Delegates from Japan - 2026

September 10-17, 2026: Duluth Sister Cities will have the honor of welcoming a mayoral delegation from Ohara / Isumi City, Japan. The stated purpose / mission of this visit will be “Exploring Well-Being and Community Happiness”.

Shoichi Aino

I was born in Isumi city and when the peace bell was returned,I was six years old.

I live in Isumi city with my wife who has been married for 50 years.

My hobbies are watching sports, gardening,golf and reading.

This is my second visit since 2019.

I'm interested in well-being and community happiness.

I'd like to visit places like that.

Kayo Nagano

I live in the Buddhist temple with my family.

My husband is the priest.

Our temple has a connection with the Peace Bell.

Thanks to that connection, I’ve been a member of the association for nearly 30 years.

Michiyo Nagano

I love nature, especially birds.

My last name is Nagano—“naga” means forever and “no” means field in Japanese.

So maybe I’ll be out in the field, birdwatching, forever.

I’d love to see the hawk migration in Duluth someday.

Odaka Midori

Hello, my name is Midori. I used to be a elementary elementary school teacher and I am 66 years old.

Now I take care of my 92-year-old mother, and I live with my husband and my eldest son.

I enjoy learning Tai Chi and flower arrangement at our community center.

I am interested in elderly care and community activities in Duluth.

Thank you very much.

Toshiyuki Matsuzaki

Toshiyuki Matsuzaki. Please call me Toshi. I was an engineer of Liquid Crystal Display but l’ve already retired. As a part time job, I teach mathematics and Japanese for elementary school students after classes now.

To maintain our health, l and my wife visit World Heritage Sites, national parks in Japan.

This is my first visit to Duluth.

Akemi Mizukami

Akira Shoji

I was born in Katsuura City, next to Isumi City. I worked as a fisheries teacher at a high school for 20 years.

Subjects: (Diving, Food Science, Small Vessel Operation, International Navigation)

International Exchange: Herman Memorial Service (February 13th every year): Katsuura City, USA, JICA Teacher Exchange (June 2001): Teacher in Papua New Guinea, Ministry of Education Overseas Dispatch (August 2004): Vocational High School, Hamburg, Germany

2019 Duluth Delegation Member Thanks for teaching (Onigamiinsing, Peacewalk, Split Rock, etc.)

Itsuka Hara

Hello! I am an open-minded and cheerful person who enjoys quiet activities like diving and running 🏃‍♂️

I loves meeting new people and experiencing different cultures 🌍

I’m really looking forward to creating wonderful memories with your family ✨

Let me introduce myself.

My name is Akemi Mizukami. l was born on January 5, 1951 and I am 75 years old. l was born and raised in lsumi City. l started an IT company 35 years ago, and retired 5 years ago. My family is a wife and one cat named Yuki. 3 years ago, l found Yuki crying on the road and picked up her. And now Yuki is a very important member of our family. My hobbies are golf and watching sports. l look forward to meeting you all.

Setsuko Ishikawa

I was born in Isumi City and have lived there for 67 years.

My family consists of my husband, two daughters, and two grandchildren (a boy and a girl).

My hobbies are swimming and tole painting.

This is my fifth time going to Duluth.

Kyoko Matsumoto

I was born in Tokyo and grew up in Isumi City. I've lived in Isumi City for 47 years　

I married an elementary school classmate at the age of 20 and I am the mother of two children and grandmother of five grandchildren

I run a custom-made furniture factory with my husband and younger brother and daughter

My hobbies are golfing, running, Mizuhiki, and writing. Recently, I've been visiting shrines

I am looking forward to visiting Duluth for the first time.

Tomomi Kurokawa

I am the representative of a travel company in Japan, specializing in customized travel planning and international exchange programs. I work closely with local communities and overseas partners to create meaningful travel experiences and cultural connections.

I studied abroad in Duluth, where I met many wonderful people and received a great deal of support that helped shape the life I have today. Duluth holds a special place in my heart and will always feel like my second home.