25th Anniversary Commemoration of the Friendship Agreement between Kyoto Prefecture and the City of Edinburgh was held (23rd November 2022)
2022/11/25
On Wednesday the 23rd of November, a 13-person delegation led by the Vice Governor of Kyoto Prefecture Mr. Furukawa and President of the Kyoto Prefectural Assembly Mr. Sugaya visited Edinburgh to commemorate the 25th anniversary of a friendship agreement between the city and Kyoto Prefecture. Kyoto and Edinburgh are both World Heritage Cities, and as historic ancient capitals, they have much in common culturally, leading to the signing of a friendship agreement in 1997.
At the Japanese Garden, after a tour by Lord Provost Aldridge, a tea ceremony was held in the garden's pavilion by the Edinburgh-based tea room Etiquette, where matcha green tea and "Edinburgh Rock" sugar confections were served. Afterwards, Consul General Tadashi Fujiwara gave a welcome speech for the holding of the commemoration, which was followed by words of appreciation from Lord Provost Aldridge and encouragement for further exchange in the future from Prefectural Assembly President Sugaya.
It is hoped that the friendship between the two cities will continue to grow through future visits.
| The delegation first visited Edinburgh City Chambers, where they attended a lunch hosted by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Councilor Robert Aldridge. Afterwards, they visited the Japanese garden at Lauriston Castle, located within the city. The garden, a gift from Kyoto Prefecture in 2002, is a unique blend of Japanese tradition and Scottish history, utilizing the old stone pillars that remain on the site. |
At the Japanese Garden, after a tour by Lord Provost Aldridge, a tea ceremony was held in the garden's pavilion by the Edinburgh-based tea room Etiquette, where matcha green tea and "Edinburgh Rock" sugar confections were served. Afterwards, Consul General Tadashi Fujiwara gave a welcome speech for the holding of the commemoration, which was followed by words of appreciation from Lord Provost Aldridge and encouragement for further exchange in the future from Prefectural Assembly President Sugaya.
It is hoped that the friendship between the two cities will continue to grow through future visits.