Himeji
Sister City Relationship
Part way through 1980, the Ambassador of Australia in Japan, informed the then Lord Mayor Mr J.V.S. Bowen, of an approach from the City of Himeji for the establishment of a Sister City relationship.
On 22 February 1982, the Adelaide City Council resolved unanimously that arrangements be made to establish bonds of friendship between our two communities and thereby initiate the development of the association between us as Sister Cities.
A proclamation was signed formally by the Honourable Toyonobu Yoshida, the then Mayor of Himeji and Dr John Watson, the then Lord Mayor of Adelaide, in Himeji on 19 April 1982. A corresponding resolution to that set out in the proclamation was adopted by the Adelaide City Council on 24 May 1982.
The Sister City relationship with Himeji has been established for the purposes of deepening mutual understanding, friendship and goodwill through programs of educational, cultural, social and economic exchange.
The proclamation contains the hope that a long and deep friendship between the two cities will contribute to the cause of world peace and the prosperity of mankind.
About Himeji
Himeji is a particularly attractive city, situated in Hyogo Province which is 480 kilometres south-west from Tokyo. Himeji has a population of 450,000 people and gained a city government in 1889. Himeji has a very colourful history, from its beginnings as a castle town to its current day presence as a vibrant cultural centre and a hub for economic and industrial activity.
Himeji is also well known for having the oldest wooden castle in Japan. Himeji Castle is world renowned for its beauty and design and is often referred to as the "White Heron Castle" due to its white walls and design.
As the people of Himeji say, "Himeji - vigorous, prosperous and warm-hearted".
For more information on the history of Himeji please visit the links listed below.
Achievements of the Sister City Relationship
Some of the achievements that have occurred due to the development and promotion of a Sister City relationship between Adelaide and Himeji include:
● Contract to supply a major Japanese supermarket with Australian produce. Valued at $15 million.
● One hundred and eighty four Himeji citizens visited Adelaide in 1982 with an injection of over $600,000 into the City's economy.
● Japanese College of Adelaide was opened in 1981 by two Himeji citizens to promote the studying of English in Adelaide and as a tool to market tourism to Adelaide.
● An English College was established in Himeji in 1985 as an extension of the success of the Japanese College of Adelaide.
● 1998 saw the 9th Student Exchange from Himeji to Adelaide and the 8th Student Exchange from Adelaide to Himeji. As a direct consequence of these exchanges, a number of schools maintain the exchanges and visit on a regular basis.
● An exchange of artists in residence between Adelaide and Himeji. Strongly supported by the Jam Factory and the School of Arts.
● The Himeji Student Exchange Program 2001 will be the 12th Student Exchange from Himeji and the 10th Student Exchange from Adelaide.
