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Tohoku University hosted 23 American high school students from July 5 - 6 as part of this year's Kakehashi Project, a youth exchange programme run by the Japan Foundation and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visit began with an orientation at Kawauchi campus and an introduction to Tohoku University.

On the second day, the students visited the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), where they learnt about Tohoku University's world-leading research in disaster mitigation.

They also watched a documentary about the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the recovery efforts in the region's coastal communities.

After a brief tour of Aobayama campus, the students had lunch with local Japanese and international students, and learnt more about life in Sendai and at Tohoku University.

Over the weekend, the students enjoyed a homestay at Kami-machi, a town in Miyagi prefecture.

Known more formally known as "The Kakehashi Project - The Bridge for Tomorrow," the programme was set up by the government to enhance international understanding of Japanese culture and values, and to encourage the formation of a global network through youth exchanges.

Participants on this year's programme were selected through the Japan Bowl competition circuit, where they were tested on their language proficiency as well as their familiarity with Japanese history and culture.