The Quesnel/Shiraoi Twinning Society was founded in 1981 to enhance awareness and development between Quesnel and the sister city of Shiraoi on Hokkaido, Japan. Cross-cultural exchanges occur with a Shiraoi delegation visiting Quesnel on even years and a Quesnel delegation visiting Shiraoi on odd years. The delegation from Quesnel is open to all citizens. Students are encouraged and sponsored financially by the society to become youth delegates.
Five elementary schools: Barlow Creek, Bouchie Lake, Carson, Lakeview and Richbar; and three high schools: Maple Drive, Correlieu and Quesnel Secondary are twinned with schools in Shiraoi.
Shiraoi youth are adult delegations have brought Japanese culture to Quesnel through dance presentations, courses in Japanese writing, Ikebana and the Tea Ceremony. Those events were open to and very much appreciated by the public at the Arts and Recreation Center.
