From March 20 to March 28, 2026, the city of Richmond hosted six students from its sister city of Shimada, Japan as part of a long-standing cultural exchange. Through annual trips from student and adult ambassadors, the Shimada City International Exchange Association in Shimada and Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission in Richmond work to strengthen international ties.
“It’s really invigorating,” Ana Speros, a volunteer with the commission, shared. “It’s a really special and unique relationship, especially nowadays, having that people-to-people connection. It’s so easy to do everything online, so it’s a really unique time to foster those relationships.”
Shimada is a rural city located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its green tea production, Hōrai Bridge, the world’s longest wooden pedestrian bridge, the river that runs below it, Ōi River, and its rich history from the Edo Period and beyond.
When the six student ambassadors and two adult chaperones arrived at Richmond City Hall on March 20, they were greeted by their host families, Richmond and neighboring city residents who welcomed the ambassadors into their homes for the week.
At the Welcome Party, the ambassadors shared introductions with their host families and volunteers. The city welcomed chaperones Naomi H. and Chika A. and students Mayu U., Anon O., Sakurako M., Haruto K., and Hazuki S., and Shizuku I..
In 2024, I had the privilege of serving as a Richmond ambassador for the city of Shimada. One of my host families, the Iwata family, graciously welcomed me into their home during my trip—a kindness I had the pleasure of reciprocating by hosting Shizuku I. for her trip this spring.
Over the course of the week, students met early each morning at City Hall and traveled on a city van to schools, municipal buildings, and popular tourism locations. Notable visits include RYSE, Fire Station 64, AMF Pinole Valley Lanes, the Richmond Museum, and Bay Street. The ambassadors also joined students at John F. Kennedy, Hercules, and De Anza High School.
On the weekend, students explored the Bay Area with host families as they visited iconic landmarks and experienced the local culture firsthand.
“I was delighted to discover that more Americans showed interest in Japan than I had anticipated. The kindness and friendliness of the American people helped and I felt as though I was truly able to get to be myself,” student ambassador Shizuku I. shared.
The week culminated in a Sayonara party at City Hall, where ambassadors reflected upon their week. Speakers included Chair of the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission, Jamie Brown, Richmond councilmember Cesar Zepeda, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and others.
“I went to Japan for the very first time, to the Ogi Festival, last year, and it was the most graceful, inviting experience I’ve ever had. When I was in Shimada, it didn’t seem as if it was just the committee that welcomed us; it was the city that welcomed us. When the adult delegation comes, I want the city of Richmond to show them the same kind of hospitality that they showed us,” Martinez shared regarding the Richmond and Shimada’s cultural exchange.
This sister city relationship, established in 1961, is the oldest of the three sister city affiliations that Richmond is part of, the other two being Regla, Cuba and Zhoushan, China.
According to the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission, the relationship was formed in Washington, D.C., when Councilmember Bradley invited Mayor Mori of Shimada to join a sister city relationship. The City Council of Richmond voted in favor of the agreement on October 16, 1961.
Since then, the cities have worked to strengthen their partnership through cultural exchanges. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the sister city relationship.
“It’s an honor to be continuing this relationship through the pandemic, past the pandemic, into the 65th year and beyond. There’s a responsibility to make sure it continues because it’s such a unique kind of program, certainty for the city of Richmond, but also in the country. It’s an honor to get to work with it,” Jamie Brown, chair of the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission, said.
The ambassadors departed on the San Francisco Bay Ferry on March 28 to spend a day in the city before heading to Shimada. An adult delegation from Shimada is set to visit Richmond later in the year, as well as a student delegation from Richmond in the summer.
