City Manager

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 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.

Mayor Hiroshi Takeuchi retired from public office in 1999. Current Handa Mayor Izo Sakakibara continues to strengthen the sister city relationship 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 came to Midland from Handa 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 bronze statue gift to Handa.

In May 2006, a delegation of six representatives from Handa City, including Mayor Sakakibara, visited Midland to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our two communities' Sister City relationship. The City of Handa presented two beautiful gifts to the citizens of Midland: a glass flower vase and Cloisonne framed artwork, both of which are proudly displayed at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. The City of Midland reciprocated with a Silver Revere Bowl and framed artwork containing some of the stones, metals and woods of Michigan.

While in Midland, the Handa delegates toured MidMichigan Medical Center, Dow Gardens, the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, the Midland Civic Arena, and many other locations, and were honored at two formal dinners. In addition, an official ceremony was held during which the mayors of both communities signed a proclamation recognizing 25 years of continued friendship between Handa and Midland.

Handa, Japan Mayor Izo Sakakibara, left, and Midland Mayor Bruce A. Johnson sign proclamation during Handa delegates' May 2006 visit to Midland.

Photo Gallery

Click on the images below of the Handa delegates' 2006 visit to Midland.

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 more facts about Midland's Sister City in Japan.