

Shimukappu (占冠村 Shimukappu-mura) is nestled in beautiful mountains, with rivers and lakes nearby, in the middle of Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido. It is part of a township, including other villages, one of which is Tomamu, an international ski resort. The population of the township, as of 2016 was approximately 1,251. Shimukappu is known for the following things; its mountain vegetables that are grown locally in the mountains in the summer, the brilliant reds and yellows of the maple leaves in the fall, deep snow in the winter, and beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Adventure activities abound in all seasons, as well.

TIMBAH BELL: WORDLINESS IN THE JAPANESE COUNTRYSIDE
Lessons at school in Shimukappu show how to be a global team player My ninth-grade students recently had a lesson... read more →
March 23, 2022

TIMBAH BELL: LEARNING FROM THE QUIETNESS
Peace and harmony in Shimukappu highlight the value of turning down the volume on life. Studying Japanese is easier... read more →
February 9, 2022

MAKING HOME IN JAPAN
Timbah Bell, a former Aspen High School English teacher, heads to sister city of Shimukappu, Japan, to teach English. “Beauty... read more →
November 29, 2021

2022 YOUNG ARTISTS AND AUTHORS SHOWCASE
Calling young artists, photographers, authors, poets and musicians! Sister Cities International Announces the 2022 YAAS theme "Generation Rescue: Sustainable Water... read more →
October 26, 2021
DUCKY DERBY FUNDRAISER
Congratulations to the students who worked the 2021 Ducky Derby and fundraised for the Aspen Sister Cities Middle School Student... read more →
August 25, 2021
SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Sister Cities International is excited to announce our 2021 Virtual Annual Conference! This year’s theme is “Building Stronger Ties for... read more →
July 7, 2021
aspen/Shimukappu exchanges: