A blossoming friendship: 50 years with Miyazu

This spring, Nelson will celebrate a momentous milestone with our sister city, Miyazu, marking 50 years of friendship, cultural exchange and connection between the two cities.

Miyazu is Nelson’s longest-standing sister city, and the relationship has grown over five decades through shared culture, hospitality and genuine connection. The bond between the two cities is grounded in mutual respect and a long history that continues to create opportunities for cultural learning, school exchanges, community visits and celebrations, enriching life in both Nelson and Miyazu.

Nelson Miyazu Sister City Association Chairperson Linley Smith says it is wonderful to be celebrating 50 years of the sister city relationship.

“This friendship was started due to the similarities between the Nelson Boulder Bank and the Miyazu sand bridge Amanohashidate and has endured over the years thanks to successive mayors from both cities and the dedicated sister city association members.”

Five decades later, that friendship has grown into one of New Zealand’s longest-standing sister city relationships. The milestone will be celebrated at this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival at Miyazu Garden on Saturday 26 September, from 11am to 3pm.

A delegation from Miyazu, including Mayor Kizaki, will join the celebrations, alongside the Ambassador of Japan. The festival will feature Japanese and other ethnic food stalls, music and cultural performances, as well as an opportunity for the community to take part in the Miyazu dance.

Linley encourages Nelson locals to come along and celebrate the longstanding relationship with guests from Japan.

“Sister city relationships began to bring connection and understanding between other countries and cultures, so I feel it is important to celebrate this milestone by showcasing and sharing Japanese culture, food, and entertainment with the community,” says Linley.

There will also be opportunities to discover more about Japan and Nelson’s sister city relationship, with displays at Elma Turner Library and Civic House, alongside a bonsai exhibition at Founders Heritage Park.

Come along, enjoy the blossoms and help celebrate 50 years of friendship between Nelson and Miyazu.