Sister city Japanese delegation visits Central Highlands to mark 30 years

Japan’s Ichinoseki City Council Mayor Yoshihito Sato and three delegates were welcomed to the Central Highlands earlier this month to celebrate more than three decades of a special sister city relationship. 

The sister city agreement between Central Highlands and Ichinoseki was first signed in 1993. Since then, the program has aimed to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two communities. 

The visiting Japanese delegation had a whirlwind four days touring the Central Highlands, taking in a range of sights and activities including: 

Their visit ended with a Japanese Festival in Blackwater to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the sister city agreement. Guests were able to try their hand at Japanese lantern and kite making, origami and pottery activities, as well as taste some Japanese delights including sushi, frozen mochi balls, miso soup and pocky sticks.  

A highlight of the festival was the re-signing by both mayors of the Co-operative Agreement of the Sister City relationship, promoting the commitment of Ichinoseki and Central Highlands to continue to support the bonds of the relationship. 

Mayor Moriarty said it was a privilege for Central Highlands Regional Council and Blackwater community to host Mayor Yoshihito Sato, Chairman Nobuyuki Katsuura and Ichinoseki Council staff Mr Katsunori Suzuki and Natsumi Fuijita, and she looks forward strengthening this important international relationship.

‘For three decades, our sister city relationship has been a beacon of cultural exchange, mutual respect, and shared prosperity,’ she said.

‘Re-signing this agreement reaffirms our commitment to these values and our dedication to building a brighter future together,’

‘The visit to Central Highlands by Mayor Sato and Chairman Katsurra demonstrates the enormous respect and level of commitment they have to reaffirming our sister city agreement and their willingness to invest in our ongoing relationship.’

‘Our connection with this region of Japan has been long-lasting, and enabled both regions to exchange experiences and ideas in education, culture and commerce.’

‘As we look ahead, I am confident that our sister city bonds will continue to flourish, bringing new opportunities for cultural and economic growth.’

Mayor Moriarty thanked all the CHRC Councillors, staff, community members and businesses that welcomed and supported the Japanese visitors during their short visit to Emerald, Blackwater and the Gemfields.

‘It was a pleasure to meet and host Mayor Sato, Chairman Katsuura and his colleagues, and we thank them greatly for taking the time to visit here in the Central Highlands region.’ she said.