19/08/2026
July-August 2026 - 🐨Project📣 - Released the Map of Sister state, Sister & Friendship City between Australia and Japan (2026)
Background
Since 12 May 1971, Whitehorse City (Previously Box Hill City) and Matsudo City have been sister cities. In 2026, we celebrated the 55th anniversary of our friendship.
Our library was established in 2021 that the year reached the 50th anniversary of exchange with Whitehorse city council's sister city: Matsudo city, and we celebrate our 5th anniversary in 2026.
Furthermore, 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the "Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan" on June 16, 1976 (Showa 51).
Wishing for lasting peace and friendship between our two countries and their peoples, we have created a map of sister cities and friendship cities between Australia and Japan.
This project was launched with the hope of strengthening ties not only between the two countries but also between the two nations themselves, allowing many people to learn about the friendly relations fostered between them, and providing a map that can be used as a reference for sightseeing and other geographical information when visiting partner cities.
The Japanese explanations are based on information from the website of the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), with their full cooperation.
The English explanations were compiled by volunteers at the Whitehorse Matsudo Toshokan, who researched the historical background and current status of Australia's sister and friendship cities as of July 2026 by referring to local government websites.
Paying tribute the great achievements and passion of our predecessors who dedicated themselves to reconciliation and friendship between our two countries, and we sincerely pray that the friendly relations that continue with the cooperation of many people will lead to strengthened solidarity in the fields of culture, education, and economics. May these experiences be enriching and bring happiness to people and children who shape the past, present, and future, and moreover they may be able to find lifelong friends, partners and neighbours who can connect with each other beyond the barriers of time, space, and language, and both countries may achieve lasting peace and prosperity through international cooperation.
🌏Map of Sister state, Sister & Friendship City between Australia and Japan (2026) is accessible from the link below.
🔗： https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1qlOcMExgfv5Ko1YfN1B4MMpplhwhuU0&usp=sharing
Whitehorse Matsudo Toshokan Admin🐨
P.S. In July, happily touring sister cities 💻👣. During that time, learned about the history of exchanges between our two countries (for example, the story of the foreign ship that came to Japan from Tasmania in the late Edo period, the first Japanese to emigrate to Australia after Japan's isolationist policy, and Father Tony Glynn, and the sisters in Nagasaki who dedicated themselves to reconciliation and education between the two countries after the war). Each exchange with our sister and friendship cities had its own drama, filled with emotion and tears, making me look forward to their future activities (e.g. two Koalas🐨🍃 from Australia are coming to the Saitama Children's Zoo!). . It's also pleased to see the courteous response of the municipalities and the enthusiasm of the host communities.
This project was successfully completed with full cooperation by Clair. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude.
Hope that this map will be useful/helpful for exchanges between our two countries, for education, and for travel. When you lost a way back, Don't panic! You just need to find a way back or create the one, two or more routes that lead to where you want to be! Taking detours is also part of the journey; please enjoy it♨🍵🐟🗼🎁❣
Happy days🍀
🌏Note: The user should consider the information contained herein as a guide and should take those precautions required in an individual operation/situation and develop good practice procedures for a safe trip and practical use of the map. The information contained herein is, to the best of our knowledge and belief, accurate. However, since a situation/environment would change time to time, we make no guarantee of results, and assume no liability for damages incurred by the use of this map. It is the responsibility of the user to check/follow the latest information.
Reference:
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR): https://www.clair.or.jp/j/exchange/shimai/search/result?code=&prefecture=&municipality=&country=1&state_name=&name=&allied_from=&allied_to=&q=&andor=or
Sydney Clare: Lists & Maps were provided.
Project period：3 July 2026 - 7 August 2026
Online search period： 03 July 2026 - 27 July 2026
Contact: Whitehorse Matsudo Toshokan
Inquiries: [email protected]
Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/whitehorsematsudotoshokan/
Completion date: 15/08/2026
Sister state, Sister & Friendship City between Australia and Japan
There are currently 101 sister city relationships and 6 state-to-state relationships between Japan and Australia. They allow for a unique exchange of culture, sports, education, social and economic practices including bilateral visits by representatives.
In addition, over 550 sister schools exist between Australia and Japan. In fact, Australia is the most popular destination for Japanese school study tours and sister school exchanges.*1）
About the Sister City Program*2）
The Sister City movement is a worldwide concept focusing on community values and exchanges that encourage international understanding and appreciation of different nationalities and cultures. The concept originated in the United States of America shortly after World War II.
Sister Cities Australia (SCA) was formed in 1979 to support and coordinate Sister City relationships across the country. Australian cities currently have 500 Sister City relationships alone. SCA is part of an international effort to encourage understanding and co-operation.
Sister city or Friendship city?*3）
Sister cities, or twin towns as it is also known in other countries, is an agreement to foster strong cultural and commercial ties between two cities or regions.
These long term, formal agreements facilitate a wide range of opportunities for both cities to participate in international educational, community, cultural, technical and business exchanges.
A Friendship City is an informal partnership between two cities that are limited in scope, yet still promotes friendly relations and collaboration between the two.
*1）㊗2026 - 55th Sister City Anniversary 姉妹都市55周年💐
https://www.facebook.com/groups/whitehorsematsudotoshokan/posts/2418705851954665/
*2）About the Sister City Program
https://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/sister-city-program
How Did It Begin?
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Community/Community-Support/Sister-Cities-Program
*3）City of Adelaid - Sister cities
https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/about-adelaide/sister-cities/
