Student visit strengthens ties between Coffs Harbour and sister city Sasebo

THE ties between Sasebo in Japan and Coffs Harbour have grown stronger on the back of an informal sister city visit.

Five students from Kyushu Bunka Gakuen Elementary and Junior High School have been hosted by Bishop Druitt College (BDC) families.

On Tuesday, the visitors toured the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden where they saw the Japanese Friendship Garden and had the chance to “discover” animals in the Pokemon Go-style feature on the Coffs Coast Explorer app.

The Year 7 and 8 students also walked along the Jetty and out to Muttonbird Island and had lunch with the Mayor at Donovans Surf Club.

“The Sasebo students made many new friends during their stay with BDC families and attending school classes,” International Program Coordinator Karina Rothacker told News Of The Area.

“After the first few days we could see everyone relax and their English improved amazingly.

“Our BDC exchange students are now so excited to see their Japanese family exchange partners on their trip to Japan at the end of November.”

Mr Shusuke Atoj, their accompanying leader from Sasebo City Council said, “That was the most amazing time I have spent in my entire life”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said these exchanges are an opportunity to share culture and gain understanding about everything from language through to food.

“Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of visiting Sasebo during a private trip to Japan, where I experienced firsthand the warmth and hospitality of our sister city,” Cr Williams told NOTA.

“As a tourist city, Coffs Harbour benefits from building international connections, particularly with Japan, which is a key traveller market.

“One of the most treasured symbols of this friendship is the Japanese Friendship Garden in the North Coast Botanic Garden, a source of great pride for our community.

“Our close relationship with Sasebo began in 1953 with student exchanges involving Seiwa Girls College and was formalised with a sister city affiliation in 1988.”

The Japan-Australia Society of Sasebo was established in 1983, followed by the Australia-Japan Society of Coffs Harbour in 1990, to support the sister city relationship and make the City of Coffs Harbour a welcoming destination for Japanese visitors.

“During my visit, I was deeply moved to see a 10-metre roadside sign bearing the name ‘Coffs Harbour’, a powerful reminder of the friendship between our two cities.

“The City of Coffs Harbour’s relationship with Sasebo is strong and continues to grow, with regular school exchanges as well as meaningful engagement at the local government level.”

By Andrea FERRARI