Experience Japan the way ordinary travelers can't. When you travel with Springfield Sister Cities Association, you become and ambassador of "Peace Through People," building friendships and cultural understanding that have connected Springfield and Isesaki for more than 30 years.
One lucky winner will receive a free spot on one of our late-September 2027 or 2028 trips to Isesaki, Japan which includes excursions to other popular destinations in Japan. It's a once-in-a-lifetime cultural adventure valued at more than $4,000.
What's Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Hotel and homestay accommodations
- Most meals
- In-country transportation
- Attraction tickets
- Staff guide
- Interpreters
- Your choice of late-September 2027 or 2028 (Trip dates are selected based on Isesaki's City Festival schedule. The final itinerary is developed in the months leading up to the trip.)
Raffle Details
- Only 200 raffle tickets are available for $50 each.
- The drawing will take place on October 30, 2026.
- You must be 18-years-old or older to win.
- You need not be present to win.
- The winning ticket is not transferrable without permission of Springfield Sister Cities.
Support the Traveling Musician Fund
Each raffle ticket purchase supports sending Springfield musicians abroad to share our city's music on international stages and strengthen international friendship.
Ready to Enter?
Buy your raffle tickets now and receive a confirmation email to serve as your "ticket." Your purchase supports our Traveling Musician fund and our vision of "Peace Through People." Join us in celebrating global connection, cultural exchange, and the joy of travel.
More Information about Springfield Sister Cities Association
Official Rules
PLEASE REVIEW THESE OFFICIAL RULES CAREFULLY. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THIS RAFFLE IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. PARTICIPATION IN THIS RAFFLE IS SUBJECT TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES. IN THE EVENT THE RAFFLE IS ENTERED VIA A MOBILE DEVICE OR THROUGH THE WEBSITE, INTERNET, MESSAGE, AND/OR DATA CHARGES MAY APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
The Raffle. All entrants by virtue of their entry in the Springfield Sister Cities Trip to Isesaki, Japan Raffle (the “Raffle”) agree to be bound by the terms and conditions described in these Springfield Sister Cities Trip to Isesaki, Japan Raffle Official Rules (“Official Rules”) and the decisions of the persons verifying eligibility, which will be final and binding with respect to all matters relating to the Raffle. The revenue from the Raffle will benefit Springfield Sister Cities Association, a Missouri nonprofit corporation (“Springfield Sister Cities”). Participants may enter the Raffle by purchasing tickets at the Japanese Fall Festival or other SSCA events (the “Event”) on September 11th –Oct. 29, , 2026. All sales are final. Odds of winning are based on the number of Raffle tickets sold.
Eligibility. The Raffle is only open to legal residents of the State of Missouri who are eighteen (18) years of age or older. All Raffle ticket entries must be received by Springfield Sister Cities prior to the drawing at the Event. All entries must be via official Raffle ticket entry and contain the entrant’s contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email address. Only one individual’s name may be associated with a ticket. The prize will be awarded to a single winner of record on the ticket. Members of the Springfield Sister Cities Board of Directors are not eligible to enter or win the Raffle.
Raffle Prize. One (1) prize will be awarded to one (1) winner who will receive round-trip airfare, hotel and homestay accommodations, most meals, in-country transportation, and attraction tickets for a trip to Isesaki, Japan in either 2027 or 2028. The trip dates occur in late September, based on the Isesaki City Festival schedule. Other cities and attractions will be included. Final schedule is developed in the months leading up to the trip.
Drawing. On Oct 30, Springfield Sister Cities will conduct a drawing for the winning ticket. One Raffle ticket will be selected randomly from all eligible entries received. Once submitted, entries become the sole property of Springfield Sister Cities and will not be returned. Entrants do not need to be present at the time of the drawing to win and will be contacted by phone (if a phone number is provided by entrant) and/or e-mail if they are not present when their name is drawn.
Claiming and Award of Prize. To claim the prize, the potential winner must present photo identification, execute an Affidavit of Eligibility, which will be provided by Springfield Sister Cities, and provide any other information or documentation requested by Springfield Sister Cities to verify eligibility and award the prize. Upon verification of eligibility and receipt of all required information and documentation to claim the prize, the prize will be awarded in the form of a certificate for future selection of the trip date.
Revocation of Prize. If the Raffle prize remains unclaimed by the potential winner for fourteen (14) days following the first notification attempt, or if a potential winner fails to provide proper identification or other required information and sign the appropriate forms, or if the potential winner is determined to be an ineligible entrant, then in any such case Springfield Sister Cities shall declare the prize forfeited and proceed to conduct another drawing from the remaining eligible entries. Springfield Sister Cities is not responsible for any problems occurring with the internet or otherwise that may affect a potential winner’s receipt of the winning notice.
Restriction on Transfer of Raffle Ticket: Raffle tickets are non-transferable without permission of Springfield Sister Cities.
Responsibility for Taxes and Other Costs Associated with Winning. All federal, state, and local taxes, fees, and other government assessments are the sole responsibility of the prize winner.
Reservation of Rights. Springfield Sister Cities reserves the right to make final judgment on all matters pertaining to the Raffle including the right to change or modify the rules or prize or to discontinue or extend the Raffle without prior notice. Should Springfield Sister Cities become aware of any hacking, security breaches, or other misconduct, Springfield Sister Cities reserves the right to discontinue the Raffle immediately. In the event Springfield Sister Cities chooses to discontinue the sale of Raffle tickets, names may be drawn from current eligible entries. All decisions of Springfield Sister Cities concerning any and all matters with respect to the Raffle shall be final and binding.
General Terms. Raffle ticket purchases are not tax deductible. Winners are subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules, and Springfield Sister Cities reserves the right to revoke the prize or remove an entry if the entrant does not meet any or all of the eligibility requirements or if the entry or winning ticket has been damaged or altered. Springfield Sister Cities and its officers, directors, agents, volunteers, independent contractors, representatives, and any other individuals or companies participating in the design, administration, or fulfillment of the Raffle (collectively “Releasees”) are not responsible for: (i) any difficulties that an entrant may experience obtaining a Raffle ticket; (ii) any typographical, human, or other error in the printing or advertising of the offer, administration, or execution of the Raffle, or verification or announcement of prize/prize winner; (iii) any failure of communications, failure of the internet or Springfield Sister Cities’ website, or other technical malfunctions; (iv) any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; or (v) any lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, misdirected, or stolen Raffle ticket entries, all of which will be void. Any Raffle ticket that is illegible, damaged, mutilated, manipulated, duplicated, forged, counterfeited, altered, copied, tampered with in any manner, obtained in a manner outside legitimate methods as stated in these Official Rules, or distributed where prohibited by law will be considered void and will not be eligible for prize redemption. The headings and captions used in these Official Rules are for reference purposes only and should not have any effect on the interpretation of these Official Rules. If any portion of these Official Rules is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
Release of Liability. BY ENTERING THE RAFFLE, EACH ENTRANT, AS A CONDITION OF HIS/HER PARTICIPATION IN THE RAFFLE, AGREES THAT THE RELEASEES WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR PERSONAL INJURIES, DEATH, DAMAGES, EXPENSES OR COSTS OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH PARTICIPATION OR INABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RAFFLE OR ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, OR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRIZE OR PARTS THEREOF INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CLAIMS, SUITS, INJURIES, LOSSES AND DAMAGES RELATED TO PERSONAL INJURIES, DEATH, DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, RIGHTS OF PUBLICITY OR PRIVACY, DEFAMATION OR PORTRAYAL IN A FALSE LIGHT (WHETHER INTENTIONAL OR UNINTENTIONAL), WHETHER UNDER A THEORY OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), WARRANTY OR OTHER THEORY, EVEN IF CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY OR ALL OF THE RELEASEES. BY ACCEPTING THE PRIZE, THE WINNER RELEASES THE RELEASEES FROM ALL LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, OR USE/MISUSE OF THE PRIZE. RELEASEES WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO WINNERS OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR FAILURE TO SUPPLY THE PRIZE OR ANY PART THEREOF, BY REASON OF ANY ACTS OF GOD, ANY ACTION, REGULATION, ORDER OR REQUEST BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL OR QUASIGOVERNMENTAL ENTITY (WHETHER OR NOT THE ACTION, REGULATIONS, ORDER OR REQUEST PROVE TO BE INVALID), EQUIPMENT FAILURE, TERRORIST ACTS, WAR, FIRE, FLOOD, EARTHQUAKE, UNUSUALLY SEVERE WEATHER, EMBARGO, LABOR DISPUTE OR STRIKE (WHETHER LEGAL OR ILLEGAL), LABOR OR MATERIAL SHORTAGE, TRANSPORTATION INTERRUPTION OF ANY KIND, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND RELEASEES’ SOLE CONTROL.
Publicity Release. Except where prohibited, by accepting the prize, winners consent to the use by Springfield Sister Cities and its designees of their names and/or likeness for all purposes, including, but not limited to, advertising and publicity purposes in any and all media now or hereafter known throughout the world in perpetuity without limitation and without additional compensation, notification, or permission.
Privacy Statement. Entrants agree that entry into the Raffle results in their agreement with the following: Springfield Sister Cities shall have the right to retain and use entrant information, including email addresses, to inform entrant about Springfield Sister Cities news, events, and promotions. Springfield Sister Cities does not sell personal information or share personal information with any unaffiliated third party groups.
Applicable Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrant and Springfield Sister Cities in connection with the Raffle, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law, rules or provisions (whether of the State of Missouri, or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Missouri. The Raffle is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Entrants hold all responsibility to comply with any applicable federal, state, or local laws in connection with their entry.
Disputes. Each entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with the Raffle, or the prize awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resorting to any form of class action, and any judicial proceedings shall take place in federal or state court in Greene County, Missouri; (2) any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the Raffle, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (3) under no circumstances will an entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, and consequential damages, and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. IN NO EVENT SHALL SPRINGFIELD SISTER CITIES BE LIABLE TO ANY ENTRANT OR WINNER FOR DAMAGES THAT EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE PRIZE AWARDED TO ANY INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT IN THE RAFFLE.
Experience Japan the way ordinary travelers can't. When you travel with Springfield Sister Cities Association, you become and ambassador of "Peace Through People," building friendships and cultural understanding that have connected Springfield and Isesaki for more than 30 years.
One lucky winner will receive a free spot on one of our late-September 2027 or 2028 trips to Isesaki, Japan which includes excursions to other popular destinations in Japan. It's a once-in-a-lifetime cultural adventure valued at more than $4,000.
What's Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Hotel and homestay accommodations
- Most meals
- In-country transportation
- Attraction tickets
- Staff guide
- Interpreters
- Your choice of late-September 2027 or 2028 (Trip dates are selected based on Isesaki's City Festival schedule. The final itinerary is developed in the months leading up to the trip.)
Raffle Details
- Only 200 raffle tickets are available for $50 each.
- The drawing will take place on October 30, 2026.
- You must be 18-years-old or older to win.
- You need not be present to win.
- The winning ticket is not transferrable without permission of Springfield Sister Cities.
Support the Traveling Musician Fund
Each raffle ticket purchase supports sending Springfield musicians abroad to share our city's music on international stages and strengthen international friendship.
Ready to Enter?
Buy your raffle tickets now and receive a confirmation email to serve as your "ticket." Your purchase supports our Traveling Musician fund and our vision of "Peace Through People." Join us in celebrating global connection, cultural exchange, and the joy of travel.
More Information about Springfield Sister Cities Association
Official Rules
PLEASE REVIEW THESE OFFICIAL RULES CAREFULLY. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THIS RAFFLE IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. PARTICIPATION IN THIS RAFFLE IS SUBJECT TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES. IN THE EVENT THE RAFFLE IS ENTERED VIA A MOBILE DEVICE OR THROUGH THE WEBSITE, INTERNET, MESSAGE, AND/OR DATA CHARGES MAY APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
The Raffle. All entrants by virtue of their entry in the Springfield Sister Cities Trip to Isesaki, Japan Raffle (the “Raffle”) agree to be bound by the terms and conditions described in these Springfield Sister Cities Trip to Isesaki, Japan Raffle Official Rules (“Official Rules”) and the decisions of the persons verifying eligibility, which will be final and binding with respect to all matters relating to the Raffle. The revenue from the Raffle will benefit Springfield Sister Cities Association, a Missouri nonprofit corporation (“Springfield Sister Cities”). Participants may enter the Raffle by purchasing tickets at the Japanese Fall Festival or other SSCA events (the “Event”) on September 11th –Oct. 29, , 2026. All sales are final. Odds of winning are based on the number of Raffle tickets sold.
Eligibility. The Raffle is only open to legal residents of the State of Missouri who are eighteen (18) years of age or older. All Raffle ticket entries must be received by Springfield Sister Cities prior to the drawing at the Event. All entries must be via official Raffle ticket entry and contain the entrant’s contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email address. Only one individual’s name may be associated with a ticket. The prize will be awarded to a single winner of record on the ticket. Members of the Springfield Sister Cities Board of Directors are not eligible to enter or win the Raffle.
Raffle Prize. One (1) prize will be awarded to one (1) winner who will receive round-trip airfare, hotel and homestay accommodations, most meals, in-country transportation, and attraction tickets for a trip to Isesaki, Japan in either 2027 or 2028. The trip dates occur in late September, based on the Isesaki City Festival schedule. Other cities and attractions will be included. Final schedule is developed in the months leading up to the trip.
Drawing. On Oct 30, Springfield Sister Cities will conduct a drawing for the winning ticket. One Raffle ticket will be selected randomly from all eligible entries received. Once submitted, entries become the sole property of Springfield Sister Cities and will not be returned. Entrants do not need to be present at the time of the drawing to win and will be contacted by phone (if a phone number is provided by entrant) and/or e-mail if they are not present when their name is drawn.
Claiming and Award of Prize. To claim the prize, the potential winner must present photo identification, execute an Affidavit of Eligibility, which will be provided by Springfield Sister Cities, and provide any other information or documentation requested by Springfield Sister Cities to verify eligibility and award the prize. Upon verification of eligibility and receipt of all required information and documentation to claim the prize, the prize will be awarded in the form of a certificate for future selection of the trip date.
Revocation of Prize. If the Raffle prize remains unclaimed by the potential winner for fourteen (14) days following the first notification attempt, or if a potential winner fails to provide proper identification or other required information and sign the appropriate forms, or if the potential winner is determined to be an ineligible entrant, then in any such case Springfield Sister Cities shall declare the prize forfeited and proceed to conduct another drawing from the remaining eligible entries. Springfield Sister Cities is not responsible for any problems occurring with the internet or otherwise that may affect a potential winner’s receipt of the winning notice.
Restriction on Transfer of Raffle Ticket: Raffle tickets are non-transferable without permission of Springfield Sister Cities.
Responsibility for Taxes and Other Costs Associated with Winning. All federal, state, and local taxes, fees, and other government assessments are the sole responsibility of the prize winner.
Reservation of Rights. Springfield Sister Cities reserves the right to make final judgment on all matters pertaining to the Raffle including the right to change or modify the rules or prize or to discontinue or extend the Raffle without prior notice. Should Springfield Sister Cities become aware of any hacking, security breaches, or other misconduct, Springfield Sister Cities reserves the right to discontinue the Raffle immediately. In the event Springfield Sister Cities chooses to discontinue the sale of Raffle tickets, names may be drawn from current eligible entries. All decisions of Springfield Sister Cities concerning any and all matters with respect to the Raffle shall be final and binding.
General Terms. Raffle ticket purchases are not tax deductible. Winners are subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules, and Springfield Sister Cities reserves the right to revoke the prize or remove an entry if the entrant does not meet any or all of the eligibility requirements or if the entry or winning ticket has been damaged or altered. Springfield Sister Cities and its officers, directors, agents, volunteers, independent contractors, representatives, and any other individuals or companies participating in the design, administration, or fulfillment of the Raffle (collectively “Releasees”) are not responsible for: (i) any difficulties that an entrant may experience obtaining a Raffle ticket; (ii) any typographical, human, or other error in the printing or advertising of the offer, administration, or execution of the Raffle, or verification or announcement of prize/prize winner; (iii) any failure of communications, failure of the internet or Springfield Sister Cities’ website, or other technical malfunctions; (iv) any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; or (v) any lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, misdirected, or stolen Raffle ticket entries, all of which will be void. Any Raffle ticket that is illegible, damaged, mutilated, manipulated, duplicated, forged, counterfeited, altered, copied, tampered with in any manner, obtained in a manner outside legitimate methods as stated in these Official Rules, or distributed where prohibited by law will be considered void and will not be eligible for prize redemption. The headings and captions used in these Official Rules are for reference purposes only and should not have any effect on the interpretation of these Official Rules. If any portion of these Official Rules is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
Release of Liability. BY ENTERING THE RAFFLE, EACH ENTRANT, AS A CONDITION OF HIS/HER PARTICIPATION IN THE RAFFLE, AGREES THAT THE RELEASEES WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR PERSONAL INJURIES, DEATH, DAMAGES, EXPENSES OR COSTS OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH PARTICIPATION OR INABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RAFFLE OR ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, OR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRIZE OR PARTS THEREOF INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CLAIMS, SUITS, INJURIES, LOSSES AND DAMAGES RELATED TO PERSONAL INJURIES, DEATH, DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, RIGHTS OF PUBLICITY OR PRIVACY, DEFAMATION OR PORTRAYAL IN A FALSE LIGHT (WHETHER INTENTIONAL OR UNINTENTIONAL), WHETHER UNDER A THEORY OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), WARRANTY OR OTHER THEORY, EVEN IF CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY OR ALL OF THE RELEASEES. BY ACCEPTING THE PRIZE, THE WINNER RELEASES THE RELEASEES FROM ALL LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, OR USE/MISUSE OF THE PRIZE. RELEASEES WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO WINNERS OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR FAILURE TO SUPPLY THE PRIZE OR ANY PART THEREOF, BY REASON OF ANY ACTS OF GOD, ANY ACTION, REGULATION, ORDER OR REQUEST BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL OR QUASIGOVERNMENTAL ENTITY (WHETHER OR NOT THE ACTION, REGULATIONS, ORDER OR REQUEST PROVE TO BE INVALID), EQUIPMENT FAILURE, TERRORIST ACTS, WAR, FIRE, FLOOD, EARTHQUAKE, UNUSUALLY SEVERE WEATHER, EMBARGO, LABOR DISPUTE OR STRIKE (WHETHER LEGAL OR ILLEGAL), LABOR OR MATERIAL SHORTAGE, TRANSPORTATION INTERRUPTION OF ANY KIND, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND RELEASEES’ SOLE CONTROL.
Publicity Release. Except where prohibited, by accepting the prize, winners consent to the use by Springfield Sister Cities and its designees of their names and/or likeness for all purposes, including, but not limited to, advertising and publicity purposes in any and all media now or hereafter known throughout the world in perpetuity without limitation and without additional compensation, notification, or permission.
Privacy Statement. Entrants agree that entry into the Raffle results in their agreement with the following: Springfield Sister Cities shall have the right to retain and use entrant information, including email addresses, to inform entrant about Springfield Sister Cities news, events, and promotions. Springfield Sister Cities does not sell personal information or share personal information with any unaffiliated third party groups.
Applicable Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrant and Springfield Sister Cities in connection with the Raffle, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law, rules or provisions (whether of the State of Missouri, or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Missouri. The Raffle is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Entrants hold all responsibility to comply with any applicable federal, state, or local laws in connection with their entry.
Disputes. Each entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with the Raffle, or the prize awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resorting to any form of class action, and any judicial proceedings shall take place in federal or state court in Greene County, Missouri; (2) any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the Raffle, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (3) under no circumstances will an entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, and consequential damages, and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. IN NO EVENT SHALL SPRINGFIELD SISTER CITIES BE LIABLE TO ANY ENTRANT OR WINNER FOR DAMAGES THAT EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE PRIZE AWARDED TO ANY INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT IN THE RAFFLE.