The City of Tyler will welcome a delegation from its sister city Yachiyo, Japan, from March 25 through March 30, marking the 30th official trip in a partnership that has spanned more than three decades and resulted in over 780 community members collaborating across the Pacific. The visit celebrates a relationship first established by twinning ceremonies in 1992, with ties strengthened through educational, cultural, and business exchanges that continue to enrich both communities.

The itinerary includes a dedication ceremony for a memorial bench honoring the late Tony Tadasa, who passed away in 2021. Born in Japan, Tadasa came to the United States to study at Tyler Junior College and became a champion for citizen diplomacy as one of the most dedicated members of the Tyler Sister Cities organization. Tadasa’s enthusiasm was critical to the long-term strength of the partnership between the two cities.

Born in Japan, Tadasa came to the United States to study at Tyler Junior College and became a champion for citizen diplomacy as one of the most dedicated members of the Tyler Sister Cities organization. Tadasa’s enthusiasm was critical to the long-term strength of the partnership between the two cities.