Newark has links to its twinned Polish, French, and German towns, but now our town can boast a link with Japan as well.
Newark native Aimee Brown has spent the last three years working as a coordinator for international relations in Motomiya City, and was struck by the similarities to Newark, including its transport links, a river running through its centre, and brewery, as well as famous battles happening there throughout history.
When her time in the Japanese city was over, she wanted to leave the local people with a lasting memory of her and her home town, so her mum sent her across a number of Newark souvenirs to leave for Motomiya City Hall, including a plate, cufflinks, and even a coat of arms, which she said were very well received.
Aimee Brown with Mayor Barbara Corrigan. Photo: Iliffe Media
To show their gratitude, the international division of Motomiya City Hall presented Aimee with two Okiagari-koboshi dolls, a traditional gift from the Aizu region of Fukushima where Motomiya is located.
Similar to Weeble toys, the dolls are made so that no matter how many times they are knocked down they will always get back up again, and are regarded as a symbol of resilience and are seen as lucky charms in Japan.
The red Okiagari-koboshi doll was signed by the Mayor of Motomiya City, Gigyo Takamatsu, while the blue one bears a message from the locals to Newark.
Its accompanying letter said that Aimee “contributed greatly to international exchange initiatives”: “That we are able to transcend language and borders, and communicate with our hearts like this in a world confronted by various hardships, fills us with much hope and happiness.”
Aimee presented Mayor Barbara Corrigan with the gifts and accompanying letter from Motomiya City Hall to establish a connection and friendship between Newark, Motomiya City and Fukushima Prefecture, and said she will display the dolls in the twinning area of the town hall.
Barbara said: “We are honoured to receive these beautiful gifts from Motomiya which represent Japan’s culture, and in particular the culture of the city of Motomiya itself and we will proudly display these in the town hall for all visitors to see as a sign of the friendship between Motomiya and Newark.”
AloJapan.com