Consul General’s Commendation Presented to Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization
2026/7/31
Deputy Consul General Ishihara delivering congratulatory remarks at the welcome reception
(Left) Mayor Bernal welcoming the Chichibu delegation (Right) Mayor Kiyono delivering remarks to reception attendees
On Friday, July 24, Deputy Consul General Takeshi Ishihara attended a welcome dinner in Antioch hosted by the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization (ACSCO) for a delegation from Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture, led by Mayor Kazuhiko Kiyono. Since establishing their sister city relationship in 1967, the two cities have maintained an active exchange of delegations and are set to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2027.
The dinner was attended by Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, other city representatives, ACSCO board members, and the host families to the visiting delegation. The event featured a traditional “soran bushi” dance performance by the visiting delegation.
Deputy Consul General Ishihara praised the nearly 60 years of active exchange between the two cities and presented the Consul General’s Commendation to Ms. Sally Massey, Mr. Jim Davis, ACSCO members who have long supported these exchanges, as well as to the City of Antioch for its continued support of the ACSCO’s activities.
Earlier that day, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki received a courtesy visit from Mayor Bernal, Mayor Kiyono, and other Chichibu city officials and was able to give a preview of the City of Anitoch’s commendation.
The dinner was attended by Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, other city representatives, ACSCO board members, and the host families to the visiting delegation. The event featured a traditional “soran bushi” dance performance by the visiting delegation.
Deputy Consul General Ishihara praised the nearly 60 years of active exchange between the two cities and presented the Consul General’s Commendation to Ms. Sally Massey, Mr. Jim Davis, ACSCO members who have long supported these exchanges, as well as to the City of Antioch for its continued support of the ACSCO’s activities.
Earlier that day, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki received a courtesy visit from Mayor Bernal, Mayor Kiyono, and other Chichibu city officials and was able to give a preview of the City of Anitoch’s commendation.
Mayor Kiyono and Deputy Consul General Ishihara pose with Consul General’s Commendation recipients
Video message made by the chair of the Chichibu-Antioch Sister City Friendship Organization, ACSCO’s counterpart
Consul General Otsuki with Mayor Bernal, Mayor Kiyono, and other Chichibu officials at the Consulate
