By Mao Osumi
The Consulate-General of Japan and the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association (SKSCA) held a kick-off reception of the 60th Anniversary of the Seattle-Kobe Sister City relationship on Feb. 24 at Consul-General Masahiro Omura’s official residence. About 50 guests including Mayor Ed Murray and City Council President Bruce Harrell honored the long friendship and history.
Kobe is Seattle’s first sister city among its 21 sister city relationships, which began in 1957. The tie is still one of the strongest and most active partnerships.
“This year will be an important chapter for the relationship between Seattle and Kobe,” Omura said.
He emphasized that the Japanese consulate will continue to make an effort to support their relationship for the future.
“We value our relationship with our sister city, Kobe, during the 60 year anniversary,” Harrell also said. “Some of the programs we have are incredible.”
Throughout the year, the local community will feature sister city-related events including the Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist audition held earlier this week, Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival and more.
More information can be found at www.seattlekobe.org.
