25th Anniversary Celebration of
Victoria-Morioka Twin Cities
The Victoria-Morioka Friendship Society, formed more than 20 years ago helps to preserve and enhance the twin?city relationship that exists between Victoria, BC and Morioka, Japan. Working with its counterpart organization in Morioka, the society has helped chronicle the Victoria-Morioka relationship with various exchange projects over the years. The most outstanding of these projects has been dedicated to Dr. Inazo Nitobe, a world renowned Japanese statesman who was born in Morioka and died at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria while visiting Canada in 1933. The site of his death is now formally acknowledged with the Dr. Inazo Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden, open daily for use by hospital patients, staff and members of the visiting public.
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the signing of the twin-city agreement that established the very special relationship that exists between Victoria, B.C. and Morioka, Japan. Since 1985, this twin-city bond has promoted and encouraged cultural, economic, educational and athletic exchanges aimed at fostering cultural understanding and economic opportunities between them. After a quarter of a century, this continuing relationship has endured and deepened, making it indeed a cause for celebration.
Saturday, May 22nd – Arrival from Morioka
On May 22, 2010, the City of Victoria will receive 109 visitors from Morioka who will be in town for the May long weekend and mark the occasion of the twin-city 25th anniversary. Staying at both the Laurel Point Inn and the Chateau Victoria Hotel, these Japanese visitors will join in many of the Victoria Day festivities. The highlight of this visit will be the opportunity to march in the Victoria Day Grand Parade along with the native dressed Sansa-Odori dancers here from Morioka.
Sunday May 23rd – Reception Dinner
On Sunday, May 23rd, the Victoria-Morioka Friendship Society will host a welcoming reception at the Harbour Towers Hotel. This event is open to the public and since there will be 100+ visitors from Japan, we would appreciate local participation. Tickets are available for $50.00/person
and all are welcome.
The details for the party are as follows:
Location: Harbour Towers Hotel
Date: May 23, 2010
Cost: $ 50.00 per person
Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Tickets: Available by contacting Bill McCreadie, President, Victoria Morioka Friendship
Society (wmccreadie@shaw.ca ) and dropping off a cheque payable to Victoria Morioka-Friendship Society at his accounting office, 300 – 818 Douglas St, Victoria B C, V8W 2B6.
Monday, May 24th – Morioka Dancers in Victoria Parade
The highlight of this visit will be the opportunity to march in the Victoria Day Grand Parade along with the native dressed Sansa?Odori dancers here from Morioka.
In September 2010, a delegation from Victoria will travel to Morioka to present their citizens with a Creative Peace Mural, which pays tribute to the deep and lasting friendship between our two cities.
Morioka Sansa Odori
Sunday, May 16th
Garden Cleanup: Prior to the arrival of the Morioka delegation, a work party will be organized to clean up the Nitobe Garden at Royal Jubilee Hospital. This is tentatively scheduled for 11 am – noon, SUNDAY, May 16. The garden is looking very good and only needs a “spring cleaning”
so that it looks its best. Let us know if you can help us out!
For further information contact Bill McCreadie (wmccreadie@shaw.ca) or Barbara Cameron (gaba@shaw.ca).
