Members of the 2009 delegation to Sayama dressed in kimono

Members of the 2009 Worthington mayoral delegation to Sayama, Japan, are shown here dressed in kimono. From left to right are Anne Brown, Bonnie Michael, Virginia Duym, Jane Minton and an interpreter with the Sayama International Friendship Association (SIFA). They were celebrating during a party held for the delegation by SIFA.

Worthington and Sayama have been sister cities since 1999, and through the years have exchanged dozens of delegations, including groups of city officials, residents and school groups. The 2009 mayoral delegation observed ten years of the sister-city relationship. During exchanges between the two cities, delegations typically tour a variety of destinations including city offices, schools, libraries and businesses, along with sightseeing and cultural events.