Page 7 - 2018-2019 Edmonds Business Directory

2018 / 2019 Community Resource Guide of Edmonds 7

Edmonds Sister City Commission – 2018

The City of Edmonds became sister cities with Hekinan Japan in 1988 to promote
international communication and understanding. During that time, the two cities
have exchanged ideas, public art, visitors and many enjoyable moments. Personal,
cultural and educational connections have built an enduring friendship between
Edmonds and Hekinan.

Personal links have been formed by the
over 1000 people who have travelled to
and from Hekinan. Most of these visitors
are students who exchange homestays
during the summer. This opportunity for
youth to travel overseas and experience
a vastly different culture is made possible
by the Edmonds Sister City Commission.
Since the students are completely
immersed in each other’s culture, they
learn understanding and acceptance
of our differences. The exchange
program provides a unique opportunity
for Edmonds youth to create lifelong
friendships and love of Japanese culture.
Public art in Edmonds highlights the
cultural links between the sister cities. In
2004, the “Friendship Tree” was sculpted
and placed on the Edmonds Waterfront
as a symbol of the longstanding affinity
between the two cities.
The traditional carved stone “Japanese
Lantern” located at Centennial Plaza near
City Hall was a gift from the city of Hekinan.
In return, Edmonds presented a “Crane”
sculpture which sits outside city hall in
Hekinan City.

The third link between the cities is education,
the basis of cultural understanding. The
Sister City Commission recruits and supports
an Assistant Language Teacher to work in
the Hekinan middle schools teaching English
and American culture. The Commission also
brings Japanese culture into Edmonds area classrooms through in-house field trips
featuring Japanese folk tales and art projects.
Volunteers on the Edmonds Sister City Commission are dedicated to strengthening
the bonds of friendship between Edmonds, WA and Hekinan, Japan. To learn more
about the Commission’s programs and how you can be involved, visit http://www.
escc.edmondswa.gov.