City Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Utsunomiya, Japan Exchange Program

Mayor Nichols, City Leaders Welcome Exchange Participants to Tulsa

City Leaders Welcome Students from Utsunomiya, Japan

Mayor Monroe Nichols, joined by City Councilor Carol Bush, welcomed 18 visitors from Tulsa's Sister City Utsunomiya, Japan to receive honorary Tulsan certificates as part of an annual exchange program. Utsunomiya is one of nine sister cities to Tulsa and has been participating in the exchange program since 1995.

"It is always an honor to welcome our sister city partners to City Hall, where we can exchange viewpoints and learn from each other," said Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols. "I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with Tulsa Global Alliance and for all the efforts they make to foster relationships like these."

"For more than 30 years, Tulsa has enjoyed and benefitted greatly from its Sister City partnership with Utsunomiya, Japan," said District 9 City Councilor Carol Bush. "As a strong supporter of the Sister City program, I believe these visits are an excellent opportunity to learn and share our respective cultures. I look forward to meeting with this year's students and hearing their stories."

Tulsa's sister city program is managed by Tulsa Global Alliance (TGA), which added Utsunomiya to Tulsa's sister city list in 1992.

"The annual Utsunomiya delegation is always a highlight of our year at Tulsa Global Alliance. After becoming Sister Cities in 1992, this exchange program began in 1995, so we're thrilled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this program alongside thousands of participants across several generations," said Micah Keyan, Executive Director of Tulsa Global Alliance.

"I'd like to thank our Utsunomiya committee volunteers, host families, schools, community partners, and TGA supporters who help make this heartwarming Tulsa-Utsunomiya tradition possible year after year."

Exchange participants will spend several weeks in Tulsa, where they will learn more about the city, local government, Tulsa's history and culture. For more information on Tulsa's Sister Cities, please visit https://tulsaglobalalliance.org/