Seventeen delegates from Renton’s Sister City in Nishiwaki, Japan are arriving for a three-day visit, Aug. 22-25. The group includes the Mayor of Nishiwaki, Secretarial Chief of the Nishwaki Municipal office, representative from the Nishiwaki Goodwill Exchange Association, other public officials and business representatives.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Renton and Nishiwaki, which began in 1969 as a way to encourage the exchange of ideas and culture between the two cities.

The Sister City relationship pairs two cities with strikingly similar characteristics, Nishiwaki, Japan is located in a valley between two hills with a river running through the center of town. The climates are very similar and each city has three high schools. Nishiwaki is located near the city of Kobe, which is one of Seattle’s sister cities.

A delegation from Renton visited Nishiwaki in April of 2008.

While in town, the delegates will spend the first day touring Renton with lunch at Liberty Park, a visit to the library, History Museum and a demonstration of glass blowing at the Uptown Glassworks; a stroll down Third Avenue for the Art & Antique Walk. That evening they will be hosted at an “American Cuisine” dinner at Denny and Bernie Dochnahl’s home.

Sunday will be a day for Seattle landmarks including a cruise of Lake Washington through the Ballard locks.

Monday, Aug. 24, is packed with a tour of the Renton Boeing Plant, official welcome luncheon and program at City Hall with Mayor Denis Law and other city officials, commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Exchange program. The final activity that day is a Mariner’s game with tickets on the right side where Ichiro plays.

Mayor Denis and Patty Law will be hosting delegates in their home as will Steve Denison, Betty Childers, Barbara and Edward Nilson, and Marty Wine. The rest of the delegates will be housed at a local hotel.