2009 Worthington mayoral delegation with teachers and students in Sayama, Japan

This photograph shows members of Worthington’s 2009 mayoral delegation to Sayama, Japan, during their visit to the Irumagawa Elementary School. Worthington and Sayama have been sister cities since 1999, and through the years have exchanged dozens of delegations, including groups of city officials, residents and school groups. The 2009 mayoral delegation celebrated ten years of the sister-city relationship.

Standing in the back row from left to right are an Irumagawa School teacher, Worthington Mayor Harvey Minton, David Michael, Worthington City Council Member Bonnie Michael, WIFA President Virginia Duym, WIFA Board Member Wade Duym, Worthington Communications Director Anne Brown, the Irumagawa School principal, an Irumagawa School teacher and Jane Minton.

During exchanges between the two cities, delegations typically visit a variety of destinations including city offices, schools, libraries, businesses and more. This delegation spent time at the Irumagawa Elementary School, located near the center of Sayama, observing classrooms and meeting with students.