{"id":21920,"date":"2026-01-15T08:54:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T21:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jlgc.org.au\/?p=21920"},"modified":"2026-01-15T08:54:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T21:54:06","slug":"welcome-to-kitaibaraki-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jlgc.org.au\/ja\/welcome-to-kitaibaraki-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome to Kitaibaraki City"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Located on the northernmost tip of Ibaraki Prefecture, Kitaibaraki City is blessed with abundant natural beauty. The city is home to the scenic Izura Coast, recognised as one of Japan\u2019s 100 Great Beaches and one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan, as well as the picturesque Hanazono Valley, known for its vibrant autumn leaves and lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy the greatest number of hydrangea varieties in Japan here as well as numerous hot springs with abundant water sources and a rich natural environment throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Historically, Kitaibaraki developed through agriculture and fishing. However, the discovery of coal in the late Edo period transformed the area into a key centre of the Joban Coalfield, sparking rapid industrial growth. Today, the city continues to prosper as an industrial hub.
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\nIn particular, anglerfish is a local speciality in the fishing industry. The city is widely regarded as the birthplace of Anglerfish Nabe Hot Pot, a hearty dish enjoyed especially during the winter months, attracting many visitors eager to savour its flavour.<\/p>\n

The city\u2019s natural setting also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as sea fishing, surfing, camping, trekking and cycling, all of which allow visitors to experience the changing beauty of Japan\u2019s four seasons.
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\nKitaibaraki City and the Wairoa District of New Zealand are international sister cities. This relationship began in March 1994 with the establishment of the Kitaibaraki International Communications Society (KICS). The Kitaibaraki Young Ambassadors Program (KYAP), one of the city\u2019s major initiatives, sends local high school students abroad to foster cross-cultural understanding, share Japanese culture and develop the next generation of leaders for international exchange. In 1995, Wairoa was selected on the recommendation of the New Zealand Tourism Board as a destination for these student exchanges. Since then, 20 delegations have been sent to New Zealand.
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\"\"In 1997, a delegation from Wairoa College visited Kitaibaraki for the first time, staying with local host families and building friendships that soon developed into reciprocal exchange visits. Following repeated proposals from Wairoa to formalise this friendship, Kitaibaraki recognised the growing importance of these grassroots exchanges and the value of promoting international understanding. As a result, on 8 May 1999, the two cities were officially recognised as an international friendship city.
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\n\"\"Today, KICS continues to promote various international exchange programs beyond the Young Ambassadors initiative.<\/p>\n

One such effort involves exchanges between international students from nearby universities and local host families, fostering mutual understanding of each country\u2019s natural environment, culture and daily life. To date, 210 students from 17 countries have participated, many of whom continue their friendships with host families even after graduation or starting their careers.<\/p>\n

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\nIn addition, high school students from Wairoa College visit Kitaibaraki every two years for a 10-day homestay program. To join the program, many students from New Zealand work part-time to save for their travel expenses, a testament to their enthusiasm and dedication. Their sincerity deeply moves the host families and the community comes together to provide memorable experiences, including whitebait fishing, rice harvesting and school visits across all grade levels.
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\nAlthough the 8th exchange was suspended due to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the program has since been revived and continues to flourish. The students\u2019 heartfelt performances of the Haka, the traditional M\u0101ori dance, never fail to leave a lasting impression on their Japanese hosts.<\/p>\n

While ten days may seem long, the time passes quickly and when the day of farewell arrives, tears inevitably reflect the genuine bonds that have formed.<\/p>\n

Through ongoing friendship and exchange, Kitaibaraki City and Wairoa District remain committed to strengthening their ties and promoting global understanding and international cooperation for the future.
\n\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Located on the northernmost tip of Ibaraki Prefecture, Kitaibaraki City is blessed wi…<\/span><\/p>\n

\u7d9a\u304d\u3092\u8aad\u3080 ›<\/a><\/div>\n

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