The City of Renton and the Renton-Nishiwaki Sister City Committee this week hosted a 17-member delegation from Nishiwaki, Japan, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Renton’s first Sister City relationship.

The Renton-Nishiwaki Sister City alliance began in 1969 as a way to encourage the exchange of ideas and culture between the two cities. Members of the delegation included Mayor Juichi Kishi, staff from the Nishiwaki Goodwill Exchange Association, members from the Nishiwaki Lions and Rotary Clubs and business representatives.

Renton’s Sister City relationship with Nishiwaki, Japan, began when a Sister City alliance was forged by the Renton Lions Club with support of other civic organizations to promote mutual understanding, cultural awareness, and good will.

In an effort to enhance a Sister City relationship, the Renton City Council passed a resolution in 1994 establishing an official City of Renton-Nishiwaki Sister City Committee.

Renton-based activities during the three-day itinerary included visiting Liberty Park and Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton History Museum, the downtown Library, Cedar River Trail, and Uptown Glassworks. Delegates also toured the Renton Boeing Plant.

During the City to City gift exchange, Mayor Denis Law presented Mayor Juichi Kishi two gifts, a framed print of Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park by local artist Richard Jahn and the glass bowl created when the delegates visited Uptown Glassworks for a demonstration with artist Chris Heilman. On behalf of the City of Nishiwaki, Japan, Mayor Juichi Kishi presented two gifts to Mayor Law, an encased replica of a samurai helmet and a ceramic vase which will be displayed at Renton City Hall.