Wed, 20 Oct 2013 Chamonix welcomes 25 delegates from Fujiyoshida (Japan) to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of town-twinning. The Mayor of Fujiyoshida, Shigeru Horiuchi and the Consul of Japan in Lyon, Shuji Noguchi are part of the delegation.
The group will explore the local Chamoniard culture and take part in different activities to become better acquainted with their French counterparts.
Twinned towns are often chosen because of similarities between them. Chamonix and Fujiyoshida are both resting at the foot of the highest mountains in their respective countries, Mont-Blanc (4,810m) in France and Mount Fuji (3,776m) in Japan.
Fujiyoshida is the gateway to Mount Fuji. Nestled at the northern base of the Unesco World Cultural Heritage Site, it ranges in altitude from 650-900 meters above sea level. The area of the Five Fuji Lakes, that surrounds the city, boasts abundant natural beauty.
The first of two official twinning ceremonies was held in Fujiyoshida on 9 October 1978. Mr. Christian Couttet, the mayor of Chamonix and Mr. Ishihara, the mayor of Fujiyoshida signed the Twinning Charter. The second ceremony was held in Chamonix on 28 April 1981. Twinning came into effect on 9 October 1978, the second ceremony was a formality.
Town-twinning is an agreement between two towns or cities in different countries, to promote projects of mutual interest and benefit. All sections of each community may be involved, particularly business, tourism, culture and sports.
Later in October 2013, Fujiyoshida will welcome the mayor of Chamonix, Mr. Eric Fournier. Further dates have not been disclosed.
