2022 Fall Workshop in San Diego

November 19, 2022 - San Diego

In an effort to expand the sister city activities to youth and businesses, CJSCN held an in-person workshop called "Connecting Sister City Youth with Your Community" at Balboa Park in San Diego on Saturday, November 19. It was co-hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, and the California Japan Sister Cities Network in partnership with the San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society (SDYSCS).

Steven Sigafus, President of SDYSCS and CJSCN board member, and Jessica Censotti, Executive Director of San Diego International Sister City Association, led the planning and preparation of this event. We could not have held such a successful event without their hospitality and thoughtful execution.

Ryan Tomita delivered remarks perfect for this event by explaining how he, as a college student, was able to develop his internship in Rikuzentakata through his connection with CJSCN. Other speakers included Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, and Dr. Ulrike Schaede, Professor of Japanese Business at the University of California, San Diego.

The event was attended by many young people and local businesses. During the breakout session, they shared ideas and their vision for future sister city - business collaborations.

We hope the success of this workshop will continue to encourage more youth and business related activities through sister city relationships in the future.