Sister City Program

What is a Sister City?

A sister city relationship is a long-term partnership between two communities in different countries. By forming partnerships, countries develop an understanding and appreciation for each other’s unique cultures. Sister city relationships are independently developed and maintained by volunteers with the support of local elected officials in their communities. Each sister city organization pursues activities important to both communities, including economic, educational, and cultural exchanges. While the heads of both local authorities must sign an official sister city agreement, the nature of the sister city relationship is not determined or bound by law.

Homer's sister city is Teshio, Hokkaido, Japan, established in 1984.

Teshio, Japan

Teshio (天塩町, Teshio-chō) is a small town located in Rumoi, Hokkaido, Japan. As of October 2020, the town has an estimated population of 2,950.

On April 7, 1984, the City of Homer and Teshio City, Hokkaido, Japan established a Sistership Affiliation through Sister Cities International. The idea was first endorsed in 1980 by the Homer City Council when the Homer Chamber of Commerce Sister City Ad Hoc committee selected Teshio as Homer's Sister City due to the similarities the two cities share. Mr. Steve Yoshida was the driving force in establishing the program.

August is Teshio Sister City Month

Teshio and Homer have enjoyed a profound camaraderie, sharing of families, student exchanges, ideals and memorabilia since 1985. City of Homer Mayor James C. Hornaday proclaimed August as Teshio - Sister City Month on August 26, 2005.

40^th Anniversary with Teshio, Japan - 2024

2024 marked the City of Homer's 40^th Anniversary as a Sister City with Teshio. Celebrations included a series of events in May 2024 featuring an art exhibit at the Pratt Museum, 40 Years of Gifts from Teshio, Taiko drum performances and workshops by Tomodachi Daiko and a potluck. 

In May 2025, five officially recognized student ambassadors representing Homer visited Teshio on a cultural exchange trip. Their trip included a diverse of range of activities, including participating in a tea ceremony, a Japanese calligraphy workshop, and a Japanese traditional instrument “koto” workshop. Notably they were able to fulfill their obligation as ambassadors during a visit to the Teshio Town office to meet with Mayor Yoshida. Teshio gifted the exchange group traditional “happi” coats adorned with symbols representing Teshio Town which the Homer delegation was able to wear as they journeyed across Japan.

Want to Get Involved?

Japanese International Exchange has been developing relationships with Teshio and other cities in Japan as well. Please contact Megumi Beams, Sister City Liaison/Interpreter and Japanese International Exchange Coordinator/Instructor, at morikawabeams@aol.com if you are interested in these programs or have any questions. Please also visit Japanese International Exchange on Facebook.