Devonport prepares to welcome Sister City delegation from Minamata

Before leaving Japan Mayor Niroshi Mishida has spoken of the Sister City relationship with Devonport since it began in 1992. 

Mayor Mishida said In April 2016, after Minamata’s home prefecture of Kumamoto was hit by a large earthquake, he received a message from Devonport’s mayor expressing his concern.

“Although we are separated by a great distance, I feel that over the past 21 years our Sister City relationship has become a truly valuable friendship,” he said.

Question: What benefits come from the relationship?

Answer: Our relationship with Devonport has inspired the citizens of Minamata to turn attention worldwide, broaden their horizons, and acquire an international way of thinking.

Question: Tell people a little bit about Minamata.

Answer: Minamata City is abundant with nature, with a population of about 25,000. About 60-years-ago, Minamata was struck by terrible industrial pollution which caused a type of poisoning called Minamata disease. Based on our experiences with pollution and the lessons we learned, in 1992 we declared our intention to become an Environmental Model City and began to pursue eco-friendly city policies...we were honored with the title of “Japan’s Top Eco-City” in 2011.

Furthermore, in April 2016 we established the Minamata Environmental Academia...At the Academia we welcome domestic research institutions and international students who hope to conduct part of their research in Minamata. I would like to extend an invitation to any Australians who might be interested, as well.

Question: What challenges face Minamata?

Answer: Japan faces numerous challenges caused by an overconcentration of the population in large cities. The government promotes measures aimed at remedying these problems by creating attractive rural areas and generating a flow of people from the cities back into the countryside. In Minamata, we are putting effort into raising awareness of Minamata’s attractions...