Sister City Program
The Sister City Program
Since 2010, a Sister City program between Marion and Kanie, Japan has provided global connections and exchanges between our two communities. Despite the 6,000 mile distance, this relationship has grown stronger over the years. Each year, the communities schedule alternating visits to learn about business, education, and cultural differences.
The visiting delegations are made up of leaders and students from each community. The students stay with host families, enabling them to take in as much culture as possible.
Those interested in taking part can contact Jared Garrison at the Pavilion or the Chamber office at 618-997-6311.
Learn about Kaine Town
2025 Trip
We are currently planning the 2025 Sister City trip to Kanie, Japan from October 15-23rd this fall! Eight Marion Jr High and High School students are taking part in this year’s student delegation, where they will stay with a host family and take part in tours, cultural events, and attend school. Nine adults from the city, chamber, and business community will make up the adult delegation and enjoy tours, and learn about small and large businesses in Japan and how their school system and government foster growth.
2024 Visit
The Kanie adult/student delegation spent time in Marion from Aug 20th – 24th. The student delegation members stayed with host families and explored the national wonders of our area, attended class at the Marion Jr, High School, and took part in fun activities and football games. The adult delegation, comprising of city employees, visited various location around Marion.
2023 Trip
The 2023 Sister City Trip took pace June 19 – 26th, 2023. It consisted of Marion students (including some who were unable to make the 2020 trip) City of Marion staff, Mayor Absher and his wife Cheryl, and Marion Chamber members. The student delegation stayed with host families and took part in the day-to-day activities of a Japanese family. The adult delegation enjoyed tours of civic infrastructure, the AISIN headquarters, and cultural events. Those interested in taking part can contact Jared Garrison at the Pavilion or the Chamber office at 618-997-6311.
While members of the adult delegation paid for their own travel, we deeply appreciate the Chamber members and the City of Marion who worked together to offer travel scholarships to student delegation members.
2023 Trip Sponsors
These businesses have sponsored our 2023 Students Delegation to cover their travel expenses. Thank you!
If you are interested in supporting future Sister City programs & trips, please call the chamber office at 618-997-6311.
2021 & 2022 Care Packages
With the ongoing COVID pandemic and the inability to travel, Kanie and Marion have exchanged care packages with each other. The 2020 Exchange Trips were going to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the program. To be included in our trip to Kanie was a presentation in Kanie of a bench similar to the bench on the Square in Marion. This bench was shipped through our partners at AISIN and since the Marion delegation was unable to attend, Kanie City officials presented the bench to the Kanie community in 2020. In Early 2021, Kanie sent a ‘Kanimaru Bench’ to Marion. The City of Marion presented the bench to the Marion community in February 2021 and it is currently on display in the Children’s Department at the Marion Carnegie Library. A video of the presentation and gifts of local Marion products were sent to the Kanie Sister City representatives.
In Feb 2022, a care package from Kanie arrived including gifts, a video, Kanie community newsletters describing the Kanimaru Bench dedication, and a touching letter from our Kanie friends. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and hear from students who took part in the program over the last 10 years. We are very excited to see our Sister City friends in the coming years (tentative visit in 2023) and build stronger economic ties with them.
2020 Trip
The April 2020 trip/visits was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.
2019 Trip
On Saturday, March 23, a ‘welcoming committee’ met the Japanese delegation of 16 students and 7 adults at the St. Louis airport and escorted them to Marion for a Welcome Ceremony held at The Pavilion. At the welcome, they were greeted by City Officials, Chamber members, and members of the community that are tied to the Sister City Program, including the host families. From here, the students head off with their respective host families for a myriad of activities, which will even include a day at the Marion Junior High School. The adults spend their time with our Sister City Committee and participate in a variety of events throughout our area, which this time even included zip lining!
Sunday, March 24
On Sunday, the delegates explored Giant City State Park by climbing its famous Water Tower and enjoyed lunch at Giant City Lodge with State Senator Dale Fowler. After lunch, the group took in the scenery as they zip lined at Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour. Blue Boar hosted the group for dinner, and afterwards they sampled local brews at 618 Taphouse.
Monday, March 25
On Monday, the group visited SIU. They toured the library and met with members of the Paul Simon Institute to learn about state and national government. Afterwards, they enjoyed lunch catered by Crystal’s at the arena and hosted by State Representative Dave Severin. In the afternoon, the group visited the Marion Carnegie Library, the Marion Fire Station, Marion Cultural and Civic Center. The students, delegates, members of the public, and civic leaders from both communities met on the Tower Square for a special ‘Friendship Bench’ presentation. To celebrate the occasion, they enjoyed ice cream at Southern Illinois Mercantile before attending the Marion City Council meeting. After a group presentation to the council, the group walked over to Pookies for dinner and games.
Tuesday, March 26
On Tuesday, the entire delegation met at AISIN for factory tours, presentations, and lunch. In the afternoon, the group went over to the Marion Jr. High for a musical performance. Afterwards, the adult delegates stopped in at various local businesses, including Lavish Bath Bombs, TMG Company, and POSH!. The afternoon ended with helicopter rides provided by Black Diamond Aviation. The group sat down to an amazing farm to table meal at the Hideout, with drinks and karaoke at Martini Joe’s.
Wednesday, March 27
On Wednesday morning, the students and delegates regrouped at The Pavilion for breakfast provided by Small’s, a tour of the facility, and a farewell presentation. After many goodbyes and tokens of friendship, the group boarded the bus to return to St. Louis. The group arrived safely back to Kanie Town with great memories from this year’s visit.