Sister City Cultural Exchange

Since 2010, Marion has been taking part in a Sister City program to provide global connections and exchanges between the international city of Kanie Town, Japan and the residents of Marion, IL.  Regardless of the 6,000 mile distance, this relationship has grown stronger over the years.  Each year, the communities schedule alternating visits to learn about business, education, and cultural differences.   

The visiting delegations are made up of leaders and students from each community.  the students stay with host families, enabling them to take in as much culture as possible.

2019 visit schedule - March 23 to 27

SATURDAY - Delegation Arrival
SUNDAY - Outdoor Recreation
MONDAY - Education & Civic Tours
TUESDAY - Industrial & Historical Tours
WEDNESDAY - Delegation Farewells 

2018 visit highlights