International Relations
Obu - Japan
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About Obu, Japan
The City of Obu is located in the central part of Japan called the “Chubu Region” in Aichi Prefecture, on the main island of Honshu. Its current population is approximately 86,519 and the city covers an area of 33.68km2.
Rich in culture and steeped in history and tradition, Obu City boasts numerous shrines and temples such as Fumonji Temple dotted throughout the city. It also hosts several annual festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Obu Summer Festival.
Obu City is also home to a number of lotus lakes, parks and gardens for recreational use, including Okura Park, Momoyama Park and Aichi Health Village Park, Obu’s largest park, where you will see many locals exercising and walking their pets.
To find out more about the City of Obu: www.city.obu.aichi.jp
What's On
"Design Energy for Obu"
This project aims to encourage young people to think about energy conservation and share their ideas with our sister city by designing a poster. Posters will be sent to Obu and displayed at various sites throughout the city. Climate change is a global issue. This project will promote the benefits of two communities working together to make a difference for our future. For further information, download "Design Energy for Obu" invitation letter, Guidelines, Consent Form, Information about Japan & the Electricity Shortage, or contact ykojima@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Recent Activities
Tidal Shift - Japan after the energy crisis - 20 February
Takeshi Kuno, urban planner at Obu City in Japan shared his insights about how communities in Japan were embracing sustainability as a response to earthquake and tsunami. Click here to download his presentation.
Japanese Folk Music @ St Kilda Library - 10 November
In celebration of the Sister City relationship with Obu, Noriko Tadano played both traditional and original pieces on the Tsugaru Shamisen (Japanese Banjo).
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Obu Middle Schools Visit to the City of Port Phillip
As part of the Obu Middle Schools (yr7-9) Study Tour to Australia, 20 Japanese students visited Port Phillip on 19 - 23 August. The students enjoyed their time with the Elwood College students participating in their classroom activities and learnt about our wildlife and met St Kilda Pier Breakwater penguins.
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Obu Higashi Senior High School Visit to Elwood College
16 students from Elwood College's sister school, Obu Higashi Senior High School (yr10-12) visited Elwood College on 4 - 9 August and experienced the Australian culture and education first hand while making many friends.
Ishigase Elementary School Visit to St Kilda Primary School
10 students, accompanied by parents and teachers, of Ishigase Elementary School visited their sister school, St Kilda Primary School on 19-24 August. They enjoyed homestay and experienced the Australian culture first hand.
Sister City Program
Official Visits
Official visits allow officials and citizens and opportunity to explore their sister city and experience its diverse culture firsthand. These visits are a good opportunity for members of the community to realise the value of sister city relationships and gain a greater understanding of how we can work together with our global communities.
Sister School Relationships
Sister school relationships play a significant role in strengthening the sister city relationship between the cities of Port Phillip and Obu. Students, teachers and wider school communities have benefited greatly from experiencing diverse culture firsthand, gaining international perspectives and developing many friendships as a result of these relationships.
Sister Schools:
- St Kilda Primary School - Ishigase Elementary School
- Elwood College - Obu Higashi Senior High School
Read more about the sister school relationships and programs
Sports Visit
As part of the Obu Junior Sports League's 30th anniversary celebrations, six leaders and fourteen children visited the City of Port Phillip, in March 1998. Although the visit was short, both cities benefited greatly, as did the children and adults involved. Experiences as wonderful as this can only occur as a result of the hard work by everyone involved in the sister cities relationship in both cities, and through the support and co-operation of so many people at the City of Port Phillip.
Sister City Staff Exchange Program
The Staff Exchange Program is one of the most successful sister city programs between the cities of Port Phillip and Obu. Each year our cities alternate sending a staff member to each other's city for 8 to 12 weeks to deliver a project for the host community. The projects include cultural, educational, musical and environmental conservation.
Obu Penguin Fund
Obu has always shown great interest in the St Kilda Little Penguins and in 1993 the city agreed to collaborate on the publication of a story book written about the penguin colony. Over $5000 was raised to publish "Alfreda the City Penguin" in English and Japanese. The Obu International Association continues to contribute to the conservation of the penguins.
External Links
Obu City English pages
Sister Cities Australia
Nagoya International Centre (English pages)
More Information
Contact Us or use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. Ask for Sister Cities.
