Walla Walla Sister City Committee

Walla Walla Sister City Committee Walla Walla’s committee page for the Walla Walla Tamba Sasayama sister city exchange

Walla Walla is being blessed with a visit from Japanese mokuhanga artist Chihiro Taki, whose work integrates deep person...
04/28/2026

Walla Walla is being blessed with a visit from Japanese mokuhanga artist Chihiro Taki, whose work integrates deep personal connection with nature and an exacting command of ancient Japanese woodblock printing technique.

Taki, a Tokyo-based artist, prints with water-based paints on artisanal washi, each piece capturing moments of silent interaction with nature, whether in the presence of a majestic tree or grasping a stone. As Taki applies colors, her original vision transforms, obliterating signs of authorship and allowing voids and silences to reshape the artwork. Her process exemplifies the transforming capacity of art as both a reflection and a reinterpretation of nature.

Thanks to a partnership with local nonprofit Mokuhanga Project Space, the exhibit is complemented by two workshops led by Taki: Walla Walla University students can attend a 2-day mokuhanga workshop, while the public can join a 2-day traditional Japanese book binding workshop.

Exhibition Dates:
April 30 – June 14, 2026

Reception & Artist Talk:
Thursday, April 30, 2026
6-8:00 p.m.

Location:
Clyde & Mary Harris Gallery
204 S. College Ave.
College Place, WA 99324

Gallery Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9 am–noon, 1–5 pm
Friday: 9 am–noon

Admission to the exhibition is free and open to the public.

Please join us in attending Taki-san's exhibit at the Clyde & Mary Harris Gallery at Walla Walla University this Thursday at 6pm.

03/29/2026

Our delegation has made it home to TambaSasayama. Thank you Walla Walla for showing them the best of what we have to offer!

And just like that, they are gone!There was plenty of juggling luggage this morning, as many bags tipped the scales afte...
03/28/2026

And just like that, they are gone!

There was plenty of juggling luggage this morning, as many bags tipped the scales after a week of shopping and gifts—but with a little teamwork, everything found its place. Security was a breeze (thank you, TSA!), and before long they were on the other side, picking up one last American snack from the vending machine.

What an incredible week—filled with unforgettable moments and so many emotions to carry home. Thank you for coming to visit us in Walla Walla. We wish you safe travels and hope to see you again soon!

Our community came together for a heartfelt farewell at our goodbye party tonight, bringing together host families, our ...
03/28/2026

Our community came together for a heartfelt farewell at our goodbye party tonight, bringing together host families, our Japanese guests, and the many people who helped make this week so special.

It was an evening filled with great food, wonderful company, and live music from Rogue Lobster, creating the perfect backdrop for reflecting on the memories we’ve shared. Throughout the night, stories were told, friendships were celebrated, and the connections formed over the past week were truly felt.

There were a few tears, many laughs, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the time we’ve spent together. While it’s never easy to say goodbye, we know the friendships and memories created will last forever.

For our final day in Walla Walla, our students spent the day at Walla Walla High School. Each student was paired with a ...
03/28/2026

For our final day in Walla Walla, our students spent the day at Walla Walla High School. Each student was paired with a student ambassador—either a past or future participant in our exchange program—and had the opportunity to shadow their partner throughout the school day, attending classes together.

During second period, the students met with ASB, where they shared about the sister city program and life in Japan. The highlight was everyone coming together to dance the Dekansho, creating a fun and memorable cultural exchange.

In third period, our visiting students gave presentations in English about life in Sasayama, offering their peers a deeper look into their daily experiences and traditions.

The day concluded with time spent with the drama club, where they enjoyed watching rehearsals for the spring musical Frozen.

It’s hard to believe our week of activities has already come to an end!

What an honor to have DCG Tsuge here with us!
03/27/2026

What an honor to have DCG Tsuge here with us!

Today was a meaningful and memorable day for our sister city delegation, filled with learning, connection, and cultural ...
03/27/2026

Today was a meaningful and memorable day for our sister city delegation, filled with learning, connection, and cultural exchange.

Our morning began with a fun stop at the Arrowhead Travel Plaza, where students enjoyed picking out souvenirs and experiencing a bit of local flavor. We then visited the Pendleton Woolen Mills for shopping and a fascinating factory tour, giving everyone a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s most iconic industries.

After a relaxing and delicious lunch at Kinship Cafe, the group continued on to the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. This powerful and engaging tour offered students a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and traditions of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes.

The afternoon brought us to the CTUIR Energy and Environmental Sciences Program (EESP), where students explored the science laboratory and learned about important environmental work being done in the region.

We concluded the day at the Nixyáawii Governance Center, where our delegation was honored with a moving and meaningful religious ceremony led by a tribal elder. It was a special moment of reflection and respect that truly highlighted the spirit of connection at the heart of our sister city relationship.

We are grateful to all of our hosts for sharing their time, knowledge, and traditions with us today. 💙

Day 3 of our Sister City exchange was packed with hands-on learning, creativity, and a deeper look into our community.Ou...
03/26/2026

Day 3 of our Sister City exchange was packed with hands-on learning, creativity, and a deeper look into our community.

Our delegation started the day at SEATech, where students explored programs very similar to those at Homei Industrial High School in Tambasasayama. They spent most of their time in the Careers in Media & Entertainment class, diving into fun and interactive projects like light painting, green screen weather broadcasts, mock TV interviews, and even creating stop-motion movies. It was a great opportunity to collaborate, learn new skills, and share ideas across cultures.

Next, the group visited a local fire station, where they learned about the wide range of services firefighters provide to the community. A highlight for many was getting the chance to go up on the ladder truck—an unforgettable experience!

After enjoying lunch at Sweet Basil Pizzeria, the afternoon continued at the Walla Walla Foundry. There, students learned about the bronze casting process and viewed incredible works by internationally renowned artists, gaining insight into the world of large-scale sculpture.

The group then made a special stop at T. Hunter Bronze to thank the talented team for their craftsmanship and dedication in creating our Dekansho dancer statues—an important symbol of our sister city friendship.

To wrap up a full and exciting day, everyone enjoyed a bit of shopping at Walmart before heading home to rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

We’re so grateful to all of our hosts and partners who helped make today such a memorable experience!

A beautiful new chapter for downtown. Last weekend, we celebrated the unveiling of the Dekansho dancer statues on the Fr...
03/25/2026

A beautiful new chapter for downtown.

Last weekend, we celebrated the unveiling of the Dekansho dancer statues on the Friendship Bridge, a project over 6 years in the making and a powerful symbol of connection between Walla Walla and Tambasasayama, Japan.

Led by Barbara Noel and the Walla Walla Sister City Committee, and brought to life by local artists Jeffrey Hill, Catherine Hill, and Trevor of T. Hunter Foundry, this installation is a true community effort.

A lasting tribute to culture, tradition, and the relationships that continue to bring our communities together.

✨ Giving Tuesday ✨Today, we join countless organizations in our community asking for support — and we know how many incr...
12/02/2025

✨ Giving Tuesday ✨
Today, we join countless organizations in our community asking for support — and we know how many incredible groups need help, especially this year as funding has been cut across so many sectors.

If you’re able, we hope you’ll consider supporting the Walla Walla–Tambasasayama Sister City Committee and the life-changing value of cultural exchange.

We are launching a scholarship fund to ensure that local students who dream of participating in our exchange — but may not have the financial means — can still experience the friendships, global understanding, and personal growth that come from international connection. 🌏🤝

Every contribution, large or small, helps open a door for a student.
💙 Donate through the Blue Mountain Community Foundation Giving Guide:

https://www.valleygivingguide.org/organizations/walla-walla-tambasasayama-sister-city-committee

Thank you for supporting cross-cultural understanding and investing in our youth.

Address

PO Box 2486
Walla Walla, WA
99362

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