Invercargill has once again welcomed a delegation from Japanese sister city Kumagaya, marking the latest official visit in a sister city relationship spanning 31 years.

The Invercargill-Kumagaya sister city relationship was formalised in 1993 and has since sparked student exchanges, reciprocal official visits, and the formation of the Kumagaya Friendship Association.

Kumagaya, about 60km from central Tokyo, is an agricultural town known for cherry blossoms, wide open spaces, and a love of rugby.

Five city councillors from Kumagaya made the visit to Invercargill and Bluff last week, visiting several attractions and businesses around the city alongside Invercargill city councillors, including Queens Park, Te Moutere Tuatara Island, Tiwai Point, Transport World, The Seriously Good Chocolate Company, Bluff Distillery, Space Ops, Ocean Beach, and a dairy farm.

The councillors also enjoyed a formal dinner and kapa haka performance at Murihiku Marae.

Invercargill City Council Manager Governance and Legal Michael Morris said the visit was a chance to showcase southern hospitality.

“We are very grateful to the businesses and organisations in Southland who shared their time and experiences with our guests, helping to make their stay here truly valuable,” he said.

“These visits strengthen our sister city connection and bring us tangible benefits, such as sporting, school and working holiday exchanges.”

Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark said it was great to show the visitors some of the innovative things that are happening around Invercargill.

“We have a lot to offer in our corner of the country, whether it’s our award-winning parks, the revitalised city centre, or world-leading businesses creating products that go all over the globe.”

The delegation stayed in Invercargill for four days, returning to Japan on Thursday.