Sister City - Mombetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
In 1956, the sister city program was originated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as part of the people-to-people citizen diplomacy initiative to promote world peace by learning from different cultures. Newport and Mombetsu, Hokkaido, Japan (pronounced mom-bets) have been participating in this program since 1966. It has been a culturally rich friendship, one that is valued greatly by both communities. Be sure to check photo gallery below to see Mombetsu's beauty!
The relationship began when Mombetsu (also sometimes spelled Monbetsu) resident Shunichi “Shun” Kobayachi contacted the Newport Rotary Club in 1964 and explained that both cities share the same latitude, the 44th parallel, and could benefit from learning about each other through the Sister City program. Newport Rotarian Connie Gates was very receptive and rallied the city to officially establish the relationship. Since then, delegations of citizens, both adults and youth, have traveled between the two cities to learn from one another, exchanging cultural heritage, ideas, and gifts.
Many of the gifts presented to Newport are on display in the City Hall lobby, and Mombetsu Sister City Park was built in 1976. Newport's Sister City Committee, created in 2019, helps coordinate exchange programs, student visits, and community events that celebrate the relationship between the two cities.
For more information on the Newport-Mombetsu Sister City program and exchange, email [email protected].
2023 Cultural Exchange Visit Recaps
Many of the gifts presented to Newport are on display in the City Hall lobby, and Mombetsu Sister City Park was built in 1976. Newport's Sister City Committee, created in 2019, helps coordinate exchange programs, student visits, and community events that celebrate the relationship between the two cities.
For more information on the Newport-Mombetsu Sister City program and exchange, email [email protected].
| Mombetsu Wikipedia |
Mombetsu Drift Ice Festival |
Mombetsu Tourist Information Center |
2023 Cultural Exchange Visit Recaps
- Sister city welcomes Newport in Japan; now Newport is ready to return the favor
- Mombetsu delegates enjoy Newport
