Consulate-General of Japan in Houston

City of Tyler
212 N. Bonner Ave.
Tyler, TX 75702

October 16, 2012

To the City of Tyler and honored guests from Yachiyo City:

It is my honor and delight to send my congratulations to the cities of Tyler, Texas and Yachiyo, Japan on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of their distinguished sister-city relationship.

This relationship was created in 1992 in the hopes that the two cities would mutually grow from the partnership. People in Tyler could learn more about Japan’s long history and culture, while those from Yachiyo could experience the people and lifestyles of Texas. I hope those who have come from Yachiyo to participate in this weekend’s festivities will enjoy their stay in Tyler, as well as learn about the warm hospitality and unique culture of Texas.

The longest-standing of Tyler’s sister city relationships, the Tyler-Yachiyo partnership truly exemplifies the goal of promoting mutual respect through cultural exchange. This beneficial relationship has resulted in 22 official visits between the two cities, many young adults from Tyler going to Yachiyo to teach English, and hundreds of home stay experiences. These kinds of cultural exchanges at the grassroots level create lifelong friendships, and it is my hope that many more friendships are made here this weekend.

I would like to thank both the mayor of Yachiyo, Mr. Toshiro Toyoda, and the mayor of Tyler, Ms. Barbara Bass, for their contributions toward fostering the friendship between the two communities. I also would like to recognize Tyler Sister Cities President Patricia Johns and all of the Sister Cities members for their dedicated efforts and hard work to coordinate the twinning 20th anniversary celebration.  

It is sincerely gratifying to see such a flourishing sister-city relationship as that of Tyler and Yachiyo City. I encourage the people of both cities to continue their efforts in strengthening these ties even for our future generations.

Sincerely,

Jota Yamamoto
Consul-General of Japan