Students from Gilroy’s Japanese sister city, Takko-machihi, had
the chance to tour the area last month
– a tradition they have been doing for more than 20 years.
Students from Gilroy’s Japanese sister city, Takko-machihi, had the chance to tour the area last month – a tradition they have been doing for more than 20 years.
“The Gilroy people are kind. I like the schools.” said 14-year-old Ayano Watanabe.
Watanabe’s grandfather, Takeki Watanabe, made the same trip to Gilroy 21 years ago as Takko-machi’s mayor. It was on that trip in April 1988 that he and then Gilroy mayor Roberta Hughan designated Takko and Gilroy sister cities. More than 160 Gilroy students have gone to Japan and 267 Takko students have visited Gilroy. Both communities have taken the sister city spirit to heart. From volunteering to making donations to hosting students in their homes, people of both cities have created a community that spans an ocean. After touring Gilroy schools, the students had the chance to enjoy Halloween, a holiday largely uncelebrated in Takko. With help from their host families, they put together a wide range of costumes.
For more information, visit www.gilroysistercities.org or their Facebook page.
