One was a 12-year-old from the small town of Cle Elum in Eastern Washington; the other, a 14-year-old growing up in Tokyo.
They connected as pen pals taking part in a school project in 1972. For their classmates, the project ended after a letter or two.
Not so for Karen Choyce and Chieko Takatori, still bonded in a friendship forged over 35 years with letters, cards, photos -- and unforgettable visits.
Sisters at heart, they are a study in contrasts.
Takatori, still living in Tokyo, is dark-haired, soft-spoken and stands just under 5 feet.
Choyce, now living in Newcastle, is blond, blue-eyed, gregarious -- and a foot taller than her counterpart.
"She's the cherry blossom tree," Choyce says laughing. "I'm Doug fir."
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