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Busan Metropolitan City Welcomes Delegation from Shimonoseki, Japan, Marking 50th Anniversary of Sister City Partnership

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Busan Metropolitan City announced that on April 24 at 4:00 p.m., at the International Protocol Room of City Hall, Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs Kim Kyung-duk met with a delegation from Shimonoseki, including Mayor Maeda Shintaro and City Council Chair Hayashi Shinichiro, to discuss various cooperation measures, including commemorative projects marking the 50th anniversary of the sister city relationship.

The delegation visited Busan to participate in the Joseon Tongsinsa Festival and also called on City Hall to discuss commemorative projects for the 50th anniversary of the sister city partnership.

Vice Mayor Kim stated, “Shimonoseki is Busan’s oldest friend, being the first Japanese city to establish a sister city relationship with us, and this year marks the historic 50th anniversary since the partnership was formed in 1976. This milestone carries great significance, and I hope we can carefully prepare and jointly organize meaningful and memorable commemorative events through close consultation this year.”

He added, “We also expect that both of you will revisit Busan in November for the Fireworks Festival with around 1,000 citizens from Shimonoseki. Such international exchanges will greatly contribute to both cities advancing together as global tourism destinations.”

Mayor Maeda Shintaro of Shimonoseki responded, “The 50th anniversary of the Busan–Shimonoseki sister city relationship is also of great significance to Shimonoseki. We will do our utmost to ensure that the commemorative projects are substantial and meaningful.”

City Council Chair Hayashi Shinichiro remarked, “It is very meaningful to visit Busan again. I hope that, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary, a delegation from Busan will also visit Shimonoseki.”

In addition, Busan Metropolitan City and the Shimonoseki delegation discussed various cooperative initiatives to commemorate the anniversary. The city also introduced the Busan Global Week event and invited Shimonoseki to participate.

Busan Global Week, scheduled for September 2026, will focus on port and maritime themes and invite delegations from sister and partner cities for special dialogues, forums, bilateral meetings, and visits to major municipal project sites.

Finally, Vice Mayor Kim concluded the meeting by stating, “I hope that the friendship between Busan and Shimonoseki will continue to deepen not only over the past 50 years but also in the next 50 years. Thank you once again for your visit.”