Cherry blossoms to symbolise Toda and Liverpool’s friendship

26 July 2019

A pink cloud of cherry blossoms each spring will serve as an annual reminder of the friendship between Liverpool and its sister city Toda, Japan, thanks to three cherry blossom trees planted this week.

As part of a high school student exchange program between the two cities, 15 Japanese students and three teachers visited James Busby and Lurnea high schools to plant trees.

Mayor Wendy Waller said a group of nine students from the two high schools would undertake a reciprocal visit in September.

“These two schools hosting a group of students from Toda are providing an amazing experience for the students,” Mayor Waller said.

“Planting the trees symbolises the growth of new ideas and friendships between Toda and Liverpool that will benefit both of our cities.”

This is the first time since 2010 that Liverpool students will go to Toda.

“These students have the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in Japanese life learning,” Mayor Waller said.

“They can then bring back what they have learned to their classmates.

“The Toda/Liverpool Sister City Student Exchange Program is a leading example of local government working in partnership with the school community and Liverpool families.”

This is the 27th year of the Sister City relationship between Toda and Liverpool City Council.

“Liverpool City Council welcomes Toda students and Liverpool is excited that the Sister City relationship is reaffirmed again this year and the full student exchange is reinstated,” Mayor Waller said.