Accepting the invitation of WA Premier Colin Barnett, I attended the opening of the HyogoFriendshipGarden in Perth on 31 May, in place of our Director Mr. Tanabe.
Representing the presenter of the garden, Hyogo prefecture, was Vice Governor of Hyogo, Tomoyuki Yoshimoto. The Vice Governor remarked that the ‘circular design of the rock garden taking images from whirling tides around Awaji Island, where the garden’s tiles hail from, is a symbol of the circle of friendship between Western Australia and Hyogo prefecture,’ receiving huge applause from those gathered.
Premier Barnett and Vice Governor Yoshimoto also unveiled a memorial plaque, and after posing for a group photo with guests, the official part of the festivities finished.
With this garden as a new example of the friendly exchange between Western Australia and Hyogo prefecture, we look forward to even stronger relations in the years to come.
Tsuyoshi Ito, CLAIR Sydney Deputy Director