Minami, Japan

About Minami

The relationship with Hiwasa began with an interest by the Mayor of Hiwasa in the movement of the Loggerhead turtle, and Cairns sending a species of the turtle to the Hiwasa museum for display.  The agreement was signed on 1st April 1969.

Reciprocal visits between students and the community continue, due largely to the contribution of the Australian Japan Society Cairns.

In April 2009 we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of our Sister City relationship.  Councillor Di Forsyth and members of the Australian Japan Society Cairns travelled to Minami for the celebrations and presented a print by local Cairns Artist, Brian Robinson, "Waterworld of the Waru" depicting two turtles.

Location

Hiwasa was a town located in Kaifu District, Tokushima, Japan.  On March 31, 2006 Hiwasa was merged with the town of Yuki, from Kaifu District, to form the new town of Minami. Located 50km south of Tokushima city, Minami is over 33km from east to west, and covers an area of approximately 140.8km2. It is bordered on the southwest by the Kaifu mountains and on the east by the Pacific Ocean, making Minami a scenic town surrounded by mountains and sea.

Population

The population of Minami is approximately 10,000 (2010); Japan 127 million.

Climate

The climate of Tokushima Prefecture is relatively mild, but varies due to its north-south length of 100 km. The northern area, including Tokushima City, features the warm and dry Setonaikai (Inland Sea) climate with annual precipitation of less than 1,500 mm. The southern area with its beautiful coastlines features the warm and wet Pacific Ocean climate. The alpine area of the Shikoku Mountains with Mount Tsturugi in the centre features the cold and wet Sea of Japan climate (mountain climate). It sometimes snows in the winter.

Local time

The local time of Minami is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +9 which is the 2 hours behind Cairns.

The proclamation reads

The original Proclamation was signed with the City of Hiwasa.

'The city of Cairns, Queensland Australia and the City of Hiwasa, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, sincerely desire to promote mutual friendship and shall strive for sister exchanges in fields ranging from culture to commerce.  Through this Agreement the two cities strive for closer friendship and understanding between the nations of Australia and Japan and believe that their efforts will contribute to the peace of the whole world.  On this first day of April 1969 we pledge our cooperation as sister cities.'

A new agreement was signed with Minami on 1st October 2007.

'The cities of Cairns, Queensland in Australia and Minami, Tokushima Prefecture in Japan hereby signal their intent to establish lasting and friendly relationships for formally entering into a Sister City relationship.

They agree to promote economic, educational, cultural and sport exchange to generate mutual understanding and goodwill, leading to a better life for their citizens.

Through this agreement they will:
  • Communicate with one another on a frequent and continual basis to strengthen their links, always responsive to the special needs and requests.
  • Identify and implement projects that will provide specific, meaningful contributions to the health, welfare and prosperity of the people of Cairns and Minami.
  • Regard the officials and citizens of one another's city with utmost respect, friendship and goodwill.'


This agreement is limited, and is effective from the day of signing until its 3rd anniversary when the Mayors of Cairns and Minami will confer to decide whether to continue with the relationship. In the event that the relationship continues, a new agreement will be entered into.

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