Initiated 1976:
Hamilton residents from Japan approached then-mayor Vic Copps.
Description:
Most of it burned in a 1945 air attack and was rebuilt. Near Hiroshima. Commercial, industrial, and communications centre on inland sea. Produces machinery, Japanese harps (kotos), rubber products, electronics, textiles and processed foods. Noted for its roses and Rose Festival in May 1996. Population: 465,238 (2010).