Takasago, Japan

Takasago City, with a population of approximately 100,000 and an area of 34.40km2, is located in the middle-south part of Hyogo Prefecture. In terms of population Takasago is the tenth largest local government area in the Hyogo Prefecture.

Takasago is a cultural showcase with shrines, temples and especially the Oshiko Floating Stone and the pine trees in Takasago Shrine. It is a major industrial area in the region, including production of paper, food, iron, steel, machinery, ceramics, chemicals and power generation.

Takasago is well known as the birth place of the classical song "Youkyuku Takasago", which is a famous wedding song that is sang at Shinto weddings throughout Japan.

Takasago declared the city as "The Bridal City Takasago" in 1998 - hoping for peace and happiness for all human beings and a healthy, bright and lively city.

Visit Takasago City's website >>

Takasago & Latrobe

The relationship with Takasago was born out of a multi million-dollar economic development project undertaken in Latrobe Valley by Japanese company, Kobe Steel, in the 1980s. Over 200 families from the Takasago area resided in the Latrobe Valley during this time and had a significant economic impact on the region. At the request of Kobe Steel and Takasago City, the former City of Morwell (now part of Latrobe City) commenced the process of establishing a relationship with Takasago City in the early 1990s. This ultimately led to Latrobe City Council entering into a formal relationship with Takasago City in October 2000. The agreement was signed by the then Mayor, Cr. Tony Hanning and Mr Hirokazu Tamura, Mayor of Takasago.

Recent Exchanges

Student Visit Program

2001 April - 10 Latrobe students visited Takasago City for a week

2002 August - 10 Takasago students visited Latrobe City for 4 days

2004 August - 10 Takasago students visited Latrobe City for a week

2006 August - 10 Takasago students visit Latrobe City for a week.

2008 August Takasago Jazz Band visit Latrobe City 24 Band Members Played 3 Shows.

Sports Exchange

2006 January - 12 female basketball players and 14 male soccer players with 7 accompanying adults visited Takasago City for 5 days.

Latrobe City Youth Band

2002 Establishment of Latrobe City Youth Band
2004 January - Latrobe City Youth Band Tour to Takasago City and Taizhou City
2005 Tour of Central Victoria
2008 January Latrobe City Youth Band Tour to Takasago City and Taizhou City

Community Members Visit

2002 August - Members of Latrobe Friendly Society visited Latrobe City for 1 week
2002 December - Members of Latrobe Friendly Society visited Takasago City
2005 September - 30 Members of Latrobe Friendly Society participated in the Japanese Day and the ASCA National Conference in Latrobe City

AET (Assistant English Teacher)

The following assisted in teaching English at junior high schools and primary schools in Takasago for 12 months.

2001/2 - Janine Edbrooke
2002/3 - Simone Fenech
2003/4 - Fabian Rutherford
2004/5 - Rebecca Stait
2005/6 - Joelene Thompson
2006/7 - Cathrine Reid (currently teaching in Takasago City)

Cherry Blossom Avenue

On 4 June 1991, fifteen Mount Fuji flowering cherry trees were planted at Kernot Hall, Morwell, by Japanese staff of BCLV to serve as a constant reminder of the lasting friendships made between Japanese staff of the pilot Coal to Oil Plant and the residents of the then City of Morwell.

Takasago Friendly Society

Latrobe City Council established the Takasago Friendly Society in 2001, comprising those who are interested in assisting with the hospitality of International visitors within the community to help Council host its visitors from Takasago City. Members of the society have a role to assist Council host international visitors by showing them around the region, being a host family for a few nights and/or any other activities. The members also subscribe to a Takasago Friendly Society Newsletter, 4 issues per year.

Latrobe Friendly Society

Latrobe Friendly Society was established in Takasago to promote friendly ties between the people of Takasago City and the people of Latrobe City, in February 2003. It is comprised of enthusiastic members who are mostly housewives and retired gentlemen, with various and unique talens in the community. Society members play an important role in organisation of visits from Latrobe City, including organising an itinerary, escorting visitors around Takasago, supporting the AET and any other activities.