RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) – Rutland on Thursday welcomed Japanese students and other officials to the Marble City.
It’s part of the Rise Rutland-Hanamaki Student Exchange Program.
Rutland officials and others traveled to Japan earlier this month as part of the sister city agreement. The delegation said they were celebrating the 35th anniversary of the program, which was pushed back due to the pandemic.
“Especially me, I have recognized the importance of hospitality,” said Makoto Fujiwara with the Hanamaki International Exchange Association
“It’s really important to us that we show them the same level of hospitality that they showed us. We put them up and we give them a great Rutland experience,” said Rutland Board of Alderman President Michael Talbott.
Both delegations are already looking forward to future exchanges, including plans to welcome a group from Hanamaki in 2026 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the relationship.