Twenty years of friendship: Toowoomba and Takatsuki

 A Toowoomba delegation has recently returned from celebrating the milestone of 20 successful years of friendship with sister city Takatsuki, Japan.

The delegation which included Mayor Peter Taylor, councillors, council officers, a friendship group and the first ever Cultural Performance Group, made the journey to Takatsuki for official celebrations in November.

The anniversary celebrations included the planting of two Jacaranda trees at the Imashiro Daio no Mori Museum in Takatsuki and an exchange of gifts during the official dinner reception.  Guests from Toowoomba and Japan shared many happy memories and stories about the 20 year friendship span.

Delegates also took part in a Mayoral reception, visited Ohkanmuri Elementary School, met with the Takatsuki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and inspected businesses and council facilities.

During their trip, the Toowoomba group was immersed in a variety of Japanese traditions and culture, including performances by the Takatsuki Taiko Drum Group, Takatsuki Boys and Girls Chorus Group and a traditional Noh performance by Mr Takao Tanaka.

As the delegation soaked up the Japanese culture, they also took the opportunity to share insights about Toowoomba and Australia. Indigenous members of the delegation put on a traditional Aboriginal performance at the official reception and performed for school students and the community at the Agricultural Fair.  This was a unique experience for the Takatsuki citizens.

Assistant English Teachers from Toowoomba currently working in Takatsuki put together a performance and spoke about their experiences living and teaching in Toowoomba's sister city.

The friendship between Toowoomba and Takatsuki has continued to strengthen since the Declaration of Friendship was signed 20 years ago, with regular exchanges in culture, education and sport. Toowoomba looks forward to expanding the relationship with Takatsuki to reach new parts of the community over the next 20 years.