Newberg’s first sister city relationship was established in 2000 partnering Newberg with Wadayama, Japan (now part of Asago City, Japan). The idea behind the city’s sisterhood was to solidify a longstanding connection between middle school students and school representatives from both the Newberg School District and Wadayama of the Hyōgo Prefecture. Mayors from both cities solidified this relationship by signing an agreement on July 30, 2000 during a signing ceremony at Newberg’s Old Fashioned Festival that year; the agreement was signed by Wadayama Mayor Tseneichi Koyama and Newberg Mayor Charles C. Cox. 

In May 2005, three other cities merged with Wadayama to form Asago City.  The sister city relationship was extended and reestablished between the City of Newberg and the new Asago, City on February 6, 2007; a new agreement was between Asago City Mayor Hidetoshi Inoue and Newberg Mayor Bob Andrews . 

The agreement pledged both cities to support the exchange of information to enhance student and community members; the sharing of the unique culture and sports of each city and country; the use of problem solving experiences; the development of information and relationships between each city’s local industries; and the continuation of the exchange program for students and community members.

A brief history of the sister city relationship with Asago City, Japan is linked to this webpage below. The City of Newberg looks forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship in the years to come.