The Ketchikan Gero Kanayama Exchange Program began in 1986 with the exchange of teachers. The following year, in 1987, student exchanges were introduced—and these annual exchanges have continued ever since!

Originally part of the school district's program, the exchange grew in both size and significance. In 1989, the Ketchikan Gero Kanayama Exchange Association was officially formed. We are a nonprofit organization, run entirely by dedicated volunteers, committed to keeping this incredible program alive and thriving!