HomeMy WebLinkAbout04082019 City Council Laydown - Iternational RelationshipsCity of Seward, Alaska
International Relationships
SISTER CITY
Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
Since 1968, Seward has had a sister-city relationship with Obihiro, Japan. Obihiro is located
on the northern island of Hokkaido. This relationship began during the tenure of then-
Seward Mayor Bob Richardson and Yasuhiko Ohsono. Seward and Obihiro have exchanged
students each year since 1973. Seward presents the city of Obihiro, Japan with an Alaskan
Gold Pan as a Mayor's Trophy for their annual Heigen Festival, and Obihiro, Japan presents
Seward with many Fourth of July Mt. Marathon trophies and a Silver Salmon Derby trophy
each year. In the early years, Seward gifted Obihiro with two live Alaskan moose, one which
held residence in their zoo for many years.
Some highlights include:
In 1982, the Seward High School Band and Choir were invited to be a part of
Obihiro's Centennial celebration.
In 1992, Obihiro's 110th anniversary was attended by a delegation from Seward in
conjunction with the 25th Seward/Obihiro Sister City Anniversary celebrated in
Seward the following year. The pagoda on the Waterfront Park bike trail was a 25th
Anniversary gift to us from the City of Obihiro.
In 2002, Obihiro celebrated their 120th anniversary and invited Mayor Stu Clark and
a group of 25 delegates from Seward to join in the celebration in October and
November. Seward reciprocated by inviting Obihiro officials and citizens to Seward
in 2003 for the city's 100th birthday. Founding father Yasuhiko Ohsono was in
attendance.
In 2004, Yasuhiko Ohsono set up a fund administered by the Obihiro Friendship
Committee and the Seward International Friendship Association, to conduct the Adult
Citizen Exchange (ACE) so local adults could also enjoy an annual exchange. This
donation would run for 10 years with each city receiving 1 million yen a piece.
50th Anniversary between Obihiro, Japan and Seward, Alaska
The year 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Seward,
Alaska and Obihiro, Japan. In honor of this anniversary, a group of citizens was chosen from
Obihiro, Japan to visit Seward, Alaska, along with the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Obihiro.
Then in October, a group of Seward citizens, including a couple of Council members, was
chosen to accompany the Mayor of Seward to visit both Obihiro and Kushiro. Both of the
adult groups enjoyed learning about different cultures and experiencing new adventures!
190408 LAYDOWN
City of Seward, Alaska
International Relationships
PORT CITY
Port of Kushiro, Japan
Seward also has a Sister-Port Relationship with Kushiro, Japan, also located on the northern
island of Hokkaido. Officials from Kushiro have also participated in delegation exchanges
over the years. We have had this relationship since about 1982. Seward sends an Alaskan
Gold Pan for the "Best Seamanship award" to the winner of the yacht race at their annual
Port Festival.
On August 2-8, 2004, Kushiro invited a delegation of 5 children and 1 adult for the 1st
World Children's Summit. The children gave a 10-min. presentation about their state,
activities and environmental concerns.
FRIENDSHIP CITY
Yeosu City, Korea
Seward has had an informal sister-city relationship with Yeosu City, Korea for
years. Delegations have traveled back and forth. Most interactions and meetings revolve
around trade, commerce and strengthening the relationship bond. Yeosu City was the sight
of the World Expo in 2012, and the City of Seward sent former mayor Willard Dunham to
attend as the city’s Ambassador. We look forward to more interaction and collaboration
with this great city in the near future.