Sister City
The City of Monroe and Hofu, Japan, officially entered into a Sister City Relationship in 1993. Mayor C. D. “Al” Cappuccilli and Mayor Matsuura signed the Agreement on August 19, 1993.
The Monroe International Friendship Association (MIFA) was founded in 1992 by local residents to create opportunities for all students in Monroe County to experience and explore other cultures. It is dedicated to letting students give expression to their common desire for friendship, goodwill, and cooperation toward a better world for all. Over the past 24 years nearly 200 students have participated in this educational exchange.
For more information on MIFA and how to become a student delegate or a host family, please visit their page, the
Monroe International Friendship Association.
Sister City Mayor, Masato Matsuura, of Hofu, Japan,and the Hon. Mayor Robert E. Clark. September, 2023.
MIFA delegates with Sister City Mayor, Masato Matsuura, of Hofu, Japan,and the Hon. Mayor Robert E. Clark. September, 2023.
The Hon. Mayor Robert E. Clark with the 2016 students from Hofu, Japan.
Sister City Mayor, Masato Matsuura, of Hofu, Japan, attends a celebratory dinner in 2016 with the Hon. Robert E. Clark, Mayor of Monroe, at the Sisters, Servants, of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with Sr. Joyce Durosko, and other guests.
Mayor Matsuura and high school student musicians.
15th anniversary picture with the Hon. Mark G. Worrell, Mayor of Monroe, with Mayor Masato Matsuura, Hofu, Japan.
Tree planting ceremony in 2008 with Mayor Matsuura, Mayor Mark G. Worrell, and Mayor C. D. “Al” Cappuccilli at Cappuccilli Park.