Mountain View Sister City Affiliation Receives Consul General’s Commendation at 50th Anniversary Celebration
2026/8/28
Mayor Ramos welcoming everyone to the reception
Director Makino delivering official greeting from Iwata
On Monday, August 24, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki attended a 50th anniversary reception at Mountain View City Hall, hosted by the Mountain View Sister City Affiliation (MVSCA). The reception welcomed a visiting delegation from their sister city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, led by Ms. Hiromi Makino, Director of the Iwata City Department of Economic and Industrial Affairs. Since establishing their sister city relationship in 1976, the two cities have maintained an active exchange of student and business delegations and are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.
The reception was attended by Mountain View Mayor Emily Ann Ramos, Councilmembers Ellen Kamei, Alison Hicks, John McAlister, Lucas Ramirez, and Pat Showalter, other city representatives, MVSCA board members, NBC Bay Area morning traffic anchor and student exchange alumnus Mike Inouye, and members of the public.
Consul General Otsuki praised the 50 years of active exchange between the two cities and presented the Consul General’s Commendation to the MVSCA for their long and dedicated service to the sister city relationship. Through MVSCA’s dedicated organization of the annual student exchange program, 6 to 10 students from Mountain View have participated every year, with more than 400 students from both cities having taken part in the program over the course of the relationship.
The reception was attended by Mountain View Mayor Emily Ann Ramos, Councilmembers Ellen Kamei, Alison Hicks, John McAlister, Lucas Ramirez, and Pat Showalter, other city representatives, MVSCA board members, NBC Bay Area morning traffic anchor and student exchange alumnus Mike Inouye, and members of the public.
Consul General Otsuki praised the 50 years of active exchange between the two cities and presented the Consul General’s Commendation to the MVSCA for their long and dedicated service to the sister city relationship. Through MVSCA’s dedicated organization of the annual student exchange program, 6 to 10 students from Mountain View have participated every year, with more than 400 students from both cities having taken part in the program over the course of the relationship.
Consul General Otsuki delivering congratulatory remarks
Mr. Inouye delivering remarks on behalf of MVSCA
Consul General Otsuki presenting Commendation to MVSCA, accepted by Mr. Inouye
Group photo including Consul General Otsuki, Mr. Inouye, the Mountain View mayor and councilmembers, and the Iwata delegation
Banner listing all Mountain View and Iwata exchange participants over the past 50 years
