Consul General’s Commendations Presented at Richmond-Shimada 65th Sister City Anniversary
2026/8/24
Consul General Otsuki with Mayor Martinez, Mayor Someya, and Commendation recipients Ms. Leong Lee, Mr. Sirchuk, Ms. Takeuchi, and Ms. Jackson-Lincoln
Consul General Otsuki gives congratulatory remarks
On Tuesday, August 18, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki attended a welcome dinner in Richmond, hosted by the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission (RSFC). The dinner welcomed a visiting delegation from their sister city of Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, led by Mayor Kinuyo Someya. Since establishing their sister city relationship in 1961, the two cities have maintained an active exchange of delegations and are celebrating their 65th anniversary this year.
The dinner was attended by Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, other city representatives, RSFC Commissioners, and the visiting delegation host families.
Consul General Otsuki praised the 65 years of active exchange between the two cities and presented the Consul General’s Commendation to Ms. Marilyn Leong Lee, Mr. Evan Sirchuk, Ms. Esther Takeuchi, and Ms. Trina Jackson-Lincoln for their long and dedicated service to the sister city relationship. Ms. Leong Lee and Mr. Sirchuk in the past each led the RSFC as chair, Ms. Takeuchi is the longest serving commissioner on the RSFC, and Ms. Jackson-Lincoln has been a steady liaison between the City of Richmond and the RSFC for over 20 years.
The dinner was attended by Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, other city representatives, RSFC Commissioners, and the visiting delegation host families.
Consul General Otsuki praised the 65 years of active exchange between the two cities and presented the Consul General’s Commendation to Ms. Marilyn Leong Lee, Mr. Evan Sirchuk, Ms. Esther Takeuchi, and Ms. Trina Jackson-Lincoln for their long and dedicated service to the sister city relationship. Ms. Leong Lee and Mr. Sirchuk in the past each led the RSFC as chair, Ms. Takeuchi is the longest serving commissioner on the RSFC, and Ms. Jackson-Lincoln has been a steady liaison between the City of Richmond and the RSFC for over 20 years.
Consul General Otsuki chatting with Mayor Martinez
Shimada International Exchange Association President Hirokazu Okamoto performing a piece on the flute
Mayor Someya presenting Mayor Martinez with gifts from Shimada
Mayor Martinez gives welcome remarks
Mayor Someya delivering remarks
Group photo
