2025 Oita Delegation Celebrating the 35th Anniversary

This trip was the culmination of months of planning from groups in both cities and was a massive success, representing the power and ability of citizen diplomacy. In the words of our chairperson, Kristie Bryant, “This is what President Eisenhower envisioned when he created the first Sister Cities program.”

Here are some fast facts related to the delegation:

  • 27 delegates representing Austin travelled to Oita, Japan independently or with limited logistical support from AOSCC, including: Mayor Pro-Tem Vanessa Fuentes, APD Chief of Staff Robin Henderson, ASCI & AOSCC Chairperson Kristie Bryant, five Austin musicians and AOSCC board members

  • 4 days spent in Oita, with a weekend’s worth of activities planned by the Oita City government

  • Musical performances by five Austin musicians at the Oita Yumeiro Music Festival

In Japan, our delegates had a packed schedule of activities prepared by our partner committee in Oita, including:

  • A discussion with Oita City and Prefectural staff of public spaces, construction projects, and logistical considerations at the Oita train station

  • A conversation with the fire department about their new emergency preparedness and response system and center

  • A visit to Tsurusaki High School for Kendo, Kyudo, and Sado (tea ceremony) demonstrations

  • A signing ceremony between Mayor Pro-Tem Fuentes and Oita City Mayor Adachi acknowledging the 35th anniversary of the Sister City relationship

  • The opening ceremony for a mosaic mural in Ote Park created by Austin artist J Muzacz with support from students from Tsurusaki Technical High School

  • A visit to the Oita City Art Museum

  • Participation in the Yumeiro Music Festival

  • Zazen meditation at Manjuji Temple

  • And so much more than can be contained in words!

From PAiDA: The opportunity to connect with fellow Austinites while experiencing the charm and beauty of Oita was truly an honor, and has quickly become a cherished life experience. My brief time in Oita was filled with a unique warmth from the locals. There was so much love and diligence put into each day. The nerves of my first music festival performance were quickly stifled by the unabashed support of my craft by those in the audience. People from all walks of life in this city shared a smile with me, a mutual curiosity seals our bonds. The best part is knowing that these memories will be with us always, fueling my drive to share the culture with those around me back at home and around the world. It’s amazing how big of an impact just a few days had on my heart. I’m so grateful for this experience, thank you. 

Thank you to everyone who participated, our delegates, the AOSCC volunteers, and the Oita staff who made this event possible. Without their work and support, we would not have been able to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Austin and Oita’s long-standing and fruitful sister city relationship.