Lawrence and Hiratsuka, Japan to celebrate 30 years of ‘sister’ relationship

The Sister City Agreement was signed by Mayor Shirley Martin-Smith of Lawrence and Mayor Kyoichi Ishikawa of Hiratsuka in 1990.

Nearly a third of a century ago, two cities found each other through a Sister City relationship.  On September 21, 1990, Lawrence Mayor Shirley Martin-Smith signed the agreement which has lasted and fostered life-long friendships and connections between Lawrence, Kansas and Hiratsuka, Japan.  

Since that time, hundreds of students and adults participated in eye-opening exchanges between the two cities until the pandemic eliminated that possibility.  The pandemic also erased the possibility of an anniversary celebration (usually held every five years).

"Unfortunately, travel between the two cities and countries was impossible due to Covid restrictions," James Hilliard, President of the Friends of Hiratsuka organization, said.  "However, that did not eliminate the desire to honor those past years and participants."

Using the Zoom video platform with members of the City of Hiratsuka and their Friends of Lawrence organization, the idea was born to celebrate the event with a virtual observation.  During this event scheduled for Friday, October 21 at 7 p.m., Mayor Courtney Shipley of Lawrence and Hiratsuka Mayor Katsuhiro Ochiai will address conferees and attendees on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.  There will also be some greetings and remembrances from those who have benefitted from this program.

You are invited to attend via Zoom:
https://lawrenceks.zoom.us/j/91699444582?pwd=aml3MWwwYzFGMWVsSmdjMWh1WjVNdz09

Passcode: 137381
Meeting ID: 916 9944 4582