Sister City Cultural Exchanges

The City of Homer has a Sister City relationship with the city of Teshio, Japan. This year marks the 40th anniversary of that relationship. We want to thank Homer resident and our sister city liaison, as well as an interpreter, Megumi Beams, for her dedication to nurturing Japanese culture here in Homer. With her vision and support, we hope to pass along this Sister City Program to the next generation.

Megumi is highly involved with students in Homer who are a part of her Alaska Japanese Club. They participated this year in the Winter Carnival Parade, hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, and won the prize for Best Performing Art in the parade! They worked hard creating the float and drums and being a bright spot in our community. Click here to read a letter from the group expressing their thanks to the community and those involved for their support.

A part of the Sister City International’s initiative is the Japan-Alaska Sister City Town Pride FESTA, which was held on January 26, 2024. Out of 24 submissions, Teshio Town’s submission won 1st place, and Megumi’s submission on behalf of the Japanese Club won 3rd place! Congratulations! Teshio and Alaska Japanese Club have continued to participate together in online class sessions and have exchanged cards and activities. The club is planning to perform Taiko drumming for the 40th Anniversary of the relationship between Teshio and City of Homer in 2024.

Stay tuned for more events to come related to our Sister City Program!