Developing a mutual understanding of cultural differences and ways of life is not only the key to a lasting and harmonious friendship, but also to personal growth in tolerance, open-mindedness, and empathy. It is precisely these qualities that the city of Yokohama seeks to foster in the younger generation, with the aim of seeing them grow into talented and cosmopolitan individuals. For this reason, the student exchange program with the city of Frankfurt is also an essential pillar of the city partnership established in 2011. Nevertheless, other cultural topics are also part of this partnership.
When the Frankfurt delegation, led by Mayor Mike Josef, visited Yokohama in September, some of these themes were part of the program. Nature and food offer the easiest gateway to culture. The group visited the Sankeien Garden, which has been open to the public since 1906. The group was even able to tour some of the very old buildings and gain insight into the art of making tatami mats. In one of these buildings, the group enjoyed a bento, a traditional Japanese lunchbox filled with various delicacies. What the German and Japanese sides have in common is this: such a magnificent garden is a great asset to a metropolis, serving as a haven of peace and a place of relaxation, but also as a source of education for the younger generation.
Student Exchange
The delegation focused on this topic with a visit to Sakuragaoka High School—the partner school of Schule am Ried—and Yokohama University of Art and Design. At the school, the group was able to experience a cultural festival. Such school festivals are primarily planned, organized, and carried out by the students. The various clubs introduced themselves to the rest of the student body, the teachers, and the parents, and there was a selection of food and drinks, which was also prepared by the students. The delegation was fortunate enough to experience a traditional tea ceremony performed by students in the tea club, allowing them to delve even deeper into the culture. In addition, the school principals were able to meet in person for the first time and discuss the exchange program to date as well as its future.
Photo: Former Principal Gans with the signed agreement
The exchange between the two schools began in 2017, and since then there have been regular visits and return visits, interrupted only briefly by the COVID-19 pandemic. But even during that time, both sides made an effort to keep the exchange alive through digital platforms. During the visits—in which students from both sides stay with host families and thus gain firsthand insights into real life in the other country—the focus is never just on sightseeing. The students also attend classes at their host schools and work on joint projects on educational topics that they choose themselves because these topics are relevant to them now or in the future.
Artist Exchange
The visit to the University of the Arts gave the delegation the opportunity to view the graffiti mural created in 2016. There had been concerns that the mural might not last long, but even after 10 years, it still looked exactly the same as it did on the day it was completed. As part of the artist exchange program, Justus Becker, a graffiti artist from Frankfurt, had traveled to Yokohama, where he not only created the impressive mural but also led a graffiti workshop for students, who worked in groups to create their own graffiti pieces on large canvases.
Main image and this photo: City of Frankfurt am Main—Yuko Tahara
In 2019, as a reciprocal visit for the artist exchange, dancer Nakamura Yô from Yokohama came to Frankfurt, where she not only performed at the Main Matsuri—which was still taking place in Frankfurt at the time—but also led two dance workshops. One workshop was held at the Schule am Ried for students, and the other was open to Frankfurt residents. In this way, the exchange reached people of various age groups and deepened the friendship between Yokohama and Frankfurt on many levels.
VHS Citizens’ Trip
Another exchange between the citizens of both cities took place in 2022 with the VHS citizens’ trip to Yokohama. The program gave participants insight not only into the culture but also into topics such as urban development and sustainability. There, too, participants were able to meet Yokohama residents learning German, exchange ideas, and experience the friendship between the two cities firsthand. Another trip is planned for 2027, which, as part of the Green x Expo, will not only offer new educational topics but will also build on these friendly ties and further strengthen them.
Related posts:
Mayor Mike Josef of Frankfurt, Germany, makes his first visit to Yokohama
City of Yokohama Hosts U.S.–Japan Climate Tech Collaboration Event During SF Tech Week
Yokohama’s 2026 Subsidy Incentives for Companies in Next-Generation Strategic Sectors
Yokohama Featured in Brazilian Media — Highlighting Sustainability Initiatives Including GREEN×EXPO 2027
