In April 1984, Oakville Mayor Harry Barrett and Neyagawa Mayor Tadahiro Nishikawa signed a declaration to twin the two cities - Oakville, Ontario and Neyagawa, Japan.
About Neyagawa
Like Oakville, the City of Neyagawa, Japan is a suburb of a larger city. Neyagawa is located about 20 kilometres north-west of the City of Osaka, about in the centre of a triangle formed by three of Japan's oldest cities - Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Neyagawa was founded as a city in 1951 and grew to be a suburb of Osaka with many of its residents commuting to work in Osaka.
"Twinning" of cities grew in popularity after World War II, as people looked for ways to promote understanding between cultures. Oakville's relationship with Neyagawa, Japan was initiated to promote international understanding, cooperation and friendship.
In honour of the special relationship Oakville has with Neyagawa, a street running through the heart of the Town is named after our Sister City. Oakville also participates in many different activities - all designed to support our important link with Neyagawa.
Exchanging cultures and understanding is at the centre of the Sister City experience with Neyagawa, Japan.
Here are some of the exchange programs Oakville participates with Neyagawa:
- Citizen exchanges
- Student/teacher exchanges
- Service club exchanges
- Sports organization exchanges
- Artwork exchanges
- Economic exchanges
For more information, please contact the Clerk's Department at 905-845-6601, ext. 2003 or e-mail clerks@oakville.ca.
