Tomakomai City Council, Multicultural Event Organiser Visitor

On the 4 th of October, members of the Japan Society Committee had a casual
meeting with an envoy for a Sister City visit, between Tomakomai and Napier. Her
name is Mio Shirasaki. Her position in the Tomakomai City Council is a Multicultural
Event Organiser.
So far, she has been in Napier for the past month, experiencing the local tourist
attractions, and working at the Napier Council, ensuring that the delegation of 26
people, has a pleasant time during their visit to Napier.
The delegation will arrive at the end of November, and will spend roughly a week in
Napier.
The history of our Sister City connection with Tomakomai, started back in 1980
Vice President, Kinuko Iko, contacted Ms Shirasaki. As this was a social event no
Japan Society business was discussed. We ordered some take-out and had brunch
at Miss Iko’s residence. The four of us, (Kinuko Iko, Keiko Tsujiyama, Mio Shirasaki
and Iain Redrup), exchanged contact details, and practiced our language skill. Ms.
Shirasaki told us what attractions she had investigated.
Afterwards, when then went to the ‘Silky Oak Chocolate Factory’. We took a tour of
the museum, and were surprised to see some Japanese displays. We finished up by
having drinks at the café.