Where I'm going!

AFS recently informed me that I am going to Hokkaido for my stay in Japan! Hokkaido is the top island of Japan, world famous for its beautiful ski resorts expensive watermelons, and the most delicious rice in Hokkaido!

I'll be staying in a little town called Touma, located in the Kamikawa district. It has a population of only 7519 people, to be exact! My host mom and dad are named Terunori and Etsuko Matsuyama, so my new name is Matthew Matsuyama. I'm going to try and contact them as soon as I can, to try and get to know them before I arrive!

P.S.
My birthday is coming up on June 20. You may ChipIn to help me celebrate!

My first post!

My name is Matthew Nanni and I'm a sophomore at Tanque Verde High School in Tucson, Arizona. I am going to Japan for a semester student exchange program. I have been wanting to go to Japan forever! I am so excited to have this opportunity to learn a new culture!

I am extremely busy with school and getting ready for Japan. I am on the school swim team, National Honor Society, play the trumpet in the jazz band, and am the high school mascot. Go Hawks! I also hold Skate Country fundraisers for a local charity. In my spare time (haha) I am taking a few online classes, including Japanese.

My trip to Japan will cost over $10,000, so I am working and fundraising to help raise the money. I teach two after school classes at Tanque Verde Elementary School, which help me earn income and it's fun at the same time.

If you would like to help me with my dream of going to Japan, click the ChipIn widget. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated! I would be happy to share my experiences in Japan with you when I return!