Irasshaimase! America’s international relationships may be at an all-time low, but that’s all the more reason to celebrate over three decades of Austin being sister city to Ōita, capital of Ōita Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu. Hosted by the Austin-Ōita Sister City Committee, there’s a lot more to learn about our similarities than our shared love of natural water sources (we have Barton Springs, they have their famous Beppu Jigoku hot springs). After an opening ceremony with the thundering drums of Austin Taiko, there’ll be traditional Japanese dances, sumo wrestling, origami lessons, delicious regional treats, and so much more. – Richard Whittaker
