City Manager

Click here for information on the 2013 Student Exchange Program.

The City of Midland maintains a sister city relationship with the City of Handa, Japan. This relationship was formed in 1981, and includes a student exchange program.

The sister city relationship between Handa and Midland began when The Dow Chemical Company considered a plan to locate one of its major manufacturing facilities in the city of Handa. The mayor of Handa at that time, Hiroshi Takeuchi, was interested in knowing what kind of neighbor Dow would be to his community. After a visit to Midland, Mayor Takeuchi developed a great affinity for our community, and Dow became a key industry in Handa. Current Handa Mayor Sumio Sakakibara continues to strengthen the sister city bond between Midland and Handa.

Delegations from both Handa and Midland have visited each other's countries on several occasions to learn more about culture and industry. In 1991, a delegation of 10 from Handa traveled to Midland to celebrate our 10-year sister city anniversary. The City of Midland was presented with a beautiful Japanese Stone Lantern garden to commemorate the occasion.  This garden is maintained by the City of Midland and is located behind the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. Midland reciprocated by sending a bronze statue signifying the importance of family. Local artist James Hopfensperger created Midland’s statue for Handa.

Most recently, in October 2011, a delegation from Handa City, including Mayor Sumio Sakakibara, visited Midland to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our two communities' friendship. Handa City presented a beautiful gift of framed artwork to the citizens of Midland that is proudly displayed at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. The City of Midland reciprocated with a hand-crafted quilt made by the Amish, a small population in the Great Lakes Bay Region who live a quiet, simple lifestyle as an expression of their religious beliefs.

An official welcoming ceremony was held for our guests after they first arrived, with the mayors of both communities and the Consul General of Japan in Detroit attending.

While in Midland, the Handa delegates toured The Dow Chemical Company's Michigan Operations site, MidMichigan Medical Center, Dow Gardens, the library, and many other locations, and were honored at two formal dinners.

Handa, Japan Mayor Sumio Sakakibara addresses guests during a formal ceremony at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library - October 2011.

Student Exchange Program

In addition to personal and professional visits between our two governments, an exchange of Japanese and American high school students takes place each year. Students and host families alike have been enriched through this program, and - most of all - the exchanges have fostered a new appreciation for a culture different from our own. 

Click on the link at left for more information about the student exchange program.

Handa Facts

Click on the link at left for facts about Midland's sister city in Japan.

Student Exchange Program

In addition to personal and professional visits between our two governments, an exchange of Japanese and American high school students takes place each year. Students and host families alike have been enriched through this program, and - most of all - the exchanges have fostered a new appreciation for a culture different from our own. 

Click on the link at left for more information about the student exchange program.

Handa Facts

Click on the link at left for facts about Midland's sister city in Japan.