Title
Special Recognition - 45 Year Anniversary Delegation Visit to Sister City Kato, Japan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize the 45-year anniversary of the Olympia-Kato Sister City relationship and the recent delegation visit to Kato, Japan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize the 45-year anniversary of the Olympia-Kato Sister City relationship and the recent delegation visit to Kato, Japan
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia established its Sister City relationship with the Japanese town of Yashiro on April 22, 1981. In 2006, Yashiro merged with the neighboring towns of Takino and Tojo to form Kato City, and the relationship with Olympia continued.
For 45 years, the Olympia-Kato Sister City relationship has provided a framework for international cooperation, mutual understanding, and engagement between the two communities. The relationship connects the cities through their municipal leadership and creates opportunities to exchange perspectives on local government, community priorities, and shared challenges.
The Olympia Kato Sister City Association (OKSCA) has helped sustain the relationship by supporting youth visits, cultural activities, and connections among residents of both communities. Ongoing student delegations and Student Ambassador exchanges are an important part of the Sister City relationship. They provide young people in Olympia and Kato with opportunities to experience one another’s communities, learn across cultures, and build lasting friendships. These exchanges complement the cities’ government-to-government relationship by helping develop the next generation of people who understand and value the partnership.
The 2026 delegation visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the relationship between the City of Olympia and Kato City. The delegation met with Kato municipal leaders, held discussions with the Kato City Council, toured the City Council chambers, and participated in a formal welcome reception with municipal and community representatives.
These activities supported direct engagement between elected officials and municipal leaders, providing opportunities to learn about each city’s government and community priorities and to strengthen relationships that can support future communication and collaboration.
The delegation also visited sites focused on disaster preparedness, environmental technology, local industry, and cultural heritage. These experiences offered opportunities to learn from Kato’s approaches and institutions while deepening the delegation’s understanding of the community.
The 45th anniversary recognizes the enduring relationship between Olympia and Kato and the municipal leaders, community organizations, students, families, and residents who have helped sustain it
Climate Analysis:
The delegation visit included a visit to the Panasonic Eco Technology Center, providing an opportunity to learn about recycling and environmental technology. No formal Climate Framework Analysis was conducted specifically for this recognition item.
Equity Analysis:
The Sister City relationship provides opportunities for cultural learning, international understanding, and youth engagement. Student exchanges and community activities can help broaden perspectives and build connections across cultures.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia-Kato Sister City relationship involves community members, students, families, volunteers, and the Olympia Kato Sister City Association. Ongoing student delegations and cultural exchanges provide opportunities for community participation and continued connections between Olympia and Kato.
Financial Impact:
The cost of the trip was $26,050.76. Staff and Councilmember travel expenses were capped. Reconciling trip expenses is still underway, expect the final cost to be closer to $24,500.
Family members and other individual participants covered their own travel expenses.
Kato City and the Kato International Association hosted designated meals, receptions, tours, and activities while in Kato.
Options:
1. Recognize the 45-year anniversary of the Olympia-Kato Sister City relationship and the recent delegation visit to Kato, Japan.
2. Do not recognize the 45-year anniversary of the Olympia-Kato Sister City relationship and the recent delegation visit to Kato, Japan.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
None