As Mayor Jim Lienhoop prepares for a visit to Miyoshi, Japan, he has commended past leaders from Columbus’ sister city.
He issued an initial proclamation at a Columbus City Council meeting on Tuesday, declaring March 7, 2023 as “the Honorable Kenji Onoda Day” in recognition of the former Miyoshi mayor. He added that he would also share a proclamation to in honor of former Miyoshi Council Chair Toshio Kondo.
Lienhoop met the two men during his first trip to Japan in 2014.
“I was very appreciative of the hospitality that they shared with me, and I continue to be appreciative of their assistance and belief in the sister city program that we have established between our two communities,” Lienhoop said.
Columbus and Miyoshi have been sister cities for almost 30 years.
Similar to Columbus, Miyoshi, Japan is home to fewer than 100,000 residents, and automobile manufacturing is a leading industry. Miyoshi’s population is about 61,500.
“Our visits have fostered enduring friendships,” said Lienhoop. “These friendships have deepened our understanding of Japanese and American cultures and helped us appreciate that while our cultures … may be very different, they are also very similar. And whereas, international friendships like ours are the bedrock for friendships and harmony between nations such as that enjoyed by Japan and the United States.”
