Cities of Amagasaki and Nagahama

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the friendship alliance between the German city of Augsburg and the Japanese cities of Amagasaki and Nagahama is being revived. The youth delegation from Augsburg, aged between 18 and 25, recently visited Nagahama and Amagasaki from September 14 to 28, 2019.

The journey began in Nagahama, an independent city with around 120,000 inhabitants, located on Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. The cityscape of Nagahama is characterised by modern architecture, spacious promenades, and parks. Nagahama is also the centre of the textile machinery and chemical industries and has a branch of Yanmar Diesel Engines.

The partnership between Augsburg and Nagahama was established in 1959, marking the first German-Japanese sister city partnership. The initiative for the partnership came from Japan, specifically Magokichi Yamaoka, the then CEO of Yanmar Diesel Works. In recognition and gratitude, Yamaoka donated the Rudolf Diesel Memorial Grove in the Wittelsbach Park.

During their three-day stay in Nagahama, the delegation participated in various activities. After visiting a kindergarten, a boat trip on Lake Biwa, and an exchange with Nagahama's citizens, the highlight of the visit was the dirndl and traditional clothing fitting with a photoshoot at the Jakobstift.

The delegation also paid respects to the many victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 with a wreath-laying ceremony. This solemn moment served as a reminder of the shared history between Germany and Japan.

Following Nagahama, the journey continued to Amagasaki. The youth delegation visited a reconstructed castle, temple visits, an exchange with students of Sosei High School, a visit to a straw mat factory, and an open lesson concert were planned.

The FCA exchange is in collaboration with the Yamaoka Memorial Foundation of the Yanmar company. Last year, Augsburg, in collaboration with the partner city Amagasaki, organised an artist exchange for the first time. This exchange between the lab30 festival and the artist house A-Lab of the partner cities Augsburg and Amagasaki is taking shape.

Mayor Martina Wild welcomed the visitors at a reception in the Rococo Hall of the Government of Swabia. The openness of Nagahama's and Amagasaki's citizens is reflected in their generous urban planning and numerous urban facilities. The last visit by a Japanese youth delegation to Augsburg was in 2018.

To document their journey, the youth delegation plans a photo action on Instagram using the hashtags #60sistercityaan and #60unser. This initiative aims to strengthen mutual relations and foster cultural exchange between Germany and Japan.

For promoting cultural exchange between Germany and Japan, Mayor Dr. Kurt Gribl was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun. The Spring Festival organised annually by the DJG in the Botanical Garden also serves as a platform for strengthening these relations.

As part of a youth football exchange, the Japanese youth football team Cerezo Osaka was a guest at the football club Augsburg (FCA) from August 12 to 15 for a friendly match. This sports exchange further reinforces the bond between the two cities.

The exchange between the cities of Augsburg, Amagasaki, and Nagahama serves as a testament to the enduring friendship and cultural exchange between Germany and Japan. This partnership, established over six decades ago, continues to thrive, fostering mutual understanding and respect.