Toasting a relatively long relationship

A 1968 sister city reception in Mombetsu

A six-decade friendship between two coastal communities separated by more than 4,600 miles will be celebrated this Saturday, May 16, when Newport welcomes a visiting delegation from its Sister City of Mombetsu, Japan.

The visit marks the 60th anniversary of the Newport-Mombetsu Sister City relationship, a partnership that has connected the two port towns through cultural exchange, student programs and community visits since its formal establishment in 1966.

City officials, members of the visiting Japanese delegation and representatives from Newport’s Sister City Committee will gather at Mombetsu Sister City Park for a commemorative tree planting and plaque dedication honoring the longstanding relationship. Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan will present the Key to the City to the Mayor of Mombetsu during the ceremony.

The connection between the two communities dates back even further than the official sister city designation. In 1964, a resident of Mombetsu contacted the Newport Rotary Club after noticing similarities between the cities, including their locations along the 44th parallel and their shared identities as working coastal ports.

Over the years, the relationship has grown into an ongoing exchange of culture, education and friendship, with delegation visits, student exchanges and collaborative events helping strengthen ties between the Oregon Coast and northern Japan.

Mombetsu Sister City Park itself stands as a symbol of that connection. Established in 1976, the park has long served as a gathering place for celebrations and events tied to the sister city partnership.

Saturday’s ceremony begins at 1:30 pm at Mombetsu Sister City Park, located at 620 SW Neff Way. Community members are invited to attend. For more information, go to NewportOregon.gov.