Yamatotakada City is located in the northwestern part of Nara Prefecture. Cotton cultivation flourished in the city in olden times, followed by the emergence of textile industries such as knitwear, sock manufacturing and spinning. It has developed as the economic, cultural, and administrative centre of the Chuwa region of the prefecture. The city is also conveniently located about 30 minutes from the Osaka metropolitan area.
At the Takada River which runs north-south through the city, magnificent cherry blossoms can be seen from late March to early April. A magnificent tunnel of cherry blossoms stretches 2.5 km along both banks of the river and is affectionately known by the citizens as “Takada Senbonzakura”. Many visitors come to see the illuminated cherry blossoms at night, making it one of the most popular cherry blossoms viewing spots in Nara Prefecture.
Yamatotakada City formed a sister city affiliation with Lismore City, New South Wales, Australia, in 1963. This was the first sister city affiliation between Japan and Australia. Since then, the two cities have deepened exchanges and established a friendly relationship through mutual exchange programs such as sending delegations and exchange students.
However, these projects had to be called off for three years due to COVID-19 that began to spread in 2020 and the devastating floods that hit Lismore City in 2022.
In June 2023, Yamatotakada City dispatched two of its officials to Lismore City in order to resume exchanges and establish a framework for the 60th anniversary of the sister city affiliation, which will be celebrated on 7 August 2023. They were enthusiastically welcomed by Lismore City Council members there and each confirmed the continuation of a long-lasting friendly relationship between the two cities. The Yamatotakada City officials were heartbroken by the devastating damage caused by the flooding. At the same time, seeing the reconstruction of the city centre, they felt deep respect for the spirit of Lismore people and felt proud to be friends of the friendly city.
The officials also participated in the Lantern Parade, one of Lismore City’s most popular events. They carried a lantern of Yamatotakada City’s mascot character “Miku-chan” with Lismore City Council members and the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr. Tokuda. Yamatotakada City officials were overwhelmed by the glittering lanterns and the large crowd that gathered along the parade route, and were especially moved by the warm cheering and applause from the crowd.
During this visit, Yamatotakada City officials were warmly welcomed and able to deepen exchanges with many people such as Lismore City Council members, volunteer members and their respective families, and people from the Father Tony Glynn, Japan-Australia Centre at Southern Cross University. In addition, being able to participate in the parade, which has been cherished by the local people for many years, allowed them to experience firsthand the friendly relationship with the people of Lismore.
In 2024, a delegation from Lismore is scheduled to visit Yamatotakada City to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the sister city affiliation.
Both cities are very pleased to celebrate this milestone. Yamatotakada City hopes to continue its exchange with Lismore City and further develop the friendly relationship.
