My Hometownfs International Exchange \ Inuyama Version

By Yuna Otake (Faculty of Policy Studies, 2nd Year)

    I would like to introduce an international exchange of my hometown, Inuyama city in Aichi prefecture. Have you ever heard of Inuyama city? Itfs not a popular tourist area in Japan, but it is quite a wonderful place. There is the Inuyama castle, which was built in the Azuchi Momoyama era; I am always moved when I see the cherry blossoms in full bloom every spring. There is also the temple located in the mountain, Jakkoin, which is known as Momijidera. It displays many beautiful maples in the autumn.


the Inuyama castle

The history of international exchange in Inuyama city

    Inuyama city got down to international exchange when the term was introduced in Japan. On September 2, 1989, the Nihon Rhine sightseeing tied up with the KD company that served rafting for visitors. This was the first international exchange that took place in Inuyama city.
    At present, Inuyama city tied up with the Goarshausen city in Germany, Davis city in America, and with the Xiangfan city in China as sister cities. Inuyama city also recently joined with the State of Eritrea and Germany for one municipality- one country friendship project was held at Aichi Earth Expo in 2006.
    Inuyama cityfs first international exchange country was Germany, therefore, Inuyama city was especially close with Germany. The strong connection between Inuyama and Germany was deeply involved with the Kiso river, which runs in the north of Inuyama city. Mr. Shigetaka Shiga, deceased Bachelor of Science who traveled in Europe, named the Kiso river, gNihonRhineh since it looked like the Rhein river which runs along the midland of Germany. Then, in June 1992, Inuyama city tied up with the St. Goar city as a friendship association city. This town was one of the most famous cities for gRhine raftingh in the world. In July 1995, Inuyama city welcomed Mr. Julia Bartels as an international exchanger, who actively made an international exchange between the two cities. Now, Mr. Stefanie Sasaki-Sellmer is known as the fifth international exchanger and the Inuyama residents were able to experience international exchange by lectures, study tours, cooking, and other various projects on German through him. The gFreudeh, Inuyama International Sight-Seeing Center, means pleasure and joy in German. Through the following, one can see the deep relationship between Inuyama city and Germany.
    These international exchanges of Inuyama city expanded to the local residents by having activities become more dynamic.

Recent international exchanges in Inuyama city

    As of right now, there are 14 international exchange groups in Inuyama city. They are very various, for example, there are groups who hope for international peace, introduce different cultures by having cooking lectures, tea ceremonies, and flower arrangements. There are also groups who want to contribute to international exchanges. Thus, the joining of international exchange is open to various directions. The residents of Inuyama city actively participated in these exchanges and have gathered about 850 members of international exchange.
    Hence, not only does Inuyama city vigorously exchange with sister cities but to other countries also. Last July, they visited the seeding base of Naimanqi city in the Inter Mongolia China autonomous government, and helped grow sajih seeding in forests to protect greenness from desertificating. Inuyama city also exchanged with Peruvians who live in Japan.

Problems with international exchanges
    But above all, there are problems with international exchanges in Inuyama city. First of all, the worldwide depression rate increased with foreigners (who live in Inuyama city) becoming jobless as they are put in a difficult situation to survive. Due to this problem, Inuyama city came up with fundraisers, charity events, and food support. Resident volunteer groups also helped out by donating and supporting them financially.
    Secondly, it is difficult to have international exchange with the State of Eritrea, which is a difficult area. The State of Eritrea continues to face tension between its neighboring countries at its border. Also, the latest serious drought brought bad domestic economy. Inuyama city think medical support activity should be held for the State of Eritrea, but it is difficult not only because of their security and peace conditions but with Inuyamafs financial condition.

    Sadly, I do not know my hometownfs exchanges with other countries. But I often feel that we need to have international exchanges, hence, I donft know what we can do to help. I heard about the international activity in Inuyama and looked up some international exchanges that took place in Inuyama to write this article. I learned what the essential meaning of international exchange was and how it was important to me. Mr. Kakutani, who is currently active in the forefront of international activities, lectured differently as in a normal class, which made me interested and gave me great inspiration.
    I would like to thank Mr. Kakutani, secretary- general of Inuyama International Sight-Seeing Center. Ifm sorry I couldnft write about the other international exchanges he explained.

    How does your hometown support international exchange? I would like you to find out, especially if you are not aware. The international exchangef door is always open for you to make a start.

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