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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