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