The story behind Idaho Falls’ 45-year friendship with this Japanese village

More than a decade after the end of World War II, President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded Sister Cities International, a program aimed at promoting peace, cultural understanding, educational exchanges, and economic cooperation.It was 1956. The war came to an end in 1945 after the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, but American hostility towards the Japanese remained.The five-star general — who was given unprecedented command of all Allied forces during World War II — believed that personal connections between ordinary citizens could help prevent future conflicts.Idaho Falls and Tokai-Mura, Japan, have been Sister Cities since 1981.RELATED | Once enemies in war, Idaho Falls marks 45 years of friendship with Japanese Sister CityAs of 2026, the two cities are celebrating 45 years of friendship. They have exchanged visitors through the years. A student delegation from Tokai-Mura recently completed a 10-day trip to the Idaho Falls area.This week on “It’s Worth Mentioning,” we’re taking a look at the history of the Sister City program in Idaho Falls and the decades of hostility that existed for decades after the war.Rett Nelson is joined by two guests — the first is Laura Combs, president of the Idaho Falls Sister Cities Youth program. She will discuss the city’s long association with Tokai-Mura, how it started and how she came to Idaho Falls and got involved in the program.RELATED | An ‘abuse of the US Constitution’ brought him to eastern Idaho. Why his son wants you to know about itThen, Jon Ochi, a longtime Idaho Falls resident of Japanese descent, speaks with Rett Nelson about his father, Fred Ochi. Fred lived in Idaho Falls during World War II. Jon shares some of his dad’s experiences and what life was like for the Japanese community.RELATED | 37 Japanese Americans who resisted WWII draft focus of new Museum of Idaho exhibitRELATED | Balloon bomb that landed in Rigby nearly 80 years ago was a failed attempt to terrorize AmericaRELATED | How the Idaho Falls Friendship Garden was formed and became a popular gathering placeThis chapter from eastern Idaho’s past isn’t discussed in school or found in history books. It’s a fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!To learn more or get involved in the Sister Cities youth program, click here.Watch previous episodes of “It’s Worth Mentioning” here. Check out the show on Facebook. If you have a tip, guest idea or comment, email rett@eastidahonews.com.