Busselton-Sugito Sister Cities – Celebrating 20 years of Friendship

January 2017

Consulate-General of Japan in Perth

On the 25th and 26th of January, Mayoral delegation of Sugito Mayor, Mr Furuya, visited Busselton to celebrate 20 years of friendship between Busselton and its sister city, Sugito Town of Saitama Prefecture. A reception was held to celebrate the milestone, as well as a ceremony for the re-affirmation signing of the Busselton and Sugito Sister Cities Agreement, which were both attended by Consul-General and Mrs Hirayama.

The Mayor of Busselton, Mr Henley, hosted a reception on the 25th, attended by the Hon Barry House MLC, President of the Legislative Assembly, Ms Elizabeth Mettam MLA, Busselton City councilors, The Mayoral delegation from Sugito, Busselton and Sugito Sister Cities Association President, Ms Vukelic, and others. This reception also served as the book launch for a special 20th Anniversary Commemorative Book. At the launch, Consul-General Hirayama spoke about the book title “Bridge of Friendship” and how it represents the incredibly important relationship that has spanned many years and has been lovingly nurtured by many caring hands from both cities. He offered ongoing support for the relationship and wished both cities every success in fostering active exchange between both cities.

The re-affirmation signing of the Busselton and Sugito Sister Cities Agreement was held at the Australia Day celebration civic event on January 26. Before a large crowd of locals from the Busselton area who had gathered to celebrate Australia Day, Mayor Henley and Mayor Furuya performed the re-affirmation signing and committed to deepening the friendship between their cities. The ceremony was attended by officials from the City of Busselton, and Ms Elizabeth Mettam MLA. Sugito Town’s mascot character ‘Sugipyon’ also made an appearance and was a big hit with the crowds.