Delegation from Sochi, Russia, Visited Nagato City

Welcome with smiles, holding flags of both cities

From December 18 to 19, Sochi Mayor Anatoly Pahomov and other members of the Sochi delegation visited Nagato City and were welcomed by local people at various places they visited.

Nagato City is aiming to establish a sister city relationship with Sochi, and during their visit to Japan, Mayor Kurao Onishi and Mayor Pahomov signed the "Joint Statement of Cooperation between Nagato City and Sochi City," promising to organize joint events, support and exchange in the social, cultural, tourism and sports fields.

On the 18th, after a courtesy visit to the Nagato City Hall, the participants visited the tombstone of Russo-Japanese soldiers on the beach of Okoshi in the Dori district. In the evening, a joint statement was signed at Otani Villa.

Visiting delegation arrives in Dori

Mayor Pahomov shaking hands with welcoming locals

Visiting delegation being briefed at the tomb of a Russian soldier

Local people watching over the delegation

Waving flags and welcoming

On the 19th, they also visited Hagi City's "Hanamoyu" cleaning plant and Tawarayama Onsen. At Tawarayama Onsen, the public bathhouse "Machinoyu" was used as a footbath for visitors to enjoy the hot spring, and "ONSEN Gastronomy" at Tawarayama Onsen was introduced at Onsenkaku, as well as other local initiatives.

Visiting team arrives at Tawarayama

Locals welcome visitors with banners written in Russian

The visiting delegation exchanges smiles and greetings at Tawarayama.

Preparing to enter the town's hot spring

On this day, the town's hot spring is open as a footbath

Sochi residents relaxing in the footbath

At each location, local people welcomed the visitors, waving flags of both countries and cities. The visitors responded by shaking hands and taking pictures together. We are sure that the kindness of Nagato was conveyed to the people of Sochi. We have high expectations for future exchanges!

Next year, Nagato City plans to visit Sochi City and officially conclude a sister city affiliation.