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       2021 / 2022 Community Resource Guide of Edmonds021 / 2022 Community Resource Guide of Edmonds

              Edmonds Sister City Commission

     The Cities of Edmonds, Washington and Hekinan, Japan have shared
     a sister city relationship since 1988. Through the exchange of ideas,
     public art, and people, we have promoted international communication
     and understanding and have built an enduring friendship.





















     Over the past 33 years more than 1000 people have traveled to and
     from Hekinan through this sister city relationship, most 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. Because these
     students are immersed in each other’s culture they learn understanding
     and acceptance of their differences. The exchange program provides a
     unique opportunity for Edmonds and Hekinan youths to create lifelong
     friendships and a love of each other’s culture.
     There have also been many adults who have participated in exchanges.
     Every five years we celebrate our sister cityhood with Hekinan through
     adult exchanges that take place in the spring and in the fall. Perhaps you
     have seen our Hekinan friends shopping around town or celebrating
     Halloween at the annual Edmonds trick-or-treat night. While we have
     an immense amount of fun with our friends from Hekinan, we also take
     time to solemnly honor our long-standing relationship through cultural
     fairs, friendship dinners, and the exchange of local cultural art.
     Edmonds Sister City Commissioners are volunteers dedicated to
     strengthening the bonds of friendship between Edmonds, Washington
     and Hekinan, Japan. If you’d like to learn more about the Commission
     and its programs please visit https://edmondswa.gov/government/
     boards_and_commissions/sister_city_commission.com
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