A Brief History
The City of San Mateo and the City of Toyonaka officially became sister cities in October 1963, united by a shared goal of promoting international understanding, cultural exchange, and people-to-people diplomacy. From its earliest days, the partnership has emphasized youth engagement, educational exchange, and civic friendship as a foundation for long-term global cooperation.
One of the most enduring components of the partnership has been the San Mateo–Toyonaka baseball exchange program, a long-standing tradition that brings youth athletes from both cities together to play, learn, and grow through sport. Over generations, players, coaches, and families have participated in reciprocal baseball visits, strengthening friendships while fostering mutual respect and cultural awareness. For many participants, the exchange has provided an introduction to new cultures, lifelong friendships, and a deeper sense of global awareness and cross-cultural understanding.
Over the years, the partnership has grown beyond formal goodwill gestures into a sustained and meaningful relationship, marked by reciprocal visits, student programs, and strong collaboration among municipal leaders, educators, volunteers, and community members in both cities. Beyond formal exchange programs, the relationship has also contributed to community landmarks; for example, Toyonaka’s donation of elements of San Mateo’s Japanese Garden, symbolizing cross-cultural friendship. Ultimately breaking down barriers and promoting peace between our countries as originally envisioned by the Sister City International Association.
Current Exchange Programs and Activities
The San Mateo–Toyonaka partnership remains active and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on student and youth exchanges, cultural learning, and civic engagement. In recent years, these activities have also served to commemorate and build upon the partnership’s 60th anniversary milestone, celebrating six decades of friendship since the relationship was established in 1963.
A recent highlight was the July 2025 official delegation visit to Toyonaka, which included the Mayor of San Mateo, the City Manager, the Deputy City Clerk, San Mateo students, and adult chaperones. The visit formed part of the ongoing recognition of the 60th anniversary of the San Mateo–Toyonaka Sister City relationship and coincided with activities connected to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, providing an important global context for the exchange.
By aligning the exchange with the Osaka Expo and building on the legacy of the 60th anniversary celebrated in 2023, the program provided students with a broader perspective on Japan’s role in global dialogue and innovation, while reinforcing the importance of long-standing local government and community partnerships in addressing global challenges.
Building on this momentum, San Mateo is currently preparing to welcome a delegation of Youth Ambassadors from Toyonaka in March 2026. The upcoming visit will provide Toyonaka students with opportunities to experience life in San Mateo, visit local schools and civic facilities, and engage directly with students, families, and community leaders. This reciprocal exchange continues the partnership’s long tradition of cultural diplomacy while looking ahead to the next chapter of collaboration.
