For adults interested in visiting our sister city, a delegation typically travels to Hanamaki each fall to take part in the Hanamaki Matsuri Festival, a celebration that dates back over 430 years. There are also various opportunities to host and welcome visitors from Hanamaki each year.
Plans will be underway for the 2026 Citizen Delegation which will travel to Hanamaki, Japan in early September. Below are a few highlights from last year’s delegation visit. For more information on the delegation, email director@hotspringssistecity.org.
2025 September Citizen Delegation
Hot Springs Citizen Delegation 2025 Sister City Visit
The 2025 Hot Springs Citizen Delegation traveled to Japan this fall to celebrate and deepen the sister city partnership with Hanamaki. The visit highlighted the enduring importance of people-to-people diplomacy and cultural exchange, offering members a chance to participate in cherished traditions and honor the decades-long friendship between the two cities.
The journey began in Tokyo, where the group explored the city and enjoyed time to discover its neighborhoods, shops, and cuisine. The delegation also took a day trip to Kamakura, where they visited historic temples, scenic coastal sites, and cultural landmarks.
In Hanamaki, the delegation visited Hanamaki Higashi High School, alma mater of Major League pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, and standout player Rintaro Sasaki. Members attended the unveiling ceremony for monuments honoring Kikuchi and Sasaki and toured the new baseball training facility built by Kikuchi, which reflects the city’s dedication to supporting young athletes.
The delegation also visited local museums and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, deepening their understanding of the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. A special banquet celebrating the friendship between the two cities featured traditional deer dancers, offering an unforgettable look at one of Hanamaki’s most cherished cultural performances.
The visit concluded with the unforgettable experience of the Hanamaki Matsuri, a centuries-old festival that celebrates the city’s history, spirit, and traditions. Delegation members were invited to take part in the float parade, with several helping to carry the mikoshi (portable shrine). They also sampled traditional festival foods and fully immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere that brings the community together each year.
For the Hot Springs delegation, the journey was a celebration of friendship and a reaffirmation of the lasting bond shared between Hot Springs and Hanamaki.
Members of the 2025 Hot Springs Citizen Delegation included:
Mary Zunick, Robert Zunick, Mike Hill, Cindy Hill, Tom Hollis, Jon Jon Hollis, Alex Villeda, Katie Villeda, Sara Brown, Jeremy Brown, Benjamin Van Wagner, Courtni Van Wagner, Ben Bell, and Sus Wright.