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San Diego Sister Cities proudly unveils the groundbreaking 360 Virtual Connect project, a collaborative venture by the San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society. Our mission is to connect San Diego globally through our 24 international partners, promoting the City of San Diego as a premier tourist destination, and preserving and documenting untold histories and its vibrant cultural richness.
About 360 Connect
Student Created and Led Initiative
Born amidst the challenges of COVID-19, this virtual initiative was conceived to connect students in a virtual space during the pandemic. Created by San Diego High School Japanese Club President, Owen Miller, and the San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society with stakeholders such as the San Diego Unified School District and the Yokohama City Board of Education, the program began by showcasing a day in the life of students and has since evolved to highlight various sights around the two cities.
The program is currently working on expanding to offer VR experiences showcasing all 24 Sister Cities partnerships across 23 countries.
360 Connect Impact
New Frontiers in
Cultural Preservation
Why Is This Important?
VR and AR technologies are pivotal in preserving and documenting cultural heritage, offering innovative ways to engage, document, and safeguard our collective history. Beyond preservation, these technologies serve as tools to globally promote the City of San Diego, allowing users to virtually experience historical sites and the beauty of San Diego and its Sister Cities partners, transcending geographical barriers.
360 Connect
Telling the Story of San Diego to the World:
San Diego Sister Cities partnered with San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society to launch 360 Connect in 2023 with Vanguard Culture for the World Design Capital, the VR experience is now showcased at festivals and events throughout San Diego, enabling virtual travel to the 23 countries of San Diego’s Sister Cities.
Digital Archives of African American & Chicano Heritage in Logan Heights
San Diego Sister Cities partnered with San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society to launch 360 Connect in 2023 with Vanguard Culture for the World Design Capital, the VR experience is now showcased at festivals and events throughout San Diego, enabling virtual travel to the 23 countries of San Diego’s Sister Cities.