The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011 spurred Chikako Usui to create an exchange program between St. Louis and Ishinomaki, Japan, one of the hardest-hit areas.

The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011 spurred Chikako Usui to create an exchange program between St. Louis and Ishinomaki, Japan, one of the hardest-hit areas.
The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011 spurred Chikako Usui to create an exchange program between St. Louis and Ishinomaki, Japan, one of the hardest-hit areas.
The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011 spurred Chikako Usui to create an exchange program between St. Louis and Ishinomaki, Japan, one of the hardest-hit areas.
More than 100 guests visited the vibrant new space during an open house to mark its completion Tuesday evening.