Fort Wayne is at the forefront of proactive initiatives designed to make a lasting and meaningful impact. Our community’s view of the world and having a global mindset were the focus of a recent Sister Cities International visit to Fort Wayne by several dignitaries from Takaoka, Japan.

Takaoka is Fort Wayne’s first sister city. The cities joined together in 1976. At a gathering at Citizens Square, Mayor Tom Henry and the mayor of Takaoka, Yuki Kakuda, signed a joint declaration to commemorate the continuation of the sister cities partnership between Fort Wayne and Takaoka.

In addition, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and the Takaoka Chamber of Commerce signed a partnership document as a sign of commitment to exploring additional economic development opportunities in the future. This signing was a renewal of a document that was signed in 1994 by the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce (predecessor to Greater Fort Wayne Inc.) and the Takaoka Chamber of Commerce.

Fort Wayne is honored to be a sister city with Takaoka. We’re so thankful for the sister cities partnership. The focus on learning and citizen diplomacy is to be commended. Fort Wayne and Takaoka share a commitment to making our cities and countries as places that give back and think of others. We’re fortunate to be part of a global effort aimed at friendship and peace.

Looking forward, we envision future growth and success for our respective cities. We also want to maintain and enhance the closeness of the sister cities program. By working together, we’ll be able to accomplish so much and gain an even better appreciation for one another.