REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Commendation of the 40th Anniversary of the City of Santa Clara and City of Izumo Sister Cities
Report
BACKGROUND
On October 11, 1986, the City of Santa Clara, California and the City of Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, Japan entered into a Sister City agreement (Attachment 1). The Santa Clara-Izumo Sister City relationship exemplifies the significant impact that the Sister City relationship has made to connecting communities across the globe to foster an international relationship in the United States and Japan.
Established in 1972, the Santa Clara Sister Cities Association (SCSCA) is a local nonprofit organization and a member of the Sister Cities International organization and the Northern California Sister Cities. The SCSCA strives to enrich the lives of our students through cultural exchanges to build strong leadership skills and enhance goodwill and global understanding. The SCSCA has three Sister Cities which include Coimbra, Portugal; Izumo, Japan; and Limerick, Ireland. In addition, Santa Clara has established a Friendship City with Icheon, Republic of Korea. The SCSCA has been supported, in part, by a grant from the City of Santa Clara and through fundraising efforts led by the Board of the association comprised of volunteers from the community.
Student exchanges have been a cornerstone of the Santa Clara-Izumo Sister City relationship for nearly four decades. Since 1987, students from both communities have participated in cultural and educational exchanges that foster international friendships and understanding. Following a four-year interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exchanges resumed in 2023. From 2023 through 2026, 24 Santa Clara high school students traveled to Izumo, while 35 middle and high school students from Izumo visited Santa Clara from 2024 through 2026.
Community partnerships have long been an integral part of the exchange program, bringing together local educational institutions, City departments, and community organizations. Through collaboration with Mission College, visiting students from Izumo have opportunities to connect with local community college students and students enrolled in the Early College High School program. Visits to the Santa Clara Fire and Police stations, Santa Clara City public library, and other community organizations provide opportunities to learn about local government, public services, and community life. These partnerships demonstrate the broad community involvement that has helped sustain and strengthen the Sister City relationship over the years.
To enhance the Sister City relationship with Izumo and Japan, the Santa Clara Sister Cities Association (SCSCA) works closely with the International Exchange Association of Izumo (IEAI). The IEAI was founded in 1984 with the mission to implement exchange activities in Izumo City to promote international goodwill, cultural development and share knowledge of foreign affairs worldwide. Through a 42-year journey, the IEAI has become a major partner with Santa Clara to continue to build our Sister City relationship through cultural exchanges and sharing in events over the years (Attachment 2).
DISCUSSION
On October 20, 2026, a delegation from Izumo, Japan will be visiting the City of Santa Clara to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Sister Cities of Izumo and Santa Clara. As part of their visit, the City of Santa Clara will be hosting them on activities during their visit.
The Izumo delegation from Japan includes:
Toshiyuki Iitsuka 飯塚 俊之 Mayor
Shigemitsu Ito 伊藤 繁満 Chairman of City Council
Hiroyuki Nariai 成相 寛之 Councilmember
Takuya Yoshioka 吉岡 拓也 Councilmember
Yayoe Maniwa 馬庭 やよえ Secretary to City Council
Yumiko Ikejiri 池尻 友美子 Section Chief (Section of Intl. & Cultural Affairs)
Heather Kelly ヘザー ケリー Coordinator for Intl. Relations (Interpreter)
Noriko Iitsuka 飯塚 徳子 Mayor's Spouse
Masatoshi Yamamoto 山本 正敏 Chairman (IEAI)
Takashi Yomota 四方田 隆 Vice-Chairman (IEAI)
Yukimi Fukushima 福島 幸美 Director (IEAI)
Together with Izumo, the City of Santa Clara officially celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Sister Cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional fiscal impact to the City other than staff time and use of allocated funds for special events.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Maria Le, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Santa Clara -Izumo Sister City Agreement
2. International Exchange Association of Izumo
3. Commendation for the 40th Anniversary of Santa Clara and Izumo Sister Cities