Did you know Rutland has a sister city in Japan? Although separated by more than 6,000 miles, Rutland and Hanamaki, Japan, share a special bond that continues to grow deeper and stronger.
During a recent visit to celebrate the 35th anniversary of this relationship, VTSU Castleton Arts, Humanities, and Communications professor Michael Talbott was honored to represent both the City of Rutland (in his capacity as President of the Board of Aldermen) and Vermont State University.
The delegation also included Rutland’s mayor, police chief, Board of Aldermen members, Rutland school officials, and others. The visit not only strengthened longstanding connections but also opened discussions for future collaborations, including potential student exchanges and academic partnerships.
Professor Talbott shared, “The sister city relationship between Rutland and Hanamaki has been an incredible example of how cultural exchange fosters meaningful international friendships. During our recent visit to celebrate the 35th anniversary of this relationship, I was honored to represent both the City of Rutland (in my capacity of President of the Board of Aldermen) and Vermont State University. Our delegation also included Rutland’s mayor, police chief, school superintendent and assistant superintendent, members of the Board of Aldermen and school board, and former RISE (Rutland-Ishidoriya Student Exchange) chaperones and participants. This visit not only strengthened our longstanding connection but also opened discussions for future collaborations, including potential student exchanges and academic partnerships.
As gift giving is an important component of Japanese culture, I was proud to present gifts bearing the Vermont State University name and logo to Chairman Shin Fujiwara of the Hanamaki city council, as well as to other Hanamaki elected officials, and students and administrators at Ishidoriya Junior High School. I also gave VTSU stickers to all the young students at the Ishidoriya preschool, who were overjoyed to receive them. I am excited about the possibility of creating immersive study-abroad programs that will allow Vermont State University students to experience Japanese culture firsthand.”
