Shelbyville’s global ties run deeper than most cities its size — and it all began nearly 40 years ago with a handshake that changed our community.
In July 1985, leaders from Japanese manufacturer RYOBI visited Shelbyville while exploring potential sites for their U.S. operations. Just two months later, on September 20, 1985, RYOBI announced it would invest $25 million to build its plant here. That initial connection sparked a conversation between Shelbyville officials and their counterparts in Kambara, Japan, that would lead to the official Sister City relationship on November 3, 1989.
The bond between Shelbyville and what is now Shizuoka City quickly grew beyond business. Since 1989, the partnership has included annual student exchange programs, where Shelbyville high school — and occasionally middle school — students travel to Japan for cultural immersion and homestays. In return, Shizuoka sends a student delegation to Shelbyville each year, giving Japanese students the chance to experience life in an American household, attend local schools, and take part in community activities.
Many of these connections become lifelong friendships, with host families and guests keeping in touch for decades. The exchanges are facilitated by the Shelby County International Relations Council, a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Shelbyville’s Sister City initiatives.
The relationship has also brought significant economic impact. Today, Shelby County is home to 15 Japanese manufacturing facilities, a Japanese language and cultural education program, and an active exchange of educators. This week, Shelbyville welcomed its 10th Japanese teacher, Ms. Yuri Saito, who will teach at Coulston Elementary. Next week, the city will host a new delegation of students from Shizuoka for a weeklong immersion program.
“Not only has this Sister City partnership enriched our community culturally, but it has also strengthened our economic base,” said Mayor Scott Furgeson. “It’s a unique achievement for a city our size, and it’s a legacy we are proud to continue.”
As Shelbyville approaches the 40th anniversary of the Sister City relationship in 2028, the city celebrates the foresight of leaders in the late 1980s — and the thousands of personal and professional connections made since. What began with a business decision has grown into a global friendship that continues to benefit Shelbyville today.
