Strengthening Ties and Building the Future
On December 9th, the delegation met with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, further strengthening the ties between our cities. That evening, Consul General Okajima graciously hosted a reception for the Takayama delegation and Denver sister-city officials, reaffirming our shared commitment to nurturing and expanding this friendship.
During the reception, heartfelt speeches celebrated past achievements and envisioned future collaborations. Consul General Okajima expressed deep gratitude for the efforts to promote the sister-city relationship, while Takayama representatives emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges, educational programs, and the symbolic festival float that unites our communities.
The visit of the Takayama delegation and the reception hosted by Consul General Okajima underscored the deep-rooted connections and mutual respect between Takayama and Denver. It is our hope that this relationship continues to flourish, fostering understanding and collaboration for generations to come.
Welcoming Consul General Hiroyuki Okajima
Denver Sister Cities International is delighted to welcome Hiroyuki Okajima as the new Consul General of Japan in Denver. In a warm gesture of international friendship, Consul General Okajima hosted his first reception at his residence, celebrating the enduring sister-city relationship between Denver and Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. This event marked an important moment in continuing the legacy of cultural and diplomatic ties between our communities.
Takayama Yatai Float in Parade of Lights
A Cultural Exchange and Spectacular Parade
From December 5th to 10th, a delegation from Takayama visited Colorado, including representatives from the Takayama-Denver Friendship Association, educators and students from Takayama Technical High School, and an official from Takayama City Hall. Their visit was a testament to the strong bonds shared between our cities, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Sacha Heppell
A highlight of the delegation's visit was Takayama City's participation in Denver's 50th “Parade of Lights” on December 7th. The Takayama Festival float, a cherished symbol of our sister-city relationship gifted to Denver in 1964, was recently restored by students from Takayama Technical High School. Its dazzling display in the parade, accompanied by a group in traditional Japanese attire, captivated Denver's citizens and received widespread media coverage, including a feature on 9News.
A Bright Future Ahead
In a world where international relations are increasingly important, events like these remind us of the power of cultural exchange and the friendships that transcend borders. We look forward to the continued success and growth of the Denver-Takayama sister-city relationship and extend our warmest welcome to Consul General Hiroyuki Okajima. Here's to a bright future of collaboration and shared cultural appreciation!
