Japanese students visit Rapid City on educational exchange

As part of an educational exchange, students from Nikko City, Japan are soaking up the culture of Rapid City as part of our Sister City partnership.

Seven Nikko City students are in town for the week to tour the area and meet with city leaders, including Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender. On Friday, Allender presented each of the students with honorary citizen certificates and an official City medallion.

The group even visited a Rapid City street bearing their hometown's namesake. Back in April, the Rapid City Council approved the renaming of sections of Rapid Street to honor our international partnerships.

Allender spoke about why these partnerships are so important. "Well I think it’s good in a Sister City arrangement. I think we have to make an effort to experience each other. These students today are interested in learning about American culture and to see what their Sister City is all about – the local culture and atmosphere – and they are very excited to be here, and it’s good for us and good for them."

Nikko City and Rapid City have engaged in a Sister City partnership for over 20 years.