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Click here to send a note or request more information from the Bethlehem-Tondabayashi Sister City Commission.

Bethlehem-Tondabayashi Sister City Commission

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Tondabayashi, Japan, have enjoyed an international friendship for many years. Though worlds apart, they share a great deal. Both are bisected by a river, with mountains on the horizon. Both have an economic mix of agriculture, service, and manufacturing. Both share a strong sense of history and culture. And both have a Christmas connection: Bethlehem as "Christmas City, U.S.A." and Tondabayashi because it was home to a leading manufacturer of glass ornaments.

In 1959, ministers from Bethlehem and Tondabayashi (which is 18 miles southeast of Osaka) first discussed a partnership between the two cities. The following year, an exchange of gifts began, with Bethlehem sending objects representing its history, industries, and government, and Tondabayashi giving 40 pictures painted by elementary school children. Personal visits followed and, on April 10, 1964, the formal relationship was established.

The Bethlehem-Tondabayashi Sister City Commission was officially designated by Bethlehem City Council in 1971 "to promote friendship and understanding between Bethlehem and Tondabayashi, to exchange cultural interests, to promote trade interests and tourism, and to oversee a Student Exchange Program between Bethlehem and its Japanese Sister City of Tondabayashi." The Commission has grown from three members to 20 and meets monthly in the Tondabayashi Room of the Bethlehem Area Public Library.

Both cities proudly display gifts honoring their Sister City friendship. In the Tondabayashi City Hall, Bethlehem's gifts and photographs are prominently displayed just inside the entrance. In Bethlehem, the gifts from Japan are exhibited in the Tondabayashi Room in the library. Yoshinaga Sakon, the distinguished Tondabayashi landscape architect, designed and built and extraordinary gift - the Garden of Serenity -in 1970 just west of Bethlehem's library.

To accomplish its goals of international friendship and exchange, the Commission has concentrated primarily on the Student Exchange Program. In alternate years, students spend three weeks as members of host families in their sister city. In odd-numbered years, Bethlehem students ages 16 to 20 travel to Tondabayashi. For two qualified students, the "Cohen Tripship" - established in 1987 by Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Cohen - funds all transportation costs.

During the even-numbered years, Bethlehem families host the Tondabayashi young people for three weeks in August. Host families include the Japanese students in all normal activities and participate in several group trips and programs.

The Student Exchange Program offers excitement and fun for students and families alike. It is an opportunity to meet new friends and explore another culture, as well as learn about oneself and the world of the future. Since 1971, more than 80 young people have traveled to live with sister-city host families, learning about the others' customs, traditions, and aspirations.

In addition to the student exchanges, the Sister City Commission sponsors exhibits, film and lecture series, trips, and collaborative programs with many organizations in Bethlehem. One need not travel to Tondabayashi to learn about our Japanese friends and their heritage.