Sister City Exchange with Como, Italy
Tokamachi City has been involved in international exchange with regions all around the world.
Sister City Exchange with Como, Italy
Profile of the City of Como
(Emblem of the City of Como)
Lombardy Region,
Italy Area: 37km2 (14.42 square miles)
Population: Approx. 83,000.
Official Language: Italian
Exchange between Tokamachi City and Como City
Located in the northern region of Italy, just south of the country’s main financial and industrial centre, Milan, Como is a popular resort destination with one the most impressive cultural heritages in Europe. Both Tokamachi City and Como have a rich tradition of silk and textile production – this shared culture and industry became a bridge for the two cities to formally establish a sister city relationship on the 27th February 1975.
The Tokamachi-Como Sister City Exchange Association was established in 1991, and has since been engaging in cultural exchange projects with the Famiglia Comasca cultural exchange organization based in Como. Both cities have partaken in anniversary projects and envoy dispatches at 5 year intervals since 1975. In addition to this, on a yearly basis there has been a student exchange program which is still active, as well as exchanges of photography that are exhibited in contests, and exchanges at the elementary school level.
2016 marked a new phase for the relationship through mutual exchanges of culinary culture. These included a delegation of soba chefs who showcased their skills in Como, and a seven week culinary internship program provided by Tokamachi for two young trainees from Como’s CFP professional skills college. Then, in 2017, Como dedicated a space for Tokamachi City promotion inside an Info Point tourist information facility, and invited chefs from Tokamachi to operate a food stall at the annual Sant’Abbondio Fair.
Thus far, exchanges between Tokamachi and Como have been carried out on all levels. People have exchanged through all types of events, fairs, musical and artistic performances and creation: It has become a relationship that continues to overcome time and geographical boundaries.
Timeline of Tokamachi's Exchange with Como, Italy (PDFファイル: 115.8KB)
Tokamachi-Como Sister City Exchange Association (only Japanese)
Photo
The sister city agreement is signed by the mayors of Como and Tokamachi.
(27 February 1975, Como)
Como donates a model "Lucia" boat to Tokamachi. The "Lucia" is a symbol of Lake Como that can be seen even today.
(1998, Tokamachi)
Tokamachi gifts a stone statue to Como marking 25 years of friendly exchange. The statue, named “Friendship,” was made by Tokamachi-born sculptor, Hidemasa Fujimaki.
(2000, Como)
Tokamachi presents Como with a replica of its National Treasure, the kaengata doki, marking 25 years of sister city relations.
(2000, Como)
Como citizens and children warmly welcome the Tokamachi goodwill delegation in celebration of 35 years of sister city relations.
(2010, Como)
The mayor of Tokamachi presents a gift to the mayor of Como to mark 35 years of sister city relations.
(2010, Como)
A delegation of soba chefs who showcased their skills in Como.
(2016 October, CFP in Como)
A seven week culinary internship program provided by Tokamachi for two young trainees from Como’s CFP professional skills college.
(2017 March - May, Tokamachi)
A space for Tokamachi City promotion inside an Info Point tourist information facility.
(2017 May - September, Info Point in Como)
Chefs from Tokamachi to operate a food stall at the annual Sant’Abbondio Fair.
(2017 September, Como)
The leader of Como’s Taiko Lekko group participated in exchanges with taiko drumming groups in Tokamachi and a local obon festival.
(2017 August, Tokamachi)
Restaurants in Tokamachi create dishes using recipes and ingredients from Como for the “2017 Italian Fair in Tokamachi” event held in coordination with the "2nd World Italian Food Week.”
(2017 November, Tokamachi)
A seven week culinary internship program provided by Tokamachi for two young trainees from Como’s CFP professional skills college.
(2018 March - May, Tokamachi)
As part of a KIMONO Project, designs created by high school students in Como are evaluated by industry professionals from Tokamachi and compiled into a book.
(2018 February - August, Como)
Eight members of Como’s Miciscirube association visit Tokamachi to volunteer for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale and participate in exchanges with local citizens.
(2018 August, Tokamachi)
Restaurants in Tokamachi create dishes using recipes and ingredients from Como for the “2018 Italian Fair in Tokamachi” event held in coordination with the "2nd World Italian Food Week.”
(2018 November, Tokamachi)
Contact Us
General Affairs Department, Policy Planning Division, Public Relations Section
Address: 3 Chome-3 Chitosecho, Tokamachi-shi, Niigata-ken 948-0067 (2nd floor of the central government office)
Phone number: +81-25-757-3112
Facsimile number: 025-752-4635
You can contact them through mail here
Last updated：January 17, 2024