30th Anniversary of Hiratsuka-Lawrence Sister Cities celebrated via Zoom
In September 2020, if the Covid pandemic had not prevented delegations from traveling, Lawrence, KS and Hiratsuka, Japan, would have celebrated 30 years of being Sister Cities. A belated virtual meeting was held recently to recognize the anniversary. Despite the time difference and technical inconveniences, the organizers gave the partnership the recognition it deserved.
The zoom meeting took place on Sunday, October 21 at 7 p.m. in Kansas and Monday, October 22 in Japan. Co-hosts on Zoom were James Hilliard, chairman of Friends-of-Hiratsuka in Lawrence, and by Hiratsuka’s section manager of Culture and Exchanges. Interpreters assisted at both locations.
After introductions, participants were greeted by Courtney Shipley, Mayor of Lawrence, and by Katsuhiro Ochiai, Mayor of Hiratsuka and other officials. The 30-year history of ‘discovery’ and ‘developing friendships’ were summarized by Carol Shankel, of Lawrence, and Yoshimi Tomita, chair of the Hiratsuka International Exchange Association Friends of Lawrence Committee for more than 30 years. Gifts were exchanged - from Lawrence, a collage of 4 seasonal aerial photos the city; - from Hiratsuka two wall hangings, one of the Japanese character for “Strong Bond” and the other a 19th century block print of a local scene. Unique aspects of the program included singing the Kansas state song as well as pre-recorded segments remembering previous visits, aerial photography, and some bluegrass music.
Plans have begun for exchanges to resume in 2023.