The City of Eugene is set to welcome a youth delegation from its Sister City of Kakegawa, Japan, this coming Thursday, with a schedule packed for a four-day cultural exchange. According to a recent city announcement, the delegation will consist of seven high school students and two adult chaperones, aiming to foster greater understanding and friendship between the two cities.
On their arrival, Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson is slated to receive the visitors at City Hall. Post the formal reception, the group is set to explore Eugene and the surrounding region alongside their host families. Such cultural exchanges are not new; Kakegawa has been sending youth delegations to Eugene annually from 2006 up until 2019, resuming again this year after a pause.
Since becoming a part of Eugene's landscape in 1961, the Sister Cities program has worked towards building bridges of peace and appreciation with various global partners. Kakegawa joined this network following previous partnerships with cities like Jinju, South Korea, and Kathmandu, Nepal. The program emphasizes connections through cultural, educational, and information activities.
The Eugene Kakegawa Sister City Committee, a non-profit entity, has been instrumental in organizing this visit, with support stemming from the City of Eugene. Comprised of dedicated community volunteers, the committee has long been engaged in coordinating such significant exchanges. For those interested in the depth of these international ties, more information on the Sister City program can be found at the City’s official website.
