A Season of Utsunomiya: Sister City Partnership in Full Bloom
A Season of Utsunomiya: Sister City Partnership in Full Bloom
If it felt like Tulsa had a little extra spring in its step this season, you’re not wrong. From postcards to cherry blossoms, samurai armor to student exchanges, it was an all things Utsunomiya kind of spring. Our longtime Sister City, Utsunomiya, Japan, was beautifully woven into events all across the city, with a season full of cultural celebrations, heartfelt connections, and community collaborations that had us all feeling a little more global.
30 Years of the Utsunomiya “Study Tour” Exchange
In March, we were thrilled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our annual student exchange program with Utsunomiya. We welcomed 15 junior-high students and 3 chaperones for a week of unforgettable experiences.
Each student spent a day attending a Tulsa-area school, connecting with local students and getting a firsthand look at education in the U.S. Alongside 6 Tulsa student ambassadors, our guests explored some of our city’s most iconic destinations—including the Golden Driller, Tulsa Zoo, Gathering Place, Philbrook Museum, and Route 66.
The week was capped off with a special ceremony at City Hall, where our guests became honorary Tulsans. They were welcomed by Mayor Monroe Nichols and District 9 Councilor Carol Bush, who also serves as Tulsa’s Honorary Utsunomiya Ambassador. The occasion was made even more special by the presence of Kyoko Tashiro, a member of the original 1995 delegation, and Elizabeth Hall, daughter of former mayor Susan Savage, who attended the 1992 Sister City signing with her mother in Utsunomiya.
Our host families played a key role in the exchange, and their reflections were truly moving. In our follow-up survey, 100% of respondents said they would recommend TGA’s Utsunomiya exchange program to friends and family.
“Absolutely great experience… I just can’t say enough how much this 1 week impacted our lives.”
“We’ve had J-pop playing in our home daily since our student returned to Japan.”
“Japan is no longer just a faceless country. Now we see the faces of our student and her family when we hear the language. It means a lot to us!”
Utsunomiya in Bloom: A Spring of Culture and Connection
This spring, Tulsa’s relationship with Utsunomiya came to life through citywide celebrations of Japanese culture—highlighted by major collaborations with Philbrook Museum of Art and Gathering Place.
At Philbrook Museum of Art
Philbrook launched its stunning SAMURAI exhibition, featuring centuries-old armor and artifacts from one of the world’s premier private collections. In collaboration with Tulsa Global Alliance and our community partners, the museum continues to offer Japanese-inspired programming and experiences throughout the spring and summer.
In a unique cultural tie-in, Philbrook is offering members a chance to win a trip to Utsunomiya and Tokyo, further strengthening the connection between Tulsa and our Japanese Sister City.
At Gathering Place
Tulsa’s Gathering Place, home of Oklahoma's largest cherry tree collection, celebrated its cherry blossom season with Japanese culture through art, storytelling, nature, and educational activities.
Alongside Gathering Place’s education and marketing teams, we collaborated to offer guests an opportunity to send a cherry blossom-themed postcard to students in Utsunomiya. After engaging hundreds of guests over spring break, we sent over 200 postcards from Tulsa visitors to Utsunomiya’s Kiyohara North Elementary! The ONEOK Boathouse was transformed with cherry blossom-themed artwork and activities featuring information about Utsunomiya. Along the park’s cherry blossom walking trail, documentary images from scenic Utsunomiya locations were on display.
Our Japanese delegation visited Gathering Place and experienced the celebration firsthand, enjoying the blooms, exhibits, and Tulsa hospitality.
Why It Matters
Programs like our Utsunomiya student exchange don’t just create great travel memories—they plant seeds that grow into lifelong curiosity, cross-cultural understanding, and, in some cases, life-changing paths. Here’s to many more seasons of Sister City friendship, with Utsunomiya and beyond!
“There is so much power in the goodwill between Sister Cities. This year’s delegation reaffirms that for me. It takes the efforts of several people to bring a sacred thing like this from the abstract murkiness of plans and spreadsheets to the technicolor reality of smiling faces and lifelong memories.”
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