Maritime Campus, CPET welcome Japan delegates

San Jacinto College welcomed visitors from Pasadena's sister city, Hadano, Japan, in early January.

Twelve delegates from Hadano — city hall staff, board of education members, teachers, and students — visited the Pasadena area Jan. 6-11.

During their stay, the delegates toured the College's LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology, exploring custom industrial labs. They also visited the Maritime Technology and Training Center, where they practiced steering vessels in simulated bridge rooms.

"We had both San Jac facilities recommended for the visit due to the programs offered. Our guests were very impressed with both visits," said Gayle Holder Carter, president of the Pasadena Sister City Association.

In addition, the Hadano delegates toured and made presentations at local K-12 schools, the San Jacinto Monument, NASA Johnson Space Center, Japanese-owned company Kuraray, and other places. Most stayed in private homes to experience family life in a Houston suburb and enjoyed local culinary experiences.

Sister cities for 55 years, Pasadena and Hadano alternate visits annually through the Pasadena-Hadano Sister City Association.