Torrance In-person Workshop

September 14, 2024 - Torrance, CA

​​Building on the theme of business and youth connections, the California-Japan Sister Cities Network presented “Global Connections: Sister Cities, Business and the Next Generation” at the George Nakano Theater in Torrance, CA on September 14, 2024. Co-hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles and the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, and in partnership with the Torrance Sister City Association, close to 100 guests enjoyed an informative workshop and group discussion. You can find the list of California cities that were represented at this workshop at the end of this summary.

CJSCN board member and MC Bryan Takeda opened the workshop with words of welcome and introductions of honored guests. CJSCN President Meg Mizutani followed with a summary of CJSCN and its programs, and then introduced Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Kenko Sone, who welcomed all the guests and encouraged everyone to continue their efforts to strengthen their sister city programs and relationships. Next, Mr. Takeda introduced Torrance Mayor George Chen and California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who both welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of strong sister city relationships. Karen Wheeler, Torrance Sister City Association Board President, welcomed attendees to the city of Torrance.

Following introductions, attendees listened to a presentation by Torrance Sister City Association board member Hazel Taniguchi. She spoke about their proactive approach to soliciting support from local businesses and examples of how two Torrance businesses support the activities of the sister city association with Kashiwa, Japan, and their community.  In return, the association actively promotes their business partners.

The next workshop speaker was Hannah Majidi, President of Glendora Sister Cities Association. Ms. Majidi described her sister city journey, beginning with her experience as a sister city exchange program participant as a high school student. While in college, she pursued her interest in international studies and eventually earned an internship with her sister city of Moka, Japan. Needless to say, Ms. Majidi established a very deep relationship with Moka and now serves as the President of the Glendora Sister Cities Association. Her story is inspiring and we look forward to encouraging Ms. Majidi and other young adults to strengthen their bonds with their sister cities.

Following the very informative and insightful presentations, guests were treated to a beautiful and delicious buffet lunch prepared by the Sushi Chef Institute and Chef Andy Matsuda. 

The workshop continued after lunch with a break-out session where groups were asked to describe their vision for collaborations between their sister city organizations, businesses, and local youth.  The groups were also asked to brainstorm specific actions they could begin immediately to make their visions a reality. CJSCN President Meg Mizutani moderated the group reports which resulted in several specific ideas, including:

• Community outreach and collaborations to strengthen sister city programs

• J-Pop Obon Odori to attract youth participation/interest

• Increase exposure and promotion online via platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and websites

• Work with travel companies for mutually beneficial relationships

• Collaborate with local schools to boost youth outreach

• Create youth leadership programs

• Develop a database of knowledge and resources

• Host adult exchange programs

• Leverage local resources and city events for promoting programs

To conclude the successful workshop, guests were invited to tour the beautiful Japanese Pine Wind Garden adjacent to the George Nakano Theater venue. CJSCN would like to express their sincere gratitude to the City of Torrance and members of the Torrance Sister City Association for their support and hospitality. We all look forward to the next CJSCN event to take place later this year in San Francisco!

The following are the California cities that were represented at the event (in the alphabetical order): Brea, Burbank, Encinitas, Glendora, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Millbrae, Montebello, Pasadena, Redlands, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Sebastopol, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Temecula, Torrance

Resources

• Presentation slides from Glendora Sister Cities Association President Hannah Majidi

• Video message from Sister Cities International National Board Chair Carlo Capua (Please note that Mr. Capua refers to a few events in his video, which were relevant at the time of the CJSCN workshop but which have now passed.)

• Video overview of the event created by the City of Torrance (video is also embedded below)