Plans are underway for the next City of Renton sister city delegation visit to Nishiwaki, Japan. The trip is open to community leaders and residents interested in representing Renton. The delegation trip will celebrate and honor the 45th anniversary of the Renton-Nishiwaki relationship (1969-2014).

Delegates will meet Nishiwaki’s Mayor and Council, tour attractions such as historical sites and the Science Museum, experience a traditional tea ceremony and sightsee around Nishiwaki.

An informational meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Jan. 7, 2014, at Renton City Hall in Council Conference Room #720. Attendees will meet members of past delegation trips, learn more about the upcoming trip, and be able to ask questions.

The week-long trip is tentatively scheduled for April 2014; delegate participation must be confirmed by Feb. 10, 2014. Delegates will be responsible for their own expenses (including hotel and airfare), but home-stay accommodations will be available in Nishiwaki, making travel arrangements more affordable.

If you would like to attend the informational meeting on Jan. 7, 2014, and/or are interested in becoming part of the 2014 delegation trip, please contact Roger Richert, chairman of the Renton-Nishiwaki Sister City Committee, at roger@richertnet.com or 206-232-1700 for more information.

The Renton Sister Cities Association (RSCA) is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Renton to enhance citizen understanding and appreciation for other cultures and promote international goodwill and cooperation through people to people relationships world-wide. RSCA programming and activities provide opportunities that engage Renton residents, organizations, groups, government, and businesses through social, cultural, humanitarian, arts, health, economic, and educational activities and events.  Renton’s Sister Cities are Nishiwaki, Japan (est. 1969) and Cuautla, Mexico (est. 2001).