Stillwater leaders mark 40th anniversary of sister-city ties with Kamioka, Japan

Stillwater Mayor William Joyce and city officials on Oct. 6 presented a proclamation commemorating the 40th anniversary of the sister‑city relationship with Kamioka, Japan, and recounted a recent delegation visit that included a tree‑planting ceremony, cultural events and recognition of longtime volunteers.

The mayor said the delegation attended ceremonies marking both the 40th anniversary of the sister‑city partnership (established Nov. 3, 1985) and Kamioka’s 70th anniversary as a city. "We were able to tour many of the local attractions," Joyce said, describing riverboat rides, a sake barrel ceremony and a cherry tree planting near Kamioka City Hall.

The proclamation noted that the partnership has fostered exchanges among the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University and Stillwater Public Schools, and called the 40 years of exchanges an opportunity to strengthen international understanding.

City Manager Bridal Moore and other members of the delegation described meetings with Kamioka officials and educators. Moore said Kamioka’s municipal government places a strong emphasis on education and children’s quality of life, and that the two cities discussed ways to learn from one another about making communities where people want to live and visit. "They were very interested to hear what was going on in Stillwater," Moore said.

Delegation members said highlights included a community banquet where Larry Jones — a longtime sister‑city volunteer from Stillwater — was honored by Kamioka for his decades of contributions; delegates described an emotional recognition and exchanges with residents who remembered Jones’s earlier visits. Jones and his family have been active in the relationship for many years; Kyle Jones, who was mentioned in the meeting, was noted as having passed away about a year earlier.

The delegation also met school officials and visited Taisei Junior High, where Stillwater students participate in exchange programs. Joyce said Kamioka will send students to Stillwater next year, and Stillwater students will travel there in the coming weeks, continuing the student exchanges that underpin much of the partnership.

Stephanie Kinder, a leader of the Stillwater Sister Cities Council, was singled out by the mayor for coordinating gifts and travel arrangements; Joyce thanked Kinder for her work in maintaining the relationship.

The council read a proclamation that records the Nov. 3, 1985 establishment of the partnership and cites recognition by Sister Cities International for outstanding achievement. The proclamation encourages continued cultural, educational and governmental exchanges.

Officials said they hope to expand opportunities for more residents to participate in future exchanges and cultural visits. The council urged residents interested in volunteering with the Sister Cities Council to contact the group.