Located in the north-west of Osaka Prefecture, Minoh City is a scenic residential area with approximately 130,000 residents. There are many places to enjoy its natural beauty, such as the Minoh Waterfall and Katsuo-ji temple, that attract visitors from both Japan and abroad. In Autumn, the city’s symbolic Japanese maple trees turn a vibrant red, so many people visit the waterfall and other areas especially to enjoy the unique scenery at this time. Additionally, the city is easily accessible by public transport as it is less than a 20-minute train ride from central Osaka. With easy access and lush natural scenery, Minoh City is well-known as a comfortable place to live.
In 1995, Minoh City signed the International Cooperating Cities Agreement with Hutt City (Lower Hutt) in New Zealand. Since then, the two cities have built a deep bond through various programmes such as youth and cultural exchanges. As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the relationship, there are many commemorative events planned to celebrate.
In early January, seven members of a traditional Māori craft group visited Minoh City under the theme ‘Whiria he tangata: Weaving people, weaving culture’, an exchange focused on sharing traditional Māori weaving crafts and Japanese culture. During their four-day stay in Minoh City, they were able to experience many forms of traditional Japanese culture, such as decorating a Daruma doll, practicing tea ceremony and calligraphy, and wearing kimono. The group also hosted a workshop where they taught local residents how to make traditional Māori Kākahu (cloaks). These activities allowed the visiting group and the people of Minoh to interact with each others’ cultures and grow friendships, making it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
In early February, a delegation from Minoh City visited Hutt City, led by the Minoh City Mayor, City Council Chairperson, and the Superintendent of Education. The delegation met with the Hutt City Mayor and visited places across the city, where they met directly with people who have contributed to the international cooperating cities relationship over the past 30 years. These interactions proved the importance of the sister city relationship and continuing these exchanges for future generations. The delegation also visited Tui Glen School, where they could witness the students interacting with students at a Minoh City Elementary School in real time through online exchanges run between the schools. The Minoh City students asked the Tui Glen School students questions in English, and they talked about their favourite foods and hobbies, fostering a friendly atmosphere. The delegation expressed that they wish to continue to develop these educational exchanges further.
In May this year, Minoh City is planning a commemorative ceremony to welcome the Hutt City Mayor and other guests, in addition to a New Zealand Fair event. Minoh City hopes that this significant occasion will provide opportunities for more exchange events to come, and for more people from Hutt City to learn more about Minoh City. When you have a chance, please visit Minoh City.
From the 3rd to the 13th of December, eight selected swimmers from the Fukuoka Swimming Association visited NSW, where they participated in joint training sessions with a local school and competed in the 2024-25 Speedo NSW Senior State Age Championships.
