International relations
In 1951, along with Kyoto and Nara, Matsue was designated an International Cultural and Sightseeing City. In addition to being a living example of traditional Japanese culture, Matsue also takes pride in engaging in international exchange, and has adopted events such as the annual Irish Festival and parade. Lafcadio Hearn, a Greek-Irish writer and Illustrious Citizen of Matsue, is a link between Matsue and various other cities around the world. As such, Matsue has maintained special ties with Ireland since 1988. In additional to these ties, Matsue has formal relationships with the following cities. More info about Lafcadio Hearn in our History section.
The friendship cities of Matsue are as follow.
New Orleans, U.S.A.
Lafcadio Hearn lived in and wrote about New Orleans for ten years before moving to Matsue in 1890. Based on this shared history, cultural exchange began in 1990, with a formal agreement signed in 1994.
Jilin, China
Cultural exchange began in 1995, with a formalised agreement signed in 1999. There are many places in Jilin named after Matsue to demonstrate the cities’ close ties, including Matsue Bridge.
Chinju, South Korea
Chinju is a city of culture and art, and it is surrounded by water. A formal agreement was signed in 1999.
Hangzhou, China
Cultural exchange began in 1994, and a formal agreement was made in 2003. Like how Matsue is known for Lake Shinji, Hangzhou is known for its scenic West Lake.
Yinchuan, China
Shimane Prefecture and Ningxia Autonomous Region have maintained a rich cultural exchange, and a formal city agreement between Matsue and Yinchuan was made in 2004.
Matsue also has formal Sister City agreements with three Japanese cities and a town; Takarazuka (Hyogo Pref.), Suzu (Ishikawa Pref.), Onomichi (Hiroshima Pref.), and Oguchi (Aichi Pref.).
Matsue also has many worldwide trading partners, such as for the export of peonies to gardening enthusiasts in Russia, the Netherlands, and other countries. The city hosts international conferences and events at the Kunibiki Messe Shimane Prefectural Convention Centre (see the Matsue Convention Bureau Website). Furthermore, the city has also recently hosted international events such as the 55th International Speech Contest in Japanese, and the 23rd Japan-America Grassroots Summit.
The friendship cities of Matsue are as follow.
New Orleans, U.S.A.
Lafcadio Hearn lived in and wrote about New Orleans for ten years before moving to Matsue in 1890. Based on this shared history, cultural exchange began in 1990, with a formal agreement signed in 1994.
Jilin, China
Cultural exchange began in 1995, with a formalised agreement signed in 1999. There are many places in Jilin named after Matsue to demonstrate the cities’ close ties, including Matsue Bridge.
Chinju, South Korea
Chinju is a city of culture and art, and it is surrounded by water. A formal agreement was signed in 1999.
Hangzhou, China
Cultural exchange began in 1994, and a formal agreement was made in 2003. Like how Matsue is known for Lake Shinji, Hangzhou is known for its scenic West Lake.
Yinchuan, China
Shimane Prefecture and Ningxia Autonomous Region have maintained a rich cultural exchange, and a formal city agreement between Matsue and Yinchuan was made in 2004.
Matsue also has formal Sister City agreements with three Japanese cities and a town; Takarazuka (Hyogo Pref.), Suzu (Ishikawa Pref.), Onomichi (Hiroshima Pref.), and Oguchi (Aichi Pref.).
Matsue also has many worldwide trading partners, such as for the export of peonies to gardening enthusiasts in Russia, the Netherlands, and other countries. The city hosts international conferences and events at the Kunibiki Messe Shimane Prefectural Convention Centre (see the Matsue Convention Bureau Website). Furthermore, the city has also recently hosted international events such as the 55th International Speech Contest in Japanese, and the 23rd Japan-America Grassroots Summit.
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