Colorado Springs Sister Cities International
Fujiyoshida, Japan
Fujiyoshida, Japan, a city of 56,000 people is located in
the center of the Japanese main island of Honshu. The
city rests at the base of majestic Mount Fuji, and is built
upon old lava flows. It is considered a high-elevation city
in Japan at 2,140 to 2,800 feet above sea level. The city
is also located between two of the five Fuji Lakes. Since
olden times, Fujiyoshida has produced high quality
textiles, and now is the center of commerce and high
technology in southern Yamanashi Prefecture.
Fujiyoshida and Colorado Springs entered into a sister city
relationship in 1962. Reciprocal Mayoral visits occurred in
2002 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the relationship.
SYMBOLS OF JAPANESE SISTER CITY REJUVENATED IN 2004, 2007
The torii gate, shrine and crisscrossed bridge, located in
the North Nevada Avenue median between Platte Ave. and
Bijou St. in downtown Colorado Springs, were repainted in 2004 & 2007. Rampart High School Japan Club students, who are studying the Japanese history and language, volunteered to scrape and repaint the structures. They were supervised by their teachers, Alex Echevarria and Liz Groothof-Croddy. The City's Operations Division donated ladders, paint and brushes for the event. For their dedicated effort, Carl's Jr Restaurant rewarded the student with free hamburgers.
The Japanese structures were a gift to Colorado Springs in 1966 from the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs in commemoration of the Sister City relationship between Colorado Springs and Fujiyoshida. A plaque near the torii says the purpose of the sister city relationship is to promote understanding between the people of our two countries and cities.
STUDENT EXCHANGES
The Fujiyoshida Student exchange
program has become an annual event
and one in which many lasting
friendships have been formed. In 2010,
the Japanese exchange students visit will
coincide with the Pikes Peak International
Music Festival "In Harmony" to be held
July 26 to August 1, 2010. Host families
are needed each year. So if you know of any one interested in serving please get in touch with chair Jill McMillan by email.
PAST STUDENT EXCHANGES
In June of 2004, the Rampart High School Japan Club members traveled to Fujiyoshida. They stayed with host families who shared their everyday experiences with them.
Each summer Fujiyoshida middle school students and chaperones visit Colorado Springs. They stay with host families here, many of whom have served as hosts in the past. This past year's visitors range from 14 to 15 years of age. They attend Junior High Schools in Fujiyoshida. The chaperones are usually from Fujiyoshida City Hall and teachers from local Schools. Group activities include tours to the top of Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods City Park and Trading Post. Also a picnic is held for the visitors, their hosts, Rampart High School student volunteers and members of CSSCI. While the visitors are here, they share everyday life experiences with the host families such as visits to shopping malls, restaurants, movies, nearby tourists attractions, participate in sports, and meet and make friends with other young people of similar ages.
Visit of Fujiyoshida Taiko Drummers October 23-29, 2005, Colorado Springs Sister Cities hosted a group of Taiko Drummers from Fujiyoshida. They entertained at schools and gave a joint concert with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony.
Fujiyoshida Mayor Horiuchi receives a gold medallion commemorating the 50th anniversary of our Sister City relationship from Robin Lawrentz in a May, 2010 ceremony.