History of the Sister City Commission
On January 26, 1978, a charter signed by Mayor Richard A. King and Mayor Retji Kumaki
established a Sister City relationship between Iindependence and Higashimurayama.
One month later the first adult visitors from Japan arrived in Independence for
a home stay. In August 1978, Lana White led the first group of Independence citizens
on a tour of Japan and home stay in Higashimurayama.
The first exchange of students from Higashimurayama arrived in Independence on July
29, 1979, for a two week home stay. Each year thereafter a student group with one
or more adult leader has visited Independence.
The Independence student exchange to Higashimurayama began in the Spring of 1981
when a group of six students went on a four week visit to Japan and Higashimurayama.
Each year since that date the Japanese Sister City Commission has sponsored an exchange
of students with Higashimurayama. In addition, the two sister cities have sponsored
adult exchanges including home stays.
Before the tour begins, students attend classes on Japanese language, food, culture
and traditions in preparation for the home stay.