Delegation’s trip to Susono

Published on 13 November 2023

Frankston’s 41 year sister city relationship with Susono in Japan has been further strengthened after a very successful delegation visit in early October.

The 36 delegates representing Frankston included 16 students and four teachers from Derinya Primary School, members of the Frankston Susono Friendship Association (FSFA) and community representatives. The delegates spent four days in Susono, where they enjoyed a ‘home-stay’ with a Japanese family and experienced Japanese culture and their way of life.

Members of the delegation were taken sight-seeing around Susono, which included visiting the Yamanashi Prefectural Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre and Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. The Derinya students were able to experience Japanese school-life when they attended Susono South Elementary School.

Feedback from the delegates regarding their time in Susono was very positive. The Derinya students stated they enjoyed their home-stays, Japanese food, visiting the school and found sleeping on the floor on tatami mats very interesting! Many of the students stayed with the families of friends they had hosted in Frankston during the Susono Schools visit held in August this year.

All delegates participated in helping at the Australian Fair which the Susono Overseas Friendship Association (SOFA) organised. Citizens of Susono were able to learn about Australia and Frankston by participating in and watching activities such as singing, dancing, tasting Australian food (pavlova, vegemite and “Frankston cookies”) and using virtual reality goggles which showcased the City of Frankston.

Formal speeches given by representatives from both cities acknowledged the history of the sister-city relationship with the emphasis being on the importance of maintaining strong bonds between the two cities into the future. As our sister city relationship continues to grow and evolve with Susono, we look forward to welcoming a delegation from Susono in 2024.