Photograph of Sayama International Friendship Association members

Pictured here are members of the Sayama International Friendship Association (SIFA) and hosts for the 2009 Worthington mayoral delegation to Sayama, Japan.

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 observed ten years of the sister-city relationship. During exchanges between the two cities, members typically stay in the homes of host families, which allow them to enjoy greater insight into and appreciation of each others' culture.

SIFA is Sayama’s sister-city organization that maintains this cross-cultural connection as the Worthington International Friendship Association does here.