Norissa Ennis B2B People Network
Creating & Growing The RED CONCEPT

For the past 30 years, there have been dozens of students who had the privilage to travel to the United States from Mito, Japan. American families have hosted them and introduced them the Anaheim lifestyle. They learn about cultural values and local heritage, and are able to meet with local government officials in Anaheim, California.

ASCA entered its first sister city relationship with Mito, Japan on December 21, 1976. Located 70 miles north of Tokyo, Mito is the "plum blossom capitol" and a center of commerce, culture, educational and political power.

The Wada Family, owners of a doll factory in Mito, presented an imperial doll collection to Anaheim during spring 2004. Yunosuke Wada served as Mito's mayor when the sister city relationship was formed.

Since 1984, Anaheim and Mito have shared a student exchange program. Mito Garden and Pathway to Friendship are located in Friendship Plaza in front of the Anaheim City Hall. Names of ASCA sponsors are inscribed on bricks that lead into Mito Garden. In Anaheim Shores there is the Mito Bridge, a Japanese style bridge that has been the site of numerous ceremonial events.

Anaheim Sister Cities foreign exchange program is working in conjunction with the input of Anaheim Mayor Pringle whose goal is to help local Anaheim students to build global relationships and create local and global civil service.