Sister Cities Relationships between Australia and Japan ASCA National Conference International Forum 29 July 2008 Kenji Ikeda Director, CLAIR Sydney
Sister Cities Relationships for Australia The number of Sister Cities Relationships for Australia ( 484 ) ※ Excluding Sister States/Prefectures Relationships December, 2007
The number of Sister Cities Relationships for Japan ( 1,434 ) ※ Excluding Sister Cities States/Prefectures Relationships Sister Cities Relationships for Japan December, 2007
Grounds for Mutual Understanding Common Values ( Japan and Australia ) ■ World Peace ■ Democracy ■ Liberal economy ■ Sustainability
Advantages of Australia for Japan ■ Safety and hygiene ■ English speaking ■ Southern hemisphere ■ Rich in nature ■ Little time difference
Benefits of Sister City Relationships Culture Exchange ■ Introduction to traditional arts and culture ■ Way of life and values ■ Creating through Collaboration ■ Tool for communication
Cultural Exchange Coffs Harbour ー Sasebo ( Nagasaki ) Japanese Festival of Children’s Day
Benefits of Sister City Relationships Sports Exchange ■ Same rules apply ■ Mutual respect ■ True sporting experience
Sports Exchange Townsville ー Iwaki ( Fukushima ) Friendly Rugby Match Townsville Selected Team vs Iwaki Selected Team
Benefits of Sister City Relationships Youth Exchange ■ Cross-culture experience ■ English education ■ Japanese public school operated by local government ■ Local government plays major role in Sister City relationship
Youth Exchange Wollongong ー Kawasaki ( Kanagawa ) 16 th Kawasaki Junior Cultural Prize Winner
Benefits of Sister City Relationships Exchange between local authorities ■ Local government drives Sister City relationship ■ Sharing experience and knowledge ■ Common goal, common challenge
Staff Exchange Campbelltown ー Koshigaya ( Saitama ) Internship Programme in Campbelltown
Benefits of Sister City Relationships Economic and Business ■ Some cases - Beneficial with strong economic backgrounds ■ Most cases - Impracticable ■ Opportunity gained by efforts and insight
Economic Exchange Melbourne Osaka 30th Anniversary Business Seminar Melbourne - Osaka ( Osaka )
Economic Exchange Rotorua ( New Zealand )ー Beppu ( Oita ) Bepputsurumi High School Excursion in Rotorua
What does “CLAIR, Sydney” do? ■ Supports and promotes Sister City relationships, seeking the cooperation of ASCA and SCNZ ■ Supports cultural performances and exhibitions by Japanese delegations ■ Visits Australian counterpart cities ( ceremonies and events ) ■ Provide information to relevant agencies ■ Sponsorship of ASCA and SCNZ conferences ■ Supports cities seeking Sister City relationships