Sister City Waterloo

Brief history of sister city exchange

In 1991, Nagakute Town celebrated its 20th anniversary. Taking the opportunity afforded by the occasion, international exchange programs were proposed as an event to activate the town. One of the programs proposed was an exchange program with foreign cities. Under the keyword, “Old Battle field,” many cities around the world were listed as prospective exchange partners. Finally, the City of Waterloo in the Kingdom of Belgium reached the top of the list as a European city with the history of a historic battlefield.
Through great cooperation by the Belgium embassy in Japan and the Belgium Sightseeing Bureau, the mayor of Nagakute and the chair of the town assembly paid the first visit to Waterloo. Later, 2 deputy mayors of Waterloo were invited to a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of Nagakute Town. In this way, the exchange initiated.
The next year, in 1992, a delegate from Nagakute Town visited Waterloo to begin detailed discussions on the sister-city relationship. On October 8, 1992 Mr. Serge Kubula, the mayor of Waterloo, and 12 other members visited Nagakute to sign the sister-city declaration. The press accompanying the delegates broadcast the scene live on the news.
As the exchanges between the two parties progressed, it was found that the city and the town, besides being proud of being the sites of historic battles, have other features in common. The population and topography of the town and the city are much alike. Besides, each is located near a large city (Waterloo is close to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, and Nagakute is close to Nagoya). In addition, while “kute” in “Nagakute” means marsh, “Waterloo” means “wet plain.” One of the press members from Belgium pointed out that the city and the town resemble each other like siblings.
Since the official start of the sister relationship, the city and the town have had various exchanges in many fields, like two way dispatching of young people, or exchanges in art and cultural events. The relationship has steadily taken root, not only through the efforts of those directly involved in the exchange program, but also through the cooperation of the peoples of Waterloo and Nagakute. The circle of friendship grows day by day.

Sister City Exchange Programs

From Nagakute Town to Waterloo City

In 2006, 20 junior and high school students from Nagakute Town visited Waterloo city. This marked the 7th visit by students and 10th visit by sister city friendship delegates.
Since 1994, the year following the sister relationship’s establishment, this program has been carried out every other year, realizing the exchange of young people between two localities. This is a joyful opportunity, in which participants can experience the worlds of different cultures.
In 2006, during the 9 days of August 17 to 25, junior and high school students visited Waterloo and stayed at homes in the city. For many of the host families, it was the first time they had accepted young people from Nagakute Town. It was reportedly a very impressive experience.
Also, more and more families of former delegate members to Nagakute Town serve as host families. The exchange is clearly broadening and deepening.
After visiting Waterloo City, the delegates went on a tour to Paris. This also provided precious experiences, as they could visit historic sites and cultural or art facilities and witness what students were studying in school. After they came back, the delegates held a meeting to report what they had seen and learned during the tour.

From Waterloo City to Nagakute Town

In 2007, 20 junior and high school students from Waterloo City visited Nagakute Town. This marked the 4th visit by students and the 5th visit by sister-city friendship delegates.
During the 8 days of July 21 to 28, delegate leader Mr. Sedlic Tyumulale, a vice-mayor of Waterloo, and junior and high school students homestayed with families in Nagakute Town. For many of the host families, it was the first time they had accepted young people from Waterloo City. It was reportedly a very impressive experience.
Younger sisters or brothers of former delegate members were also among the delegate this time. This shows that the exchange continues to broaden and deepen.
The delegates paid a courtesy call on the town, and with their participation in an observation tour to facilities and an exchange event held at Irogane-yama Historic Park, they seemed to enjoy their summer time in Japan. In a tour around Kyoto, they visited historic sites and cultural or art facilities. During the tour, they had a first hand experience of Japanese culture. We were greatly encouraged by the words of the vice mayor Mr. Cédric Tumelaire who said, “I believe that your warmhearted hospitality has been imprinted on the minds of these youngsters from Waterloo. I hope this experience will be a precious treasure for them, further advancing future exchanges between the city and the town.”

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