Odesa is celebrating sixty years of friendship with the Japanese city of Yokohama. 

This week, Odesa is hosting events dedicated to Japanese culture as part of the anniversary of sister city relations.

Today, the I.Ya. Franko Central City Library became a place where visitors immersed themselves in the enchanting world of Japanese culture.

Creative children’s groups and young artists from Odesa showcased Japan's rich cultural heritage and traditions. 

In his video greeting, Japan's Ambassador to Ukraine, Mr. Masashi Nakagome, emphasized the importance of continuous support for Ukraine and highlighted cultural cooperation in strengthening friendships between our nations. 

The Yokohama City Hall also participated in the celebration through a video presentation, allowing guests at the photo exhibition to learn more about our sister city. 

“Odesa is honored and happy to call Japan a friend. Exactly sixty years ago we became sister cities with Yokohama. Our relationship is a prime example of stable international friendship and cultural and humanitarian exchange. This support has been particularly significant over the last three years of war in Ukraine,” noted Ivan Liptuga, the Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Culture, and Marketing. 

Yokohama provides assistance on many levels: Odesa receives vital humanitarian support, organizes exchanges for youth in the arts and sports. Together, we are restoring a kindergarten after a hostile attack, developing cogeneration technologies, and forming a post-war recovery plan for the city according to modern standards. 

This is a story of true friendship that transcends borders, language barriers, and cultural differences. 

The best expression of gratitude from Odesans will be to engage with this wonderful culture, honor our sisterhood, and remember its history.