The Kurashiki Ritsuko Ensemble, a mini string orchestra from the Kurashiki Academy will hold a concert at the Music Centre in Barbados Street from 7pm on Saturday, 6 April.

The ensemble will also perform at two free outdoor concerts — in Cathedral Square at midday on Friday, 5 April and in the Arts Centre’s North Quad at 1pm on Saturday, 6 April.

The visit is one of a number of educational, sporting and cultural connections established between the two cities since the sister city link was set up in 1973.

During an annual student exchange in October 2001, 14 year-10 (Fourth Form) students from Christchurch schools spent two weeks in Kurashiki. In July this year, students from Kurashiki will visit Christchurch for two weeks. Mt Pleasant Primary School has also established its own student exchange programme.

Christchurch has sister city relationships with six cities. Kurashiki is on the eastern side of Honshu, the largest of Japan’s four main islands. It is 650km southwest of Tokyo.

Newton Dodge, Kurashiki Sister City chair since 1990, says that as well as student exchanges, sports, cultural and art exchanges take place regularly.

“We’ve hosted sculptors, painters and sports teams,” he says. “In turn, Kurashiki has hosted a metal sculptor and glass blower from Christchurch.

“Every two years Kurashiki recruits assistant language teachers from Christchurch. A pen pal scheme has also been running for a number of years.”

Next year, Kurashiki and Christchurch celebrate the 30th anniversary of their sister city link. An official delegation from Christchurch, including the Woolston-Skellerup Brass Band will travel to Kurashiki in September 2003. A reciprocal visit will also take place, with a delegation from Kurashiki visiting during the anniversary year.

Mr Dodge says the sister city link has extended knowledge and awareness of Japanese culture in Christchurch. He says the system of home hosting has fostered many friendships.

“Home hosting allows participants in the exchange programmes to experience real Japanese and New Zealand lifestyles. Christchurch’s sister city link with Kurashiki has encouraged cultural understanding and appreciation of differences and built many long lasting friendships.”

Information about Kurashiki and other Christchurch sister cities can be found on the web, at www.christchurch.org.nz/SisterCities