City of Leavenworth Sister City Committee (Omihachiman)

Purpose / Mission: To promote relationships between Leavenworth, Kansas and Omihachiman, Japan.

Year Established: —– 1997 Historical information: The cities of Leavenworth, KS and Omihachiman, Japan became Sister Cities in 1997 (originally called Sister and Brother cities on historical documentation). The two cities are connected because of the civic and religious commitment of one man, Mr. William Merrell Vories. Vories was born in Leavenworth in 1880. In 1905, he traveled to Omihachiman as a YMCA evangelistic teacher and missionary. Vories dedicated his life to Christian principles and remained in Japan for the remainder of his life. He established numerous civic and entrepreneurial organizations to support his missionary work. His work as a missionary, businessman, architect, social worker and educator significantly contributed to the Japanese and Omihachiman communities.

Main Activities: Usually 25-30 Japanese visitors stay for two days, either in May or early October. Periodically have visits by Omihachiman school officials and students. The City of Leavenworth Sister City Committee is appointed by the Mayor of Leavenworth.

Main Contact: Sara Wright, Public Information Officer

www.lvks.org