2026 Online Workshop

June 18, 2026 - Online

​​On June 18, 2026, CJSCN hosted an online workshop via Zoom, in partnership with the Consulates General of Japan in San Francisco and in Los Angeles. Themed “Blueprints for Success: A Sampler of Best Practices – Find What Inspires Your Sister City Program”, there were about 150 registrants, including sister city organization leaders, business leaders, and other community stakeholders. They represented 41 US cities and 22 Japanese cities. The workshop showcased successful sister city programs and best practices from a variety of perspectives, and offered opportunities for the participants to network with each other. CJSCN acted as the Zoom host and CJSCN board member Keith Schellin emceed the event.

The program began with words of welcome from San Francisco Consul General Kotaro Otsuki, Los Angeles Consul General Kosei Murota, and CJSCN Board President Meg Mizutani. Ms. Mizutani briefly presented the survey results collected during the event’s registration process, highlighting how sister city leaders define success.

The first part of the workshop was dedicated to showcasing “HOW”: how some sister city programs and their community are keeping their sister city program active and sustainable. There were three short presentations by CJSCN board members who had collected diverse examples of success stories and best practices in the following three areas: 1. Fund Development (Presenter: Ron Zielinski, Sunnyvale); 2. Youth Engagement and Succession Planning (Presenter: Hannah Majidi, Glendora); 3. Partnership Development (Presenter: Frank McAuley, South San Francisco).

The second part of the workshop was dedicated to “WHAT”: the types of activities that can make our program strong. There were eight breakout rooms with different topics: Music, Sports, Pop culture, Japanese culture events, Language teacher exchanges, Internships in Japan, Professional exchanges, and Food and drink. There were also rooms dedicated to Japanese-speaking attendees, with brief presentations by Consul Anzu Maekawa of Los Angeles and representatives from CLAIR New York (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations).

While the workshop officially concluded after a brief sharing of the takeaways from the breakout discussions, the participants were encouraged to stay online for additional networking. Engaging conversations in each room continued until the very end.

CJSCN would like to once again express our deep gratitude to Consul General Otsuki, Consul General Murota, and the fantastic consulate staff from San Francisco and Los Angeles who made this online workshop possible; to the breakout room moderators who generously shared their expertise; to our fabulous sponsors who continue to support our mission; and to all of the sister city stakeholders from both California and Japan. Additionally, we are grateful for CLAIR's outreach support for this workshop. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the next event!

Resources

 

Recording of the CJSCN 2026 Online Workshop