LCF Sister Cities Moves Closer to Partnership with Mitaka, Japan
Dear LCF Sister Cities Community,
LCF Sister Cities is making exciting progress toward establishing Mitaka City, Japan, as our second sister city. In July, a four-member delegation from Mitaka—including Mitaka’s Vice Mayor, City Manager, and Superintendent of Education—visited La Cañada Flintridge for two days. Their visit included tours of JPL and Descanso Gardens, a visit to La Cañada High School’s robotics camp, presentations at the Sister Cities Friendship Trail by the Trails Council and Boy Scout Troop 509, and meetings with City Council members and City staff. At the conclusion of their visit, there were strong indications that the proposed partnership would receive broad support from Mitaka’s 27-member City Council.
So pleased were the Mitaka delegation with the welcome and program arranged by LCF Sister Cities and the City of LCF that, just a few days later, the Japanese Consulate General and a member of Japan’s National House of Representatives asked us to host a repeat of the same itinerary for their delegation.
In early September, we were delighted to receive a copy of Mitaka City’s newsletter highlighting the delegation’s visit to La Cañada Flintridge. A copy of the article, along with an interpretation by Mikaho Hara, is included below. The momentum continued when Mayor Takashi Kawamura invited La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Jeanne Hobson and a delegation from LCF to visit Mitaka in January 2027 for a formal signing of a sister cities partnership agreement. The two mayors will begin discussions of the agreement’s terms in October, with the signing ceremony scheduled for January 28–29, 2027, in Mitaka, Japan.
This important milestone represents an exciting new chapter in LCF’s international relationships and reflects the growing friendship and collaboration between our two communities.
- Vicki Schwartz and Tamar Tujian
Co-Presidents, La Cañada Flintridge Sister Cities Association
An Article from the City of Mitaka, Japan’s Newsletter (Translated)
A New Step in International Exchange to Carry Peace into the Future
Mitaka City is considering establishing a Sister-City partnership with the city of La Canada Flintridge.
Mitaka City has long promoted a wide range of international exchange activities through the Mitaka International Society for Hospitality and Culture (MISHOP), without limiting its partnerships to any particular country or region. Building on these efforts and with the aim of passing on the importance of peace to future generations, the City is currently preparing to establish a sister-city partnership with the City of La Cañada Flintridge in California, United States (hereinafter, “Flintridge City”).
This initiative was prompted by a proposal from the Mayor of Flintridge City in May 2025 to establish a sister-city relationship. Since then, the two cities, which share many commonalities, have engaged in a series of discussions toward this goal. Looking ahead to presenting a proposal to the Mitaka City Council, the City will continue to further examine and develop the details of the partnership.
About the City of La Canada Flintridge
Located northeast of downtown Los Angeles, the City of La Cañada Flintridge is a residential community covering approximately 22 square kilometers, with a population of around 20,000. The city is known for its safe, green, and attractive residential environment.
It is also highly regarded for its excellent educational environment, where schools, the community, and parents work closely together to support the growth and development of children. Community volunteer activities are also active, with residents taking the lead in participating in a wide range of local initiatives.
The city is home to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a world-renowned center for space exploration and scientific research. Through educational programs and other initiatives, children in the community have many opportunities to engage with cutting-edge science and technology.
Common points with Mitaka City
The two cities share many similarities, including a strong commitment to education and support for families and children, active civic engagement, and an environment where residents can experience and appreciate space exploration and science in their daily lives.
In addition, Descanso Gardens, a popular gathering place for the residents of Flintridge City, is home to a Japanese garden that preserves camellias that were once owned by Japanese Americans during the wartime period.
Inspection Report
From July 16 to 19 (Japan time), a delegation from Mitaka City, including the Deputy Mayor in charge of the initiative and the Superintendent of Education, visited Flintridge City and held discussions with the Mayor of Flintridge City and other city officials and community representatives.
During the discussions, the delegation shared a message from the Mayor of Mitaka expressing the City’s aspiration to build a sister-city relationship in which citizens of both cities, while sharing a commitment to peace, develop bonds of friendship and pass those ties on to future generations. The message was followed by a meaningful exchange of views.
The City of Flintridge expressed its support for this vision, and the two cities shared a common understanding of the principles and direction of the proposed sister-city relationship. They also discussed opportunities for collaboration in various fields, including youth exchange programs, further deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the foundation for future friendship and cooperation.
We aim to foster exchanges that deepen mutual understanding and cultivate friendship between the two communities.
Junior High School Interaction
Through homestay programs and online school exchanges, participants will have opportunities to learn about each other’s cultures, histories, and everyday lives while developing a broader international perspective.
High School Interaction
Explore opportunities for high school students from Mitaka to participate in JPL’s “Space Academy Program,” which the City of Flintridge has identified as a key initiative of its sister-city exchange program.
Interaction among citizens
With the Mitaka International Society for Hospitality and Culture (MISHOP) and the La Cañada Flintridge Sister Cities Association playing central roles, we will work to expand opportunities for citizen-led exchanges between the two communities.
Cultural and sports exchange
Explore cultural and sports exchange programs that can bring together people of all generations, while making the most of the unique characteristics and attractions of each community.
You may view the Japanese version of the newsletter below. The specific section about the proposed partnership with La Canada Flintridge is near the end of the newsletter.