Over Pioneer Day weekend, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall is hosting a delegation from one of the capital’s sister cities, Matsumoto, Japan, as well as Matsumoto Mayor Yoshinao Gaun.
The visit commemorates the 65th anniversary of Salt Lake City’s relationship with Matsumoto, which began in 1958, about 13 years after World War II ended. It represents the first and oldest Salt Lake City sister city relationship. Salt Lake City and Matsumoto also share Olympic sister city status.
“Salt Lake City is achieving so much more as we collaborate with partners, like Matsumoto, than we ever could before in isolation,” Mendenhall tweeted. “These relationships enhance our connection to the world. I’m looking forward to celebrating this friendship and #SLC this weekend!”
On Monday morning, mayor Mendenhall and mayor Gaun will ride in the Days of ‘47 Parade together. And in the afternoon, the two mayors will conduct a tree-planting ceremony in the International Peace Gardens at the Japanese Garden.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Matsumoto, Japan Mayor Yoshinao Gaun at the International Peace Gardens in Salt Lake City on Monday, July 24, 2023.
According to SaltLakeSisterCities.com, Salt Lake City and Matsumoto’s sister city relationship is attributed to the “two cities’ mutual respect and enjoyment for one another. …”
The relationship was also forged thanks to the efforts of a Japanese newspaper reporter from Matsumoto named Tamotsu Murayama, the website said. In 1957, Murayama visited the Japanese newspaper agency in Utah, The Utah Nippo. When he arrived and saw Salt Lake City surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, he was reminded of the Japan Alps surrounding Matsumoto.
Matsumoto is located about 110 miles northwest of Tokyo, and is famous for Matsumoto Castle, according to Japan-Guide.com.
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