Meet the 2026 Ambassadors

2026 Student Ambassador

Maximus Almeida

Hello, my name is Maximus Almeida. I am 16 years old and in my second year of high school. I live with my mother and father in Montebello, and my older brother lives in San Diego. I enjoy video games and am a member of my high school’s video gaming club. I am also taking engineering classes and enjoy building robots. I like LEGO and spending time with my friends. I am interested in trying all kinds of Japanese food and want to try everything! I’m also interested in fashion and hope to bring back some cool clothes. I want to visit Universal Studios, a Christian church, and the ACA, as well as meet Ashiya City officials. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and making new ones. I can’t wait to see you!

2026 Student Ambassador

Daniel Nagata

My name is Daniel Nagata. I am 18 years old and a recent graduate of Gabrielino High School. In the fall, I plan on attending Loyola Marymount University studying International Relations and Film. I am a 5th generation Japanese American. I live in Montebello with my father, mother, brother Kai (16), and sister Kimiko (16). Throughout high school, I have pursued many opportunities including being a Varsity Cross Country Captain, a Varsity Basketball player, a Varsity Track and Field distance runner as well serving in student government as ASB Senior Vice President. Outside of school, I create lifestyle content on social media focused on travel, fun, and well-being.

My international experience with the Yonsei Basketball Association in Fukuoka, Japan and the Project Bridge Youth Ambassador Program in South Korea has strengthened my resilience and cross-cultural understanding. As a MASCA Student Ambassador, I look forward to contributing that dedication to the program that has lasted 65 years.

I would like to visit Universal Studios, visit Hiroshima, where my grandmother grew up, meet Ashiya city officials, meet former ambassadors, and eat delicious Japanese food. I can't wait to visit all the konbinis too! This is such an honor. Thank you to everyone for their support!

2026 Host Ambassador

Miya Espinoza

Hello, I am Miya Rose Espinoza. I am a junior in high school and attend an arts school in downtown Los Angeles, where I am part of the visual arts academy. I am the vice captain of the women’s fencing épée team, and I am also a member of the Dungeons & Dragons club. I live with my dad and my two younger siblings, Alè and Lucas. Some of my hobbies include sewing, painting, playing video games, singing, playing the piano, and learning the accordion. I love musical theater. I am learning Japanese and am currently in my second year of language classes. I look forward to getting to know you and showing you around Montebello.

2026 Host Ambassador

Felix Rodriguez

My name is Felix Rodriguez. I am currently 17 years old and have lived in Montebello for five years. I live with my mom and my sister, Melody. I’ve moved several times throughout my life to places such as San Pedro, Menifee, and, of course, Montebello. Some hobbies I really enjoy include playing the oboe and saxophone, watching the Sunday car parades here in Montebello, playing video games in my free time, and singing along to music I like. I participate in marching band, jazz band, and winter guard, so I am very involved in the performing arts at my school. I can’t wait to meet the ambassadors from Ashiya. I’d love to learn as much as I can from both of them, including more about their hobbies and families.