Kamagaya
An agreement between the Whakatane District Sister Cities Association and Kamagaya City Hall was signed on 16 November 1997. Exchanges between citizens of Whakatane and Kamagaya are encouraged, especially in the education and cultural sectors.
Mission Statement - "To encourage and promote international exchange through development and maintenance of Sister City Links."
Kamagaya is situated one hour by train from Tokyo in the Chiba Prefecture. It is classed as a dormitory suburb of Tokyo where most of the residents work. It has a population of 102,665 (as at 1 January 2000) and covers a total area of 21.11 sq km.
A number of projects have been undertaken including the Japanese Garden, which is situated at the river end of McGarvey Road, Whakatane. To read more about the garden: Japan Garden Book.pdf
A list of Objectives for the Sister Cities Association is available for perusal.
Click here Sister Cities Objectives.doc
A student scholarship is available each year, which provides $1,000 to a Year 12 or 13 student from within the Whakatane District to spend time in Kamagaya learning the language and culture. For further information and how to apply click here Student Scholarship.doc
The Kamagaya International Friendship Association is a group of citizens which assists visitors to their community. The group has been a very active partner in the Whakatane/Kamagaya Sister City relationship - to read more