Established in 1990 after the signing of the Sister-State agreement by Governors Tommy Thompson (Wisconsin) and Takeshi Numata (Chiba), Wisconsin-Chiba, Inc. (WCI) supports the sister-state relationship between the State of Wisconsin and Prefecture of Chiba, Japan. WCI engages in activities such as organizing and hosting annual cultural delegations in partnership with its Japanese counterpart, the Chiba-Wisconsin Association. WCI is a non-profit, tax-exempt, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization.
The WCI mission statement is as follows:
Wisconsin-Chiba, Inc (WCI). is dedicated to strengthening the sister-state relationship between Wisconsin and Chiba, Japan. By engaging children and adults through cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and community partnerships, WCI endeavors to build bridges for mutual understanding that will benefit both regions for generations to come.
The Wisconsin-Chiba sister-state relationship was officially established in 1990 to build mutual understanding, respect, and enduring friendships between our citizens. By bridging the American Midwest and Japan’s Boso Peninsula, this partnership was designed to promote grassroots connections and encourage collaboration across economics, education, culture, science, and technology. Over the decades, what began as a formal diplomatic agreement has blossomed into a thriving network of personal and professional cross-cultural relationships that continue to enrich both regions.
As the driving force on the American side, Wisconsin-Chiba, Inc. (WCI) operates as a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on sponsoring and arranging these vital cultural exchanges. Based in Walworth, Wisconsin, WCI coordinates everything from sending Wisconsin Goodwill Delegations to Japan to warmly hosting Chiba delegates right here in our state. Through decades of facilitating youth exchange programs, home stays, and local community events, our organization provides Wisconsinites with authentic opportunities to experience Japanese traditions firsthand. In recognition of this unwavering commitment, WCI was honored with the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Commendation for its long-standing support in promoting international friendship.
To support and expand these efforts across the Pacific, our Japanese counterpart—often recognized as Chiba-WI, Inc., and officially operating as the Chiba-Wisconsin Association (CWA)—was founded in 2004. Working hand-in-hand with WCI, this dedicated point of contact in Japan ensures that our collaborative momentum never slows down. They coordinate reciprocal activities in Chiba, ranging from welcoming our delegations with incredible hospitality to supporting Wisconsin’s Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) working in Japanese schools. Together, WCI and our partners in Chiba maintain a seamless, continuous exchange of culture, food, and education, ensuring the historic bond between Wisconsin and Chiba continues to thrive for generations.