The Hot Springs Public Information Department and Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation hosted a first-time visit with Ms. Aya Murata, Central Arkansas Coordinator for the Japan Outreach Initiative, a program of the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership and the Laurasian Institution that promotes deeper understanding of Japan through community outreach programs in the midwest and southern regions of the United States. Following the visit, Murata hosted a calligraphy and Japanese lantern decorating workshop at the Garland County Library, her first outreach activity in the Hot Springs community. Murata plans to coordinate with the Hot Springs Sister City Program on additional activities in the Hot Springs area in the coming year.