Welcome to Saratoga Sister City!
Saratoga Sister City has experienced a fruitful, friendly, and impactful association with our sister
city of Muko, Japan for almost 40 years. Past exchange visits between the two clubs have
occurred at five-year anniversaries. Our local members enjoy camaraderie with informal
activities, cultural demonstrations, casual potlucks, informative talks. Our belief: mutual
understanding between nations begins with personal interaction and knowledge.
In 2024, we will celebrate 40 years of friendship between Saratoga and Muko. Please see "Join" if interested in becoming a member.
Cordially,
Reiko Iwanaga & Mike Story,
Co-Presidents, Saratoga Sister City
Our Mission
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To establish understanding, goodwill and friendship between the cities of Saratoga and Muko
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To encourage and promote cross-cultural events, including exchange visits, home-stays and educational programs
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To provide travel opportunities and social interaction between Saratoga and Muko residents to better understand respective cultures
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To enhance the efforts of the two communities to preserve their identities and their cultural heritage
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To respect each other's sovereignty and through exchanges establish channels to help promote world peace and friendship
Saratoga
サラガ 市
Saratoga is a city in Santa Clara County, California. Located in Silicon Valley it has a population of approximately 30,000. Early settlement of Saratoga began in 1847 and the city was incorporated a century later in 1956. It is an ethnically and racially diverse residential community known for its wineries, restaurants and attractions like Villa Montalvo, Mountain Winery and Hakone Gardens. Saratoga has a small town feel with its main business area on Big Basin Way.
Muko
向日市
Muko is a city in Kyoto Prefecture , Japan. Known as Nagaoka-kyo, it served as the capital city of Japan for a decade from 784 to 794. Muko was founded on October 1, 1972 and has a population of approximately 55,000. Muko adjoins Nagaoka on the south and is abutted by Kyoto on the other three sides. In addition to a thriving business district, Muko has a four story shopping center north of its downtown. It shares bamboo groves with Kyoto’s Arashiyama district on its western border. The Takenomichi (bamboo path) is a popular attraction as well as the landmark Muko Shrine which dates back to 718. Muko is known for producing prized culinary bamboo shoots as well as mustard greens and eggplants. Rice is grown in paddies on the eastern side of the city.
Board of Directors (2023 - 2024)
Reiko Iwanaga
Co-President
Mike Story
Co-President
Don Korn
Past President
Peter Marra
Treasurer
Carol Garvey
Secretary
Committee Chairpersons
Marilyn White
Publicity
Ginger Lai
Student Art Exchange
Aki Okuno
Taiko
Ruthann Stolzman
Newsletter
Teiko Smith
Membership
Sharon Wienhoff
Taiko
Diane McLaughlin
Hospitality
Nancy Kirk
Membership
Richard Kanazawa
Historian
Liaisons
Kookie Fitzsimmons
Saratoga City Council
Aiko Tauchi
Muko-shi
Ann Waltonsmith
Hakone