Fourth of July Parade Highlights Huntington Beach and Anjo’s 44-Year Sister City Friendship
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — The Huntington Beach Sister City Association (HBSCA) welcomed, from July 1 to July 5, 2026, student ambassadors and an official delegation from its sister city, Anjo, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This summer held exceptional significance as the two cities commemorated the 44th anniversary of a cultural partnership and goodwill that began in 1982.
To honor this deeply rooted relationship, Surf City USA featured its largest-ever collective Sister City presence in the historic 122nd Annual Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade.
Leading the expanded contingent down the parade route were the Honorable Kosei Murota, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles; Anjo’s Vice Mayor Shosuke Sugiura; City Council Chairperson Kae Matsumoto; and leadership staff from the Anjo International Association.
In a grand reunion of international friendship, they were joined by the visiting Japanese exchange students and their local host families, along with a special invitation extended to previous exchange students, alumni, chaperones, and former student ambassadors from decades past, uniting generations who have kept this cross-cultural bond thriving.
The Japanese student ambassadors and their chaperone arrived in Huntington Beach on July 1, 2026, and embarked on a classic Southern California experience hosted by local families. Their action-packed itinerary included a Huntington Beach Day featuring a Junior Lifeguard and Marine Safety tour, a local fire station tour, a beach day, and trips to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and a Dodgers game for Ohtani Bobblehead Night.
Anjo’s council and civilian delegation of four stayed with local host families from July 2 to 5. Sister city activities included an intimate dinner hosted at a board member’s home, a formal welcome lunch with the Huntington Beach City Council, city staff, and the HBSCA board at a local restaurant, and their historic march in the Fourth of July Parade.
Website: https://hbsca.org/
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