Utsunomiya Students Visit Tulsa for Cultural Exchange

The Tulsa Utsunomiya Sister City Partnership welcomed a delegation of 15 middle school students and three chaperones from Utsunomiya for a cultural exchange visit from March 23 to 26, 2024. Their time in Tulsa featured school immersion, cultural exploration, and a special visit to City Hall that highlighted the bond between the two cities.

During their stay, students lived with Tulsa host families, experiencing daily life in Oklahoma and forming friendships through shared routines and family activities. They also shadowed their host students at school, participating in classes and learning from their Tulsa peers.

The delegation visited some of Tulsa’s most iconic places, including Gathering Place, Philbrook Museum of Art, and the Tulsa Zoo. These outings provided a meaningful introduction to Tulsa’s cultural, artistic, and recreational spaces.

A highlight of the visit was a stop at Tulsa City Hall, where the students were welcomed by city officials and named Honorary Tulsa Citizens, a tradition that celebrates the value of youth diplomacy and international friendship. While at City Hall, the group also visited the Sister City directional sign, which points to Tulsa’s partner cities around the world and serves as a symbolic reminder of global connection.

The visit concluded with a farewell dinner that brought together host families, students, and members of the partnership to celebrate their time together and the relationships formed over the four-day exchange.

This annual visit continues a long tradition of youth engagement between Tulsa and Utsunomiya, strengthening international understanding and building lasting ties between students, families, and communities.