The last full day in Marion for the group of leaders and students from Kanie town, Japan was a very busy one. The morning started with the eight students returning to the Junior High while the adults took a tour of the city conducted by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and REDCO.

The group was treated to a luncheon at AISIN Manufacturing at noon, followed by a tour of the facilities. During the tour, the visitors were able to see how the many and varied parts are manufactured for automobiles.  AISIN officials presented gifts to the visitors. Following the tour, the group had some free time where the young people chose to spend some time at the Illinois Centre Mall.

The evening found the Japanese enjoying the Southern Illinois Miners win over the Windy City Thurderbolts. They were honored by the Miners with throwing out the first pitch and being introduced to the crowd of over 4,000.

The Miner Mascots made a big hit with young and old alike.

Ishigaki Takeo, Superintendent of Education summed up the reaction of the delegation.
"Marion is a wonderful city," Takeo said. "Very nice, friendly people."

The Japanese left this morning to spend the day in St. Louis and will leave for Japan on Thursday.

During the visit that began on Saturday, the delegation enjoyed a backyard cookout at the home of Cindy Gibbons. The highlight of the evening seemed to be a washer pitching competition. Mayor Junichi Yokoe was still talking about it on Tuesday.

Sunday a bus trip to Springfield allowed everyone to see the capitol of Illinois and some of its attractions.

The adults also attended the Marion City Council meeting on Monday, while the students attended the Blue and Gold soccer game.