Sister City

Hendersonville's Sister City: Tsuru, Japan

Friendship bridge over the lake

History

The friendship between Tsuru and Hendersonville began after mission teams from Bluegrass Baptist Church visited Japan. The families of Tsuru opened their homes to strangers from the United States in 1979, 1981 and 1983. The American visitors were overwhelmed by the hospitality and generosity of their hosts.

A member of the first mission team, Martha Woody Minardi, was asked to go to Tsuru for the summer of 1980 to teach English. During her visit, the idea of Hendersonville and Tsuru becoming sister cities was born. Randy Smith, then part-time minister of music at Bluegrass Baptist Church presented the proposal of the Tsuru City officials. Gifts were exchanged between the two cities. Hendersonville officials, including Mayor T.W. Patterson, sent a resolution to Tsuru suggesting that a formal relationship be formed.

In early 1983 the mayor of Tsuru, Michimasa Takabe, officially accepted the proposal that Hendersonville and Tsuru become sister cities. A delegation from Tsuru came to Hendersonville and the official agreement was signed on May 18, 1983.

What is a sister city?

A sister city is a long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. The highest elected or appointed official from both communities must sign an agreement to become sister cities.

In 2023, Hendersonville and Tsuru celebrated 40 years of friendship as sister cities. The Tsuru-Hendersonville relationship is Tennessee’s longest sister-city relationship with a city in Japan.

As sister cities, delegations from each city visit each other and participate in cultural exchanges. The Tsuru Hendersonville Friendship Committee organizes trips to Japan, including student delegations. 

Hendersonville is also home to Friendship Island and the Friendship Bridge, located at Memorial Park.

A group sits in front of the welcome to Hendersonville sign
A large group of Hendersonville and Tsuru residents sit together on a stage