Other Information

Sister Cities Since 1990

On September 21, 1990 Lawrence and Hiratsuka announced the formation of their sister city relationship during a visit to Japan by a Lawrence delegation. The announcement, a product of years of work by Lawrence's Sister Cities Advisory Board, marked the beginning of the growing relationship between the two cities. The Sister Cities Board learned of Hiratsuka through Professor Ted Kuwana of KU, an acquaintance of Professor Shizuo Fujiwara, the science director of Kanagawa University in Hiratsuka. The Sister City relationship has grown considerably over the years and continues today through a number of programs, including an annual student exchange. This exchange program allows students from both countries to experience new cultures in Hiratsuka and Lawrence.

Sister Cities Garden Increasingly Beautiful

The striking Sister Cities Friendship Garden located on Massachusetts Street, adjacent to the Watkins Community Museum of History, continues to grow in size and beauty over time. The garden began in 1995 with the planting of five cherry trees to celebrate the fifth-year anniversary of the sister city relationship. The garden has grown thanks to generous ongoing donations from the city of Hiratsuka. These include two large stone carvings given in the year 2000,which have added to the interest and beauty of the garden. The garden is a must see for all Lawrence community members and visitors.

A statue donated by Hiratsuka in 2000 to the Sister Cities.

About this Bulletin

Rae Anderson, a senior at KU (during the 2004-2005 academic year) is studying Political Science and Peace and Conflict Studies, creates this bulletin. In the summer of 2004, Rae first visited Japan with the Kansas Asia Scholars Program. While there she spent three days at a home stay in Hiratsuka.

For any questions or comments, please contact Rae Anderson at raea@ku.edu