Mayor Linda Buchanan and Mayor Shunichi Kamiya signed a Reaffirmation Agreement renewing a 55-year Sister City friendship at City Hall today.
“We hold our Sister City friendship in the highest regard, recognizing that lasting peace and shared prosperity are built on the foundation of international cooperation and goodwill,” said City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan. “Through today’s signing of the Reaffirmation of the Sister City Agreement, we renew our commitment to fostering peace, shared prosperity and friendship with our Sister City Chiba, Japan.”
Located on the bustling Tokyo Bay, Chiba City is a major port city and a hub for industry, commerce, and education. Like the City of North Vancouver, Chiba City seeks to balance urban development with a deep appreciation for nature and culture.
“Celebrating over half a century of friendship and cultural exchange, 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of Chiba City and North Vancouver City’s Sister City relationship. I am delighted that this official delegation visit will help us to mark this milestone by strengthening the partnership between our cities and move towards deepening exchanges in the future,” said Mayor Shunichi Kamiya
Over the last half century, each city has fostered this friendship through high school student exchanges led by the North Shore Lions Club, cultural delegations by elected officials featuring performances by artists and musicians, special projects like the creation of the Chiba Japanese garden tended by the City of North Vancouver, sessions dedicated to learning and sharing about issues facing both cities, and a tradition of exchanging gifts that are representative of each city’s artistic and creative traditions.
“It is a great pleasure to witness the long-standing friendship that has been nurtured over the years by the dedicated efforts of the cities of North Vancouver and Chiba, their communities, and individuals,” said Consul General of Japan in Vancouver, Takahashi Yoshiaki. “I sincerely hope that the reaffirmation of Friendship Agreement will further deepen the friendship and understanding between the two cities and thereby contribute to the promotion of goodwill and mutual understanding between Japan and Canada.”
The public are welcome to visit a small exhibit in the lobby of City Hall October 25 through November 24, 2025. This exhibit shares the story of the relationship in detail and showcases some of the extraordinary gifts presented to the City of North Vancouver over the last half century.