Sister Cities Exchange Information

Sister City Exchange Application

Sister City Background

Makinohara is home to approximately 46,000 residents and is located on the southeastern coast of Japan within the Shizuoka Prefecture. Green tea production, fishing and auto parts manufacturing for Suzuki are the primary drivers of Makinohara's economy, and the city is also headquarters to Fuji Dream Airlines. The modern city was established in 2005 as a result of a merger between the towns of Haibara and Sagara.  Kelso's original Sister City relationship was established with Sagara by resolution in 1994.

Coming Together

On Thursday, May 28th, 2015 a delegation of visitors from Makinohara, Japan visited our city.  Mayor David Futcher, along with other officials and community members welcomed them and provided a tour of the city and Mt. St. Helens.  The Daily News published a story about it here:  Kelso's Japanese Sister City Gets Warm Welcome

A gift of Japanese culture

A warm welcome and reception in the Council Chambers

The Mayor sharing the use of his Segway for a fun break

In late 2015, Mayor Futcher had the opportunity to visit them in their city.  The story and pictures can be found here: Mayor David Futcher Gets Warm Welcome from Japanese Sister City