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Council hears report on sister‑city trip to Shimoda, Japan
Summary
A council member presented photos and a narrative from a May delegation to Shimoda, Japan, highlighting student exchanges, cultural ceremonies, a wreath laying at Perry Landing, and opportunities to deepen tourism and educational ties.
A council member reported on a May 17–21 delegation visit to Newport’s sister city Shimoda, Japan, giving a photo-rich account of school visits, cultural exchanges, and ceremonial events tied to the Black Ships Festival.
The presentation summarized the delegation’s itinerary: visits to Shimoda City Hall, meetings with high-school students who had visited Newport, a wreath laying at Perry Landing to commemorate Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s arrival, cultural demonstrations (tea ceremony, calligraphy), and participation in the Black Ships Festival parade and reception. The presenter emphasized long‑standing ties dating to the 1958 sister‑city relationship and described gift exchanges and student chaperones in the delegation.
Councilors and audience members heard about tourism‑promotion elements coordinated with host organizations, meeting the U.S. ambassador to Japan, and community-sponsor support that included the Preservation Society’s student sponsorship. The presentation was framed as a cultural diplomacy and education update; no formal action or funding request accompanied the report.
Council accepted the presentation and moved the slides and photos into the record. Members praised the exchange as educational and commended the students who participated.
