Celina, sister city reaffirm partnership

CELINA - Officials from the sister cities of Celina and Minamiawaji, Japan, signed an agreement on Monday night reaffirming their partnership during an hourlong ceremony of mutual respect.

At the regular council meeting, members of the Minamiawaji delegation, who are being accommodated in Celina this week by Grand Lake International Association, introduced themselves, each bowing in accordance with Japanese custom. They also exchanged gifts with city officials.

This is the 20th anniversary of the cultural exchange between the two cities, according to Julie Fleck, president of the association.

Members of the delegation, communicating through a translator, thanked city officials for the partnership and for the wonderful opportunity that has allowed Minamiawaji students and other visitors to Celina to learn about American culture and history and become more internationally minded.

The Minamiawaji guests hope the partnership can be strengthened and deepened in the years to come.

Ryoji Noda, a Japanese deputy consul general based in Detroit, said he has been living in this region for three years. Noda, speaking in both Japanese and English, said he is very proud of the excellent relationship between the two countries.
"For example, Japan is the No. 1 foreign investor in Ohio," he said.
Ohio is home to 466 Japanese companies, generating 74,000 job opportunities. One manufacturing job is equivalent to 10 jobs of other types, he said.
Noda said 14 Ohio cities have sister cities in Japan. One of the most successful is the partnership between Celina and Minamiawaji, he said.

People in the United States, especially this region, have warmly welcomed diverse cultures, Noda said.

"People in this region try to promote coexistence and prosperity irrespective of race, religion or nationality. It is amazing, I believe," he said.

During his time in India, Noda said he learned of Mahatma Gandhi and his belief that no culture can survive if it attempts to be exclusionary.

The partnership between Celina and Minamiawaji is a powerful symbol of that tenet, he said.

"I feel so honored to be here tonight with you," mayor Jeff Hazel said. "And certainly on behalf of Celina you are welcome here. Hearing the remarks made tonight reminds me how important our relationship is. We do not stand alone in this world but together."

Councilman June Scott, acting as council president in Jason King's absence, said council appreciates the Japanese delegation's efforts just to come to Celina.

"You're a long way from home and we appreciate all the things that you have brought with you, and I hope that our friendship lasts longer than 20 years," he said.

Council members approved as an emergency measure a resolution recognizing and re-signing the sister city agreement. Among other things, it encourages the two cities' youth to share themselves and their cultures with each other to promote international understanding, harmony and friendship.

It states the city of Celina believes all communities should be more closely linked in a global society, and it desires its children to possess the skills and values necessary to interact in a world without political, social or economic borders.

Fleck also presented a proclamation from State Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, on behalf of the 131st General Assembly congratulating the partnership that strengthens goodwill between the two countries and promotes greater understanding between its peoples.

The Japanese delegation will be in Celina until Sunday.

Today members will tour downtown Celina, including the courthouse, fire station, library and The Daily Standard newspaper; visit with Celina Rotary members; participate in a dedication ceremony; and view Vantilburg Farm.

Other events this week include a picnic, pool party and trips to the New Bremen Bicycle Museum, Stoneco Stone Quarry and other places.

In spring 1996, Celina and Nandan-cho, Japan, became sister cities through agreements signed at ceremonies in each community after four previous years of exploration and introductions.

Nandan-cho's economy was similar to Celina's, based on industry and agriculture, and included rural development, coastal fishing, resort areas, farms and villages. A group of Celina politicians, community members and agriculture professionals traveled to Japan several years ago before the project became a youth exchange.

In 2005, Nandan-cho merged with other towns to form Minamiawaji - a city with a population of about 50,000 people.