Bio: Johnson, Charlene – Exchange Student to Japan (1970)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Johnson, Hamada

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 09 Jul 1970

Miss Charlene Johnson, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Johnson Jr., was notified in mid-June that she had been chosen as exchange student for the Youth For Understanding program, and that she would go to Japan for the summer.

The necessary preparations were made for her departure, which came about rather rapidly, and Charlene left Wausau July 1, 1970 on North Central Airlines for Chicago. From there she flew on United Airlines to Oakland, California, and to Anchorage, Alaska.

On Trans-World Airlines she flew to Tokyo, and was taken to Yokosuka, Japan, where she is staying with the Siezaberro Hamada family. The Hamada family have on daughter, Sumie, 19, and one son, Kauske, 24. The mother, Misako, and Kauske cannot speak English, but Mr. Hamada and Sumie do. Charlene's room contains a bed, desk, a big closet and a fan, and she was relieved to learn that these accommodations were quite comfortable.

Charlene will remain in Japan until August 31. Upon her return home she plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she will major in physical therapy.

Charlene graduated in May from Colby High School and is a member of the National Honor Society. She also won the Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year award.