Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, Signs 'Friendship City Agreement' with Boryeong City, South Korea
Key facts
- Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, Signs 'Friendship City Agreement' with Boryeong City, South Korea
- On May 8, 2026, Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, signed a friendship city agreement with Boryeong City, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Building on a relationship of trust developed through private-sector exchanges, the two cities aim to deepen cooperation in administration, tourism, and youth exchange.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 25, 2026
Direct answer
On May 8, 2026, Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, signed a friendship city agreement with Boryeong City, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Building on a relationship of trust developed through private-sector exchanges, the two cities aim to deepen cooperation in administration, tourism, and youth exchange.
- Citation
- Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, Signs 'Friendship City Agreement' with Boryeong City, South Korea (May 25, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 25, 2026
On May 8, 2026, Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, signed a friendship city agreement with Boryeong City, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Building on a relationship of trust developed through private-sector exchanges, the two cities aim to deepen cooperation in administration, tourism, and youth exchange.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 17:42
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 09:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 25, 2026 at 09:07 (6 min after Collected)
Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, held a signing ceremony for a "Friendship City Agreement" with Boryeong City, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on May 8, 2026 (Friday) in Boryeong City.
About the Friendship City Agreement Signing Ceremony
■ Ceremony Overview
Date and Time: May 8, 2026 (Friday) from 16:00
Location: Boryeong City Hall (269-4 Myeongcheon-dong, Boryeong-si, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea)
Attendees: Masahiro Hashimoto (Mayor of Sakai Town), Isao Kuramochi (Chairman of Sakai Town Council), Kim Dong-il (Mayor of Boryeong City), Jang Jin-won (Vice Mayor of Boryeong City), and others.
Agenda:
Introduction of attendees, background and content of the friendship city agreement, signing, welcome speech by the Mayor of Boryeong, speech by the Mayor of Sakai, and group photo.
Mayor Kim Dong-il stated, "I felt a deep sense of trust in the passion and hospitality of the people of Sakai Town, which led to today's agreement. I look forward to deepening cooperation in a wide range of fields including administration, tourism, and youth exchange."
Mayor Masahiro Hashimoto said, "I am confident that by connecting Sakai Town with Boryeong City, an attractive international city, we will create great possibilities for the future. I want to create a future together where children who will carry the future of Japan and South Korea can nurture friendships and fly out into the world."
After the signing ceremony, a commemorative tree-planting ceremony was held, and cherry trees were planted in the Boryeong Mugunghwa Arboretum. A dinner party was subsequently held to further deepen exchanges.
On May 9 (Saturday), two members of the Sakai Town delegation participated as runners in the "Boryeong Mud Seaside Marathon." They also visited the Boryeong Chungcheong Suyeongseong Fortress to deepen their understanding of the city's history, culture, and tourism resources.
History of Exchange between Sakai Town and Boryeong City
Boryeong City is the hometown of Choi Jong-sik, CEO of KJC Co., Ltd., which has a comprehensive partnership agreement with Sakai Town. Building on this connection, exchanges have been ongoing since the first visit by Boryeong City to Sakai Town in October 2024.
- Oct 9-10, 2024: Boryeong City delegation visited Sakai Town for the first time to observe community development policies.
- Dec 24-25, 2024: Sakai Town delegation visited Boryeong City and participated in the "Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival."
- July 25-27, 2025: Sakai Town participated in the "Boryeong Mud Festival 2025."
- Sept 13, 2025: Invited 9 officials from Boryeong City, including Mayor Kim, to the Sakai Town "Tone River Fireworks Festival."
About the Friendship City Agreement Signing Ceremony
■ Ceremony Overview
Date and Time: May 8, 2026 (Friday) from 16:00
Location: Boryeong City Hall (269-4 Myeongcheon-dong, Boryeong-si, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea)
Attendees: Masahiro Hashimoto (Mayor of Sakai Town), Isao Kuramochi (Chairman of Sakai Town Council), Kim Dong-il (Mayor of Boryeong City), Jang Jin-won (Vice Mayor of Boryeong City), and others.
Agenda:
Introduction of attendees, background and content of the friendship city agreement, signing, welcome speech by the Mayor of Boryeong, speech by the Mayor of Sakai, and group photo.
Mayor Kim Dong-il stated, "I felt a deep sense of trust in the passion and hospitality of the people of Sakai Town, which led to today's agreement. I look forward to deepening cooperation in a wide range of fields including administration, tourism, and youth exchange."
Mayor Masahiro Hashimoto said, "I am confident that by connecting Sakai Town with Boryeong City, an attractive international city, we will create great possibilities for the future. I want to create a future together where children who will carry the future of Japan and South Korea can nurture friendships and fly out into the world."
After the signing ceremony, a commemorative tree-planting ceremony was held, and cherry trees were planted in the Boryeong Mugunghwa Arboretum. A dinner party was subsequently held to further deepen exchanges.
On May 9 (Saturday), two members of the Sakai Town delegation participated as runners in the "Boryeong Mud Seaside Marathon." They also visited the Boryeong Chungcheong Suyeongseong Fortress to deepen their understanding of the city's history, culture, and tourism resources.
History of Exchange between Sakai Town and Boryeong City
Boryeong City is the hometown of Choi Jong-sik, CEO of KJC Co., Ltd., which has a comprehensive partnership agreement with Sakai Town. Building on this connection, exchanges have been ongoing since the first visit by Boryeong City to Sakai Town in October 2024.
- Oct 9-10, 2024: Boryeong City delegation visited Sakai Town for the first time to observe community development policies.
- Dec 24-25, 2024: Sakai Town delegation visited Boryeong City and participated in the "Daecheon Winter Sea Love Festival."
- July 25-27, 2025: Sakai Town participated in the "Boryeong Mud Festival 2025."
- Sept 13, 2025: Invited 9 officials from Boryeong City, including Mayor Kim, to the Sakai Town "Tone River Fireworks Festival."
FAQ
What is the date when Kyōmachi and Bonam City signed the friendship city agreement?
May 8, 2026 (Friday).
What was the catalyst for Kyōmachi and Bonam City to deepen their exchange?
The exchange began with the initial visit of Bonam City to Kyōmachi in October 2024, facilitated by the connection of the representative director of KJC Corporation, who is from Bonam City, and Kyōmachi's comprehensive partnership agreement with KJC Corporation.
What are the main exchange activities between the two cities so far?
The exchanges have included visits and courtesy calls by delegations from both sides, participation in the 'Mad Festival,' invitations to the 'Tone River Fireworks Festival,' and athlete participation in marathon events, involving both administrative and civilian sectors.
Where was the signing ceremony held?
It was held at the Bonam City Hall in Bonam City, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.
Were any commemorative events held after the signing of the agreement?
Yes, a cherry tree planting ceremony was held at Bonam Mugunghwa Arboretum after the signing ceremony.