Letter: Hello and thank you from Nanae! 

January 29, 2024

I would like to thank you for the warm welcome and generous hospitality you showed our delegation this past October. All of us in Nanae are very happy that we were able to start this tradition again and send our first group of children in four years. During the visit, the delegates learned a lot about both Concord and our sister-city relationship from the many fun events you prepared. 

Everyone enjoyed the chance to join high school and middle school classes, give a special presentation at Thoreau and the high school, and take a special history tour of the Old North Bridge. Homestaying with Concord’s families was one of the highlights. We believe it gives students a chance to have truly life-changing experiences. 

We were especially pleased that we were able to hold the 25th anniversary of our sister city relationship after a one-year delay due to the pandemic. This year’s wonderful ceremony reminded everyone of the great memories we’ve made, as well as all the many reasons to continue this relationship into the future.  

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the members of CNN (Concord Nanae Network) and all of the people who helped make the ceremony and the delegation possible, and to all the citizens of Concord, whose continued support allows our friendship to continue. 

Futoshi Sugihara 

Mayor of Nanae