serves as the supervisor for the Rebun International Exchange Program.
John Muir Middle School
It is a middle school located in Burbank that serves as the host institution for the exchange program.
Rebun High School
It is a Japanese secondary school that sends students to Burbank for international cultural education.
The details
Visiting students from Rebun High School spent six nights with local families during their stay in Burbank. Beyond the school assembly, the itinerary included educational visits to the California Science Center and Joshua Tree National Park.
Timeline
The Rebun International Exchange Program began in 2012.
The thirteenth annual Japan Day celebration was held on September 18, 2026.
Culture Shift
This exchange program reflects a broader trend of small, remote communities leveraging international partnerships to bolster student opportunities. By connecting with Burbank, Rebun Island students gain global exposure that counters local economic decline in their fishing industry.
Local families have the opportunity to serve as hosts for future visiting students during the annual exchange. The broader community can attend the Japan Day presentation, which provides an accessible way to engage with Japanese cultural traditions.
The takeaway
Cultural exchanges can play a vital role in supporting students from communities facing economic hardship. Establishing these connections provides both students and local residents with valuable, hands-on insights into different traditions and global perspectives.
Further reading
Learn more about local learning initiatives in the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MyBurbank.
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