#Japan #Minato #Awa Dance #Platinum Kitasato #Anan City

Strengthening Bonds: A New Era of Cooperation between Platinum Kitasato and Anan City

In a significant step towards deepening cultural and economic ties, the Platinum Kitasato Shopping Street in Minato, Tokyo, will formally establish a friendship agreement with Anan City in Tokushima Prefecture on July 19, 2023. This agreement is crafted to bolster the existing relationship cultivated since 2016, rooted in the annual "Platinum Awa Dance" event. This event celebrates Awa Dance, a traditional Japanese performance art that originates from Tokushima.

Ceremony Details

The signing ceremony, named the "Basic Agreement on Cultural Exchange among Friendship Cities," will take place in the Kamon Ward Community Collaboration Space located on the 4th floor of the Kamon Hot Plaza. Key attendees of this historic event will include:

• - Ai Seike, the Mayor of Minato Ward
• - Nobuhiro Sato, President of the Platinum Kitasato Shopping Street
• - Yoshihiro Iwasa, the Mayor of Anan City
• - Isamu Kanematsu, President of Anan City Tourism Association

The ceremony is scheduled to occur between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM and will precede the commencement of the 15th Platinum Awa Dance Festival, an event that showcases vibrant traditional performances and community spirit.

A Journey of Cultural Exchange

The friendship between the Platinum Kitasato Shopping Street and Anan City was forged through the annual celebration of Awa Dance, marking the start of a fruitful relationship in 2016. Since then, both communities have collaborated on various events which include participation in the Port Ward Citizen Festival and the National Exchange Fair. These interactions have not only strengthened community bonds but have also fostered cultural appreciation and economic cooperation.


Moreover, Anan City’s rice is featured in the school lunch programs of public elementary and middle schools within Minato, highlighting agricultural ties. Community workshops centered on bamboo and Awa Dance exercise classes for local students further emphasize this cultural collaboration, providing educational opportunities and a platform for artistic expression. Notably, students have formed their own Awa Dance groups, showcasing local talent and creativity.


In a reciprocal gesture, the Minato Ward and the Platinum Kitasato Shopping Street will set up a promotional booth at Anan City’s annual "Anan City Bamboo Festival," further showcasing their products and promoting local culture.

A Broader Vision for Collaborative Engagement

The signing of this agreement marks not just a continuation of past exchanges but also lays the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in diverse fields such as tourism promotion, support during disasters, and further cultural events. These initiatives are designed to broaden the scope of collaboration, transforming friendship into tangible benefits for all involved.


As both cities embark on this new chapter of partnership, the residents look forward to a future enriched by the exchange of culture, ideas, and mutual support, weaving the threads of tradition into the fabric of contemporary community life.