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Dallas-Sendai International Friendship Cities

Sendai Delegation 2007It is our belief that this agreement will provide the two cities with a close relationship, and together the Cities of Dallas and Sendai will play a pivotal role in promoting cultural understanding, educational exchange, and economic relations between our two countries.  We also believe that the agreement between the two cities will contribute to an enduring relationship between our two nations . . .
[excerpt from International Friendship Cities Agreement, August 1997]

Dallas-Sendai photos

Dallas and Sendai became International Friendship Cities in August 1997, when Mayor Ron Kirk and Mayor Hajimu Fujii signed a formal agreement in Sendai.  Located on the Pacific Coast in the Tohoku region north of Tokyo, Sendai is a 400-year-old city with a population of more than one million people.  The city is known for its excellent universities, a history of internationalism, the scenic beauty that surrounds it, and its annual Tanabata Festival held every August.  Since 1997, an active series of exchange activities has taken place between the two cities.  These activities are managed cooperatively by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and Dallas Protocol.
Business Exchange
 Dallas and Sendai are working together to develop economic ties between the Tohoku region of Japan and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.  A series of trade missions has taken place under the auspices of the “Local-to-Local Program,” a three-year initiative funded by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and implemented by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). 

Young Ambassadors
In an ongoing exchange program, the two cities take turns sending student delegations in alternate years.  Students experience home life with host families, visit local schools and government officials, learn about local history and culture, and enjoy shopping, sightseeing, and making new friends.  In March 2004, ten high school students and three chaperones from Sendai visited Dallas, while in July of 2006, ten high school students at two chaperones from Dallas visited Sendai.

   

Sports Exchange
 Since 1996, Sendai has invited Dallas to send a team of runners to participate in the Annual Sendai International Half Marathon.   In 2007, Ashley Graben and Clint Bell represented Dallas in the 17th Annual Sendai International Half Marathon held last Sunday, May 13. Clint placed 72nd out of 600+ male runners with a time of 1:13. Sheila came in 33rd out of 200+ female runners with a time of 1:32. They were accompanied by Dallas Mayor Laura Miller and JASDFW Representative Mark Berry. Back in 2006, Sheila Natho and Dave Ray represented Dallas in the 16th Annual Sendai International Half Marathon. Dave placed 51st out of 600 male runners with a time of 1:13. Sheila came in 37th out of 97 female runners with a time of 1:32. They were accompanied by Dallas City Councilman and Mayoral Candidate Ed Oakley. Photos of the past 3 marathons

   


Adult Study Groups
 Adult study groups with a variety of special interests help to strengthen grassroots ties between Dallas and Sendai.  Special delegations have included people with disabilities, teachers from Miyagi prefecture, senior citizens, and a group from the Sendai International Relations Association studying volunteerism and nonprofit organizations in Dallas. 

JASDFW Gift to Sendai
Dallas artist Eliseo Garcia has created an original sculpture out of Texas limestone to be given to the city of Sendai in August to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Dallas-Sendai International Friendship Cities relationship. Photos of his progress and the finished piece

More information about Sendai