City of Perth to visit Japanese sister city, Kagoshima, to celebrate 50-year relationship

Lord mayor Basil Zempilas has announced the City of Perth will visit the land of the rising sun to commemorate its 50-year relationship with its sister city, Kagoshima. Perth’s relationship with the Japanese port city was formalised in 1974 after it was recognised that both cities shared a latitude of 32 degrees. The relationship has since grown to provide both cities with education exchanges and cultural and government opportunities. Mr Zempilas’ announcement comes just days after Kagoshima delegates visited Perth to celebrate the 50-year anniversary. Delegates toured Optus Stadium and Elizabeth Quay and attended functions and business meetings as part of their three-day visit last month. Delegates also took part in a tree-planting ceremony in Kagoshima Park, Burswood. “Fifty years is our longest-standing sister city relationship, and it’s been wonderful to be able to honour the enduring nature of that relationship,” Mr Zempilas said. “It has grown from a friendship relationship to a business-to-business relationship. “There are a number of big Japanese benefits that add to our economy, and they are based right here in the City of Perth, and that is really significant. “These relationships are more than just ceremonial; they have a tangible benefit to the WA economy.” PerthNow understands that a date and list of city representatives set to visit Japan has not yet been finalised. “We’re very proud to have hosted our friends, and we appreciate them visiting us and inviting us to celebrate the 50th anniversary with them in Kagoshima later this year,” Mr Zempilas said. In February, the City of Perth announced it was becoming the first West Australian council to have an official partnership with an Indian city. The endorsement of the nominated city is expected to be complete later this month.