Eugene mayor Knudson welcomes youth delegation from Kakegawa, Japan, marking the return of cultural exchange program

Eugene, OR – Mayor Kaarin Knudson greeted a youth delegation from Eugene’s Sister City of Kakegawa, Japan. The delegation’s four-day visit to Eugene, organized by the Eugene Kakegawa Sister City Committee, featured seven high school-aged students from Kakegawa, accompanied by two adult chaperones.

Following a tour of City Hall and the City Council Chambers, the group joined their host families to explore Eugene and the surrounding areas.

The Sister Cities program, which has been part of Eugene since 1961, began with Jinju, South Korea, and was later joined by Kathmandu, Nepal, and Kakegawa, Japan. The program aims to foster peace, mutual understanding, friendship, and appreciation between cities across the globe.

From 2006 to 2019, Kakegawa consistently sent a delegation of students to Eugene as part of this cultural exchange, with a focus on promoting goodwill and cultural understanding. This year’s visit marks the formal return of the youth exchange program.

The Eugene Kakegawa Sister City Committee, a non-profit organization supported by the City of Eugene, plays a vital role in managing and supporting the Sister City relationship.

The committee, made up of community volunteers, coordinates a variety of cultural, educational, and informational activities to strengthen the bond between the two cities. More information about the Sister City program is available on the City’s website.