GWM 2025

A Michigan Delegation to SHiga, Japan

Overview

The 2025 Michigan-Shiga Goodwill Mission will commence in July 2025 with the sending of a Michigan delegation to Shiga, Japan.

The delegation will travel together to enjoy 9-days in Japan. Delegates will represent Michigan and their local communities during a 4-night homestay with a Shiga host family, enjoying Michigan’s sister state and creating lifelong friendships. Welcome and farewell events will bookend the homestay, along with overnight stays and free days in both Kyoto and Tokyo.  Whether you have been to Japan before or not, this is an experience you will surely enjoy — all while contributing to the strong bonds between our two states. 

  • Dates: July 8 – 17, 2025
  • Itinerary: 2025 Goodwill Mission Itinerary (as of 2025.01.22)
  • Cost: $3,250
    • $200 is due as a deposit at the time of application (refundable until March 12, 2025) with the remaining balance due by May 2, 2025. 
    • The deposit must be paid by check or money order; the remaining balance may be paid via check, money order, or credit card (a 4% fee will be added to credit card payments).
    • Includes roundtrip airfare between Detroit (DTW) and Tokyo – Haneda (HND), hotels (before and after the homestay period), all required ground transportation, and some shared meals.
    • For additional details, view the current itinerary.

Eligibility

  • Must be a current resident of Michigan
  • Must be 18 years old or older at the time of application.
  • The program is open to all residents of Michigan, but preference may be given to those currently involved (or willing to become involved) with a Michigan-Shiga sister or friendship city group.

Application Process

In order to be considered for participation, the Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board must receive ALL of the following by March 3, 2025:

Selected delegates must also be able to submit a copy of their passport by May 2, 2025 (which must be valid for the full duration of the itinerary).
 
Mailed materials should be sent to:

Attn: Michigan-Shiga GWM
P.O. Box 4715
East Lansing, MI 48826

Timeline

  • March 3: Application deadline (date by which all required materials must be RECEIVED)
  • March 12: Delegation must be finalized; Last day you can withdraw with a refund of the $200 deposit
  • Late March / April (exact date TBD): Goodwill Mission Orientation in Lansing area (in-person/online hybrid event)
  • May 2: Payment deadline for remaining balance of travel fees; Final day to submit passport copy
  • Mid-June: Shiga finalizes host families; Pairing information shared with Michigan delegates
  • July 1: Pre-departure Check-in (via Zoom); Time TBD
  • July 8 – July 17: Goodwill Mission

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Michigan-Shiga sister city board/organization or email the 2025 Goodwill Mission coordinators at: gwm@michiganshiga.org