To the editor:

Please allow me to share this letter from the mayor of Hiratsuka, Japan, and a few comments of my own about our sister city.

Dear Mr. Schumm,

I would like to express my gratitude for your warm welcome and kindness during my stay in Lawrence.

This was my third time visiting Lawrence. Once again, we were impressed by your beautiful city and the richness of your culture and arts. One hundred and twenty people from Lawrence gathered at the reception at the Circle S Ranch for our delegation, which was only nine people from Hiratsuka. I was deeply moved by that, and then I realized once again the bond of friendship and trust that has been our treasure.

I hope that programs like our youth exchange program have deepened our relationship and encouraged increased mutual understanding and respect.

I would like to thank all those who were involved in this program, members of the sister city advisory board, friends of Hiratsuka, the city of Lawrence and the University of Kansas.

It is my hope that we can meet again soon in the future.

Thank you again.

Yours sincerely,

Katsuhiro Ochiai,

Mayor of Hiratsuka

The above letter demonstrates the very warm relationship that we have with our sister city Hiratsuka, Japan. This partnership has been in place for 25 years, allowing for an annual student exchange, which has resulted in more than 400 Lawrence students having the opportunity, at a very young age, to experience for themselves a culture different from their own. Students from Hiratsuka then return the gesture with a visit to Lawrence each year to complete this friendship pact.

Your Sister City Advisory Board supports activities between Lawrence and Hiratsuka, Japan, Eutin, Germany, and Iniades, Greece.